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Montemar, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands
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Montemar

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Consisting of just three superbly constructed eco villas that are the first of their kind in the Galapagos, Montemar is the sustainable passion project of two native Galapaguenos and environmentalists.

Composed of natural local materials like bamboo, cedar and lava rocks, the villas blend seamlessly with the surrounding 43 acres of land, through which Galapagos tortoises and wild horses roam freely. The property has its own outdoor bamboo yoga and meditation studio, and the three villas range in size and are each uniquely decorated.

Why we like Montemar

Roberto and Reyna, a naturalist guide and National Geographic grantee respectively, are the ultimate custodians of the Galapagos Islands. With a focus on slow-paced experiences and off-the-beaten-track adventures in the archipelago, Montemar offers an exclusive insight in to island life and an impressive focus on experiential learning.

Sustainability

Beyond any doubt, Montemar is the place to visit if you want to support sustainable environmental practices in the Galapagos Islands. From water to energy, from food to waste, and from location to construction materials, every single aspect of Montemar has been carefully selected in order to yield the lowest possible environmental impact.

The vision of a family who decided to take affirmative action and turn their dream of self-reliance in to a reality, Montemar collects 100% of its water from rainfall, meaning guests will drink natural waters with all of their natural benefits. In addition, the property generates 99% of its energy from solar panels and solar water heaters and grows its own organic produce.

Activities

The combination of spectacular nature, world-class guiding, an on-site coffee plantation and spiritual wellbeing make a stay at Montemar an experience in itself, but it is also recommended to enhance your time in the archipelago by partaking in boat trips, hiking, swimming, snorkelling, cooking lessons, coffee-tastings and chocolate workshops.

Facilities

  • Outdoor bamboo yoga studio
  • 43-acres of land
  • Coffee Plantation
  • Private kitchen, living room, deck and bathroom in each villa
  • Catering to dietary restrictions
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Price guide

£££££

Location

Situated in between Baltra and Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, which is serviced by flights from Quito and Guyaquil, Montemar offers peace and solitude in nature while being close enough to hop into town whenever you feel like it.

Group tour
Cruise the Galapagos Islands with Jonathan R Green and New Scientist
Join our special Galapagos Island charter in collaboration with New Scientist. Spend eight days exploring the central islands of the Galapagos archipelago in the company of naturalist – Jonathan Green. 
Departing 6th June 2021
10 days from £7,495pp
Hammerhead sharks, Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Islands
View Cruise
Group tour
Galapagos Islands
Cruise the Galapagos Islands with Jo Ruxton & New Scientist
Join our special Galapagos Island charter in collaboration with New Scientist. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the Galapagos Islands, with marine conservationist and producer of the documentary A Plastic Ocean, Jo Ruxton. Jo has…
Departing 23rd May 2021
10 days from £7,495pp
Baby seals, Galapagos Islands
View Cruise
Group tour
Galapagos Islands
Cruise the Galapagos Islands with Jonathan R Green
Spend eight days exploring the western and southern islands of the Galapagos archipelago in the company of seasoned naturalist, Jonathan R Green. Explore eight distinct islands from the comfortable platform of the motor yacht, Natural Paradise.
Departing 13th June 2021
10 days from £7,495pp
Blue Footed Booby ,Isla de la Plata,Ecuador
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Group tour
Ecuador
Cruise the Galapagos Islands with Sue Flood
Join our exclusive Galapagos Islands cruise on the Natural Paradise motor yacht, travelling with wildlife and travel photographer, Sue Flood. Sue will accompany the group on all excursions during the cruise giving tips, advice and workshops…
Departing 4th July 2021
10 days from £7,495pp
Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands
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Idea
Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands by Land
This island-hopping, land-based adventure through the Galapagos Islands is ideally suited to wandering wildlife-lovers that prefer to keep their feet on solid ground staying at a selection of unique island properties with irresistible features. While sailing is…
9 days from £4,800pp
Family, South Plaza Island, Galapagos Islands
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Idea
Peru
Journey Peru & the Galapagos Islands
Encompassing the highlights of Peru, a stay in Quito and a sailing around the Galapagos Islands, this adventure tracks from culturally-dense and colourful Cusco to the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu before moving to Ecuador’s…
11 days from £4,400pp
Galapagos Islands
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Galapagos Islands
Sail the Galapagos Islands
A transformative sailing voyage around the world’s most treasured archipelago, staying aboard anything from a whimsical sailboat to a state-of-the-art catamaran, an exploration of the Galapagos Islands is the quintessential adventure for wildlife-loving wayfarers.
9 days from £4,300pp
Snorkelling with sea lions
View Cruise

Need Inspiration?
Browse our Galapagos holiday ideas.

Our Galapagos Islands experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Group tour
Cruise the Galapagos Islands with Jonathan R Green and New Scientist
Join our special Galapagos Island charter in collaboration with New Scientist. Spend eight days exploring the…
Departing 6th June 2021
10 days from £7,495pp
Hammerhead sharks, Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Islands
View Cruise
Group tour
Galapagos Islands
Cruise the Galapagos Islands with Jo Ruxton & New Scientist
Join our special Galapagos Island charter in collaboration with New Scientist. This is a fantastic opportunity…
Departing 23rd May 2021
10 days from £7,495pp
Baby seals, Galapagos Islands
View Cruise
Group tour
Galapagos Islands
Cruise the Galapagos Islands with Jonathan R Green
Spend eight days exploring the western and southern islands of the Galapagos archipelago in the company…
Departing 13th June 2021
10 days from £7,495pp
Blue Footed Booby ,Isla de la Plata,Ecuador
View Cruise
Group tour
Ecuador
Cruise the Galapagos Islands with Sue Flood
Join our exclusive Galapagos Islands cruise on the Natural Paradise motor yacht, travelling with wildlife and…
Departing 4th July 2021
10 days from £7,495pp
Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands
View Cruise
Idea
Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands by Land
This island-hopping, land-based adventure through the Galapagos Islands is ideally suited to wandering wildlife-lovers that prefer to…
9 days from £4,800pp
Family, South Plaza Island, Galapagos Islands
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Peru
Journey Peru & the Galapagos Islands
Encompassing the highlights of Peru, a stay in Quito and a sailing around the Galapagos Islands,…
11 days from £4,400pp
Galapagos Islands
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Galapagos Islands
Sail the Galapagos Islands
A transformative sailing voyage around the world’s most treasured archipelago, staying aboard anything from a whimsical…
9 days from £4,300pp
Snorkelling with sea lions
View Cruise
View all holiday ideas View all cruises

Where to Stay

Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.

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Pikaia Lodge

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A unique concept in the Galapagos, Pikaia Lodge…

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Situated in a grove of wild red mangrove…

Exterior Front View, Red Mangrove Santa Cruz Lodge, Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador
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Villa Escalesia

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An oceanfront residence overlooking Pelican Bay on Santa…

Pool, Villa Escalesia, Santa Cruz Island
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Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?


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