Walking in Puerto Ayora
Puerto Ayora is a good town for walking, and the best routes need no booking. Some paths are self-guided and others are guided only, because the national park requires a naturalist guide at protected visitor sites. Sun, heat and mud are the main things to prepare for, so bring water, a hat, reef-safe sunscreen and sturdy shoes. Carry small US dollar bills.
Self-guided walks
Avenida Charles Darwin waterfront. The avenue follows the harbour from the municipal pier east to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Stop at the Pelican Bay fish market on the way, where pelicans and sea lions gather while fishermen fillet the catch. Hours vary, so check before you go. Inside the station, the exhibition hall is free and open daily from 08:00 to 18:00.
Tortuga Bay trail. The paved stone path starts at the edge of town and runs about 2.5 km each way, which takes 30 to 45 minutes. Sign in and out at the park booth at the trailhead. Visiting hours are about 06:00 to 18:00, and the beach can close at short notice when the sea is rough. The trail reaches Playa Brava, a surf beach with rip currents where swimming is not allowed. Continue about 20 minutes along the sand to Playa Mansa, the sheltered bay. There are no roads, buses or bikes on this route.
Playa de los Alemanes. A free beach on the far side of the harbour. A short water taxi from the pier (USD 1 to 2) gets you across, and the path then continues toward Las Grietas.
Guided walks
Las Grietas. From the beach, a walk of 15 to 20 minutes leads to the site. The visit is guided only, at about USD 10 per person with the guide, and takes about 1.5 hours in total. Book through a licensed operator.
Tortoise Route. This guided walk runs through the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center beside the research station, from 08:00 to 16:45 at about USD 10 with a guide. It passes the preserved remains of Lonesome George in his own exhibit room.
Highland walks. At El Chato and Rancho Primicias, guided paths cross land where wild tortoises roam freely, and you can walk through lava tunnels. The two reserves are next to each other on the road to Santa Rosa, 30 to 45 minutes from town. Expect about USD 10 per person, and confirm on arrival. Paths are muddy and boots are often lent. Keep 2 m from every tortoise.
Walking tips
- Do not walk beaches or reserves after dark, since the park closes at about 18:00.
- Skip flash photography and never touch or feed animals.
- Keep single-use plastics out of protected areas.
- Check current government advice before you travel. The islands sit outside the mainland areas named in UK advice for Ecuador .
Read more: sightseeing in Puerto Ayora gives the background on the stops, and activities in Puerto Ayora covers the rest of the island.
Sources: Charles Darwin Foundation visitor centre and National Park rules . Find guided walks on GetYourGuide .