Puerto Ayora: Gateway to the Enchanted Galápagos Islands

• HelloHola
  [Oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [Ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [See]
• NoNo
  [Noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [Por fa-vor/Deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [Gra-see-as]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [Pair-dohn/Loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [Koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [Bee-en. Ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [Ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [Noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseQuisiera ver el menú, por favor
  [Kee-see-eh-rah ver ehl meh-noo, por fa-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [Noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [Sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [Meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fa-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [Ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [Veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [Yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [Yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [Ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [Ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Quisiera comprar...
  [Kee-see-eh-rah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [So-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [Kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [Eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [Pweh-des ba-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [Keh oh-rah es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [Ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media hora (10)
  [Meh-dee-ah oh-rah (dies)]
• MorningMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [Tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [Noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [Ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [Oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [Oo-no]
• 2Dos
  [Dohs]
• 3Tres
  [Tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [Kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [Seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [Sehs]
• 7Siete
  [Syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [Oh-cho]
• 9Nueve
  [Nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [Dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [Dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [Kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [Pweh-des mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [Kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksy-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [Oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Puerto Ayora, located on the southern shore of Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos archipelago, was established in the early 20th century. The town was named after Isidro Ayora, an influential Ecuadorian politician and former president of Ecuador.

In 1959, the Charles Darwin Foundation was established, and by 1964, the Charles Darwin Research Station was inaugurated in Puerto Ayora. This institution plays a crucial role in scientific research and conservation efforts in the Galápagos Islands, attracting scientists from around the globe to study its unique biodiversity.

The 1970s marked the beginning of a significant tourism boom in Puerto Ayora. With the establishment of the Galápagos National Park and the construction of the Baltra airport, the town became a central hub for visitors exploring the natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands. This period saw rapid growth in infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, and tour services.

Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Puerto Ayora has been at the forefront of conservation efforts in the Galápagos. Initiatives to protect endangered species, control invasive species, and promote sustainable tourism have been integral to preserving the islands' unique ecosystem. However, the town has also faced challenges such as managing the impact of increasing tourist numbers and addressing environmental threats.

Puerto Ayora is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its vibrant local culture. The town hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Fiesta de Santa Cruz, which features traditional music, dance, and local cuisine. These events provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Galápagos and the daily lives of its residents.

Puerto Ayora is located on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos Archipelago. To get there, you need to fly into either Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island or San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) on San Cristóbal Island. From Seymour Airport, a short bus ride, ferry, and taxi will get you to Puerto Ayora. The total travel time from Seymour Airport to Puerto Ayora is typically around 1.5 to 2 hours. If arriving at San Cristóbal Airport, you can take a speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, which takes approximately 2 hours.

Puerto Ayora is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Water taxis are also an option for getting around the harbor area. If you wish to explore more of Santa Cruz Island, renting a bike or hiring a private car with a driver can be convenient. Public buses connect Puerto Ayora with other parts of the island, including the highlands and the Itabaca Channel.

The official currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Puerto Ayora, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in the town where you can withdraw cash. Be mindful that some ATMs may have withdrawal limits, so plan accordingly.

Puerto Ayora is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always recommended to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While the town has a low crime rate, petty theft can occur, so remain vigilant. Areas around the docks and certain remote parts of town should be navigated with caution after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station is centrally located in Puerto Ayora, and there are medical facilities, including a hospital, in the town. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Don't wear overly revealing clothing when visiting local communities. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While Ecuador is a predominantly Catholic country, the Galápagos Islands have a diverse population with various beliefs. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos Días.' A handshake is common in more formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and traditional dishes. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Puerto Ayora like a local, visit the local fish market early in the morning to see the fishermen bring in their catch. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the Galápagos. Explore the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts in the islands. Don't miss out on visiting Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galápagos. For a unique experience, take a guided tour to the highlands to see the giant tortoises in their natural habitat.