Top 5 land-based stays in the Galapagos Islands

It’s for good reason that the Galapagos Islands appear on many a travel bucket-list. Nowhere else in the world can travellers expect to enjoy such intimate and unusual encounters with this staggering range of wildlife. Isolated from human society, the creatures of this volcanic archipelago show little fear toward their curious human visitors, facilitating close-up viewing opportunities and unforgettable underwater experiences.

Though the most common way to explore this natural paradise is on a small-vessel cruise, not everyone’s sea-legs are up to spending multiple nights on a boat. Thankfully, for those who prefer to settle down on firmer ground, the Galapagos Islands aren’t short of characterful luxury lodges ready to provide a high-end land-based experience.

Here are the top accommodation suggestions from Humboldt Travel, a Galapagos specialist, for those who wish to experience the magic of the Galapagos with their feet on solid land:

Montemar Eco-Luxury Villas, Santa Cruz

Set on a 43-acre site, Montemar offers just two elegant eco-villas, boasting the lowest carbon footprint of luxury properties in the Galapagos. An authentic Galapagos experience lovingly crafted by Reyna Oleas and Roberto Plaza, a husband-and-wife team of local conservationists, Montemar’s programme of activities highlights not only the transformative potential of connection with the Galapagos nature, but also elements of daily life in a galapagueño community.

Aside from the abundant wildlife roaming freely on the estate, the property features an organic coffee plantation where guests can enjoy curated coffee tasting experiences with local experts. With the advantage of being personally hosted by the hotel ownership, guests can participate in a truly bespoke activity programme of cooking classes, conservation project visits, wellness activities, yoga, wildlife tours, and underwater exploration.

Offering thoughtfully personalised stays, unparalleled eco-credentials and a warm, family-friendly experience, Montemar is a truly idyllic Galapagos hideaway.

Pikaia Lodge, Santa Cruz

Overlooking the vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean and the undulating hills of the Santa Cruz highlands, Pikaia Lodge is a luxury eco-retreat oozing with style. Carbon-neutral in its operations, this stunning lodge is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateau group of outstanding global restaurants and hotels.

A sleek wildlife lodge for travellers with adventurous spirits, this striking hotel is perched on the edge of an extinct volcanic crater. The only Galapagos hotel with its own private natural reserve, guests can enjoy the opportunity to connect with wild giant Galapagos tortoises without the crowds. Exploration packages for guests include opportunities to hike, bike, kayak, snorkel, dive and tour other islands in the archipelago on the hotel’s 145 ft private luxury yacht M/Y Vision – Pikaia.

None of Pikaia’s eco-credentials and environmentally responsible practices come at the expense of comfort. On the contrary, Pikaia’s guests can make use of an elegant infinity pool with sweeping views of the inland terrain, a full spa service and an exquisite restaurant experience. Offering more privacy and a higher level of luxury facilities than most Galapagos cruises, without sacrificing the wildlife-watching opportunities, Pikaia is the perfect match for the discerning traveller.

Galapagos Safari Camp, Santa Cruz Island

The pioneering brainchild of founders, Stephanie Bonham-Carter and Michael Mesdag, the Galapagos Safari Camp is an intimate African-safari-style retreat, ideal as a base for exploring the archipelago by land and sea, or as a peaceful and quirky extension to a cruise itinerary.

With sweeping views of the highlands of Santa Cruz, the camp offers ten tented suites providing guests with an exclusive-feeling and comfortable way to experience the islands, connected to the outdoors. Each tent includes a balcony, complete with a hammock for relaxation after a day of exploring, while the main lodge building features a fine dining restaurant, a lounge bar, and a cosy fireplace. For those seeking to unwind in perfect peace, the infinity pool and spacious veranda tick all the boxes.

Rooted in the philosophy of ‘Appropriate Luxury’ this family-owned lodge encourages a close connection with nature through thoughtful cuisine, responsible land stewardship and highly personalised, tailor-made activity itineraries that are impactful on the spirit, but never the environment. With two family safari tents and one three-bedroom family suite, the Camp also provides accommodation that works for multigenerational families searching for an authentic Galapagos experience to enjoy together.

Horseback riding, private hikes, snorkelling, diving, kayaking and full day island excursions all make up part of the Camp’s diverse experience menu, with each stay tailored to the specific interests of your group.

For personalised service and a rustic, considered luxury experience, Galapagos Safari Camp is a wonderful option.

Finch Bay Hotel, Santa Cruz

As impressive for its environmental credentials as for its stunning beachfront views, Finch Bay has long been one of the finest purveyors of land accommodation in the archipelago. Named South America’s leading green hotel for three years on the bounce, this eco-conscious boutique property blends the utmost luxury comforts with a deep respect for the Galapagos’ fragile ecosystems and natural beauty.

Carefully styled with fresh neutral tones that reflect the vegetation and shifting sands that surround the hotel, Finch Bay’s 21 rooms and 6 elegant suites invite the rich natural abundance of the outdoors into their indoor spaces. With a similar reverence for nature’s bounty, the hotel dining team delight guests with a light, health-conscious cuisine that is guided by the ingredients grown seasonally in the hotel’s own organic gardens.

The only beachfront property on the island of Santa Cruz, Finch Bay offers unrivalled access to the sea and offers daily yacht tours for those who wish to seek wildlife encounters further afield and benefit from the expertise of the hotel’s team of exceptional guides. Alternatively, bike hire, guided hikes, snorkelling and diving can all be arranged through the hotel’s concierge.

After a day of exploring by land or sea, Finch Bay offers a restful and secluded retreat experience.

Scalesia Lodge, Isabela

Offering another luxe safari-style experience, but on the island of Isabela, Scalesia Lodge opened in 2015. With a remote location away from the hubbub of Santa Cruz Island, this luxury lodge concept promises travellers blissful seclusion, perfect tranquillity and unspoiled views of the surrounding landscapes.

Formed of a striking main lodge building and sixteen sturdy tented suites, Scalesia’s hospitality offering perfectly balances giving guests the utmost privacy but also providing inviting social spaces for travellers to debrief together on their daily Galapagos adventures. Guests can take advantage of a variety of wildlife and adventure activities during their stay such as guided hikes and kayak tours.

Dotted sparsely amidst the trees of the surrounding scalesia forest, the suites each boast hot showers, plush bathrobes and indulgent beds for luxurious comfort in the wilderness. Featuring soft lighting, climate control and large private decks with marvellous views of the island, these spacious accommodations are appointed with everything guest’s need to guarantee a relaxing night’s sleep.

Each evening, enjoy an a la carte menu that celebrates the rich flavours of the Galapagos, featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in every dish, before whiling away the rest of the evening, cocktail in hand, in the lodge jacuzzi.

Whether you favour a land-based stay due to discomfort with boats or simply wish to combine a traditional cruise with an alternative Galapagos experience, these properties can cater to a full range of traveller tastes. Combining the cutting edge of eco-luxury accommodation with phenomenal wildlife experiences, they make for an unforgettable Galapagos adventure.

Simon Williams

Simon Williams is Director of Humboldt Travel. Humboldt Travel is a luxury travel company specialising in tailor made holidays to Latin America, Africa and Asia. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.