Catherine - Savvy Family TravelWhether you need a place to sleep for a night or two before setting off on a cruise or if you plan to settle in for exploration using Santa Cruz Galapagos hotels as your base, we’ve compiled the best stays on the island.
Santa Cruz Galapagos Hotels
Land Based Galapagos Travel
When we took our first trip to the Galapagos, we were pleasantly surprised by how fulfilled and diverse our land based exploration of the islands turned out to be.
If you’re still deciding whether to book a cruise, check out our Galapagos Money Smart Guide to decide.
Where to Stay on Santa Cruz Island
Do you want to wake up to the sound of waves in Puerto Ayora or immerse yourself in nature in the highlands?
Highlands
Some of the pros of staying in the Highlands are seclusion and accessibility to the lava tunnels and tortoise farms. It’ll also be a little closer to the airport.
Puerto Ayora
In Puerto Ayora, you’ll have walkable accessibility to beaches, the boat docks for many excursions (including ferries to Isabela and San Cristobal), and many restaurants and shops.
Getting to Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Plane. Bus. Boat. Taxi. That’s what it takes to reach the Santa Cruz Galapagos hotels if you’re arriving from Ecuador’s mainland.
We created a full guide of everything you need to know about flying into the Galapagos Islands and how to reach your hotel once your plane touches down. It’s an adventure in itself, but overall a working system.
Cost of Santa Cruz Galapagos Hotels
How much should you expect to spend on Santa Cruz Galapagos hotels?
Prices can vary wildly depending on the season, location, and level of luxury.
In October, we found that mid-range hotels averaged around $200-$300 per night, while luxury stays could easily go beyond $500 depending on how many people and the room type chosen.
To help you budget your trip, we’ve broken down the costs of different hotel categories so you know exactly what to expect.
- All Inclusive Resorts: $4,000+
- Boutique and Luxury: $300+
- Mid Range: $200+
- Budget: $100+
All-Inclusive & Unique Experiences
Some places in Santa Cruz take the hotel experience to a whole new level. If you want a completely stress-free, immersive Galapagos experience, these unique stays might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Pikaia Lodge
The ultra-luxurious Pikaia Lodge is perched on volcanic hills and offer guests fully organized adventure programs.
All inclusive packages start at $5,330 per person.
Galapagos Safari Camp
At the Galapagos Safari Camp you can “glamp” in the middle of nature and the roaming Galapagos Tortoises may just show up in your yard!
All inclusive tours priced at $4,000+ per person.
Best Hotels in Santa Cruz, Galapagos
It’s entirely possible to explore the Galapagos Islands on a budget or to do so in luxury! Below we’ve curated a list of fantastic Santa Cruz Galapagos hotels for every budget.
Luxury Resorts & Boutique Hotels
If you’re looking for a high-end experience, Santa Cruz has some truly stunning options. We’re talking infinity pools overlooking the ocean, private excursions to hidden coves, and gourmet meals featuring freshly caught seafood.
Finch Bay
A stay at Finch Bay feels like you’ve found your own exclusive corner of the island just outside Puerto Ayora. It’s quite close to a unique swimming hole, Las Grietas.
Price per night: $550+
Royal Palm
If you want to base yourself in the highlands, in the middle of the Galapagos Tortoises’ habitat, consider a luxurious stay at the Royal Palm. This hotel also offers a unique experience of dining inside one of the islands famous lava tunnels. (Open to non-guests of the hotel as well, but reservations are required.)
Price per night: $300+
Mid-Range & Comfortable Stays
Not every great hotel has to come with a sky-high price tag. We found some fantastic mid-range options that balanced comfort, location, and value. These hotels offer beautiful rooms, great service, and a relaxing atmosphere without the luxury price tag. If you’re looking for something stylish and comfortable but still budget-conscious, these are your best bets.
Blu Oceanfront Lodge
Blu Galapagos Sustainable Lodge provides an Oceanfront experience in a resort type property. Experience luxury without the hefty price tag.
Price per night: $230+
Villa Escalesa
If you want to be in the middle of Puerto Ayora, walkable to the boat docks, central to great restaurants, but still feel the elegance of a luxury hotel, check out Hotel Villa Escalesia and its oceanside pool.
Price per night: $250+
Budget Hotels & Affordable Stays
Santa Cruz isn’t just for luxury travelers—there are plenty of budget-friendly options that still give you access to all the island’s magic.
Lonesome George Ecolodge
If you’re saving your cash for wildlife tours and day trips, these spots will let you stretch your Santa Cruz Galapagos hotels’ budget while keeping you only a few blocks from all the action. The Lonesome George Ecolodge is a fun and quirky rustic stay.
Price per night: $105+
Hotel Mainao
Hotel Mainao boasts free breakfast, laundry available, and a beautiful property.
We met fellow budget travelers staying here and it offered everything they needed: a comfy bed, a good shower, and a prime location close to the action.
Price per night: $120+
Apartments & Vacation Rentals
Vacation Rentals found on Booking.com or Airbnb.com are another great option. If you’re traveling with family, staying longer than a few days, or just want more space and privacy, renting an apartment or villa might be a better option.
We stayed this is affordable Airbnb with a Balcony. It was quiet, offered solid wifi, was immaculately clean and was easily walkable to restaurants and the Charles Darwin Research Center.
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Stays
Sustainability is a big deal in the Galapagos, and many Santa Cruz Galapagos hotels are stepping up their game. We were impressed by how many places prioritized eco-friendly practices, from solar panels to water conservation.
If you want to support conservation efforts while still enjoying a beautiful stay, consider supporting Finch Bay, Blu Galapagos, Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel, or Montemar.
What to Do in Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Where you stay should match what you want to do. When we visited, our days were packed with snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife watching, so being close to the action was key.
We started our Galapagos adventure in one of the Santa Cruz Galapagos hotels and it served as the perfect base to begin our trip.
In our 7 days in the Galapagos, we saw so many of the unique species of the islands following this itinerary.
Save these Santa Cruz Galapagos Hotels for Later
Pin for future trip planning.
Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links on which (at no additional cost to you) I may earn a small commission. I promise to use any kickback to explore more of our incredible world. Read full privacy policy here.