Blu Galapagos is a waterfront lodge on the eastern end of Avenida Charles Darwin, the side of Puerto Ayora that leads towards the Charles Darwin Research Station. It stands about two minutes from Academy Bay and around eight minutes on foot from the station, which makes it a handy base for the foundation visit and the walk to Tortuga Bay, and it is some ten to fourteen minutes from the ferry terminal and the Malecón. The lodge is built around a garden and terrace with outdoor seating, a coffee shop and a small entertainment area, and it provides free bicycles and a paddleboard for guests, which suits an active stay. Rooms are air-conditioned, with wifi, a safe and daily housekeeping, and the range runs from standard doubles with a queen bed to superior rooms that sleep three and junior and signature suites with partial or full ocean views. A continental breakfast is available for a surcharge, and limited room service is offered. It is a four-class property with an excellent guest rating from well over a hundred reviews, and the lodge presents itself as sustainable, which fits visitors who care about their impact on the islands. It suits couples and active travellers who want to be near the waterfront yet away from the busiest block.
Location and getting around
The eastern end of the avenue is calmer than the central block near the docks, and the walk to the Darwin Station is gentle and shaded in places. From the hotel you can reach the fishing piers in around five minutes, and the ferry terminal and Malecón in ten to fourteen. Taxis to the highlands and Tortuga Bay are easy to find in the street, and the free bicycles make it simple to explore along the waterfront road.
Rooms and facilities
The Standard Double and Superior rooms are comfortable and practical, while the junior and signature suites add ocean views, which is worth paying for if the view matters to you. Facilities include free wifi, laundry, luggage storage, a water dispenser, a front-desk safe and beach towels. Parking is limited to free off-site and street options, with on-site space for motorcycles only. A drop-off airport shuttle is available for a fee. The lodge has no lift, and rooms are reached by stairs.
Good to know
The front desk operates limited hours, from early morning to late evening, so let the staff know if you will arrive late. Check-in begins in the afternoon and check-out is mid-morning. Cribs are not available, and rollaway beds carry a high nightly charge, which makes the lodge a better fit for couples and small groups than for families with young children.
Ecuador value-added tax may apply at the property, with an exemption for qualifying non-resident tourists, and a government ID and a card or cash deposit may be requested at check-in. Free cancellation is offered on selected rates. Reserve early for peak seasons, since the town has relatively few rooms.
Why stay here
- ✓Free bicycle rentals
- ✓Paddleboard for guests
- ✓Garden terrace and coffee shop
- ✓Free WiFi and air conditioning
- ✓Continental breakfast for a fee
- ✓Ocean-view suites
- ✓Airport drop-off shuttle for a fee
- ✓Front-desk safe and luggage storage
Good questions
How far is Blu Galapagos from the Darwin Research Station?+
About an eight-minute walk along Avenida Charles Darwin, which makes the lodge a handy base for the foundation visit.
Is breakfast included?+
A continental breakfast is available for a surcharge. Confirm the current price and hours with the lodge.
Does the lodge have parking?+
Parking is limited to free off-site and street options, with on-site space for motorcycles only.
