A Practical Guide on Where to Stay on the Galapagos Islands for Every Budget
Galapagos Islands are one of the top world's destinations, and finding the right accommodation can be a daunting task. Our travel guide on where to stay on the Galapagos Islands will help you find the best hotel or hostel no matter if you are a budget traveler or looking for an upscale place to enjoy this paradise. So what are the best hotels in the Galapagos and where should you stay?
When visiting the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, you have several options on where to stay. The archipelago consists of many smaller or larger islands, but only four are inhabited and suitable for an overnight stay.
Those four islands are Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Floreana, and Isabela.
Each place has lots to offer in terms of flora and fauna, so it is possible that when traveling independently, you will visit most, if not all, of these islands.
It brings us to a decision whether you want to visit the Galapagos on your own or if you prefer to explore this unearthly destination on a cruise ship.
Land based option is considered the more budget-friendly alternative, although even when trying to cut your cost, you can be unpleasantly surprised by how expensive the Galapagos Islands are.
If you opt for this alternative, you will have to travel from one island to another and make one-day tours to places where it is impossible to stay overnight.
When spending a week or two on a cruise around the Galapagos Islands, you might not need to look for accommodation and the best places to stay on the Galapagos Islands.
Still, we also met quite many travelers who decided to stay on the Galapagos a couple of days more after or before their cruise or who wanted to combine both - one week traveling independently and one week on a boat.
HOTELS IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
This guide on where to stay on the Galapagos Islands focuses on the best accommodation on all four inhabited islands for every budget. Hopefully, you'll find here the hotel that suits your travel style and travel budget.
If you are still unsure what you can expect from the amazing Galapagos Islands, you can read more posts from our personal experience.
We've handpicked the best accommodation options on the Galapagos Islands on each island, so you can start planning your trip.
WHERE TO STAY ON SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Santa Cruz is a popular island, especially because of tortoises and sinkholes, but also for beaches. It is also an island with a larger selection of hotels and restaurants.
You can see giant tortoises in the wild, but do not forget to pay a visit to Charles Darwin Research Center too. Santa Cruz Island also has a fish market, which is worth visiting when fishers come back from the sea.
When on the island, you will most likely stay in the town of Puerto Ayora, from where you can take trips around.
Puerto Ayora is one of the most popular places to stay on the Galapagos Islands, so make sure to book your accommodation as soon as you know your travel dates.
Budget | Hostal El Pinzon - When traveling on a budget, this hostel offering private, clean rooms is the right choice.
The hostel is well-located for exploring the island or island hopping; it features air-conditioning, a private bathroom, a well-equipped kitchen, and a swimming pool.
Mid-range | Capitan Max B&B - This reasonably priced bed and breakfast boasts fabulous breakfast, clean, bright, and spacious rooms, and the water pressure is excellent (something you might be missing elsewhere in Ecuador).
Luxury | Finch Bay Galapagos - Close to Alemanes Beach, this upscale hotel features great sea views, an outdoor swimming pool, and an award-winning restaurant where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily.
You can also enjoy cocktails and snacks by the pool. This is unmistakably a place to stay when you want to splurge a bit on Santa Cruz Island.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHERE TO STAY ON SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
San Cristobal is the usual first destination for most travelers arriving in the Galapagos Islands because it has an airport that serves flights either from Quito or Guayaquil.
There is probably a no better place that should welcome and introduce you to life on the Galapagos Islands. There is a sea lion colony right on the main pier in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, many laidback restaurants and pubs in the town.
When you are ready, you can explore inland and head, for example, to El Junco Lagoon. San Cristobal Island is a top-rated destination among land-based travelers.
What are the best hotels on San Cristobal Island?
Budget | Hostal Terito - Cozy hostel on San Cristobal has an owner who speaks English, making everything much easier. It is not common in Ecuador (especially in budget-friendly accommodations) that staff speaks a language other than Spanish.
Rooms are comfortable and close to Playa de Oro, and you can order breakfast in the morning if you wish.
Mid-range | Hostal Cattleya - Nice and cozy rooms, the views, and especially the relaxed vibes are the main reasons to stay in this family-owned hotel.
You can use the kitchen and even ask for a packed lunch when setting off for a day-trip.
Luxury | Galapagos Sunset Hotel - This hotel has a fabulous view overlooking the ocean - you can admire it either from your room or from the sun terrace as well.
Services are top-class, as you can expect in this type of hotel, and the staff is welcoming and helpful in every situation.
WHERE TO STAY ON FLOREANA ISLAND
There is plenty to see in the proximity of Floreana Island.
You can admire flamingos on Cormorant Point, snorkel close to Champion Islet, kayak close to Baroness Lookout, or visit Post Office Bay, one of the most traditional places on the Galapagos Islands.
Shortly, Floreana Island deserves a couple of days of your time. Floreana is a small island, and accommodation choices are limited here.
On the other hand, it is one of the best places on the archipelago, if you look for a quiet destination and a relaxing atmosphere.
Budget | Black Beach House - Staying at this place is a real experience; it is time when you will reconnect with nature.
The house is more like a villa which can host up to six people, but you can book it for a very reasonable price even when traveling as a couple.
Mid-range | Hostal Santa Maria - Basic but clean facilities and breakfast every morning await you in this hostel located on the volcanic island of Floreana.
Rooms feature a private bathroom with toiletries, and this place is a great base for hiking or snorkeling.
Mid-range | Casa de Lelia - This is another mid-range hotel on Floreana Island where you can forget all your problems for a while and focus only on staying in this special place not many people are privileged to visit.
WHERE TO STAY ON ISABELA ISLAND
Isabela is the largest island of the Galapagos archipelago.
The main town on the island is Puerto Villamil, where you will find most hotels and restaurants. It has perfect beaches, interesting lava fields, lava tunnels.
You can hike to Cerro Negra Volcano, visit the tortoise breeding center, and of course, watch the wildlife.
Budget | Posada del Caminante - This hostel has a real social vibe. It is a place where you can meet many same-minded people. You can relax in the hammocks or enjoy the complimentary fruit provided to all guests!
Mid-range | El Rincon de George - This well-situated hotel has great reviews, and no wonder why.
Air-conditioning, excellent breakfast, fast wi-fi, free drinking water, or seating area in all units make this accommodation one of the best options on the island money-wise.
Luxury | The Isabela Beach House - Located on the private beach, you will be treated with exceptional views all the time.
The hotel provides free wi-fi, breakfast, a garden, and enthusiastic staff will help you to plan your free time on the island.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
