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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.

What our clients say

The Galápagos were above expectation – the best thing we have done.
DL, Dulwich Feb 2010
The highlight was always going to be the Galápagos and it lived up to our expectations. It is a unique place and unlike our last visit we came away with…
NW, Wells Apr 2011
The most memorable experiences were walking in woodland with wild giant tortoise grazing in clearings, watching wild land iguanas amble through long grasses, peering at eye level into the nests…
JW, Newcastle Jun 2011
The attention to environmental concerns on the Galápagos was first rate. The national park is a pristine environment and every effort is being made to keep it that way.
PT, Peterborough Oct 2011
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
The trip to to the Galapagos was the highlight undoubtedly - and the memories will remain with us for a long time -along with the huge photographic archive taken!
CG, Stratchcarron Feb 2015

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Our Expert's Opinion

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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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.
Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.
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Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.
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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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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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Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.