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Hotel Mainao

  • Hotel Mainao
  • Hotel Mainao
  • Hotel Mainao
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Mainao is a cheerful Moorish-style mid-range hotel in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island.

This striking white, Moorish style property started life as a family home.  The owners, enthusiastic to welcoming visitors to the Galápagos, have developed the property into a cheerful, family friendly property of 22 guest rooms – some with balcony access -and patios dotted with palms.

The décor is bright and modern, and rooms have shiny tiled floors, air-conditioning and a TV. There’s Wifi, but it is weak and patchy. Upper floors are reached by winding staircases and there is no lift, so if you have an issue with stairs please ask for a ground floor room.

 If you are looking for a place in the lively town of Puerto Ayora the hotel is very well located, just a few minutes’ walk from the centre, with its bars, shops and restaurants, and the waterfront.  There’s a lovely beach in walkable distance too. 

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • The Galápagos were above expectation – the best thing we have done.

    DL, Dulwich Feb 2010

  • Most Memorable Moment: Swimming with sea lions, following hundreds of dolphins on the boat, diving with penguins

    KH, London Sep 2016

  • Galapagos was incredible. We loved it. The guides were all excellent and we especially enjoyed having guides with a naturalist qualification.

    LE, Poole Jul 2019

  • Highlights?: Snorkelling with green turtles sea lions and penguins

    PW, Twickenham Sep 2018

  • The close proximity of the wildlife in the Galapagos is amazing.

    DW, Stevenage Nov 2014

  • It's very difficult to pick out one thing. Seeing the animals everywhere we went was amazing. We fell in love with the sea-lions. I loved the walk up to the…

    NR, Swindon Dec 2019
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Our Expert's Opinion

Kathryn
Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

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    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

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    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

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    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

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    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

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