Set at the center of the Galápagos archipelago, Santa Cruz Island serves as a central base for exploration. And skirting Santa Cruz's southern shoreline along Academy Bay is Puerto Ayora.

Upon arrival, savor a traditional Galapagos ... the Galápagos Islands at El Rancho el Chato. Here, giant tortoises roam freely in their natural sanctuary. Nestled in Santa Cruz's tranquil rural ...

and Isabela Island, home to the Galapagos penguin (the only penguin species found north of the equator). Most visitors will also stop at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island.

The largest island in the park, Santa Cruz, offers diverse landscapes ranging from rugged mountains to pristine beaches. Visitors can explore the extensive network of hiking trails, visit the ...

Fishermen go out to sea to fish, after Ecuador's goverment expanded the protected marine area around the Galapagos Islands, near Puerto Ayora, on the island of Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands ...