Why You Should Consider a Land-Based Galapagos Trip

As the individual gazed through a small opening in a cave-like structure, a small brown barn owl was spotted perched on a beam with its eyes squeezed shut. They were on the island of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos archipelago, just outside a lava tube formed by an ancient volcanic eruption. Although animals like sea lions, penguins, tortoises, and blue-footed boobies were expected, a barn owl wasn’t part of the plan. However, the guide, Mario, informed that this owl is a special species, endemic to the islands: the Galapagos barn owl, one of the smallest in the world, only seen in that area.

Had the individual been on a Galapagos cruise, seeing this special owl would have been unlikely. The day was spent exploring Santa Cruz island, spending more time there than most visitors because the hotel was located on the island. All Galapagos guides, including Mario, are freelance, but the hotel requires them to have 15 years of experience, giving them superior knowledge of hidden land gems and secret animal spots. In fact, 98 percent of the staff are from Santa Cruz.

Like many, a trip to the Galapagos had been a dream for years. As an animal lover, the chance to observe multiple endemic species in a protected area was thrilling. However, being prone to seasickness made the thought of spending days on a boat daunting. It never occurred that a land-based trip was possible, but once they learned about this option, the decision was made.

The lodge is one of several hotels on Santa Cruz, one of four inhabited islands in the Galapagos. While many options are available, the lodge is considered the most luxurious. It allows guests to experience ultimate comfort and have control over their itinerary, with 14 rooms offering stunning views, a restaurant serving locally sourced food, and a breathtaking spa that provides exceptional treatments. The lodge also has its own yacht, allowing guests to enjoy day trips in comfort.

Even a land-based Galapagos trip involves island-hopping. With the guide, time was spent exploring other islands, snorkeling with native sea lions, sea turtles, rays, and penguins, and observing blue-footed boobies and frigate birds during their mating rituals. The individual also learned about giant tortoises, lava lizards, and marine iguanas, experiencing much more than expected from a typical wildlife trip.

While a land-based trip is more sustainable, allowing travelers to lower their carbon footprint, it also offers a chance to connect with and support local businesses and communities. Visitors who stay on the islands engage more with locally owned restaurants, shops, and outfitters, learning about the local culture and people who live in the Galapagos.

Some of the best parts of the visit involved exploring Santa Cruz, the most populous island. A morning was spent at the Charles Darwin Research Station, dedicated to giant tortoise breeding, followed by an afternoon in Puerto Ayora, discovering local shops.

The individual visited a shop specializing in Ecuadorian-grown cacao chocolates, learning about local sourcing and sustainable farming practices. Another store showcased handcrafted items by local artisans, where works from local painters and a variety of handmade goods were discovered. Later, a visit to the local fish market offered a charming scene with resident pelicans and sea lions waiting for scraps, as land iguanas roamed the area.

On the final day, after seeing the barn owl, the group headed to Tortuga Bay, a local beach known for its pristine waters. After a day of kayaking, picnicking, and swimming with both human and marine locals, the group returned to the lodge. There, they were given baby trees to plant, part of the lodge’s effort to restore native forest on the island. The act of planting a tree provided a deep sense of connection to the land, offering a grounding experience that couldn’t be matched by a boat-based trip.