Puerto Chino San Cristobal Galapagos Travel Guide

Tips, how to visit and combine with other landmarks

Puerto Chino sits on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos, and is prized for its white sand, calm turquoise water, and abundant wildlife—sea lions, blue‑footed boobies, marine iguanas, and occasional turtles—making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

There are two theories of why this beach is called “Puerto Chino”. One of them- and the most accepted one- says that Puerto Chino owes its name to a hill behind the bay that has the shape of a traditional Chinese conical hat. The second theory establishes that early settlers and fishermen with Asian features where seen in this place.

How to visit Puerto Chino

• Getting there. If you are exploring San Cristobal on your own, the best way to reach Puerto Chino is by taxi from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno; you can book one in advance for the day and hour you would like to visit the place. It takes about 45 minutes to arrive there. Another option is you book a daily tour that includes this spot as part of the itinerary. Once you arrive at the Puerto Chino entrance, you will have to walk a small trail that takes around 15 minutes, before accessing the beach area.

• Timing. Arrive early in the morning or midday, for calmer water and better wildlife viewing; afternoons can be windier; I have visited this place at midday and it felt already windy at that time of the day, making the sea less calm. A couple of hours will be enough to stay at Puerto Chino. You can arrange with your driver to pick you up at a defined time.

• To take with you. If you want to watch marine life, bring with you snorkeling gear. As in other spots in the Galapagos, take with you reef‑safe sunscreen, water, hat/cap, and sturdy sandals or walking shoes.

• Respect wildlife. Keep distance from wildlife (sea lions, birds, and iguanas are freely wandering along the beach), do not feed them and follow all the others Galapagos National Park rules.

Practical tips and safety

• No entrance fee. Access to Puerto Chino is allowed with no additional fee besides the one you already pay when arriving in the Galapagos. You will have to pay for transportation though. A taxi could cost between USD 50 and USD 70 for a round-trip, depending on how many places you visit during your trip (whether it is just Puerto Chino or another destination in the highlands of the island).
• Wildlife etiquette. Risking being redundant, I consider important emphasizing the importance of not interacting with wildlife; do not touch or feed them, do not come close to them (respect the minimum 2-meter distance), inactivate your camera’s flash before taking any photo, and take all your wastes with you to throw them at a proper place.
• Facilities. Puerto Chino is a remote destination within San Cristobal, hence do not expect to find any shop or kiosks in the vicinities. Bring your own snacks, water, and anything else you might need during your visit. Remember to take back with you any trash or waste.
• Bring adequate clothing. Pack a jacket; depending on the the season of the year and the time of the day, Puerto Chino could be windy and drizzly. It is also important to use comfortable walking shoes, for you have to walk a section before entering the beach.
• Pre-arrange your transportation. Unlike places within Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal’s capital city), you will not find available taxis waiting to be taken. Arrange in advance for a taxi to pick you up at an agreed time; it could be the same driver that took you to Puerto Chino in the first place. Consider within your time in the place the 15-minute walk for accessing the beach and the equivalent duration for returning to the starting point.

What to combine Puerto Chino with

Puerto Chino is far from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno town, so it is better to make the most of the day and visit another landmark on the way.

• El Junco. A common combination for a half-day activity is Puerto Chino plus El Junco, a fresh water lagoon formed by a volcanic crater, which provides fresh water to the Island’s population. It takes around 20 minutes to arrive in the Lagoon’s viewpoint from the parking area.
• Natural galapaguera. Another common option to include within your itinerary is the Natural galapaguera, a Galapagos giant tortoise reserve. You have to register at a checkpoint and then continue a self-guided trail that takes around 1 hour to complete.

Arrange the visit of these landmarks with the same taxi that will take you to Puerto Chino. Define times and durations of every visit so your driver knows what time to pick you up.

If you require any support or guide planning your next trip to the Galapagos, contact me and let’s make the most of your visit!