The Galapagos Islands are a nature-lover’s paradise. There are several ways to see the incredible wildlife- by cruise, a tour or an independent trip (check out my post comparing these options here). If you are planning to see the Galapagos Islands by yourself (which I recommend!), the best place to start is my Galapagos Trip Planner. In addition to choosing your activities, you will need to choose where to stay on the Galapagos Islands.
If you are wondering “Can you stay on the Galapagos Islands?”, the answer is most definite “yes”. Although many people see the islands in a cruise, there are four inhabited islands in the archipelago. Galapagos Island accommodation varies from island to island. The best hotels in the Galapagos Islands are a mix of hospitality, location, quality and amenities.
In this guide to the best places to stay in the Galapagos Islands, we will look at best resorts in Galapagos Islands, luxury hotels in Galapagos Islands, great mid-range options and good hostels in Galapagos Islands.
You can also check out my Guide on How to Choose the Best Hotel for tips on what to look for when making a decision about where to stay.
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Where To Stay In Galapagos Islands
We will look in detail at all of the best hotels on the Galapagos Islands, but if you just want to cut to the chase, here is a quick overview:
Comparison of the Best Hotels In Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
| Name | Location | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finch Bay Hotel | Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) | $$$$ | Book here |
| Hotel Angermeyer Waterfront Inn | Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) | $$$$ | Book here |
| Hotel Galápagos Habitat | Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) | $$$$ | Book here |
| Villa Escalesia | Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) | $$$$ | Book here |
| Hotel Acacia | Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) | $$$ | Book here |
| La Casa de Marita | Puerto Villamil (Isabela) | $$$ | Book here |
| Galapagos Sunset Hotel | Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal) | $$$ | Book here |
| Hotel Fiesta | Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) | $$ | Book here |
| Hotel Cally | Puerto Villamil (Isabela) | $$ | Book here |
| Casa Iguana Mar y Sol | Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal) | $$ | Book here |
| La K-leta Boutique Guesthouse | Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) | $ | Book here |
| Hotel Star Fish | Puerto Villamil (Isabela) | $ | Book here |
| La Zayapa | Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal) | $ | Book here |
| Hostal Santa Maria | Floreana | $ | Book here |
| Black Beach House | Floreana | $ | Book here |
| Casa de Lelia | Floreana | $ | Book here |
The most logical way to organize this Galapagos accommodation guide is by island. First, though, if comfort is your thing, you will want to look at high-end Galapagos Islands hotels – 5-star (or thereabouts).
Best Luxury Hotels, Galapagos Islands
All of the top Galapagos Islands resorts (5-star) are in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.
Finch Bay Hotel Galapagos Islands (Puerto Ayora)
This is one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World. The hotel is out of the main town of Puerto Ayora, accessed by water taxi. Staying here is a wonderfully relaxing experience. The hotel is beautifully decorated and situated, with a garden, outdoor pool, hot tub and hammocks on the patios. There is a bar and a shared lounge area and the wonderful restaurant has a varied menu and gets great reviews. A buffet breakfast is available. Rooms all have AC and private bathrooms, though they do not have TVs.
Rating 9.2 on Booking.com
Best
- Friendly staff
- Beautiful setting
- Wonderful restaurant
Worst
- Rooms are small
- Wifi can be slow
- Location away from the main town
Summary
This unique hotel deserves its reputation as the best place to stay in the Galapagos Islands. It is a great place to unwind at the end of a Galapagos cruise or to treat yourself while doing day trips from Santa Cruz.
Click here for more information and the latest prices
Hotel Angermeyer Waterfront Inn
This hotel has lots of character. It is built of lava stones and driftwood and the rooms have beamed ceilings and tiled floors. It has great ocean views and a private waterfront. There is a restaurant and a bar with a fireplace. This is a great place to hang out after your excursions to see the wildlife.
Some of the rooms have spa baths. There is free Wi-Fi and cable TV.
Rating 9.2 on Booking.com
Best
- Great location
- Unusual design, using local materials
Worst
- Some rooms are small
- No swimming pool
- Restaurant gets mixed reviews
Summary
Easily one of the besthotels in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands for its use of local materials that create a unique aesthetic, combined with great service.
Click here for more information and the latest prices
Galápagos Habitat Hotel, Galapagos Islands
The hotel has all-inclusive rates as well as room-only rates. The all-inclusive rate includes daily excursions, which can also be booked individually if you have the room-only rate. Bikes are available for free. There is a small jetty where sea lions hang out! The stylish hotel includes a restaurant.
Rooms have AC, free WiFi and plasma TVs.
Rating 8.9 on Booking.com
Best
- Great location
Worst
- Not all rooms have good views
- Breakfast buffet gets mixed reviews
Summary
One of the best hotels on Galapagos Islands, with a great location on a private beach. The all-inclusive rate option takes the stress out of planning your trip.
Click here for more information and the latest prices
Villa Escalesia
This luxury five-star hotel has a great location near the beach, but not out of town. It features a garden, terrace, and a pool and hot tub right on the water’s edge. It’s a lovely spot to relax on one of their hammocks with a drink form the pool bar.
There are only six rooms. Four have ocean views and 2 have garden views. All rooms have AC, free WiFi and a mini-bar. An American breakfast is available.
Best
- Location on the water’s edge in town
Worst
- No restaurant (though there are plenty nearby)
Summary
If you are wondering where to stay in the Galapagos Islands, appreciate luxury and comfort, but don’t want to be out of town and away from the action, then the Villa Escalesia is hard to beat!
Click here for more information and the latest prices
Hotels Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands
Luxury: Hotel Acacia
A former family home, this is now a beautiful four-star hotel. Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz especially, has plenty of hotels to choose from, but it is hard to beat the Acacia Hotel. It has been tastefully decorated and features and outdoor swimming pool set in a lovely garden with a sun deck. There is a (nice) breakfast and reading lounge, bar, spa and outdoor hot tub.
There are just eight spacious rooms, with either ocean, pool or city views. There is free WiFi and – a nice touch in the Galapagos – biodegradable toiletries.
Rating 9.3 on Booking.com
Best
- Friendly staff
- Great location
- Outdoor swimming pool
Worst
- WiFi is slow
The Hotel Acacia is one of the best hotels Galapagos Islands has. It is beautiful, elegant and the outdoor pool is a great place to unwind after your cruise or day excursions.
Click here for more information and the latest prices
Mid-Range: Hotel Fiesta
The three-star Fiesta Hotel has twin and double rooms and family cabins set around a lovely garden. There is a restaurant with floor-to-ceiling open windows looking out on to the garden, an outdoor bar area, and a large pool with deck chairs.
The rooms are plain, but tastefully decorated in white and natural wood. They have private bathroom, AC and balconies with views. Room service is available.
Rating 8.4 on Booking.com
Best
- Outdoor pool
- Friendly staff
- Close to a nice beach
Worst
- WiFi is slow
- At the opposite end of town from the good restaurants (about a five-minute walk)
Summary
One of the best value mid-range hotels in Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands. It’s close to a nice beach and the trail to Tortuga Bay.
Click here for more information and the latest prices
Budget: La K-leta Boutique Guesthouse
The guesthouse has simple, spacious rooms with private bathrooms (shower). Some rooms have a seating area. Breakfast is served in the room and guests also have access to a kitchen to cook their own meals. Free Wifi is available throughout the guesthouse.
There is a tour desk and even a hairdresser at the guesthouse! They also have bicycles for rent.
Rating 9.5 on Booking.com
Best
- The host is very friendly and helpful
Worst
- There are steps to the rooms, which is not good if you have mobility difficulties
- Not all of the rooms have views
Summary
One of the most popular hostels in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands. The host can help arrange tours and bicycle rental. The kitchen helps keep costs down if you are budget conscious.
Click here for more information and the latest prices
Isabela, Galapagos Islands Hotels
Luxury: La Casa de Marita
This four-star boutique hotel has perhaps the best location on all of the Galapagos, right on a beautiful beach. The rooms are all individual; some have ocean views and some have ‘garden’ views. There is a lovely restaurant that serves a buffet breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner.
Rating 8.7 on Booking.com
Best
- Location, location, location
- Friendly staff
Worst
- WiFi in common areas only
- Some rooms have an interior view (rather than an ocean view)
- The annex is across the road from the main hotel
Summary
On Isabela island, this is arguably the best place to stay. Galapagos Islands’ best beach, complete with sea lions and fur seals, is right on your doorstep. Get a room with an ocean view if you can – it is worth the splurge.
Click here for more information and the latest prices
Mid-Range: Hotel Cally
This three-star hotel is good value with a location near the beach. There is a bar, simple restaurant and a lounge area. WiFi is free. There are several different types of rooms, but all have a small sitting area and private bathrooms.
Rating 8.7 on Booking.com
Best
- Location
- Friendly staff
Worst
- Slow WiFi (better in common areas)
- Credit cards have a surcharge
Summary
One of Galapagos’ best hotels in the mid-price range. It’s location near Puerto Villamil Beach is a bonus.
Click here for more information and the latest prices
Budget: Hotel Star Fish
This is a clean and cozy hotel budget hotel just a 5-minute walk from the beach. Rooms are basic but spacious and clean with AC and comfy beds. Free WiFi is available.
The hotel is a little further out from town and most of the restaurants and it doesn’t have its own restaurant or a kitchen for guest use. However, there is a nice bakery across the road that is open early and is a place to get breakfast.
Rating 9.1 on Booking.com
Best
- Near the beach
- Clean and cozy
Worst
- Location a little out of town
- No restaurant, kitchen or breakfast served
Summary
This is a nice budget option that is a step up from hostels. Galapagos Islands has plenty of basic, but clean and comfortable options and the Hotel Star Fish is one of the best.
Click here for more information and the latest prices
San Cristobal, Galapagos Island Hotels
Luxury: Galapagos Sunset
The Galapagos Sunset Hotel has a wonderful location right on the esplanade. Many of the rooms have terraces with ocean views, and there is a lovely rooftop suite that is worth paying extra for. There are also cheaper interior rooms. All rooms have private bathrooms and free WiFi is available.
There is a stunning terrace bar with views right over the ocean.
Rating 9.0 on Booking.com
Best
- Friendly/ helpful staff
- Location
Worst
- Breakfast gets mixed reviews
- WiFi is spotty
- Interior rooms do not have windows
Summary
One of the best places to stay in Galapagos Islands. It is worth spending extra to get the rooftop suite, which has stunning views. Other rooms also have ocean views with terraces to enjoy the views. Note that the interior rooms do not have windows, so if you book one of them, spend your time hanging out on the terrace.
Click here for more information and the latest prices
Mid-Range: Casa Iguana Mar y Sol
A comfortable yet stylish hotel that feels like a large family home. There are five simple but clean and spacious rooms decorated with lots of tile and wood. The suites have balconies with ocean views. An American or vegetarian breakfast is included. Although there is no restaurant, there are many nearby.
There is a terrace with ocean views.
Rating 9.7 on Booking.com
Best
- Friendly owners
- Lovely terrace with views of the ocean
Best
- Friendly owners
- Lovely terrace with views of the ocean
Summary
One of the best mid-range places to stay. Galapagos Islands is notorious for bad WiFi, but as long as that doesn’t bother you, will love this place. It is run by a family and the friendly owners will really make you feel at home.
Click here for more information and the latest prices
Budget: La Zayapa Hotel, Galapagos
If you want to save money, but still have some comfort, with a great location, then La Zayapa is your place. Rooms are basic, but clean, comfortable and spacious. They also have cable TV and free WiFi. It is worth paying extra for an ocean view room – the views are stunning. Breakfast is included and they will arrange (basic) breakfast packs for you if you have an early morning trip or transfer. There is also a casual café.
Rating 8.7 on Booking.com
Best
- Friendly staff
- Location overlooking the harbor
Worst
- Difficult to moderate water temperature in the shower
Another budget best place to stay in Galapagos Islands, it is inexpensive but definitely a step up from a hostel. Galapagos Islands sea lions and marine iguanas walk right past!
Click here for more information and the latest prices
Floreana Hotels, Galapagos Islands
Black Beach House
This guesthouse has the best reviews of all of the Floreana accommodations. It is a two-bedroom villa that sleeps up to 6 people (two in each bedroom and a sofa bed in the living room). There are different rates depending on number of people. There is also a fully-stocked kitchen. The villa does not have AC or heated water, though fans are provided.
The location is hard to beat. It is right on a black sand beach. There is great snorkeling right off the beach.
Rating 9.7 on Booking.com
Best
- Great location
- Shared kitchen
Worst
- No drinking water provided
- No hot water
Summary
Floreana is a non-frills island with a laid-back vibe and Black Beach House perfectly caputures the Floreana experience.
Click here for more information and the latest prices
Hostal Santa Maria
A low-key but comfortable guesthouse. The host is very friendly and helpful. Filtered water is available and an al fresco continental breakfast is included. There is a garden and terrace and free Wifi. The guesthouse is an easy walk to Black Beach and Las Loberia Beach. The second-floor room has a balcony with nice sea views.
Rating 9.1 on Booking.com
Best
- Friendly, flexible and helpful host
- Comfortable and clean
Worst
- No kitchen
Summary
A comfortable guesthouse in low-key Floreana with easy access to Black Beach and Los Loberia Beach. There is no restaurant or kitchen, so pre-book at a restaurant in town.
Click here for more information and the latest prices
Casa de Lelia
Another comfortable guesthouse, with a garden (with hammocks) and restaurant (pre-booking is recommended). There are clean and spacious twin, double and quad rooms, all with private bathrooms. Continental breakfast is included. Free WiFi is available.
As with the other Floreana guesthouses, the host will collect you from and drop you off at the ferry.
Rating 8.3 on Booking.com
Best
- Clean and comfortable rooms
- Nice location near Black Beach
- Friendly host
Worst
- Restaurant may not be available if you don’t pre-book
- No kitchen
Summary
A comfortable guesthouse with a friendly an nice meals (but pre-book them).
Click here for more information and the latest prices
Quito and Guayaquil Airports
This guide is about Galapagos Islands accommodation. However, flights to and from the Galapagos Islands typically require you to overnight on Quito or Guayaquil on the way there and/ or back. It is worth stopping for a day or more and enjoying what the cities have to offer, but if you have squeezed the maximum amount of time in your vacation into the Galapagos themselves, you may choose to just spend the night in an airport hotel. So, I have included a top pick for hotels near Quito and Guayaquil airports.
Wyndham Quito Airport
A modern hotel with large, clean and well-equipped rooms. There is a restaurant and bar, lovely outdoor terrace and a spa center with a hot tub and sauna. WiFi is free, stable and very fast.
There is a free shuttle every 30 minutes for the five-minute drive to the nearby Mariscal Sucre Airport. The staff is friendly and helpful
Rating 9.2 on Booking.com
Click here for more information and the latest prices
Airport Hotel (Guayaquil)
A reasonably-priced hotel so close to the airport that you can walk – although there is also a free shuttle. It is also just a six-block walk to a shopping center. The hotel is family-run and the staff are friendly and helpful. The rooms are traditional rather than modern. There is a restaurant, room service, bar and outdoor terrace. Free WiFi is available.
Rating 7.8 on Booking.com
Click here for more information and the latest prices
Enjoy staying on Galapagos Islands!
Do you have any other places to stay in Galapagos Islands that you’d recommend? I’d love to hear about them. Comment below.
If you found this post helpful, please share the love and Pin it to your Galapagos board!
Be sure to read other Galapagos Islands posts:
- Complete Guide to Planning your Trip to the Galapagos Islands
- The Best Time to Visit the Galapagos Islands
- How to Choose the Best Way to See the Galapagos Islands
- How to Get To and Around the Galapagos Islands
- Recommended Galapagos Activities
About the author
James Ian has traveled to 82 countries and all 7 continents. He is passionate about experiential travel, i.e. meaningful travel that actively engages with the environment and culture. He helps people have similar experiences that involve active participation in activities and festivals; engaging with the local food and handicrafts through lessons and food tours; and interacting positively with environment by hiking, riding, rowing, diving and low/no impact animal encounters.
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