Yulia Saf 
Planning your holiday in these iconic islands? Then hop on this guide on where to stay in the Galapagos Islands and learn everything there is to know about this destination.
I visited the Galapagos islands a while ago, and I’m more than happy to share with you all the tips that will help you make the most of your trip. This is such a special place, and we were so amazed by the incredible wildlife that we got to see, even during the short trip from the airport to Santa Cruz!
Below, you’ll find the top 4 islands and the best hotels in each of those places for all budgets.
In short, Santa Cruz is the best place to stay in Galapagos, but as I mentioned, you’ll find 3 more places that you can explore or stay in during your holiday,
Make sure you check the bonus at the end as I included the best cruises around the Galapagos, for those who’d prefer something different.
I recommend booking everything months in advance, as this is a super popular destination and there aren’t so many places to stay, so I’d recommend planning and booking 6 months to 1 year in advance.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book now, there’s no reason to wait any longer! Browse this list with the best hotels in the Galapagos Islands, all located in Santa Cruz, the most popular island:
Contents
Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the areas where to stay in the Galapagos Islands that I will be talking about in this post:
- Santa Cruz: for first-timers
- San Cristobal: for budget
- ISABELA ISLAND (PUERTO VILLAMIL): for nature lovers
- Floreana Island: for adventure
Things to know about the Galapagos Islands
When I visited the Galapagos I did a lot of research on how to best organize this trip and trust me, this isn’t your average holiday destination. There are lots of things to consider and do before and when you arrive.
To help you plan this holiday I made this list with thing to know about the Galapagos, which I highly recommend reading as it has so much useful information that you’ll need to know:
- There are no boats from mainland Ecuador to Galapagos, you must fly to reach the islands (there are no international flights, you will definitely have a connection in Quito or Guayaquil
- There are 4 inhabited islands and I’ve listed them from most to least popular. The main three each have their own airport:
- Santa Cruz Island with its main town called Puerto Ayora (Seymour Airport) is where I stayed during my holiday and was super pleased that I found everything I needed. The island is super developed and it has a big port from where all the cruises
- San Cristobal Island is also pretty developed, I only went there for a day, but saw that it had more or less the same things as Santa Cruz and lots of tours start from here so if you’re planning to do that, definitely consider this place (San Cristobal Airport)
- Isabela Island – it is the biggest island of them all and if you have some time you should DEFINITELY visit, they have an abundance of wildlife there, including penguins but not as many things like restaurants, hotels or stores, only a couple of them (General Villamil Airport, but it is for small inter-island flights only)
- Floreana – that’s where you should see some super rich underwater life (as you will on most of the islands). There are almost no hotels there, most people go as a day tour/cruise, but it is possible to stay overnight if you book ahead (check my Bonus section)
- You will need to buy an INGALA Transit card (US$20) AND pay the Galapagos National Park Entrance fee (US$100) at the airport in cash. Don’t lose the receipt of your transit card, as you must return it when leaving the Galapagos.
- You must also show proof of a return flight, cruise booking, and/or hotel booking, so make sure you have everything organized in advance and print your confirmations.
- Bring cash (USD is the official currency in Ecuador) – there is an ATM at the airport, but I would not really rely on it. You will be able to pay by card in most restaurants and tourist shops, but they will all charge you a 3% fee on top of that. So, cash is still king there.
- There are only public ferries between Isabela <> Santa Cruz <> San Cristobal, the prices are around US$30 for adults and US$17 for children (2 to 10 years old). You do not need a cruise/tour to get to the island, but if you want to visit the main attractions, you will still need to take a guided tour (it is a protected area).The boat rides can get super bumpy so if you have trouble with that make sure you bring some pills to be prepared in case you get sick.
- Internet access can be limited, so make sure you won’t have to rely on it if you need to work during your trip. There is decent Internet in Puerto Ayora and San Cristobal center of town, but that’s pretty much it. You could get an eSIM, that’s what I did while I was there. I got the Airalo eSIM and if you want to learn more about how to use it make sure you read our post on the best eSIM for international travel.
- You’ll find most of the accommodations in Santa Cruz and San Cristobal so I’d recommend looking there for places to stay as you’ll find a wider range of options. Isabela Island also has a couple of places but not as many and Floreana has around 2 or 3 accommodations.
- The best time to visit the Galapagos for amazing snorkeling conditions is between December to May and if you’re looking to spend most of your time hiking then the cooler months of June to November are amazing as the weather is great and you’ll also get greener landscapes, as well as more active wildlife around. I’d recommend checking the Galapagos Wildlife Calendar website to see what wildlife you can see depending on the season.
- In terms of getting around each island, if you’re staying in the main towns like Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal you can just walk as they’re super small and if you want to visit attractions on the island you’ll need to have a pre-book tour or something like that as there are no buses on the island nor can you rent a car.
1. Santa Cruz – where to stay for the first time
Out of the 4 inhabited islands, Santa Cruz island (with its main town called Puerto Ayora to be precise) is the most popular one and best island to stay in Galapagos for first-time visitors.
This is where I arrived and stayed for a couple of nights during my trip and I can say that the island had everything we needed! Restaurants, bars, museums, you name it, you’ll find it all here.
Lots of cruises that go around the islands (check the bonus for information on that) leave from the Gus Angermeyer Pier and Ferry Terminal (map) in Puerto Ayora town, so if you’re planning to do that, then this island is definitely a great place to stay for you.
To get here you will fly into Seymour Airport (map) which is located on its own tiny island attached to Santa Cruz, called Isla Baltra (map). From the airport you’ll have to take a bus to reach the ferry that goes to Santa Cruz (it’s just a short 3 min ride) and then you’ll have to take a bus/car to Puerto Ayora, which is the island’s main town.
PRO TIP: Leave about 1,5 hours for transportation from the Airport to Puerto Ayora (it is US$11 per person if you go by bus or US$25 for the taxi of up to 4 people + US$6 per person to get to the taxi).
Puerto Ayora is where you’ll find all the shops, restaurants, and hotels. Many people choose this island as their first destination in the Galapagos as you can take ferries to visit the other 3 islands in the archipelago.
And also because there are lots of fun attractions to see here as well, such as the Charles Darwin Research Station (map) where you can learn all sorts of things about the animals on the island and the Giant Tortoise Reserve.
There are also some amazing beaches too, like Playa de la Estación (map) and Tortuga Bay Beach (map) where you can see iguanas and flamingos.
This 5-star hotel is located in Finch Bay, only a short walk away from the beach. Chill by the pool or relax in the hot tub after a delicious dinner at the on-site restaurant. The accommodation also offers different activities like cooking classes so you will always have something fun to do here!
Other accommodation options in Santa Cruz
Chill in the hammocks and watch the giant tortoises at this boutique hotel that offers swimming pool and breakfast
A nice budget place that has a great location, a swimming pool, and family rooms with air-conditioning
Enjoy your stay in the Galapagos Islands in this spacious place that has air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi
Things to do in Santa Cruz
- Learn about the wildlife at the Charles Darwin Research Station
- Rent a kayak in Tortuga Bay and see turtles and rays
- Dive with hammerhead sharks, I went with these guys and loved it
- Explore the uninhabited island of North Seymour on a day tour
- Go for a swim at El Garrapatero beach (map)
- Take a day trip to check out the beaches on Bartolome Island (map)
- Go on a walk around Los Gemelos (map)
- Spot some really old tortoises at Rancho Primicias Giant Tortoise Reserve
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
2. San Cristobal – best place to stay on a budget
Lying 60 miles (100 km, ~2 hours by boat) east of Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island), San Cristóbal Island is the second island travelers choose to fly into after Santa Cruz. The San Cristobal Airport (map) receives flights from both Quito and Guayaquil, Ecuador.
I stayed in San Cristobal, Galapagos for a few nights and took some day trip tours from here and just like Santa Cruz, I found the island to have everything that you need, plus the landscapes and all the wildlife was incredible.
San Cristobal is home to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (map) town, the capital of the Galapagos Islands, and the location where you’ll find a lot of restaurants and pubs.
Although the capital of the islands is located here, San Cristobal has a more laid-back vibe compared to Santa Cruz. So, if you’d prefer something more tranquil or a bit more affordable (San Cristobal is fairly cheaper than Santa Cruz), this may be one of the best places to stay in the Galapagos islands for you!
As I mentioned there’s an abundance of restaurants and bars in the island’s main town Puerto Baquerizo Moreno! Some really amazing ones are the Midori Sushi Pub (map) and El Descanso Marinero (map).
PRO TIP: Make sure you don’t drink the tap water in the Galapagos! Only drink bottled water and avoid getting drinks with ice cubes.
Of course, the island is filled with panoramic spots that you should visit during your time here and if you’re into surfing and diving then you’ll never want to leave this place!
Some of the most incredible places on San Cristóbal Island that you should check out are the El Junco Lagoon (map), Acantilado La Loberia safari park (map), and Mirador Cerro Tijeretas (map), where you can go snorkeling.
You’ll also find plenty of amazing beaches too, like Playa Mann (map), Playa Loberia (map) and Puerto Chino beach (map).
Get cozy in one of those hammocks and enjoy the sea views from the terrace at one of the best luxury hotels in the Galapagos Islands that’s set within walking distance from the beach. The hotel has a garden and the rooms are equipped with air-conditioning and a flat-screen TV.
Other accommodation options in San Cristobal
Enjoy the sun by the swimming pool of this boutique hotel that has a restaurant and a bar
Offering spacious rooms and sea views, this budget hotel has many facilities, including a free airport shuttle
Relax after a whole night spent in the town on the balcony of this apartment that has space for 4 guests
Things to do in San Cristobal
- Admire the scenic views at Cerro Brujo island mountain (map)
- Learn new things at the San Cristobal Interpretation Center (map)
- Go on a hike to Cerro Tijeretas (map)
- See all different types of animals during a day tour to Lobos Island
- Explore El Junco Lagoon
- Relax and spot some cute sea lions at Point Carola Beach (map)
- Go on a snorkel trip to Kicker Rock Island
- Explore the Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado nature reserve (map)
3. Isabela Island (Puerto Villamil) – for nature lovers
Isabela Island is located 45 miles (75 km) west of Santa Cruz and its main town (where you’ll find all the hotels, restaurants, bars) is Puerto Villamil.
This town has a wide range of accommodations and it’s one of the best Galapagos Islands to stay on for people traveling with their families.
To get to the island you will first need to fly into one of the main islands above and then you can take a local flight to General Villamil Airport (map) or a boat (but I have to warn you, it will be a bumpy ride as I mentioned earlier in the post, boat rides are so bumpy in the Galapagos).
Take a look at Isabela Island on Google Maps and let me know if you see its seahorse-shape!
Out of all the inhabited islands, Isabela Island has the smallest number of people living here. All 3000 of them are based in Puerto Villamil and that is where all the tours start from as well.
There are tons of activities and beautiful places to explore on Isabela for both adults and children. The Arnaldo Tupiza-Chamaidan Giant Tortoise Breeding Center (map) is a great spot to learn about wildlife and see some really cute tortoises!
And if you guys are into hiking and spending time in nature, you can hike to see the Sierra Negra Volcano (map)!
Check out the Los Tuneles tour – you might spot dolphins (we did!) and penguins (we did!) and definitely many sea lions and sea turtles. Oh, and blue-footed boobies too! 🙂
Don’t forget you’re on a stunning island surrounded by nature and beaches, so head over to Playa Puerto Villamil (map) to sunbathe, swim in the ocean, and relax all day long!
This accommodation has such a great location! Walk from the sun terrace right on the beach at this luxury hotel on Isabela Island with a restaurant and a garden. The family rooms are equipped with air-conditioning and a flat-screen TV. You can have breakfast and also join yoga or fitness classes at the Ismar Hotel!
Other accommodation options on Isabela Island
Enjoy the ocean views from the private beach of this hotel that offers breakfast and has family rooms and a garden
A nice beachfront hotel with family rooms where guests have access to a shared lounge and a garden
This spacious house has 2 rooms, perfect for family guests, a kitchen, and free Wi-Fi
Things to do on Isabela Island
- Snorkel with penguins (maybe) and sea lions (definitely) in Concha Perla (map)
- Spot blue footed boobies during Los Tuneles day tour
- Go on a walking tour to Sierra Negra Volcano
- Spend a fun day at the Arnaldo Tupiza-Chamaidan Giant Tortoise Breeding Center
- Enjoy a beautiful sunset from Isabela Sunset Beach Bar (map)
- Take a day trip to Tintoreras Bay from Isabela Island
- Visit the Wall of Tears (map)
4. Floreana Island – for adventure seekers
Floreana Island is the least populated out of the main 4 Galapagos Islands, so naturally, you won’t find many hotels or restaurants in this location, but it’s still worth a visit!
Like her other island sisters, Floreana Island is filled with beautiful wildlife, unique natural spots, and different animals!
The best way to see the island is to go on a full-day tour from Puerto Ayora, located 60 miles (100 km) north of Floreana Island. On the tour, you will go snorkeling at Black Beach and see penguins, sea turtles, flamingos, and iguanas in their natural habitat while exploring some of the biggest attractions on Floreana Island such Asilo de la Paz (map).
If you prefer to experience the tranquility of the island for a little longer, you can also take the ferry from Puerto Ayora and stay in one of the two hotels here. Now, as far as I know, the ferries from Santa Cruz to Floreana are not regular and don’t have an exact schedule. You will need to ask in Puerto Ayora, you might need to organize your own private boat for that.
If you decide to stay overnight, here are your two hotel options on Floreana Island:
- Black Beach House – wake-up to the sound of the waves crashing on the sand in this spacious house with free Wi-Fi and a kitchen! You can chill in the garden during the day or at night before going to bed, spend a little time enjoying the silence in the hammock!
- Floreana Lava Lodge – this eco-friendly lodge has 10 different cabins that you can rent for your stay on Floreana Island. The accommodation offers breakfast and different land-based programs that you can join.
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$350 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$200 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$90 |
| 📍Best area: | Santa Cruz |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Patty Hospedajel |
BONUS: The best cruises around the Galapagos Islands
Planning a visit to the Galapagos Islands can be difficult at times, as there are a few quirks and things that you need to figure out on your own, and if you’re not a fan of organizing holidays, then I recommend booking a cruise or a land tour.
That way, you won’t have to worry about finding hotels in Galapagos Islands or about any other details!
So let’s see which are the best tour cruises that you can book!
1. Galapagos Land and Sea Adventure
- 10 days
- San Cristóbal, Isabela, Santa Cruz
- Includes flights
- From $6280 per person
This is a luxury cruise trip of 10 days that starts with a flight from Quito in Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands. Then you’ll be cruising around the islands doing different activities like snorkeling and hiking, so you’ll be doing a few on-land activities as well. The cruise includes accommodation at the hotels in Galapagos, flights, guides, meals, and transport, among other things.
2. Family Holiday to Galapagos Islands
- 8 days
- San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz
- Includes flights
- $2190 per person
You can only book this 8 day cruise to the Galapagos if you’re planning to bring your kids with you as it is organized especially for families! The tour provides the flight from Ecuador, accommodations, meals, and different activities on the Galapagos Islands.
- 8 days
- San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Bartolome
- Doesn’t include flights
- $2100 per person
Enjoy an 8 day holiday around the Galapagos Islands on this amazing cruise! You will be spending your trip exploring Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Isabela Island. You will be provided with accommodation, meals, transport, and many other things.
- 5 days
- Isabela, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Baltra
- Flights not included
- $1340per person
Another cruise that lasts 5 days but doesn’t include the flights from Ecuador, so you’ll have to make your way there. The cruise includes accommodation, meals, exploring the Galapagos Islands, guides, and snorkeling.orkeling.
- 7 days
- San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Isabela Island
- Flights not included
- $1310 per person
An amazing cruise where you’ll get to visit the 3 main islands in the Galapagos. You will have to book your flights from Ecuador, and once you’re there, you will explore Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela Island. The cruise also includes accommodation, food, a guide, and other things like snorkeling and visiting attractions.
FAQs about where to stay in Galapagos Islands
🏝️ Which island is the best to stay in Galapagos?
Santa Cruz is the best island to stay in the Galapagos Islands! As the most popular of the islands, Santa Cruz has everything you need from restaurants to great hotels and lots of tours and cruises that leave from the port.
🦎 Where do you stay when visiting the Galapagos Islands?
You can stay on any of the 4 inhabited islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Puerto Villamil, and Floreana). Still, I recommend staying in Santa Cruz as it has great boat connections to the other islands and top-rated hotels, like Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel.
📅 How many days do you need in Galapagos?
The vast majority of people spend between 6 to 8 days in the Galapagos Islands, so they can visit most of the attractions and spend enough time exploring the wildlife and the beaches.
🤔 What is the best way to see the Galapagos Islands?
You can visit the Galapagos Islands by yourself or by going on a cruise. You can choose between the 2 depending on whether you would like to have someone organize your trip or if you want to decide where you’ll be staying.
🏨 What type of hotels are there in the Galapagos?
You will find hotels from luxury like Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel to mid-range Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel and budget Patty Hospedajel.
🌧️ What is the worst time to visit the Galapagos?
The worst time to visit Galapagos is during the hot and rainy season from December to May when heavy rains disrupt animal activity and reduce visibility for snorkeling.
🧳 What to pack for the Galapagos Islands?
I’d recommend packing lightweight walking shoes, water shoes, hiking clothes, rain gear, sunblock and insect repellant.
🏨 Which Galapagos Islands have the most hotels?
I would say Santa Cruz is the island that has the most hotels, although you’ll find plenty on San Cristobal island too.
⚖️ What are the best cities to stay in the Galapagos Islands?
Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal island are some of the best cities to stay in the Galapagos Islands.
Final thoughts on where to stay in the Galapagos Islands
What a place! I loved my holiday in this iconic destination and I hope that this guide on where to stay in the Galapagos Islands will help you plan the most amazing trip there!
As I mentioned, it’s super important to book your Galapagos vacation, in advance, everything from hotels or cruises! Since this is such a popular spot with not many options when it comes to hotels, it’s better to be prepared and secure your spot 6 months to 1 year in advance from the date of your trip.
If you’re still not sure which hotels to pick for your holiday, check out my top 2 favorite ones both set on Santa Cruz island, which is the main hub here:
- Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel – a stunning hotel that comes with an outdoor pool and a garden
- Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel – this boutique hotel offers an airport shuttle and a restaurant
Have fun exploring these islands and seeing all the wildlife! If you have any questions on the Galapagos, just drop me a comment below and I’ll make sure to answer as soon as I can.
Safe Travels,
Yulia
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Hi Yulia
We are going to spend 6 nights in the Galapagos. Would you recommend staying 2 nights each on San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, and Isabella, or should we spend 3 nights each on two islands?
If we do two islands, which would you recommend? We plan to do day trips as well.
Thanks for your input
Melissa
Hi Melissa!
Oh, that is a very good question! remember that it will take you a couple of hours to get from one island to the other and the road is bumpy, so I personally would not want to do it every 2 days (consider the road and that is 1,5 days of actual exploring on the island)
I absolutely loved Isabella, it is such a special island, so I would for sure include that one in your itinerary.
San Cristobal and Santa Cruz imho are a bit more similar in this way (offer similar activities), so just choose any of them (probably they one you will fly to). Santa Cruz I think is a bit more popular as it has the Darwin Center and the place to see tortoises.
Hope that helps,
have an amazing trip!
Hi Yulia,
I thought your article was extremely helpful. Which month would you recommend between June, July and August. My husband and I are retired and have some flexibility.
Thanks you,
Marilyn Kaufman
hi Marilyn!
I visited in January, and I remember that they said you see more marine life during that time. Any months from June- Aug is good too, the weather should be not hot and not cold and you will probably see a bit more life on land than we saw.
Galapagos is pretty much a year round destination, so you can’t go wrong with any month, you will love it there!
Enjoy your trip!
Thank you for all this great information.
I am a solo traveler, retired, older and have a love for reptiles.
please advise me what tour and/ or boat or hotels would be best to see the most reptiles.
This has been my dream for many, many years.
thank you,
Dian
Hi Dian!
I came back from the trip a couple of month ago and I can tell you you are going to see iguanas everywhere. Just take ANY, you are going to see the variety of them everywhere.
Not sure if you are counting turtles under reptiles too, – the marine ones are also everywhere, but the land tortoises are best seen in Santa Cruz as they have a fantastic Darwin center and Giant Tortoise Reserve
I can recommend this hotel for Santa Cruz