How to Find Luxury Hotels in the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a remote archipelago of islands about 620 miles west of South America. Belonging to the country of Ecuador, the Galapagos consist of 13 major islands, six minor islands, and many other rocks and islets. Home to scores of rare and unique wildlife, the Galapagos Islands attract nature lovers from around the globe.

Things You'll Need

• Passport
• Computer with Internet access for making reservations

Instructions

Choose Where to Stay in the Galapagos Islands

1. Book a package at an eco-hotel to combine excursions with luxury accommodations. All-inclusive packages make navigating the Galapagos a breeze. Packages cost between $800 and $1,800 per person and range from three to seven nights.

2. Stay on Santa Cruz for the biggest selection of accommodations, from youth hostels to luxury hotels. The most expensive suite on the island costs several hundred dollars per night.

Travel To and Around the Galapagos

1. Fly into either Santa Cruz or San Cristobal, the only two islands with airports. Planes from Quito and Guayaquil in Ecuador fly daily to both airports.

2. Arrange day trips to other islands if you are staying in a hotel. Small boats can be hired for $25 or $30 each way between the main islands.

3. Choose to see the Galapagos Islands by cruise. Cruise ships at budget, moderate and luxury price points are the most common way to tour the islands. One to two week trips in luxury yachts can cost between $2,000 and $7,000 per person and typically do not include airfare.

Tips & Warnings

• There are only four islands in the Galapagos that have accommodations: Santa Cruz-Indefatigable, Isabela-Albermarle, San Cristobal-Chatam and Santa Maria-Floreana.

• If you take a cruise, book a tour that includes the Fernandina, Genovesa and Isabela islands. Discount tours may skip these, but they are worth paying full price.

• Flights from mainland Ecuador are expensive--between $300 and $400 per person. Look for cheaper flights from May to September. This is the low season.

• Visit between December and May for the best weather conditions. Temperatures are warm and winds are light, but there is more rainfall during this time.

• Wildlife on the islands are not afraid of humans and will generally ignore tourists.

• You must have a return ticket to fly to the Galapagos Islands.

• Pay attention to instructions from tour guides and always stay on marked paths in order to protect the wildlife.