Iguana Crossing Hotel
Puerto Villamil ends where the sandy beach begins, and with it the path that the Iguana Crossing Hotel owes its name to. Marine iguanas take it daily from the wetlands down to the water and return in the evening. The boutique eco-hotel behind it relies on local craftsmanship and aims to not place modern amenities against the island's nature. Those sitting by the pool see red rock crabs scurrying over the black lava rock and pelicans circling above the surf. A team, mostly from the island, maintains the operation at a pace that suits the place. The town center is within walking distance, and from there your tours to the volcanoes and snorkeling spots of Isabela begin.
Details
Country
Ecuador
Location
Isabela Island
Price
from €150 per night/person
Best time to visit
Year-round
Rooms
The house comes with fourteen rooms and suites, for whose construction materials from the island were used. The largest unit is the Master Suite, whose terrace is located directly above the coast, and the same view is offered by the Junior Suite in a more compact form for couples. The Ocean View Rooms accommodate two adults or small families with two double beds and some have a balcony. From the Volcano View Rooms, the view towards the land side extends over the Scalesia forest to Sierra Negra, optionally with a king or twin bed. The design remains understated and follows an environmental design that subordinates the furnishings to the character of the island.
Culinary
Most of what is on the plate has a short journey behind it. Vegetables from its own cultivation come from the hotel's hacienda in the highlands of Isabela, as does coffee and milk. The fish comes from the catch of the day and can be found in the ceviche as well as in the Ecuadorian sancocho with yucca. Their specialty is showcased on the lava stone grill around which the fusion dishes on the menu are arranged. Bread is baked every morning at a bakery in the village, and fresh-pressed juices are enjoyed at the bar with a view of the sea.
Activities
The excursions on Isabela start in the morning and end the afternoon by the pool. In front of Los Túneles, lava arches curve over clear waters, where you can encounter seahorses and green sea turtles while snorkeling. The islets of Las Tintoreras are closer, where a short path leads over the lava rock before going into the water to see sea lions and manta rays. Into the highlands, it goes to Sierra Negra, the most active volcano on the island, whose caldera you circle on a hike and from whose rim the path continues to Volcán Chico with its fumaroles. The Muro de las Lágrimas, a wall of lava stones from the time of the penal colony, can be reached by bike, passing lagoons with flamingos and the breeding station for giant tortoises.
This image was generated with AI.
This image was generated with AI.
Location
Puerto Villamil is located in the south of Isabela, the largest island of the Galápagos archipelago, and the hotel property borders directly on the beach. This coastal stretch extends for nearly five kilometers, and you can reach the town center in just a few minutes on foot. To the west, the wetlands adjoin the town, and the boats for excursions start from the harbor. Inland, the terrain rises to the highlands where the agricultural zone of the island begins about 14 kilometers from the town. The access to the volcanoes in the interior of the island begins on the same road.
Contact person
Senior Travel Designer
