Title: Visit Santa Cruz: 2026 Travel Guide for Santa Cruz, Galápagos | Expedia.com

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# Santa Cruz

## Galápagos

![The islands of the Galapagos each have there own unique character. Rabida is known for its beautiful and distinctive red sand. #LifeAtExpedia](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6336653/6ff9b89f-6236-4eaa-85b4-894c9bdaef64.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![The islands of the Galapagos each have there own unique character. Rabida is known for its beautiful and distinctive red sand. #LifeAtExpedia](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6336653/6ff9b89f-6236-4eaa-85b4-894c9bdaef64.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Puerto Ayora is the main hob to take trip to other islands in Galapagos. You don't have to take an expensive boat tour to visit the area. Fly to Baltra Island from the main land. From the Baltra Airport there are organized transfers to Puerto Ayora town (total $2 max about 1 h from the airport if travel by bus). You can find a travel agency which can take you in a group excursion to other islands or you can spend a night on a different island, although I'd recommend just staying in Puerto Ayora and take day trips. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/602686/f662d88f-ceda-4b92-bc12-f240e5bd1fc2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![#GoldenHour at the fish market on Santa Cruz. Spent a few days here while waiting for our cruise around the Galapagos. A great town to prepare for the animals in. Wild seals come to 'buy' at the fish market as well.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/602686/8381753b-c798-4e6f-a607-1211dfee852e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![While the animal life on the Galápagos Islands was amazingly vibrant and beautiful, the flora was much less interesting and impressive. But, this lava cactus was decidedly interesting and beautiful. Especially with our boat lingering in the background.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6053725/3075c770-c298-454b-b145-82d90e8d11f1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

### Popular cities in Santa Cruz

[Bella Vista

](https://expedia.com/Bella-Vista.dx739209674992332800)

Venture to sights like Galápagos National Park and Tortuga Bay Beach as you discover Bella Vista.

## Reasons to visit

- Tortuga Bay Beach
- El Garrapatero Beach

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Bella-Vista.dx739209674992332800)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Bella-Vista-Hotels.d739209674992332800.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Puerto Ayora

Known for Tours, Wildlife and Nature

](https://expedia.com/Puerto-Ayora.dx602686)

Love wildlife, snorkeling, and dining out? Get away to Puerto Ayora! 

## Reasons to visit

- Las Ninfas Lagoon

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Puerto-Ayora.dx602686)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Puerto-Ayora-Hotels.d602686.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

[Santa Rosa

Known for Nature and Natural parks

](https://expedia.com/Santa-Rosa.dx6053725)

Trip time! Discover the natural setting in Santa Rosa. 

[Explore City](https://expedia.com/Santa-Rosa.dx6053725)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Santa-Rosa-Hotels.d6053725.Travel-Guide-Hotels)

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