Puerto Chino in Galapagos: What you need to know.

beach puerto chino galapagos tourism activities in the galapagos islands

Puerto Chino Beach is located on one of the main islands of the Archipelago, San Cristobal. It has a beautiful landscape, but what often makes the beach considered one of the best points of interest in San Cristóbal is undoubtedly the contact with nature and its ideal waves for surfing.

Its name is due to the fact that a hill quite close to the beach has the shape of a Chinese hat, on this beach you can observe sea lions and blue-footed boobies, as well as two species of endemic plants in danger of extinction, Calandrina galapagosa and Lecocarpus darwinii.

beach puerto chino galapagos tourism activities in the galapagos islands
San Cristobal – Galapagos / RT file photo

How to get to Puerto Chino beach?

The first thing to do is to take a flight from Quito or Guayaquil to San Cristobal Airport in the Galapagos. These flights are operated by authorized ecuadorian airlines and have an approximate duration of 2 hours. Check the entry tax to the Galapagos National Park.

Once you reach San Cristobal From the airport, you will be in the city of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the island. From the airport you can take a cab to Puerto Chino, which will take about 15 to 20 minutes.

Some local agencies offer tours that include visits to several beaches, and Puerto Chino is usually one of the stops. These boat tours allow you to enjoy panoramic views of the sea and coastline before reaching the beach.

If you prefer a more adventurous option, you can also get to Puerto Chino Beach walking from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. There is a trail that starts from the "El Progreso" sector of the city and goes through an area with vegetation and cactus.

beach puerto chino galapagos tourism activities in the galapagos islands
Signposting of Puerto Chino in Galapagos

Prices of flights to Galapagos - San Cristobal Island

Prices for flights to Galapagos vary depending on the airline, the season, how far in advance you buy your tickets and also the city of origin. Keep in mind that there are two main airports in the Galapagos Islands: the Seymour Airport in Baltra (GPS), and the San Cristobal Airport (SCY). 

Los precios promedio para vuelos desde Ecuador continental a Galápagos suelen oscilar entre $250 y $600 por persona roundtrip, If you are interested, you may find special offers or promotions at certain times of the year. 

Weather at Puerto Chino beach in the Galapagos

The weather at Puerto Chino beach, as in the entire Galapagos archipelago, is influenced by the cold Humboldt Current and has unique characteristics due to its equatorial location. In general, the Galapagos has a tropical climate.

Regardless of the season, the Galapagos are an excellent choice to visit year-round due to their unique biodiversity and wildlife viewing opportunities. However, visitors tend to prefer the dry season to enjoy milder temperatures and a more stable climate for outdoor activities. 

¿Where is Puerto Chino Galapagos beach?

You can find an interactive map on the government website of San Cristóbal, so you can explore the island virtually before your arrival.

Things to do at Puerto Chino Galapagos beach

  1. Swimming: The calm and crystalline waters of this beach are ideal for a refreshing swim. The beach has a gentle entrance to the sea, which makes it a safe place to swim and enjoy the ocean.
  2. Snorkel: Although it is not a popular snorkeling destination, if you take your equipment with you, you can explore the beach surroundings and discover some local fish and marine life.
  3. Scenic hike: From the beach, you can take a short walk of approximately 30 minutes to the nearby hill called Cerro Las Tijeretas, from where you can get spectacular panoramic views of the beach and the surrounding area.
  4. Picnic Being a less crowded beach, you can enjoy a picnic on the beach and spend some relaxing time in the sun.
beach puerto chino galapagos tourism activities in the galapagos islands
Tourist at Puerto Chino Beach / Photo Municipality of San Cristóbal

Clothing and recommendations to visit Puerto Chino beach

It is very important to take into account the natural environment and climatic conditions of the Galapagos Islands in order to take the appropriate clothing and recommendations.

You should wear light and comfortable clothes as the weather in the Galapagos is generally warm, I recommend you to wear breathable clothes, such as T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts or blouses and shorts, you should also take your swimwear with you, the archipelago is perfect for swimming and enjoying the sea.

Don't forget to bring your sunscreen, hat and sunglasses, the Galapagos sun can be quite intense.

FAQ

Where is Puerto Chino Galapagos beach?

Puerto Chino Galapagos Beach is located on San Cristobal Island, which is part of the Galapagos Archipelago in Ecuador.

Is it safe to swim in Puerto Chino beach?

Yes, it is safe to swim at Playa Puerto Chino, as the waters are calm and safe. However, it is always important to use caution when swimming at any beach and be aware of the sea conditions.

Are there tourist facilities at Puerto Chino beach?

Playa Puerto Chino is a quieter and less developed beach compared to other tourist beaches in the Galapagos. It does not have many tourist facilities so we recommend you bring your own supplies, such as water, snacks and sunscreen.

What is the best time to visit Puerto Chino?


The best time to visit Playa Puerto Chino and the Galapagos in general is during the dry season, which runs from June through December. During this period, weather conditions are cooler and more stable.

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Domenica

Galapagos travel specialist

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