Home to over 9,000 animal species, the Galapagos Islands are South America’s ultimate travel destination for nature lovers.
| Destination | Our Suggestion | Important Info |
Quito |
Historic Center One can’t visit Quito without checking out the historic center and all it has to offer. In the historic center, you’ll find stunning colonial buildings, cute cafes and restaurants, and also the presidential palace at Plaza Grande. The historic center of Quito was named a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. |
FREE – $ Hours: 24/7 Location: Ask Hotel or Guide to point you in the right direction |
| Teleferiqo The Basilica del Voto Nacional is the largest neo-gothic basilica in all of Latin America. To put it simply, this cathedral is stunning and the architecture is immaculate. You just have to visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional on any visit to Quito! |
$ Hours: 9.30 am – 6.00 pm Location: Fulgencio Araujo, y, Quito 170527 |
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Santa Cruz Island |
Puerto Ayora Puerto Ayora is the largest town in the Galápagos and the economic center of the archipelago. With a population of 12,000 people and countless restaurants, bars, clubs, coffee shops, and stores, Puerto Ayora makes for an interesting day of exploring. It is also a hotspot for travelers and offers accommodations for every budget. With easy access to transportation like buses and inter-island boats, the town makes a great home base for exploring Santa Cruz and even for island-hopping amongst the other islands of the Galápagos. |
$ Hours: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Location: cnr Venezuela & |
| Las Grietas – The Cracks This incredibly clear, brackish water doesn’t have a whole lot of sea life apart from some big gray fish, but the clarity of the water is stunning. Since this one is easy to access from town — you can take a water taxi to get most of the way there. Bring a mask and snorkel. |
FREE – $$$ Hours: 24/7 Location: Ask your tour guide |
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Isabela Island |
Puerto Villamil While most Isabela Island activities are focused on wildlife and geology, an outing in Puerto Villamil offers plenty of opportunities to entertain different types of people. The town is surrounded by lovely beaches to relax, and there is a chance to shop for souvenirs here too. |
FREE – $$$ Hours: 24/7 |