The Galápagos Islands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 421

room for swimming. The food at the restaurant is not bad and the
owners are quite friendly. Although not directly on the waterfront,
the pleasant and relaxing ambiance makes this a good choice. $$$

Three hundred feet from the Charles Darwin Research Station is one
of the best hotels in town, the Hotel Galápagos , /fax

5-526-330. The shaded grounds, waterside location, and great harbor
views make this a favorite choice. The bar is perfect to sit with a drink
and relax with the wildlife and a sunset view after a day out and
about. And the Galápagos wildlife will more often than not be enjoy-
ing the patio session as much as you are. Local artisans decorated 14
comfortable rooms in maritime themes and native materials, and
each has a private bathwith hot water. There are hammocks and a re-
laxing ambiance in the common area and some of the best food in
town is served at the restaurant. $$$$

5-526-296,

A good budget choice with views of the bay is the Hotel Sol y Mar ,
along thewaterfront,

/fax [phone]. Another relaxing
option, this hotel also offers the chance to enjoy breakfast in the com-
pany of the local wildlife with good views of Academy Bay. There are
clean rooms with private baths, plus a recommended bar and restau-
rant and a friendly owner who can help you find a boat and arrange
tours. $$

5-526-281,

One of the best budget options in Puerto Ayora is La Peregrina Bed
& Breakfast , on the main seaside street, Av. Charles Darwin,

5-
526-323. This B&B offers a nice, family-run atmosphere at a reason-
able rate. Five double rooms include separate baths and air-
conditioning, and a dormitory is available for those really wishing to
economize. The shaded porch is a nice place to enjoy amorning break-
fast of fresh-cut tropical fruit, bread with jam, and coffee or tea. $

The Red Mangrove Inn is not far from the research station, at Av.
Charles Darwin and Las Frigatas, /fax [phone], redmangrove@

ecuadorexplorer.com, www.ecuadorexplorer.com/redmangrove. Sit-
uated at the water's edge, the peach-colored accommodations offer
plenty of comfort for such a remote destination. Each double roomhas
an ocean view, private, modern bath, and ceiling fans. There are tiled
walkways and bathrooms, as well as attractively beamed ceilings, a
Jacuzzi and a nice lounge/dining area. At the shore you can expect the
company of marine iguanas basking in the sun, a colorful display of
Sally Lightfoot crabs dancing about, and more. Ask about mountain
biking, sea kayaking, and tours here as well. Overall, this is one of the
nicest higher-end options. $$$