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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 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
  • Visiting the Galápagos islands and coming so close to so many special species of animals and birds was a memorable experience.

    JB, Chiswick Oct 2012
  • The cabin upgrade was definitely worth the extra money, much more space and good sized windows!  

    LF, Alderley Edge Sep 2013
  • 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
  • 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
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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

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Hannah
    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.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

    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.

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

  • Paul Winrow Giffin
    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

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

  • 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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