The Galapagos Islands, or
Archipelago de Colon (as they're also known), are an archipelago
of 13 major volcanic islands - with over 40 smaller islands.
The islands are located exactly on the equator some 600
miles off the coast of Ecuador. Due to their location,
the islands are warm most of the year; however, the year
is divided into a "hot" season, which runs from January
to April, and a "cool" season, from April thru to December.
Essentially, however, the major difference between these
two seasons is that you're more likely to experience rain
during the hot season. As a result, the vegetation during
this time is usually greener and there is also a far greater
chance that you'll be able to see some of the islands
exotic bird-life.
Whilst it would be fair to say that most visitors to
the island spend a majority of their visit here on a cruise,
with the islands' unique fauna, vegetation and wild-life,
it would be a shame not to take the opportunity to spend
some of your stay in one of the Galapagos Islands hotels.
Here, Galapagos Islands accommodations range from the
very simple to the simply elegant. It should be borne
in mind, however, that, essentially, only 4 islands have
accommodation.
The 4 Galapagos Islands with hotels are:
* Santa Cruz;
* Isabela;
* San Cristobal; and
* Santa Maria.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Hotels - Santa Cruz
Galapagos Islands accommodation available on Santa Cruz
includes hotels and youth hostels. Some of the more well-known
hotels include:
* the Red Mangrove Inn - which offers
private on-suite bathroom, a bar, splendid gardens and
laundry service. Through the hotel it is also possible
to arrange certain activities available on the island;
including scuba-diving, kayaking and snorkeling.
* Silberstein - offers a service equal
to any of the other Galapagos Islands hotels with restaurant,
bar, swimming pool, scenic gardens - and the hotel even
has televisions in each room.
* Sol Y Mar - if you want to stay in
a Galapagos Islands accommodation close to the beachfront,
it will be hard to find a finer place to stay than Sol
Y Mar. As well as having beachfront views, the hotel has
on-suite bathrooms and all the usual services provided
by other Galapagos Islands, Ecuador hotels.
* Darwin - for those traveling to the
Galapagos Islands on a budget, the Darwin is a hostel
providing basic Galapagos Islands accommodation. Notwithstanding
this, the hostel is clean and pleasant.
* In a similar vein to the Darwin are the Espana,
Flamingo and Nuevo Elizabeth, all of which can
be found in the centre of the town.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Hotels - Isabela
Galapagos Islands accommodation on Isabela mirror its
more rustic feel - the streets here are still sandy! However,
if you're looking for elegance, whilst staying on the
island, the La casa de Marita Hotel offers 10 suites located
a stone's throw from the beach with all your usual home
comforts; including air conditioned rooms and internet
services!
Budget accommodation on the island can be found at Hotel
Loja, which at around $5-10 per night is basic but extremely
good value for money (when you consider where you are
!).
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Hotels - San Cristobal
Although San Cristobal is actually the capital of the
Galapagos Islands, accommodation on the island is less
abundant than can be found on Santa Cruz. Having said
that, with up-market hotels like Orca, with its 20 rooms,
a visit here is well worth it!. And for those looking
for more of a budget feel to their Galapagos Islands accommodation,
whilst stay on San Cristobal, the San Francisco hostel
offers basic, but clean, accommodation at between $5-8
per person.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Hotels - Floreana
Floreana is the most remote of the Galapagos Islands where
accommodation is available. The island, made famous by
pirates and buccaneers, is full of mystery and romantic-collusion.
However, Floreana only has one Galapagos Island hotel
on offer for you to stay at - the Wittmer. This is not
to say, however, that you're not going to be made more
than welcome there!
So, if you're thinking of taking a trip to the Galapagos
Islands, and intend to take a cruise, why not extend your
trip by a day or two and take in some of the atmosphere
of the islands with a stay at one of the Galapagos Islands
hotels - they're sure to make it worth your while and
make you feel right at home!
