Welcome to the enchanting Galapagos Islands, a destination like no other! This guide on where to stay in the Galapagos will help you navigate the 4 inhabited islands and find the best accommodations for your visit. From luxury hotels on Santa Cruz to budget-friendly hostels on San Cristobal, we’ll explore options for every budget across the main islands.
This guide will help you know about the Galapagos Islands and make informed decisions on where to stay. Whether you’re planning a visit to the Galapagos Islands for wildlife watching or relaxation, you’ll find hotels and hostels to suit your needs.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Galapagos Island 🔝
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
- ✨ 5-Star: Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton
- 🏨 4-Star: Hotel Acacia
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Hotel Pimampiro
- 💸 Cheap: Hostal El Pinzon
- 🏢 Apartment: Casa Verde Vacation Garden Home
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: La Laguna Galapagos
- 🏩 For Couples: Hotel Cucuve
Quick Guide on Best Area Stay in Galapagos 🏆
- 🐢 For First-Time Visitors: Santa Cruz Island
- 🌋 For Nature Enthusiasts: Isabela Island
- 🦭 For Wildlife Encounters: San Cristobal Island
- 🏴☠️ For Historical Mystery: Floreana Island
- ✈️ For Eco-Conscious Arrivals: Baltra Island
1. Santa Cruz Island – Best For First-Time Visitors 🐢
🏛️ Darwin’s Scientific Playground: As I step into the Charles Darwin Research Station, I’m immediately transported into a world of scientific wonder. This is the heart of conservation efforts in the Galapagos, and in my opinion, it’s a must-visit for any first-timer.
🌋 Highland Volcano Vistas: The highlands of Santa Cruz offer a stark contrast to the coastal areas. As I hike through the lush Scalesia forests, I’m struck by the otherworldly beauty of Los Gemelos – twin volcanic sinkholes that showcase the island’s dramatic geology. It’s one of the best places to stay connected with nature and spot endemic bird species.
Here’s a list of what you might see in the highlands:
- Vermilion flycatchers
- Galapagos short-eared owls
- Darwin’s finches
- Galapagos rail
- Giant tortoises in their natural habitat
🏖️ Turquoise Bay Bliss: Tortuga Bay is, without a doubt, one of the best places to experience the pristine beauty of the Galapagos. As I walk along the powdery white sand, I understand why Santa Cruz is often considered the best island to stay in the Galapagos.
🌿 Scalesia Forest Wonderland: The Scalesia forests in the Santa Cruz highlands are like stepping into another world. These endemic trees create a misty, ethereal landscape that’s unlike anything else in the Galapagos. It’s one of the best areas to stay connected with the unique flora of the islands.
Best hotels to stay on Santa Cruz 🏨
⭐ Best hotels in Santa Cruz
- Hotel Acacia – A 4-star hotel with excellent amenities including an outdoor pool, hot tub, and free WiFi, located just a block from the main street with water views.
- Blu Galapagos Sustainable Waterfront Lodge – A 5-star eco-friendly lodge offering activities like cycling, hiking, and snorkeling, with a prime waterfront location.
- Hotel La Isla – A 4-star hotel featuring a rooftop hot tub, restaurant, and bar, located in the heart of Puerto Ayora with excellent city and sea views.
🏨 Best middle-range hotels
- Hotel Fiesta – A comfortable mid-range option in Puerto Ayora.
- B&B La Peregrina – A cozy bed and breakfast offering a more personal stay experience.
- El Descanso del Guia – A well-located hotel providing good value for money in Santa Cruz.
🛏️ Best Hostels
- Hostal El Pinzon – A budget-friendly hostel option in Puerto Ayora, ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.
- Hospedaje Germania – An affordable hostel providing basic accommodations for budget-conscious visitors to Santa Cruz.
2. Isabela Island – Best For Nature Enthusiasts 🦩
🐧 Penguin Paradise Pursuit: As I wander along the rocky shores of Isabela Island, one of the four inhabited islands in the Galapagos, I’m struck by an unexpected sight – Galapagos penguins waddling about! These charming creatures are the only penguins found north of the equator, making Isabela one of the best places to stay in the Galapagos Islands for penguin enthusiasts. If you want to stay on the Galapagos and see these unique birds, Isabela is perhaps the best island to choose.
🦈 Shark Snorkeling Sanctuary: Isabela Island offers some of the most thrilling underwater experiences in the Galapagos. I recommend heading to Los Túneles for an unforgettable snorkeling adventure. Here, you’ll find yourself swimming alongside whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. It’s a great place to stay for those who want to discover the best marine life the Galapagos has to offer.
Here’s a list of marine life you might encounter at Los Túneles:
- Whitetip reef sharks
- Sea turtles
- Eagle rays
- Seahorses
- Galapagos sea lions
- Colorful reef fish
🕳️ Lava Tube Labyrinths: One of the coolest things about staying on Isabela Island is exploring its vast network of lava tubes. These underground tunnels, formed by ancient volcanic activity, offer a unique glimpse into the island’s geological history. I suggest visiting the Cueva de Sucre for an otherworldly experience. It’s a must-see on any Galapagos Islands travel guide.
🏄♂️ Surf’s Up Solitude: If you’re looking to catch some waves in a pristine setting, Isabela Island won’t disappoint. The main beach in Puerto Villamil, the main town on the island, offers excellent surfing conditions, especially for beginners and intermediate surfers. It’s one of the best places to stay in the Galapagos for those seeking a perfect blend of nature and surf.
Best hotels to stay on Isabela Island (Puerto Villamil) 🏨
⭐ Best hotels in Isabela Island
- Isamar Hotel – A beachfront hotel with excellent location, offering allergy-free rooms, free WiFi, and a bar. Rooms include air conditioning and some feature terraces with sea views.
- The Isabela Beach House – Located right on the beach with a private beach area, garden, and terrace. Offers free WiFi and serves an American breakfast daily.
- Cormorant Beach House – Situated right in front of Puerto Villamil beach, offering rooms with panoramic sea views and daily breakfast. Close to the town center and local attractions.
🏨 Best middle-range hotels
- Drake Inn – A comfortable hotel offering a good balance of amenities and value in Puerto Villamil.
- La Laguna Galapagos – A mid-range option with a unique location near a lagoon, providing a different perspective of Isabela Island.
- Hotel Sierra Negra – A well-located hotel offering comfortable accommodations and easy access to Isabela’s attractions.
🛏️ Best Hostels
- La Jungla – A budget-friendly option in Puerto Villamil, ideal for backpackers and budget travelers exploring Isabela Island.
- Gran Hostal Tintorera – A hostel offering basic accommodations with a local feel in Isabela.
- Hostal Loja – An affordable hostel option providing simple rooms for budget-conscious visitors to Isabela Island.
3. San Cristobal Island – Best For Wildlife Encounters 🦭
🦭 Sea Lion Social Scene: As I stroll along the beaches of San Cristóbal Island, I’m immediately struck by the lively sea lion colonies. This Galapagos island is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay for wildlife enthusiasts visiting the Galapagos Islands. It’s a must-see destination for anyone planning to visit Galapagos.
🐢 Tortoise Breeding Grounds: San Cristóbal is home to its own species of giant tortoise, and visiting the Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado is a must. This breeding center is one of the best places to learn about conservation efforts in the Galapagos Islands.
Here’s a list of what you might see at the Galapaguera:
- Baby tortoises in incubators
- Juvenile tortoises in protected enclosures
- Adult tortoises roaming freely
- Educational exhibits about tortoise conservation
- Native plant species that make up the tortoises’ diet
🎣 Fisherman’s Wharf Wanders: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the main town on San Cristóbal Island, offers a charming glimpse into local life. It’s one of the best areas to stay if you want to immerse yourself in the island’s culture and enjoy fresh seafood at some of the best restaurants in the Galapagos.
🍹 Beachfront Bar Hopping: After a day of wildlife watching, there’s nothing better than relaxing at one of San Cristóbal’s beachfront bars. The Galapagos sunset views are simply spectacular. Many hotels in the Galapagos, including some of the best hotels on San Cristóbal, offer sea views and easy access to these beachfront spots.
Best hotels to stay on San Cristobal Island 🏨
⭐ Best hotels in San Cristobal Island
- Casa Opuntia – A beachfront hotel located 800 feet from the nearest beach, offering a swimming pool and family-friendly accommodations. It’s just 1,000 feet from the center of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
- Hotel Casa Blanca – Situated in an excellent location on Avenida Charles Darwin, this hotel provides easy access to the main attractions of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
- Casa Verde Vacation Garden Home – A vacation home offering a more private and homely experience for visitors to San Cristobal Island.
🏨 Best middle-range hotels
- Hotel Katarma – A comfortable mid-range option providing good value for money in San Cristobal.
- Casa de Nelly – A cozy hotel offering a more personal stay experience in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
- Hotel Pimampiro – A well-located hotel providing easy access to San Cristobal’s attractions.
🛏️ Best Hostels
- Casa de Eimy – A budget-friendly option ideal for backpackers and budget travelers exploring San Cristobal Island.
- Hospedaje Romy – An affordable hostel providing basic accommodations for budget-conscious visitors.
- Hostal Los Algarrobos – A simple hostel offering comfortable rooms at reasonable prices in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
4. Floreana Island – Best For Historical Mystery 🏴☠️
🏴☠️ Pirate Cave Chronicles: As I step into the mysterious caves of Floreana Island, I’m immediately transported back in time. This island is one of the best Galapagos destinations for history buffs. While deciding where to stay in the Galapagos Islands, consider a short stay on Floreana to explore these fascinating sites.
🌋 Volcanic Viewpoint Vistas: Floreana’s volcanic landscape offers some of the most breathtaking views in the Galapagos. I recommend hiking to the island’s highest point for a panoramic vista that will leave you speechless. It’s one of the best ways to appreciate the raw beauty of the Galapagos Islands.
Here’s a list of what you might spot from the viewpoint:
- Neighboring islands on a clear day
- Diverse vegetation zones
- Unique lava formations
- Endemic bird species soaring overhead
- The vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean
🏊♀️ Devil’s Crown Diving: Just off Floreana’s coast lies Devil’s Crown, a partially submerged volcanic crater that’s a paradise for snorkelers and divers. In my opinion. While you might stay overnight in Puerto Ayora or at luxury hotels like the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, a day trip to Floreana for diving is well worth it.
🕵️♂️ Baroness Viewpoint Enigma: No visit to Floreana is complete without delving into the island’s most intriguing mystery at the Baroness Viewpoint. When planning your Galapagos vacation, consider splitting your time between two islands – perhaps Santa Cruz and Floreana – to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Best hotels to stay on Floreana Island 🏨
⭐ Best hotels in Floreana Island
- Villa Floreana – A charming villa offering a unique and private stay experience on Floreana Island, perfect for those seeking a more secluded Galapagos adventure.
- Black Beach House – Located near the famous Black Beach, this accommodation provides easy access to one of Floreana’s most iconic natural attractions.
- Casa de Lelia – A cozy guesthouse offering a homely atmosphere and personal touch, ideal for travelers looking to experience local hospitality on Floreana Island.
5. Baltra Island – Best For Eco-Conscious Arrivals ✈️
✈️ Eco-Airport Entryway: As I step off the plane at Seymour Galapagos Airport on Baltra Island. This isn’t just any airport – it’s the world’s first ecological airport. If you’re wondering about the best time to visit the Galapagos, I’d say any time you can experience this marvel of sustainable engineering is a good time!
🦎 Land Iguana Reintroduction Zone: Just outside the airport, you might spot some of Baltra’s most famous residents – land iguanas. These prehistoric-looking creatures were reintroduced to the island after being absent for decades. It’s a testament to the ongoing conservation efforts in the Galapagos.
Here’s a list of what you might spot in the Land Iguana Zone:
- Yellow land iguanas
- Prickly pear cacti (their favorite food)
- Darwin’s finches
- Galapagos doves
- Lava lizards
🚢 Cruise Ship Launching Pad: Baltra serves as a major departure point for Galapagos cruises. As I watch the sleek ships in the harbor, I’m reminded that this is where many Galapagos dreams begin. Whether you’ve decided to stay on Santa Cruz, San Cristobal.
🌊 Inter-Island Ferry Nexus: One of the coolest things about Baltra is its role as a transport hub. From here, you can catch ferries to Santa Cruz Island, which many consider the best island to stay in Galapagos.
FAQs About Best Island to Stay & Hotels in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador ❔
Which is the best island to stay in Galapagos for first-time visitors looking to explore around the Galapagos Islands – Santa Cruz, San Cristobal or Isabela?
Santa Cruz is generally the best island to stay for first-time visitors due to its central location and diverse attractions. However, each island offers unique experiences, so it depends on your specific interests.
What are your thoughts on where to stay in the Galapagos Islands for travelers wanting to experience multiple islands ?
I recommend splitting your time between at least two islands, typically Santa Cruz and either San Cristobal or Isabela. This allows you to experience the unique character of each island while minimizing travel time.
Can you recommend the best place to stay in Galapagos for stunning sea views?
For stunning sea views, I suggest the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel on Santa Cruz or the Golden Bay Galapagos on San Cristobal. Both offer breathtaking ocean vistas and are highly rated in Galapagos travel guides.
