Puerto Ayora City Guide

Seafood is common, especially ceviche and grilled fish. International options like Italian and Asian are growing. Some vegetarian and vegan options exist. Most places close by 10–11 PM.

Nightlife is quiet, with a few bars on the waterfront.

The coffee scene is growing with some cafes offering quality local coffee. Third-wave cafes are rare.

Tipping is appreciated but not always required. A 10% service charge is common in restaurants and an extra 5-10% is normal for good service. Tour guides and boat crews expect tips around $5-10 per person per day.

SIM cards sold at airport and provider stores in town. Claro and Movistar are best. ID needed for activation. Limited eSIM support.

Tourist areas are fairly clean. Waste management is focused due to sensitive environment.

Limited 24/7 services. Hospital emergency open all night, but pharmacies and food places usually close early.

Supermarkets have some international products and fresh local produce. Main stores include Supermarket La Barcaza and Tienda El Sol. Hours are usually 8 AM to 9 PM, with some closures for siesta or Sundays.

Credit cards work at most hotels, big restaurants, and tours, but smaller shops and eateries often need cash. Carry small US dollar bills for daily use.

ATMs are mostly on Charles Darwin Avenue. Banks and ATMs charge fees for international transactions and local use.

Schools teach primarily in Spanish. No international schools available. Local schools like Unidad Educativa San Francisco serve the area.

Puerto Ayora has a small digital nomad presence. Few meetups or co-living options exist.

Limited parks in town but good access to natural areas and paths around the coast and Darwin Station.

Running paths along Charles Darwin Avenue and to Tortuga Bay are safe and scenic.

Gyms exist but are basic.

Some tennis courts exist but are limited and may require bringing your own gear.

No padel courts.

Limited yoga classes, mostly offered by hotels or guesthouses, usually basic styles.

Martial arts options are very limited and mostly local community based.

No skiing facilities.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling are popular with rentals and guided tours available year-round.

Surf spots at Tortuga Bay suit beginners and advanced surfers. Best from December to May. Water is generally warm during these months.

World-class diving with clear waters and abundant marine life. Dive shops offer gear and training year-round.

Public hospital and private clinics available. English-speaking staff are limited, so a translation app helps. Basic healthcare quality is fair.

Tap water isn’t safe to drink. Buy bottled water, which is widely available.

Family-friendly with playgrounds, kid-friendly cafés, and attractions like the Darwin Station and Tortuga Bay.

Fairly tolerant especially in tourist spots. No dedicated LGBTQ+ venues or events.

Strict rules limit pets due to local conservation. Basic vet services exist, but pet-friendly spots and accommodations are rare.