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Montemar Villas, Tortuga, Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands
Home Hotels Montemar

Montemar

B Corp
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Located in the giant tortoise habitat, Montemar is a private estate set on a 43-acre sustainable farm in the highlands of Santa Cruz, designed and run by Galapagueño couple Roberto and Reyna.

The property consists of two villas — one with four bedrooms, the other with two — sleeping up to 12 guests in total. Each villa features its own living room and dining area with calm and inviting interiors, and an outdoor deck that opens onto native forest where giant tortoises roam – a magical experience for all the family.

A dedicated team brings warmth, insight and genuine local knowledge to every stay. Meals are crafted from organic garden produce and local ingredients, with coffee grown and roasted on site. Both Galapagos born environmentalists, the owners personally oversee operations guaranteeing deep, local perspective rooted in authentic sustainability and conservation values.

Montemar isn’t a hotel, it’s a personalised villa experience. There’s plenty of space to settle in and enjoy island life at your own pace, all whilst evoking the feel of the untouched, pristine Galapagos encountered by its earlier visitors.

Why we like Montemar

Montemar is a home as much as a retreat, with a focus on slow-paced experiences and off-the-beaten-track adventures. Few places in the Galapagos feel as personal, with an intimate and attentive level of service tailored to each guest. This is also the only B Corp Certified property in the Galapagos, a globally recognised standard for environmental and social impact. Montemar is a great option for families or friends seeking privacy and purpose in equal measure.

Activities

By staying at Montemar, you’ll have access to some of the most engaging experiences in the Galapagos. Hike, cycle, snorkel, paddleboard, dive or kayak through marine and forest habitats teeming with endemic species. Charter a private yacht for a day of exploration, or unwind back at the villa with massages, open-air yoga or a signature lava treatment.

Cooking classes and coffee tastings are available in the villas’ open kitchen, whilst creative encounters with artisans and sustainability pioneers can be arranged. Children can harvest oranges or bamboo on the farm and discover, hands-on, why the Galapagos remains a living laboratory of evolution.

All activities and excursions at Montemar are personally curated by the owners to ensure guests experience the most enriching and unique side of the Galapagos.

Sustainability

Montemar is a working model of sustainable living in the Galapagos — a family vision brought to life with care and conviction. The villas are built using natural local materials and every aspect of life here is designed to tread lightly. Rainwater is harvested for all water needs, solar panels provide 99% of the energy and most food is grown on site.

From food to waste, energy to architecture, Montemar’s closed-loop systems offer guests the chance to experience self-sufficiency in action. This commitment has been independently recognised with B Corp Certification – a first for any property in the Galapagos – ensuring transparency, corporate responsibility and high environmental standards.

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Nearby experiences

  • Cycling
  • Kayaking
  • Paddleboarding
  • Snorkelling
  • Swimming
  • Yoga
  • Culinary classes
  • Surfing
  • Fishing

Price guide

£££££

Location

Montemar is situated between Baltra and Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, and is serviced by flights from Quito and Guayaquil. A 45-minute transfer from the airport brings you to the peace and solitude of the villas, whilst being close enough to hop into town whenever you feel like it.

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Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Finch Bay Hotel £££££

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Named after the Darwin finches that frequent the surrounding area, Finch Bay Hotel is nestled across from Puerto Ayora in a quiet oceanfront location on Santa Cruz Island. The property features 27 rooms and suites, an outdoor pool and a restaurant that serves locally-inspired cuisine. The property is flexible in that it offers stays on only a bed and breakfast basis right through to a complete full-board package with daily guided land and sea excursions.

View Property

Pikaia Lodge £££££

  • Galapagos Islands

A unique concept in the Galapagos, Pikaia Lodge is a contemporary property that carefully balances adventurous land-based activities with ocean-bound excursions. Guests are welcomed on board the lodge’s spacious and luxurious yacht and allocated a private cabin, but are able to return at night to the comforts of Pikaia Lodge to sleep on steady ground.

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More luxury accommodation

Why Choose Steppes?

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