Best for families and exclusive travel to Galápagos
We were at Montemar in April 2026. There's lots of ways to see Galápagos. Cruise ships, yachts, day trips. But you may want a quiet, private, family oriented trip, away from the noise and bustle of regular tours. Montemar is exclusive. Montemar Villas is superb. Small scale, perfect for families. Smooth graveled paths lead among the sights where the main attraction is the iconic giant Galápagos tortoises. The manicured paths made a big difference for me, hobbling on a cane. We enjoyed outstanding meals served family style direct from the chef's station. Can't get any fresher than organic fruits and vegetables direct from the kitchen garden, and eggs from their own chickens. We had fresh ocean fish perfectly cooked and seasoned. The chef really loves his work and it shows. This is a genuinely low-impact operation. Their monolithic construction technique uses minimal cement and suits beautiful architecture. They even run their own composting and many other environmental details. The rooms are spacious, well ventilated, all with broad views of the green lands. The facilities are modern, the beds big and comfortable, and everything spotless. Service is impeccable and warm, including by your hosts who both are experienced Galápagos National Park naturalist guides. They have a special way with the children in your group, leading them through the meaning of places like Galápagos and the importance of wildlife. And Roberto plays acoustic guitar and sings mellow.
Many thanks for your kind words, it was truly lovely to welcome you and your family at Montemar! Do come back anytime!
808012026.08.18
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Thanks for the wonderful time!
Thank you (Roberto & Reyna) for the great time. Montemar is a place where quietude, experiences and wonderful hospitality mix perfectly well. It is one the best places we have been to when traveling. Send our best regards to the giant turtles in the garden.
Immense gratitude for your kind words! Thank you for staying with us. Please do come back anytime, the giant tortoises miss you and your lovely family!
Katya P2026.08.13
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A truly exceptional stay
If I could give Montemar more than five stars, I would. I stayed in 5 hotels across the Galápagos with my family this summer and Montemar was our firm favourite! This was so much more than a stay in the Galápagos, it was an immersive, deeply personal experience that left us feeling genuinely connected to the islands, their wildlife, their people and the community that Montemar works so hard to support. From the moment we arrived, the attention to detail was exceptional. The VIP arrival experience by passing all queues at the airport was wonderful, the beautiful property, the incredible food and, above all, the warmth of the people made us feel like family rather than guests. Reyna and Roberto, the owners, have created something incredibly special. Their passion for the Galápagos is infectious, and every experience felt thoughtful, authentic and meaningful. Our farm visit with Reyna was a highlight. We learnt about companion planting, natural pest control, herbs, composting with microorganisms and the fascinating way the property works with the natural environment. We tasted herbs straight from the garden, learnt about the architecture of the buildings and even heard the story of the daily rooster who arrives on a motorbike to fertilise the hens’ eggs before heading off to a neighbour for the night so he doesn’t disturb guests! The food deserves a special mention. Juanito is an amazing cook, creating beautiful meals using ingredients grown around the property. Mari Mari fish, kitchen-garden salads and flambé bananas with chocolate were unforgettable. The children loved making mocktails with Juanito using lemons, lemongrass and flowers from the garden and pizza night was a favourite! But what really sets Montemar apart is the connection to the wider community and the incredible conservation work behind the scenes. Through their support or Fuente Insular, we met Alberto and local volunteers who collect microplastics from the coastline. We turned some of the collected plastic into art and jewellery while hearing extraordinary stories about conservation, community resilience and life in the Galápagos. We also learnt how Montemar and its partners helped provide food packages to around 5,000 people during the pandemic, including how their avocado tree on the property became an unexpected lifeline when food was scarce. We cycled through the beautiful dry forest towards Puerto Ayora with our fantastic guide Federico who our boys adored, visited Tortuga Bay, saw tortoises, sea lions, rays, herons and so much incredible birdlife, and learnt about the delicate ecosystems that make the Galápagos so special. We explored volcanic landscapes, saw marine iguanas, penguins, sharks, turtles and jumping manta rays, and finished each day with Reyna’s wonderful review of what we’d experience the following day. Even the little things were extraordinary. When Tiffany noticed we’d caught a little too much sun, she collected aloe vera from around the property and Juanito turned it into an ointment for us. We were also offered electrolytes without ever asking. Those tiny, instinctive acts of care made us feel genuinely looked after. Montemar has a wonderful philosophy of sustainable, environmentally sympathetic architecture and uses local materials wherever possible, lava rock, wood, bamboo and natural techniques that help reduce humidity and work with the island’s climate rather than against it. And then there’s Monty, the resident tortoise, who likes to nest by the front door every day. We were sad to say goodbye to him! What stayed with us most was the sense that every experience had a purpose. Whether it was learning about endemic species, collecting microplastics, supporting local artisans, understanding traditional practices, exploring the farm, making art from waste or simply sharing a meal together, we never felt like passive tourists. We felt connected. Montemar is a place that allows you to understand the islands ecology, history, people, challenges and extraordinary beauty and wildlife in a way that a conventional hotel simply cannot. A huge thank you to Reyna, Roberto, Pico, Juanito, Carolina, Tiffany and everyone at Montemar for making our stay so unforgettable. We arrived as guests and left feeling like part of the family. Absolutely exceptional. We couldn’t recommend Montemar highly enough. Five stars doesn’t feel like enough. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We are absolutely over the moon to read your kind and generous review and to know that you and your lovely family enjoyed your stay at Montemar!It was truly a pleasure having you with us. You have become part of our Montemar family, and you will always have a special place here. As we love to say, you will always have a home away from home with us.Thank you for your beautiful words and for choosing Montemar. We hope to welcome you back very soon—with open arms, big smiles, and a warm Montemar welcome! ❤️
Soyeon Y2026.08.13
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Amazing Experience and Stay. Just Book It.
Montemar is actually magical! This place deserves 10,000 stars for the experience, location, lodging, views, grounds, hospitality, food, and etc...and then another 20,000 stars for the people, mission, and heart that they have. Favorite parts: - The grounds and the villa itself - stunning design and even more beautiful with its green eco design/intentionality - Seeing the full breadth of stars during night time - Walking around the grounds and sharing the path with giant tortoises - Amazing excursions and Carolina was an amazing, patient, and knowledgeable guide - Trips to local artisans - THE FOOD. My only complaint was that they didn't sell the hot sauce and mushroom sauce they made. Shoutout to Juanito. - Waking up to sounds and sights of birds, horses, tortoises, the ocean, and the grounds In addition to that, the villa and rooms are so lovely, clean, well designed, and felt like home. Run (after your flight to the mainland, layover, flight to Baltra, bus to the marina, boat to Santa Cruz, and bus to Montemar) don't walk to Montemar!
Thank you so much for your review, it filled our hearts with gratitude! We are truly happy you enjoyed you stay, do please come back anytime!
Andy R2026.08.12
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A Place That Heals You
I honestly had no idea what I was in for when I arrived at Montemar. And then I discovered something magical. Montemar heals you. Every detail feels intentional, created with love, care, and purpose. The cleanliness, the beauty, and the genuine care of the entire staff are evident everywhere you look. Nothing feels accidental. And then there is the silence. Not an empty silence, but a living one—punctuated by crickets, birds, the occasional neigh of wild horses, and even the gentle sounds of tortoises making their way through the property. You find yourself slowing down. Breathing differently. Becoming present. There is so much I could say, and so much to thank and praise. But somehow, words don’t quite capture what this place does to you. I am actually tearing up as I write this. My mind and body are already saying, “Take me back.” There is a healthy, and somehow addictive, sense of belonging that the Plaza family and everyone at Montemar create. You don’t simply feel like a guest. You feel welcomed, cared for, and somehow part of something bigger. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Roberto, Reyna, Caro, Tiff, and the entire team. You have created something truly special. I WILL BE BACK. And honestly… I might not leave. :)
We humbly receive your kind words with heartfelt gratitude. Please come back and stay with us anytime!
Juan Sio Guie2026.08.10
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Everything about Montemar exceeded expectations!
Everything, including accomodations, service and hospitality exceeded expectations! We will definitely be back! Great place for all ages and interests.
Thank you very much for your kind words, we'll be delighted to welcome you back at Montemar, anytime!
Andrea J2026.08.04
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The Perfect Retreat
Incredible location with beautiful views of the forest and ocean. From the moment I arrived, the staff were warm, welcoming, and genuinely cared about making my stay memorable. The hotel beautifully combines comfort with environmentally friendly practices. The rooms were spotless, stylish, and built using sustainable materials, while the surrounding nature created a peaceful atmosphere. I especially appreciated the hotel's commitment to reducing waste, using renewable energy, and serving fresh, locally sourced food. Every detail reflected their dedication to protecting the environment without sacrificing luxury. Waking up to the sounds of nature, enjoying delicious organic meals, and knowing my stay supported sustainable tourism made the experience even more special. Overall, this was one of the best hotel experiences I've had. I cannot recommend it enough.
Thank you so much for your kind review, we loved having you at Montemar and truly appreciate your kind words. Do come back anytime!
Leann S2026.07.28
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10/10
Stunning views, some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. Looks like it’s from a magazine and so cozy. Would go back in a heartbeat!
Thank you so much for your kind words! Do come back anytime, always welcome!
Matthew G2026.07.14
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My favorite place in the world!
The word magic exists in my mind so the English language has ways to try and describe what visiting the Galapagos and staying at Montemar can be like. But it is so much more than magic. It is the combination of beautiful souls belonging to incredible humans whose hearts will stretch to reach any corner of the universe to make someone’s life more meaningful, more happy, more connected and more profound, if possible. The owners, Reyna and Roberto, both have a unique and deeply personal love for nature, wildlife, conservationism, and connecting humans to experiences, people and wildlife that will more deeply enhance their living experience and make their lives more bright, more meaningful, and more full of joy and purpose. They are not normal. And by that, I mean they are spectacular. Their property is 1 of 1. The experiences they can cater to are unmatched both in detail as well as the endless creative means to create something for a single person purely for the joy of making a single human in one family's life different and better based on any minor preference, characteristic or detail about that human that allows them the opportunity to amaze and awe. The staff feel like family members you’ve never met but always wanted to. There is warmth, love and curated emotional manifestation in every breath, step, bite of food or even yoga pose one does there. The Galapagos Islands are incredible. The different islands are easy to read and more about different places of interest. Any full day trip to a nearby island with Montemar is outstanding, The real magic lies in what they can do around the other days though that can be “different/unique” to what any other normal full day island visit generally entails staying anywhere else or doing it with anybody else. The list of magical curated moments is infinite, but some of the more frequent possibilities that might leave you feeling like you’ll never want to leave could be the following:Walking the property with Reyna and/or Roberto and seeing for the first time what real eco-luxury looks like. Where most of the food you’ll eat comes from their very own backyard. Where the property is not where turtles are allowed to be, but rather, where the vast number of Giant Turtles welcome Montemar to exist in its home because they know they are safe there. Yoga/Meditation with Reyna. Doesn’t matter if you’ve never done a yoga class before or if you’re a yogi retreat guru, your soul will find itself and forever be better for a 45 minute session with Reyna as the sun sets in the distance.Full body massage at Tortuga Bay under the sand. Better to say less here and just know it will revitalize your entire being in ways previously unknown.There’s a handful of other private/special/unknown places in and around the island they can take you to for experiences no one else gets to have in the Galapagos. The kind of meals, dives, swims, snorkels, hikes and visits with incredible local NGOs are the very best of what the human experience can be. This is longer than it needs to be, but this place, and these humans warrant more space and words and recognition than any other I’ve come across. They are a place for any good heart and soul in the world can find the most meaningful travel experience of their life. They are a place for good humans, first and foremost. The rest will take care of itself. It will be… fantabuloso! With love, respect and a promise to pass on the energy and elevate the level of connection you craft so kindly, so gently and so unselfishly to any other who has crossed my path. Matthew
Thank you so much for your generous and kind words- our hearts are so full of gratitude and joy reading your review. Come back anytime, siempre bienvenido!
April T2026.07.01
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Phenomenal!
Phenomenal! I had the pleasure of visiting Montemar for a yoga retreat, and my experience exceeded every expectation. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by the wonderful owners, Roberto and Reyna, whose genuine hospitality and intentional care set the tone for my entire stay. Every detail of the experience reflected thoughtfulness and excellence. The chef, Juanito, along with the incredible staff—Tiffany, Carolina, and Ansel—were exceptional. They prepared creative and delicious vegan meals for me, fresh juices locally sourced from their garden; and their attention to detail, professionalism, warmth, and commitment to cleanliness were truly outstanding. My room was spacious and comfortable, with an unexpectedly luxurious bed and breathtaking views of the property, where I enjoyed watching birds, wild horses, and giant tortoises. Every morning felt like waking up in paradise. The logistics were equally seamless. We were greeted at the airport, escorted to the ferry, and transported to the property with ease. Every step of the journey was thoughtfully coordinated, allowing us to adventure around Galapagos with naturalist Carolina and later grounding in the yoga shala taking in the beautiful sunset. I have traveled extensively, and I can honestly say this was one of the most exceptional travel experiences I've ever had. I could go on and on about everything that made this stay so special. Thank you, Roberto, Reyna, and the entire Montemar team, for creating such an unforgettable experience and for sharing your beautiful culture, generosity, and loving kindness.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! it makes us all very happy to know that you enjoyed your stay. Please come back anytime!
day1jules2026.06.21
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The trip of a lifetime...
Staying at Montemar was a once in a lifetime experience. Every aspect of our stay exceeded expectations - from the five star amenities and impeccable service to the thoughtful attention provided by the hosts and staff. The villa itself is gorgeous and inspirational, with sweeping views of the Pacific, abundant wildlife, and a regenerative farm and coffee plantation that reflect a deep commitment to sustainability. The culinary experience was extraordinary. Chef Juanito worked magic each day, transforming fresh, local ingredients (often from the property!) into unforgettable meals that celebrated the flavors of Ecuador. What set this experience apart even further were the curated daily adventures led by our naturalist guide. Each excursion was expertly planned and provided an immersive and comprehensive exploration of the Galapagos Islands, allowing us to experience their incredible biodiversity, culture, local artisans, and natural beauty in a meaningful way. If you're looking for the perfect blend of eco-conscious luxury, adventure, exceptional food, and unforgettable hospitality, I cannot recommend this villa highly enough. It is, without question, a five-star experience in every way.
Thank you so much for this lovely review, we truly appreciate your kind words. We work hard to provide great service, and we are thrilled it resonated with you! Please come back anytime, Montemar is your home in Galapagos.
Rachel L2026.06.18
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Natural and Elegant Paradise
It felt healthy to be there. Fresh air, healthy animals, organic food. Very elegant building and furnishing. Great air flow in all the rooms. Darkness without light pollution.
Many thanks for your kind words, we are happy you enjoyed your stay!
Dreamer651513658952026.06.09
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Take the Trip!
Montemar and the Galápagos Islands were one of the best experiences of our life! Reyna, Roberto, Juanito, Tiffani, and Carolina were so welcoming and treated us like family. What they have accomplished at Montemar is truly inspiring. It was wonderful to be a part of it. Two of our family members celebrated birthdays while on the property and were serenaded with a traditional Ecuadorian song - it was magical and a wonderful way to start a new year on this Earth. The planned excursions with our phenomenal guide, Pico were top notch. Thank you Rosario! I can’t begin to put into words all of the things we learned about and the animals we saw: tortoises, blue footed boobies, sharks, rays, sea lions, dolphins, marine iguanas, land iguanas, fish, sea stars, sea turtles, frigate birds, and so much more! Conservation is at the heart of everything on the Galapagos and it shows. In addition to Montemar, be sure to also check out @frente_insular_rmg to see all the great work they are doing. I would highly encourage you to spend a Friday evening in Puerto Ayora. It was humbling to witness first hand this wonderful community and immerse ourself in their culture. We hope to return again someday to Montemar and the Galpagos. Take the trip…you won’t regret it!
Thank you so much for taking the time to send us this review and for your kind words. It was honestly a joy to have you all at Montemar! Please come back anytime!
maria b2026.06.04
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Happy family
Amazing and magical place. Our family had the 4 bedroom house. The breakfasts and dinners were delicious and met our many food sensitivities and celiac needs. A few of us walked through the grounds in the mornings to stretch and do light exercise at the yoga building. We’d walk by the giant tortoises as they were waking up. Spectacular! The location seemed like it may be too far but ended up being perfect after the daily excursions by providing quality family time together in clean and lovely rooms. Their staff guide was the best one we met throughout the Galapagos- informative, interesting, and patient with our questions and needs.
Thank you so much for your kind and generous words, we truly loved having you and your family at Montemar! Do come back anytime!
Allison E2026.05.04
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Best most unique stay ever!
I stayed at montemar with my family in April and it was truly a one of a kind experience! You could not ask for better hosts than Reyna and Roberto. The property is beautiful itself and then all of the hospitality touches are truly amazing. They take care of everything for you while you’re there and are doing some amazing work for the Galapagos. The food was a true highlight of our day everyday. Juanito had the freshest ingredients and made the most delicious food for us every day. Would 10/10 recommend this unique experience to everyone traveling to the Galapagos.
Many thanks for your kind words, it was truly a joy to have you all at Montemar, do come back anytime!
Rocio E2026.04.29
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We loved our experience in Montemar
This was an amazing experience for us, a family of 4 with 12 year old twins. We all loved Montemar and its people. Reyna, Roberto, Caro, Tiffany, Juan and our tour guide Carolina were so welcoming and professional. We enjoyed every minute of our trip from the wonderful night skies to the delicious meals to the amazing opportunity to admire nature from a safe and respectful distance. The 2 bed room villa we got was perfect for us, tastefully decorated and spotless. They provided us with umbrellas and with rain boots to walk around the grounds. Everything was exceptional.
Thank you so much for your kind words, we truly loved having you and your family with us! Do come back anytime, this is your home in Galapagos!
Stephen Martin2026.04.24
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The trip of a lifetime!
We had the most wonderful stay at Montemar. Reyna and Roberto are the warmest of hosts and we learnt so much from both their knowledge of the local ecology and their experience of setting up luxurious eco villas in difficuly circumstances without electricity or a decent road at the time. Every activity they organised, from ebiking to the Charles Darwin Centre, kyaking in the mangroves, taking a boat to visit the breeding grounds of the boobies, iguanas and frigate birds, snorkelling with sea lions, marine turtles and spectatcular tropical fish, and learning about coffee and chocalate tasting and visiting their coffee production, was fascinating and exciting. The lodges are the height of comfort with a first class private chef who turned out delicious food every day. There can be no better place to enjoy your breakfast than looking out across the beautiful landscape towards the distant sea and following the slow progress of the giant tortoises that lumber across their land. This was the ideal family trip that will inspire young and old for years to come. Highly recommended.
Very many thanks for your kind words, we loved having you all at Montemar and hope you can come back to stay a bit longer next time!
CCnaptown2026.04.08
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Magical stay in paradise - Arrived as guests, left as dear friends
My family of 5(3 teenagers) just returned from a week at Montemar with Roberto and Reyna. It was a splendid, unique vacation for many reasons. First, Roberto and Reyna are incredible gracious hosts who opened their lives to us. They are two inspiring citizens of the world who arranged conversations with the conservationists and scientists, who in turn shared so much firsthand knowledge with our family. Reyna and Robert also took great care of us … even arranging an unprompted late doctor’s visit for my husband for a fall he experienced in Quito. Reyna led our entire family in multiple yoga sessions, led a coffee and chocolate tasting and uniquely curated our experience. Now the property and grounds: the Garden of Eden. Giant tortoises walking the land among horses, birds, a coffee plantation, and organic farm. Waking up to the sounds of nature and closing out each day from the deck on hammocks under the stars was a cleansing ritual for us. Villa Tortuga was incredible - so beautiful and comfortable for all. The food - to die for! We knew meals were included but we didn’t realize we had a private chef - Juan - cooking every meal for us in the villa. Each meal and appetizer was beautiful curated and absolutely delicious. Every culinary item was divine and presentation, art. Craft cocktails available to order, wine and beer. Each and every staff member of Montemar was delightful and kind. Logistics were 100% taken care of, we didn’t have to think about anything. All the excursions were very well run, professional companies - best scuba diving experience we have ever had. And our naturalist guide, Luis, who accompanied us for the week, was a joy to be with and so informative. Despite each day being filled with activities, we left feeling so rested and centered. It was hard to leave paradise with Reyna and Roberto, but we will return. Absolutely a life changing experience.
It truly was a joy for all of us at Montemar to have you and family with us. Thank you so much for your kind words, they melt our hearts! Please come back anytime!
Noura E2026.03.07
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Outstanding
I have traveled around the world a fair bit in my life, but this trip to the Galapagos and my stay at Monte Mar stands out as having been the most inspirational and wondrous to date. I cannot say enough about Monte Mar itself - the owners, Reyna and Roberto, their lovely staff and the grounds. Even if I had never left the Monte Mar premises, the week long trip would have been well worth it. Reyna and Roberto are gracious and kind hosts and have accomplished something unique and special in Monte Mar. They are true stewards of the earth and strive not only to make guests feel like family, but to be teachers of the local history, culture, and ecology. I learned so much on this trip about sustainable (and luxurious!) living, living in harmony with the earth and its creatures, organic coffee farming :) - it was just as educational as it was relaxing and awe-inspiring. The Monte Mar house staff - our chef, Juanito, and the other members of the household staff who made our stays so comfortable - Tiffany, Carolina, and Alonso - are all exceptional, as well. I hope to come back some day and bring the entire family along this time! Thank you!
Thank you so much for your kind words- they encourage all of us to continue with our mission! Our doors will be open to welcome you and your family in the near future!
Emily D2026.02.23
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Magical experience
Unbelievable in every way! Kudos to Roberto and Reyna! I stayed for 2 weeks at Montemar and never wanted to leave. The chef, the staff, the attention to detail and obvious respect for the land and its creatures made my experience one that I will never forget. Such a serene location! You can feel the connection to the earth as your nervous system resets. Thank you for a wonderful and magical stay…I will be back!
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