4 Top Areas & Hotels (2024)

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A seal pup with wet, sandy fur rests on rocky terrain.

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:

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:

Things to know about the Galapagos Islands

A blue-footed booby stands on a rock in a dry, rocky landscape, displaying its distinctive bright blue feet.

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)

A group of marine iguanas lying on sandy ground with green shrubs in the background under a cloudy sky.

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

Outdoor dining area with wooden deck, white furniture, and string lights overlooking a marina with several boats docked under a cloudy evening sky.

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.

Cacti grow in an arid landscape with a vibrant blue sea and a boat in the background under a clear sky.

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.

Luxury hotel

Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel

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

Mid-Range

Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel

Chill in the hammocks and watch the giant tortoises at this boutique hotel that offers swimming pool and breakfast

Budget

Patty Hospedajel

A nice budget place that has a great location, a swimming pool, and family rooms with air-conditioning

Airbnb

Encantadas Sea

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

2. San Cristobal – best place to stay on a budget

A small harbor with several boats and a larger white vessel in the foreground. In the background is a town with low-rise buildings and hilly terrain.

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).

A group of sea lions rests on a rocky beach with a lighthouse in the background and the ocean extending towards the horizon under a bright blue sky.

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).

Luxury hotel

Galápagos Casa Playa Mann

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

Mid-Range

Eco Hotel Katarma

Enjoy the sun by the swimming pool of this boutique hotel that has a restaurant and a bar

Budget

Hostal Romy

Offering spacious rooms and sea views, this budget hotel has many facilities, including a free airport shuttle

Airbnb

Modern Apartment

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

Two people sit at the edge of a wooden dock overlooking the ocean, accompanied by a lounging sea lion. Small trees jut from the water, and jackets hang on hooks on the right.

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.

A penguin stands on a rock with blurred rocks and water in the background.

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!

Luxury hotel

Isamar Hotel

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

Mid-Range

The Isabela Beach House

Enjoy the ocean views from the private beach of this hotel that offers breakfast and has family rooms and a garden

Budget

Hotel La Jungla

A nice beachfront hotel with family rooms where guests have access to a shared lounge and a garden

Airbnb

Flip Flop House

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

A coastal town with buildings, a red and white lighthouse, and lush green hills in the background, viewed from the ocean.

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.