With a population of over 18,000 people, Santa Cruz is the most populated island in the Galapagos and is considered its main tourist hub. The Baltra Airport has the most daily flights to the Galapagos, and most cruises depart from Santa Cruz. Puerto Ayora, the largest city in the Galapagos, is home to far more restaurants, shops, and hotels than the other inhabited islands.
Aside from its vibrant social and tourist scene, the island also boasts unique biological diversity with its dix distinct vegetation zones. From the highlands to the coastal zone, the island has plenty of natural and wildlife attractions of its own.
We spent three days on Santa Cruz. We explored the islands’ own attractions (Puerto Ayora, Charles Darwin Research Station, El Chato Tortoise Reserve, and Los Gemelos) and took a day trip to North Seymour.
