Top Hotels in the Galapagos Islands
Are you ready for a private Galapagos adventure?
LANDED has compiled a list of the best hotels on the islands. Although we love small-ship cruises in the Galapagos, land-based itineraries are an excellent alternative, or pre- / post-cruise addition.
Why stay at a hotel or lodge in the Galapagos Islands?
- Staying on land offers the potential for additional flexibility and customization. We usually arrange private guides and touring for these clients. These programs can be custom-tailored to your wishes, combining privately guided wildlife tours with explorations of less-visited locations. Additional active adventure options include SCUBA and snorkeling day trips, artisanal fishing or sea kayaking excursions, volcano hikes, mountain biking, and visits to ecologically focused cacao and coffee farms.
- Many of our clients wish to extend their time in the Galapagos beyond their cruise dates, arriving before the cruise or staying several nights after completing their cruise itinerary.
- For families with very young children, hotels offer a worry-free alternative to multi-day cruises.
- Some of our clients are visiting Galapagos with special health or mobility considerations.
Whether you’re seeking all the comforts of a full-service hotel or the rustic solitude of safari tent cabins, we’ll help you find the perfect fit. LANDED’s team of experts knows the Galapagos first-hand and by heart.
First, a few thoughts about the Galapagos Islands.
The Galapagos Archipelago consists of thirteen main islands, six minor islands, and scores of exposed islets and rocks. Many islands are off-limits to visitors. Only four are inhabited: Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana. Each island offers different opportunities for visitors. Most have abundant birdlife. Some are known for their strange volcanic features and plant varieties. Yet another group is famous for reptiles and sea mammals.
- Santa Cruz (Indefatigable) is located near the center of the archipelago, and home to the largest settlement—Puerto Ayora—on Academy Bay (at the southern end). This small town offers a basic grocery store, several dive shops, restaurants, and hotels. The Charles Darwin Research Station can be found just outside of Puerto Ayora. In the island’s cool central highlands, you’ll find solitude, tortoise reserves, lava tubs, pit craters, and dozens of colorful bird species.
- San Cristobal (Chatham) is the easternmost large island in the Galapagos archipelago. It was the first island visited by Charles Darwin, and is the location of an Interpretation Center (found at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno). Visitors can take guided walks in the island’s highlands. The shores offer beaches and sea lion colonies.
- Isabela (Albemarle) is the largest island in the group. At the natural harbor is known as Tagus Cove, whalers and pirates carved inscriptions on the rock faces. Land iguanas and giant tortoises can be seen year-round on Isabela, which is understandably the home of the famed Centro de Crianza de Tortugas Gigantes. From the town of Puerto Villamil on the southeastern shore, Isabela offers beaches, snorkeling, volcano hikes, and wildlife tours. This town also has an airfield; guests can fly to the islands of Baltra (the airport serving Santa Cruz) and San Cristobal.
- Floreana (Santa Maria or Charles) is a large island due south of Santa Cruz. Post Office Bay, located on the island’s north side, is the site of the do-it-yourself mail barrel set up by 18th-century whalers. Some of our favorite locations are El Mirador, Punta Cormorant, and the white sand beach where sea turtles nest from December to May. Floreana offers excellent snorkeling at Devil’s Crown and Champion islets.
The Best Hotels and Lodges in the Galapagos
Have questions about visiting the Galapagos? Want to know if staying on land in the Galapagos is the best option for you? Our team of expert travel advisors is at your service.
We’ve been visiting the Galapagos since 2005. Since then, we’ve planned, arranged, and managed countless trips to the islands for families and groups of all kinds. LANDED offers a larger view; we provide thoughtful, honest guidance on the pros and cons of each hotel and lodge option.
Start your journey today
When you travel with LANDED, our team of travel experts and network of local contacts are at your service. We’ll handle the details, freeing you to savor the moments. Call us today at 801.582.2100.
