The Best 30 Hotels in the Galapagos Islands for Every Budget
If you are wondering where to stay in the Galapagos, this guide on the best hotels in the Galapagos Islands will help you find the perfect spots for your vacation in the spectacular Ecuadorian Archipelago.
I am sharing the best Galapagos Islands hotel options for every budget and in the best areas in each of the main islands of the Galapagos.
You will need this guide to the best hotels in the Galapagos Islands if you are planning a trip on your own, without a cruise or an organized tour. If that’s you, this post will be useful.
I traveled to the Galapagos Islands for 3 weeks, one week for each of the main islands and I had a blast. I was traveling with a friend at that time and I was on a low budget so we decided to rent an apartment on each island and cook our own food.
Once there we realized that you can travel on a budget and still choose to stay in hotels as there are many cheap and nice accommodations and lovely local restaurants where to eat without breaking the bank.
Of course, if you are ready to splurge there are many fantastic accommodations where to stay in the Galapagos that offer world-class service, luxury hotels, and top-notch food. They also organize your daily tour for you so you don’t have to knock at every travel agent’s door for a discount. 🙂
Where to stay in the Galapagos Islands | an overview
There are many ways to have an amazing Galapagos island vacation, depending on your budget and how much time you have. I wrote three sample travel itineraries to the Galapagos island to help you organize your trip for 7, 10, and 15 days.
If you have plenty of time you could even combine a cruise to the Galapagos and some time on one of the islands (or two).
And if you have a large budget you can even splurge on one of the amazing Galapagos Luxury cruises and then spend some time on the island where you disembark before returning to mainland Ecuador. That would be the optimum choice, so you can see the best of both worlds.
If you are undecided between a Galapagos cruise and a do-it-yourself trip, I have got you covered. Read my post where I explain the pros and cons of a cruise and a DIY trip in the Galapagos Islands.
If you have decided to travel to the Galapagos on your own, or you are going on a Galapagos diving liveaboard and then you want to relax on one of the islands, read below where I share my top favorite hotels in the Galapagos Islands.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
The top Galapagos Islands Hotels for every budget
Here below you will find my favorite hotels for each island. I have visited some of them, while for others I base my judgment on the comments of the previous guests.
Galapagos Islands hotels | Santa Cruz
As I mentioned before, we stayed in an apartment on every island because staying for 3 weeks we loved to cook our ou meals and not have to eat out every day but also for budget reasons.
However, we realized that in Santa Cruz you can find many local places where to have a decent meal for a local price. There is not much difference in spending also because buying your grocery in the supermarket is like shopping in a jewelry shop.
So, in the end, we didn’t save much. Keep it in mind when you choose where to stay in the Galapagos Islands.
1. The Finch house 💲💲
The Finch house is a very popular home for rent in Santa Cruz. Located in the heart of the town close to all the bars, and restaurants and at walking distance of the most popular attractions.
The home is very spacious and equipped with all the necessary amenities, including WIFI, a rare find in the Galapagos Islands. However, if you are looking for luxury, this is not your place.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com
2. Casa del Lago 💲💲💲
Especially loved by solo travelers, these self-catering suites with private balconies overlooking an internal garden boast colorful decor, with stone walls and wooden details creating a cozy charming atmosphere.
Close to the Lago de las Ninfas and at 45 minutes from Tortuga bay la Casa del Lago apartments have a strategic location at walking distance to the town center and the harbor but in a quiet and tranquil area.
Breakfast including Galapagos organic coffee is daily served.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com
3. Patty Hospedaje 💲
Patty Hospedaje is a very popular place among budget travelers. The spacious apartments are very simple but clean and comfortable and equipped with a/c and WIFI.
Guests have also the use of the pool and the bikes included in the price which is a great plus since the house it’s located 1 mile from Charles Darwin avenue and the harbor.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com
4. Torre Mar Aparthotel 💲💲💲💲
With an excellent location and great views from the balconies, those Aparthotel offer great self-catering apartments decorated with elegant finishing and equipped with the most modern facilities, including WIFI.
Guests can also enjoy a continental breakfast for an extra fee.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com
6. Maytenus Galapagos 💲💲💲
Maytenus Galapagos is an adorable aparthotel with a few cozy and spacious apartments with a fully equipped kitchen and a patio with lovely views located in Puerto Ayora.
The property offers a hot tub, a tour desk, and free WiFi access. The lovely decoration and artsy details create a cozy and welcoming ambiance. Great location too.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com
7. Blue Heron Galápagos Villa 💲💲💲💲💲
Spectacular luxury 3 bedroom villa for an exclusive stay in the Galapagos Islands. Among all the amenities Free WiFi access is available in this property, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a Blu-ray player, a DVD player, air-conditioning, and a barbecue.
Each bedroom has its own private bathroom. Located close to Las Grietas and Playa Alemanes you will need a boat to reach the house.
You will love the breathtaking sunset view from the balconies and the peace and tranquillity surrounding the house.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com | Hotels.com
8. Villa Escalesia 💲💲💲💲💲
Spectacular 5-star beachfront hotel for an ultra-luxury stay in the Galapagos Islands. Villa Escalesia is the most exclusive hotel in the Galapagos Islands.
You can choose among different types of rooms, from the smallest deluxe room to the spacious master suite. In any case, you will enjoy the sleek elegant decor and stunning views, outstanding service, and top-notch cuisine.
American Breakfast is included in the rates, starting from $500 per room.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com | Hotels.com
9. Finch Bay Eco Hotel 💲💲💲💲💲
Spectacular modern property located on Playa Alemanes. The beautiful modern architecture and elegant touches make it one of the most high-end hotels in Santa Cruz.
It’s away from town and you can reach the property by a 5 minutes boat ride. If you are ready to splurge this expensive option is a perfect choice.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
10. Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel 💲💲💲💲
Laid-back luxury property with wooden furniture and Bed & Breakfast style in total harmony with the natural surrounding.
This pretty hotel is in fact completely immersed in nature where you can enjoy walking in nature trails spotting wild giant tortoises and native birds.
From the room terraces, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Galapagos National Park.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia
11.Ikala Galapagos Hotel 💲💲💲💲
This is another amazing luxury property in Puerto Ayora, located within walking distance from the harbor and the heart of town, and yet in a secluded tranquil area.
The hotel boasts ultra-modern stylish rooms equipped with all the necessary facilities including WIFI. Breakfast is served on the elegant deck.
An outdoor pool and sunbeds are available for the guests to enjoy as well.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia
12. Hotel Galapagos Suites B&B 💲💲💲
A wonderful boutique B&B hotel run by a mother/daughter team, at walking distance to Puerto Ayora center where you find all the bars and restaurants, and yet in a quiet location.
This cute small property offers basic but nicely decorated and ample rooms equipped with balconies and WIFI.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com | Hotels.com
13. Hotel El Descanso del Guia 💲💲💲
This is a very comfortable and clean hotel with a big pool and lounge where to relax. The ample rooms are very clean and minimal although not so stylish if you want. A great place for those who love comfort without splurging. Great location close to everything as well. Amazing views from the rooftop restaurant.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotel.com
14. Hotel Cucuve 💲💲💲
Lovely property with spacious artsy rooms, decorated in a stylish way with beautiful paintings and wooden furniture.
Super central location close to everything including the harbor, the beating heart of Puerto Ayora. Remember to walk to the pier at night and watch the baby sharks swimming around.
Delicious buffet breakfast is included in the rate.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
15. Luna Beach Hostal by Descanso del Petrel 💲💲
Luna beach hostel is the cheapest you can find Puerto Ayora and yet it looks really nicely decorated although very simple.
You can also enjoy a continental breakfast included. Great location near Puerto Ayora Harbour.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com
16. Hotel las Ninfas 💲💲
Amazing value for the price, this cute 3-star hotel is the best hotel you can find for this price. It feels like a steal.
Very cute rooms, spacious and nicely decorated. Lovely outdoor area with stylish sunbeds around the pool.
Also, the indoor lobby is really cozy inviting the guests to relax and mingle. Hotel Las Ninfas is the best budget option you can find in Puerto Ayora.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com
➡️ Things to do in Santa Cruz➡️
Here are briefly the unmissable things to do on the island of Santa Cruz to explore the abundance of wildlife and learn about the history of the island
- Visit El Chato in the highlands of Santa Cruz where you can explore the lava tunnels and where you can find the best place to see the Galapagos Giant Turtles
- Take a boat tour to San Bartolome’ Island
- Take a diving or snorkeling tour to see hammerhead sharks and sea turtles
- Walk to Tortuga Bay beach: surf or hang out with the marine iguanas
- Snorkel at Las Grietas and then relax in Playa Alemanes
- Visit the Darwin center and learn how he came up with his theory of evolution
- Bask in the sun on one of the beaches among the marine iguanas
► Read all the amazing things to do in Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Galapagos Islands hotels | San Cristobal
It’s difficult to tell what was my favorite island but I can tell you that San Cristobal has a special charm, especially for the spectacular sunsets in Playa Punta Carola a short walk from the main town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The beautiful beach is crowded with funny sea lions and they’re newly born.
Among other things you can do in San Cristobal:
- Snorkel at Las Tijeretas
- Swim from Playa la Loberia
- Take a tour around the island with naturalist guides
- Dive with the hammerhead shark around Kicker’s rock
Check out my guide on all the free things to do in San Cristobal Island Galapagos and other practical tips.
Here below I am going to list a few of my favorite hotels in San Cristobal Island for any budget.
17. The Galeodan Suites 💲💲💲💲
With an amazing location at a few steps from the Malecòn and a walking distance from Playa Punta Carola, these spacious apartments offer a kitchenette and amazing views of the bay from the terrace.
The wooden furniture and colorful linen create a cozy and welcoming ambiance. Overall it’s a great value for money.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com | VRBO
NOTE: In San Cristobal, there are no high-end hotels like the 5 -star you will find in Santa Cruz. So in this section, I will just include the two best options.
18. Casa Opuntia 💲💲💲
Casa Opuntia is a lovely beachfront property. The rooms are minimal but spacious, some of them with ample terraces from where you can enjoy great views over the bay and the funny sea lion.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia
19. Casa Playa Mann 💲💲💲
Amazing hotel located right in front of the beautiful beach Playa Mann and at an easy walking distance from other attractions and restaurants.
Among the amenities, guests can enjoy A/C, cable TV, and WIFI in each room, besides a beautiful garden and terrace
Laundry services are available for a fee.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
20. Galapagos Sunset Hotel 💲💲💲
Located right in front of the pier and the Malecon, the Galapagos Sunset hotel has modern spacious rooms with elegant furniture, although with a very corporate style, very austere, and with little charm. The views from the terrace are unbeatable, in certain rooms, though.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
21. Hotel Casa Blanca 💲💲💲
Hotel Casa Blanca is probably the cutest hotel in San Cristobal, the most charming and with a lot of character.
The cute spacious rooms boast sea-themed murals and wooden furniture, besides other decorative details.
It is also strategically located right in front of the pier surrounded at walking distance from the main attractions and restaurants. The hotel itself has a pretty restaurant as well which is always busy.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com
22. Hotel Miconia
Hotel Miconia is a cute colorful property located 3 minutes from Playa de Oro. Every room is spacious and nicely decorated with wall art and matching bedspreads over the white cotton linen. You can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, WIFI, a fitness center, and an on-site seafood restaurant.
A delicious American breakfast is included in the rate.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com | Hotels.com
23. Hostal La Casa de Luis 💲
Very simple and affordable rooms with private bathrooms starting from 15 USD per night with continental included.
This is the best price you can find in San Cristobal, but remember you get what you pay for.
The rooms are very basic and tiny but private and clean. If you are looking for a cheap room where to crash at night that’s it. Guests also loved the location and the kindness of the staff.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com
24. Hostal Cucuve 💲
If you want to stay completely immersed in nature far from the busy town, and you are traveling on a budget, this place is for you. Very basic, some of the rooms are extremely small but equipped with all the necessary amenities, including a private bathroom with toiletries.
It is located 6 km from the airport and a few minutes drive from town.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com
Galapagos Islands Hotels | Isabela Island
When we stayed at Isabela Island we also rented an apartment because we wanted to cook but we struggle to find good fresh products, so I suggest you should stock up in Santa Cruz supermarket before traveling. Or just avoid cooking and enjoy the lovely restaurants you find on the island.
Keep in mind that on Isabela Island WIFI is very bad everywhere, so even if you book a property with WIFI do not count on it if you have to work. The only island with reliable WIFI is Santa Cruz.
25. Casa Baronesa Waterfront Villa 💲💲💲💲
Spectacular beachfront villa with lovely colorful decor and laidback luxury finishing. This beautiful home has a vintage feel with its wooden floor and stylish decor, a great location right in front of a beach, and all the necessary amenities, including a fully equipped garden with hammocks and FREE WIFI.
With its four-bedroom, each with its own private bathroom is perfect for a family vacation or friends retreat.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com | Hotels.com
26. Iguana Crossing boutique hotel
You wouldn’t believe in such a laid-back hippie place as Puerto Villamil, you could find such an elegant and fine hotel as Iguana Crossing.
It’s probably the most exclusive and expensive property, located right on the beach on the way to the Muro de las Lagrimas (Wall of tears) and the tortoise breeding center.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com
27. Hotel Albemarle 💲💲💲
I personally went to visit this hotel, located right in the heart of Isabela Island on the beach. The ample rooms are stylishly decorated with beautiful pictures of the Galapagos Wildlife and a balcony facing the beach and the blue ocean.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com | Hotels.com
28. Isabela Beach House 💲💲💲
Cute cozy space close to the ferry and right on the beach. You will love the simple but lovely decorated rooms with the colors of the sea and wooden finishing.
The garden is right on the beach with comfortable beach chairs where to relax and enjoy the spectacular views.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com
29. La Casa de Marita 💲💲💲
Elegant and stylish hotel on the beach in the heart of Puerto Villamil – Isla Isabela. The beautifully decorated room offers a spacious and cozy space with high-end amenities and artful touches.
The restaurant is top-notch and guests love the personal attention from the staff and owners always on the property.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com | Hotels.com
30. Hotel Coral Blanco
Beautiful small property, one block from the beach and close to all the restaurants, bars, and tours. If you looking for an affordable stylish place this is your hotel.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com | Hotels.com
31. Hotel Star Fish 💲💲
Hotel StarFish is a newly built property at just a 5-minute walk from the beach. The spacious rooms with private bathrooms are nicely decorated with Galapagos-themed paintings and colorful touches.
Surrounded by a lovely garden this hotel has been appreciated by many guests who loved the ambiance and the kind attention of the helpful staff.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com
32. Hostal Insular 💲
Basic hotel, with clean simple rooms with private bathrooms. Located in the center of Puerto Villamil. Great hospitality and service. Perfect if you are traveling on a budget.
👉 View availability and rates on Booking.com
➡️ Things to do on Isabela Island
- Hike to the sierra Negra Volcano
- bike to the wall of tears
- take a kayak tour to see the penguins
- Walk on the boardwalk to the Tortoise Breeding Center and watch the beautiful Flamingo along the way
- Hang out on the white sand beaches
Read about all the amazing things to do on Isabela Island
The best Galapagos Islands Hotels: final thoughts
And that’s the end of my tips on where to stay in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. I hope you found it useful and that I helped you find the perfect accommodation for your Galapagos Islands vacation.