The Galapagos Islands are about 1,000 km from continental Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The archipelago comprises 127 islands, islets, and rocks. Its remote location has allowed many species to evolve in isolation from other parts of the world and is one of the most exciting places to visit if you are interested in fauna and flora. The biodiversity here has attracted brilliant minds of scientists such as Charles Darwin and Sir David Attenborough and is often considered so special that visiting would be out of the question. This is not the case. It is very expensive, to go, but you can stay on the Galapagos, and if you plan your trip in advance, you can find ways to keep costs at a minimum. One of the best ways to do this is to opt for an Airbnb Galapagos rental. Not only will you be able to live out a The Wild Thornberrys fantasy adventure, but you can cook at home and have a more comfortable, local experience. Here are some of the best Airbnb options on the islands for families, couples, and solo travelers.
The best time to visit the Galapagos
When planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands, one of the most important considerations is when to go. The best time to visit depends on what type of activities you’re interested in doing and what kind of weather you prefer.
If you’re looking for warm weather and calm seas, then the best time to visit is during the dry season between June and December. This period also coincides with the nesting season for many birds and sea turtles, so it’s a great time for birdwatching and turtle spotting. On the other hand, if you want to experience more active wildlife then you should plan your trip during the wet season between January and May. During this period, temperatures are cooler but there’s a higher rainfall which brings out more animals such as iguanas and sea lions.
How to get to the Galapagos
Getting to the Galapagos is easier than you might think. You can either fly directly into one of two airports on the islands or take a boat from mainland Ecuador.
If you choose to fly, there are two airports: Seymour Airport and San Cristobal Airport. Both offer domestic flights from Quito and Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador. Flights usually take around two to three hours depending on your departure city.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to take a boat, there are several companies that offer cruises from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos. These cruises typically last between five and seven days and give passengers plenty of time to explore each island and observe its unique wildlife.
Why is Galapagos so expensive?
The Galapagos is an incredibly unique and special destination, and as such, the cost of visiting can be quite high. There are strict regulations in place to protect the fragile ecosystems. This means that you must pay for expensive permits to visit certain areas and must adhere to strict rules while on the islands.
We hope you love the Airbnb Galapagos rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Private wooden cabin surrounded by fruit trees
This ecological wooden cabin is set in the middle of a fruit farm on Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is one of the most popular islands in the Galapagos archipelago and is home to the largest human population in its main town, Puerto Ayora. The cabin is an easy 20-minute drive from Puerto Ayora and has breathtaking ocean views.
Crafted from local timber, the Airbnb has many windows and outdoor spaces such as an infinity deck with hammocks and a grilling area. The bedroom has a king-size bed constructed from laurel wood and is surrounded by walls of windows so you can watch the waves from bed. Guests are also encouraged to pick bananas, papayas, lemongrass, and herbs from the property’s garden.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $210 per night
Beautiful and spacious three-bedroom house in Puerto Ayora
This is a rare find in the archipelago. The Superhost Airbnb is large enough for seven guests, so it’s one to bookmark if you are traveling with a family or group. Located in the Las Ninfas neighborhood of Puerto Ayora the house is set on a residential street but most of the city is within walkable distance. Outside the front door, you’ll find the trail that takes you to the beautiful Tortuga Bay beach.
Surrounded by lush gardens, this four-bedroom home has a large kitchen, dining room, office area, living room, garden-level patio, balcony, and large rooftop terrace for evening sundowners. The decor and furniture are modern and original features such as stone walls and timber floors add character.
Seven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $195 per night
Modern loft with ocean and bay view
Photo: Airbnb
This modern loft is centrally located one street away from the main avenue, near the entrance of the Charles Darwin Foundation, and two minutes from the sea. And five minutes from the loft you’ll find a bustling fish market, local restaurants, and grocery stores.
The loft’s terrace is sprawling and wraps around the bedroom, living room, and kitchen. Walls of windows give the rental a light and airy ambiance and there is plenty of spaces outdoors to relax with a dining table, a couch, and large lounge chairs.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $185 per night
Tiny house surrounded by a cedar forest
This tiny house sits in a cedar forest near the town of Bellavista on the north coast of Santa Cruz. It’s surrounded by trails for hiking and mountain biking, and there’s wildlife literally on the front doorstep — previous guests proclaim a giant tortoise came onto the property.
The small rental has been constructed from wood from the local farm and recycled materials. The compact home is open-planned with a double bed, kitchen, and bathroom indoors, and a large deck area with a dining table and outdoor living room adds extra living space.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $162 per night
One-bedroom apartment with a partial ocean view
Photo: Airbnb
This one-bedroom is perfect for a solo traveler or couple. It’s also very affordable, so this would make a good base for someone looking to stay on the islands and work remotely. The apartment is located in a secure building in the Eden neighborhood in Puerto Ayora. This area of town has plenty of restaurants and shops, stunning views of the ocean, and access to nearby beaches. The interior is simple, clean, and modern. Don’t expect any bells or whistles, but it has everything you need for a very comfortable few days or a long-term stay in the city.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $80 per night
Bright studio near the Tortuga Bay trail
Photo: Airbnb
Another superb option for a solo traveler and/or someone looking for a digital nomad workspace is this bright studio five minutes from the entrance of the Tortuga Bay trail. This Airbnb has certification from the Ministry of Tourism and the owner has been running Airbnb rentals for eight years.
The studio has a private balcony, a full kitchenette, and a private bathroom. The owners have made this rental as sustainable as possible. Water is heated by solar power, there’s an inverter air conditioner, gardens are endemic, and there’s a collection system for rainwater.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $75 per night
Garden bungalow in a quiet neighborhood
Photo: Airbnb
This bright and sunny bungalow is next to the entrance of Galapagos National Park. The Galapagos National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique biodiversity and importance for scientific research and to enter you must be accompanied by an authorized naturalist guide. The proximity of this bungalow gives you prime access to the park and the accompanying marine reserve.
Its affordability is another draw. As stated staying on the islands is expensive, so having a comfortable base with a low rate (where you can cook) will save you a huge amount. The rental has a charming garden and terrace with seating where you can relax after a day of exploring. 
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $70 per night