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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

  • Truly a unique lifetime experience, especially snorkelling for the first time with playful sea lions, sea turtles, penguins, rays and ‘tame’ wildlife.

    SD, Rochester Jul 2010

  • The range of wildlife to be seen in the Galapagos stood out but there were so many highlights.

    TH, Colchester May 2017

  • A holiday in the Ecuador and the Galápagos is a once in a lifetime experience. A four day cruise whilst being an excellent 'overview' is just not long enough. Encourage all…

    LF Jun 2010

  • We loved snorkelling with marine iguanas, turtles, and the lovely playful sealions.

    FM, Manchester Feb 2026

  • 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

  • The wildlife on the islands (obviously the major reason for the trip) was spectacular and wonderful to experience. I’m please to have made the trip and would certainly recommend the…

    PM, Chesterfield Jun 2010
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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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    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

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