Luxury Galápagos Hotels and Lodges made for you
Guided nature walks
Spot endemic species with your naturalist guide
Birdwatching
Keep an eye on the sky for the Galápagos' native bird species
Private yachts
Cruise between islands on your lodge's private yacht
Friendly neighbours
Watch giant tortoises grazing outside your villa
Experience the Galápagos Islands from a luxury hotel or lodge
The Galápagos Islands are one of the most incredible wildlife watching destinations in the world. Discover their enduring appeal and witness the wildlife all around with a stay at a luxury hotel or lodge located on the islands. Ideal for families and those wanting a little more flexibility, land-based Galápagos tours present a relaxing, private way to explore, with incredible safari-style excursions built around you.
The islands of Santa Cruz and Isabela are home to a selection of luxury Galápagos lodges and an African-style safari camp that place you at the heart of the archipelago’s fascinating eco-systems. Watch 100 year old giant tortoises stroll leisurely past your villa at Montemar Eco Luxury Villas, one of our favourite Galápagos lodges and part of our Positive Impact Collection.
At Pikaia Lodge, situated on its own private reserve, you can explore the nearby islands by private yacht. The Galápagos Safari Camp boasts stunning views from its lush highlands location. From the luxury tented camp you can enjoy a series of naturalist-led land and water based excursions.
Our favourite Galápagos luxury hotels offer a varied experience to help you explore the islands. You can go kayaking, snorkelling and island hopping by boat on day trips to neighbouring islands. On foot, explore sublime lava formations, forests of cacti, green highlands and scenic beaches with private guides, who’ll use their wildlife watching expertise to help you spot endemic species.
Spot playful sea lions and marine iguanas foraging for algae as you snorkel in the shallows. Back on land, keep your eyes peeled for abundant and unusual bird species, including blue-footed boobies, red throated frigatebirds and the now iconic Darwin’s finches.
Our expert travel designers can advise on the best luxury Galápagos hotels for you, either as a standalone trip or combined with time on a luxury Galápagos cruise. Get in touch to start planning your bespoke Galápagos tour.
Highlights
Go birdwatching with an expert naturalist, searching for vibrant blue-footed boobies or red-chested frigatebirds
Discover the islands’ geology on a nature walk with a private guide, learning about volcanic landscapes and lava flows
Observe giant tortoises, who live for well over 100 years in the wild, as they stroll past your lodge
Kayak or snorkel in waters filled with curious sea lions, Galápagos penguins, sea turtles and marine iguanas
Sail to neighbouring islands by private yacht to discover their distinct characteristics and native wildlife
Meet with locals to learn about life on this remote archipelago, trying your hand at traditional agriculture, small-scale fishing, or local arts and crafts
My first visit to the Galapagos was better than I could have ever imagined and these beautiful islands quickly became my favourite destination in South America. They’re home to unique wildlife you won’t find anywhere else in the world, and staying in one of our carefully selected luxury lodges is a fantastic way to explore. Whether you choose to stay by the beach or up in the highlands – or both – a land-based Galápagos tour is a great option for families or groups who are looking for a little more flexibility.
Lily Bunker
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury hotels and lodges in the Galápagos
There are many incredible places to stay in the Galápagos. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our luxury Galapagos example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
Places to combine the Galápagos with
Cotopaxi
The central sierra of Ecuador is a beautifully scenic highland area and it’s here you’ll find the aptly named Avenue of the Volcanoes. Cotopaxi National Park is a hiker’s paradise, while nature lovers will rejoice at the chance to spot majestic condors flying overhead.
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Galapagos - Cruises
Combine your land-based Galápagos stay with a cruise to maximise your exploration of the islands. Our handpicked luxury vessels range from ultra-private yachts, to spacious catamarans and larger expedition ships.
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Quito
Ecuador’s capital, one of the highest in the world, is a fascinating mix of historical charm and striking modernity, with contrasts found around every corner of this dynamic but modest city.
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Machu Picchu
Enjoy both natural and man-made wonders by combining your Galápagos trip with a visit to Machu Picchu. Rediscovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham, the UNESCO World Heritage site is perched on a mountain ridge some 2,400 metres above sea level and commands jaw-dropping views of the vertiginous landscapes.
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Northern Peru Amazon Cruises
The perfect accompaniment to the Galápagos, the Peruvian Amazon is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. tineraries take you into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, where you can kayak through flooded forests and navigate snaking tributaries by skiff alongside giant river otters and pink dolphins.
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Otavalo Area
The heart of Ecuadorian craftsmanship and folk traditions, Otavalo is the place to experience authentic Ecuadorian culture. Throughout the town there are countless features that reflect these fascinating traditions, with the proud Otavalo population eager to showcase their culture, with many dressing in traditional attire.
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The Cloud Forests
Home to over 500 species of bird, thousands of species of orchid, numerous mammals and many colourful reptiles, Ecuador's Cloud Forests are a nature lover’s haven, best explored during day and night walking trails.
Discover moreMeet your Latin America team
When to visit
The best time to visit the Galápagos is during the warm, wet season, which runs from December to April. During this time, you’ll experience calmer seas, which offer better snorkelling visibility and more favourable conditions for sailing. Days are typically hot and sunny, with temperatures between 24°C–30°C (75°F–86°F).
Although snorkelling is possible all year round, you will need a full wetsuit to do so during the cooler, though drier, months, which occur between May and November. Typical temperatures during this time are between 20°C–28°C (68°F–82F°F). For birdwatching, we recommend going between April and June, while for whale watching, the best time is from June to September. Sea lions can be seen all year round, although they can be seen in the highest quantities from October to November, during breeding season.
Cool, dry season
May–November
Warm, wet season
December–April
Galápagos travel guides
Plan your trip to Luxury Galapagos Hotels
Whatever you want from your adventure in the Galapagos Islands, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
