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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

  • How close we could get to the wildlife in the Galápagos.

    DG, Neston Dec 2011

  • Isolation on the Islands a feeling of being in the Galapagos by invitation of the inhabitants - the wildlife. A truly wonderful and privileged experience.

    SD, Rochester Jun 2013

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

    FM, Manchester Nov 2025

  • This was our holiday of a lifetime fulfilling a long held desire to visit the Galápagos Islands, and it lived up to all our expectations.

    SH, Aylesbury Jun 2012

  • Most Memorable Moment?: The obvious answer is the whole thing!  If I had to choose, I'd say the experience of arriving at the top of the Prince Phillip Steps on…

    DM, Nottingham Jun 2018

  • 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
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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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    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

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    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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