If you are a traveler seeking a luxury experience then the Galapagos Islands have a lot to offer. The Islands are located 600 miles off the west coast of Ecuador and make up an enchanting archipelago full of unique and exotic wildlife.
Ecuador Mainland
In order to arrive at the Galapagos, you will need an overnight in Quito or Guayaquil before and after your tour. Fortunately, there are 5 star alternatives in Quito such as the Casa Gangotena that will ensure that, rather than feeling it an imposition, you may consider spending another few nights there. The hotel combines a restored historic mansion with all the modern amenities and outstanding service so that you will lack for nothing.
Travel to the Islands
You will arrive into the Galapagos by taking a short flight from the mainland via Quito or Guayaquil. It is highly recommended that you arrange your vacation to the Galapagos ahead of time to ensure availability on the ship or in the hotels you prefer. Booking with a travel agency or tour operator is a good idea.
There are two ways in which visitors explore and experience the Galapagos, cruising tours or land based tours.
Galapagos Luxury Cruises
There are more than one-hundred different options to choose from when planning a cruise to the Galapagos and the size of the vessels range from intimate 16 passenger luxury catamarans such as the “Ocean Spray” to 100 passenger ships like the “Explorer II”.
If you are the type of traveler who wants the stability of a large ship without the crowd then there are also mid-size yachts to choose from such as La Pinta yacht. La Pinta has 24 deluxe cabins with floor to ceiling windows all located on the upper deck of the ship.
Each ship has a unique cruise schedule and route. The number of days that you choose to cruise is entirely a subjective decision; however it is recommend to at least cruise for five days.
One of the advantages of cruising is that you will get to cover more territory in less time. You will spend the days exploring the islands and partaking in a variety of activities and at night your ship will cruise the seas, so each morning you wake up in a new part of the astonishing archipelago.
Galapagos Luxury Hotels
Travelers who seek the comfort and luxuries of a hotel will also encounter a wide variety of options to choose from in the Galapagos.
Keep in mind that the Galapagos is composed of many different islands and the location of lodges and hotels will vary. There is a large concentration of hotels in Santa Cruz which is main island of the Galapagos. It is also home to the Charles Darwin Research Center.
There are only two hotels in Santa Cruz that claim to be five star, The Royal Palm and Finch Bay Eco Lodge.
The main advantage of staying in a lodge or hotel is that during the day you take short boat cruises to different islands and in the evenings you spend time on land, which gives you more free time to explore the islands, restaurants, and other attractions at your own pace.
Take into consideration that the luxury hotel experience in the Galapagos is not going to be the same as your high-end Miami vacation yet it will offer you high quality amenities, high standards of service, and the opportunity to get the most out of your vacation.
By James Bridgeford II. James is an avid photographer and travel writer originally from Kansas City, USA who has spent the last 5 years living in South America. He loves finding places off the beaten path and living amongst the locals. James wrote this article for Vaya Adventures, a travel specialist offering Galapagos cruises.
