Puerto Baquerizo Moreno: Gateway to the Galápagos Islands

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dees-kool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-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 goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-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 doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-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?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rek-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Before the arrival of Europeans, the Galápagos Islands, including the area now known as Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, were uninhabited by humans. Archaeological evidence suggests that the islands were occasionally visited by indigenous peoples from the South American mainland, possibly for fishing or other transient activities.

The Galápagos Islands were officially discovered in 1535 by Fray Tomás de Berlanga, the Bishop of Panama, when his ship drifted off course during a voyage to Peru. This discovery marked the beginning of European interest in the archipelago, though it would remain largely unexplored for centuries.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the Galápagos Islands, including the area of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, became a haven for pirates and whalers. These seafarers used the islands as a base for resupplying and repairing their ships. The abundance of giant tortoises and other wildlife provided a ready source of food.

In 1832, Ecuador officially claimed the Galápagos Islands. This marked the beginning of permanent human settlement in the archipelago. General José de Villamil, an Ecuadorian officer, established the first colony on the islands with a group of convicts, artisans, and farmers.

In 1835, the HMS Beagle, with naturalist Charles Darwin aboard, arrived in the Galápagos Islands. Darwin's observations of the unique flora and fauna during his visit played a crucial role in the development of his theory of evolution by natural selection. Although Darwin's time in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno specifically was limited, his visit brought international attention to the islands.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno was officially established as a town in the early 20th century. Named after Alfredo Baquerizo Moreno, an Ecuadorian president, the town developed as a key port and administrative center in the Galápagos archipelago.

During World War II, the United States established a military base on Baltra Island, which is part of the Galápagos archipelago. This base was crucial for defense operations in the Pacific. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, due to its proximity, saw increased activity and development during this period.

In recent decades, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno has grown significantly, driven by tourism and conservation efforts. The town now hosts the Galápagos National Park headquarters and the Charles Darwin Research Station. These institutions play a vital role in preserving the unique ecosystems of the islands while promoting sustainable tourism.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno boasts a rich cultural heritage with a blend of influences from mainland Ecuador and the unique environment of the Galápagos. The town celebrates various local festivals, including the annual Fiesta de San Cristóbal, which features traditional music, dance, and cuisine, reflecting the vibrant local culture.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is located on San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos archipelago. To get there, you will need to fly into either Quito or Guayaquil, the two main international gateways in Ecuador. From these cities, you can take a domestic flight to San Cristóbal Airport (SCY). The flight typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Once you arrive at San Cristóbal Airport, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is just a short taxi ride away.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, you can use taxis, which are readily available and relatively inexpensive. There are also water taxis that can take you to various points around the island. Renting a bicycle is another popular option for exploring the town and nearby areas at your own pace. Note that there is no public bus system within the town.

The official currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash before arriving on the islands, as ATM availability can be limited.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

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

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and casual clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or expensive items. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, though the area is not particularly religious. Public Transport: Do use water taxis and regular taxis respectfully. Don't expect a robust public transport system within the town. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'Hola.' Handshakes are common for more formal interactions. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and traditional Ecuadorian dishes. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Puerto Baquerizo Moreno like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Interpretation Center, which provides insight into the unique ecology and history of the Galápagos Islands. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Malecon and enjoy the sunset views over the ocean.