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Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador directly on the equator and alone in the Pacific Ocean lies volcanic hotspots with lava clad shores and rugged landscapes with mysterious prehistoric creatures. The enchanted islands of the Galapagos have been drawing people here since Charles Darwin was carried off course nearly 200 years ago on the HMS Beagle, discovering what he claimed to be hell on earth. He mentioned sea dragons slithering onto land, as black as the lava itself, tortoises as big as grown men, and various species of birds that he took heavy interest in, namely mockingbirds and finches. The man undeniably made giant leaps in the name of science, sure. But his description of hell on earth couldn’t be further from the truth.

Getting there

Quito is about a nine hour journey from Little Rock which was made very simple by the multiple route options from Houston, Atlanta, Miami and beyond. Flights from the U.S. land in the evening so it’s safe to say that an overnight in Quito is the way to go. We spent two nights at GoQuito Hotel in the city before departing for the islands early in the morning. From there, we boarded a flight from Quito to Baltra Island to start our Galápagos adventure.

Where to stay in Quito

Here is a short guide to the highlights of my favorite hotels and experiences in Ecuador. Named the gateway to the Galápagos, we got our Quito fix with 2 nights and 3 days spent indulging in chocolate and culture.

Casa Gangotena

This property is stunning to say the least! Also – talk about location. Casa Gangotena is located in the iconic San Francisco Plaza, right in the center of Old Town Quito. The boutique style makes for a home-like feeling and warm welcome. The hotel was once the home of several Ecuador presidents and was eventually claimed by the prominent Gangotena family. They renovated the property to house the stunning hotel.

Go Quito Hotel

We had the opportunity to stay at the GoQuito Hotel before departing for LimitLes Galápagos this October. The hotel is a sustainable hotel with the most spectacular views of Quito. Did someone say rooftop restaurant and bar plus an UNREAL breakfast buffet?! I am so there.

La Casona de La Ronda

Located on the oldest street in Quito, “La Ronda” in the Historic Center of Quito, La Casona de La Ronda is a walk through history. We stayed here during my first trip to Ecuador, and it was an oasis to start our journey.

Where to stay in the Galápagos Islands

The age old question of traveling to this destination is water vs. land, aka cruise vs hotel. Here’s my POV as a repeat traveler and the benefits of both.

There are four main islands where tourists are allowed to stay overnight:

1. Santa Cruz Island – The most popular and centrally located island, home to Puerto Ayora and the largest town in the Galápagos. There are a wide variety of accommodations from budget-friendly hostels to high-end eco-lodges.
2. San Cristóbal Island – The provincial capital of the Galápagos with a variety of accommodation options mainly centered around the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. It’s also a great spot for diving and wildlife spotting. We flew out of the airport here after LimitLes Galápagos – hellooo, easy accessibility!
3. Isabela Island – Known for its natural beauty and more remote, relaxed vibe, Isabela offers a more laid-back experience with a small town (Puerto Villamil) and a selection of hotels, guesthouses, and eco-lodges. 10/10 snorkeling.
4. Floreana Island – The least developed and most remote of the inhabited islands with only a few small lodges and guesthouses in the small town of Puerto Velasco Ibarra. It offers a quiet and less touristy experience.

These islands offer travelers a chance to experience the Galápagos at a slower pace, allowing them to interact with the local community, explore beaches, and enjoy wildlife encounters without the constant rush of day trips.

When it comes to cruising the islands, we did it right with LimitLes Galápagos! We spent eight days exploring the region onboard The Evolution Yacht. With 31 friends in tow and incredible hands-on staff, we did it all. From exceptional wildlife viewing to 5-star dining on board, our itinerary highlighted the magic of the Galápagos so well.

Cruising the islands: itinerary highlights

Quasar Expeditions Evolution Yacht 8-day itinerary was a DREAM. This 32 passenger vessel is an oasis of the seas offering luxury, spacious cabins plus the best of the best service, education, cuisine and beyond. I may be biased because this is how I always traveled the Galápagos, but it’s the best way!

You can have a smaller yacht experience (hello, LimitLes Galapagos) or a bigger ship, but the benefits of being on the water and fully immersed into the islands are unbeatable. These tend to be a bit more expensive experiences but also include access to more remote islands that you cannot access without the special permits and guidance of the incredible naturalists on board. WORTH IT.

We explored Galapagos National Park from Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Bartolome, Santiago, Rabida, Espanola islands to Puerto Ayora. The Park is often referred to as a ‘living museum’ as it offers a phenomenal melting pot of species. Land iguanas, giant tortoises, and blue footed booby… oh my! The wildlife here really is THE highlight. The day to day structure included early morning wake ups, exceptional meals, and multiple excursion options. Each day we had the opportunity to snorkel, hike, explore the islands, embark on panga rides for wildlife, kayak, paddle board, yoga and beyond! We ended each day on the “Happy Deck” for cocktails, mocktails, snacks and laughter.

Cheers to you, Ecuador. We will be back!