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Iguana Crossing

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Iguana Crossing is a beautifully appointed luxury hotel on a white-sand beach, combining a lean, contemporary mood with a remarkable natural setting.

The isle of Isabela is the largest and most rugged in the archipelago, comprised of six fused volcanoes. A large giant tortoise population roams wild amidst its scrub and grasslands. 

This beautifully appointed small luxury Iguana Crossing hotel lies on a delightful stretch of powdery white sand at the edge of Puerto Villamil – Isabela’s only significant settlement but still little more than a fishing village. 

The hotel’s design is uncompromisingly contemporary, built using local materials including impeccably crafted polished wood. Features and furnishings are decidedly angular; the clean unfussy lines look striking against the back drop of an elemental, almost minimalist natural environment. 

All guestrooms have sweeping views of the beach or out towards Sierra Negra volcano from their balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. There is a small but attractive pool surrounded by smart wooden decking close to the sand, as well as a rooftop Jacuzzi and bar. The restaurant is very good though there are cheaper (if simpler) options in town.

The hotel owes its name to the marine iguanas that cross the beach right in front of it, heading from the wetlands into the sea. Watching them from the al fresco deck can be a great source of entertainment.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • The Galapagos tour was our highlight because of the proximity and abundance of the wildlife.

    AB, St Neots Mar 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
  • 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
  • A couple of days in the Galapagos when we didn't see any other people. Intimacy of swimming with sealions, turtles & being chased in the water by a flightless cormorant!

    TC, St Albans Oct 2016
  • The Galápagos Islands are a wonderland. If I say that of all places I have visited in the world only the Grand Canyon is their equal in impact and living…

    DW Lingfield Jun 2010
  • 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

Ben
Ben Line - Travel Expert

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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Bartolome, Galápagos

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    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    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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    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

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    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    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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    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

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    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

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