Amazing Galápagos Trip
Galapagos Islands | Aug 22 - Aug 29, 2025

S
Stephanie K.
Janesville, WI | Reviewed on Sep 02, 2025

Alvaro made the planning process very easy and quickly answered all our questions. We had an amazing trip and absolutely loved all the hiking, snorkeling, boating, and great food! We took hundreds of photos and made lots of great memories. We especially loved our hotel in Santa Cruz and hearing the story of the owner and her family- she greeted us with iced tea and cold towels to cool off and we had a delicious breakfast on the rooftop with views of the harbor each day of our stay.

Hotel Reviews
Plaza Luna Suites
Puerto Ayora

Amazing hotel! Owner was super sweet and told us all about her family history. We lived the breakfast in the roof, the little garden, and the great staff! Would recommend to anyone going to Santa Cruz!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Isamar Hotel
Puerto Villamil, Isla Isabela

Helpful staff and great location right in beach

San Jose de Puembo Quito Airport, an Ascend Hotel Collection
Puembo, Quito

Beautiful hotel and delicious food at restaurant

Activity Reviews
Snorkeling at Tortuga Bay
Snorkeling at Tortuga Bay
Puerto Ayora

Loved the hike and kayaking in the bay- saw lots of sea turtles! Bring cash to rent your own kayak

Welcome to Ecuador: Let Your Adventure Begin!
Welcome to Ecuador: Let Your Adventure Begin!
Galapagos Islands
Welcome to Santa Cruz Island:  Highlands (Plant a Tree)  & Charles Darwin Research Station
Welcome to Santa Cruz Island: Highlands (Plant a Tree) & Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora

Loved the lava cave tour and the tortoise ranch. Had a delicious meal and lots of great photos

Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano (AM) & Speedboat to Santa Cruz Island (PM)
Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano (AM) & Speedboat to Santa Cruz Island (PM)
Galapagos Islands

Beautiful hike- challenging if you aren’t in shape though. It is 10 miles in rough terrain. Recommend bring own meal as meal is not as good as food in rest of trip (missed my vegetarian note so I only had oranges to eat). We love hiking and this had great views and a fun climb so would reccomend!

Afternoon Bay Tour in Santa Cruz
Afternoon Bay Tour in Santa Cruz
Puerto Ayora

We lived the boat ride and animals we saw- lots of baby blue footed boobies! We enjoyed snorkeling as well.

Discover the Wonders of Tintoreras Islet: A Journey into Breathtaking Biodiversity
Discover the Wonders of Tintoreras Islet: A Journey into Breathtaking Biodiversity
Puerto Villamil

Great wildlife in this tour- recommend renting your own wetsuit in town ahead of time

Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island
Puerto Ayora

Best way to end the trip- peaceful and scenic boat ride to North Seymour with lunch, free wine, fresh fruit and great views. We loved seeing all the wildlife including flamingos! Had a great time snorkeling as well! Reccomend renting wetsuit day before

Welcome Back to Quito
Welcome Back to Quito
Galapagos Islands
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Sep 08, 2025
Hello Stephanie, What a joy to read this—thank you! I’m so happy the planning felt easy and that the hiking, snorkeling, boating, and (very important) great food all hit the mark. The Santa Cruz hotel team will be so excited to hear your kind words; iced tea, cool towels, and those harbor-view rooftop breakfasts are exactly the welcome we hope our travelers remember. If you’re happy to share a couple of your favorite photos, I’d love to pass them along to the hotel family and (with your... Read more

Hello Stephanie,

What a joy to read this—thank you! I’m so happy the planning felt easy and that the hiking, snorkeling, boating, and (very important) great food all hit the mark. The Santa Cruz hotel team will be so excited to hear your kind words; iced tea, cool towels, and those harbor-view rooftop breakfasts are exactly the welcome we hope our travelers remember.

If you’re happy to share a couple of your favorite photos, I’d love to pass them along to the hotel family and (with your permission) feature them on our channels. And whenever you’re ready for round two—Isabela’s penguins, San Cristóbal’s sea lions, or a mainland mix of Andes + Amazon—I’m here to help you plan it.

Thanks again for trusting us with your trip and for the wonderful review!

Best regards,
Alvaro