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Casa La Iguana - Galapagos waterfront luxury villa

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Exterior
Outdoor dining
Pool
Pool
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms7 bathroomsSleeps 101000 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washer

Explore the area

Map
Santa Cruz - Pto. Ayora, Galapagos Islands
  • Malecon
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Las Ninfas Lagoon
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Playa de los Alemanes
  • Isla Baltra (GPS-Seymour)
    ‪72 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

7 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Bathroom 4

Bathroom 5

Bathroom 6

Bathroom 7

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Casa La Iguana - Galapagos waterfront luxury villa

Centrally located in Santa Cruz island, Casa La Iguana offers an unsurpassed extraordinary experience for the adventurous soul who demands the very best.

Arranged over 2 levels, this imposing property of 1,000m² (10,700 sq ft) teems with style, rare decorative pieces and stylish architecture. Each room is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.

The villa has been built to an exceptionally high standard of specifications by the owners, preserving the style and charm created by the natural wonder of the Galapagos and incorporating all the comforts of modern living.

Guided nature tours, sea kayaking and many other water activities start right at our doorstep. The local beach is a 5 minute walk and features calm, shallow water. Sea lions, marine iguanas and pelicans are often seen in the vicinity of the villa.

The villa comes with a staff of three: a cook, a cleaning lady, and the concierge.

Food is not included. Our clients have to pay for food and drinks. Our staff will go buy groceries as necessary. Fresh seafood is always available every morning.

At the end the day you wont need to worry about finding a good place to eat. The cook will suggest a menu of local dishes each day. She has assisted many great chefs over the years; she is always fine-tuning her art.

Our staff will always try to foresee all your needs.

Daily laundry service is included as well.

The concierge will help our guests in planning their daily tours and making tour reservations. He has many contacts in town and will fetch information for our clients ever time they need it.

Each suite is a master with its own private bathroom. You have choice of having a suite with a king bed or two double beds.

Each suite enjoys outdoor terraces. You have a choice of having an upstairs suite or a downstairs suite.

Only on full house you have the option to request the guesthouse. This allows a total of 14 adults to stay in the villa.

We have 3 extra small beds for children.

Cable / Satellite TV with DVD players in each suite.

Air Conditioning and Safety Deposit Boxes in each room.

Casa La Iguana offers our guests a private and warm-hearted stay in the Galapagos Islands.

Amenities
• 30 meters (98 ft.) of sea frontage
• Large dining room that seats up to 10 indoors
• Two large outside dining / eating areas
• Custom grill & BBQ area
• Zero-Edge Pool with Poolside Towel Service
• Jacuzzi
• Wi-fi Internet service
• Daily Maid Service
• Laundry Room & Laundry Services Available
• Fully equipped gourmet kitchen
• Concierge Services
• Two docks

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the area

Puerto Ayora

Located in Puerto Ayora, this villa is near the beach. Gus Angermeyer Ferry Terminal and Las Grietas are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Galápagos National Park and El Chato Ranch.
Map
Santa Cruz - Pto. Ayora, Galapagos Islands

What's nearby

  • Academy Bay - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Las Grietas - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Malecon - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Fishing Piers - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Las Ninfas Lagoon - 7 min walk - 0.6 km

Getting around

  • Isla Baltra (GPS-Seymour) - 72 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Almar Lounge & Grill Bar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪El Muelle De Darwin - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪TJ Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Golden Prague Galapagos - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Il Giardino - ‬6 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does Casa La Iguana - Galapagos waterfront luxury villa have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Casa La Iguana - Galapagos waterfront luxury villa pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-out at Casa La Iguana - Galapagos waterfront luxury villa?

Checkout is at 11:30 AM.

Where is Casa La Iguana - Galapagos waterfront luxury villa located?

Situated by the ocean, this villa is within a 5-minute walk of Academy Bay and Galápagos National Park. Gus Angermeyer Ferry Terminal and Las Grietas are also within 5 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 14 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Derrick P., Salt Lake City, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic!
Incredible staff, every need was met and attended to. They even went so far as to decorate the house for my sons birthday that happened to coincide with our being there. Location was amazing and easy for us to navigate to all the islands. House was so well laid out, everything we needed was there. Would recommend this 100% to anyone looking to stay in the Galapagos.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

ryan e.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing house and location.
We rented the house for five days. There were nine of us (two families), 4 adults and 5 kids (10-16 years old). Overall, we absolutely loved the house. House is amazing, the pictures don’t do it justice, it is amazing! Location is amazing, the team at the house are fantastic, and really have no complaints and highly recommend renting the property. We saw little sharks, sea lions, birds, tuna, turtles, rays, all while sitting outside at the place. Can’t say enough about the house and the experience!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sara L.

Extraordinary family vacation! And
Our family of 9, 3 generations aged 11-76 were very excited to go to Galapagos and Casa La Iguana, but it was beyond our expectations! Marianna and Alejandro were amazing, taking care of our every need, including delicious dinners. The house, the location, the access to other island tours....we just can’t say enough. If you are a family visiting the Galapagos, our family would strongly recommend you consider staying at Casa La Iguana. A magical family vacation! And let Alejandro book your tours. We booked 2 ourselves and he booked one. He knows the local people and can find excellent trips for you, private and tailor made for you. Truly a unique and memorable experience!!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Elaine K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Outstanding way to visit Galapagos
We couldn't have asked for a better place to stay in Galapagos. The house was outstanding for our multi-generational family of 10. The architecture and all the interesting artifacts from the owner's travels were amazing. Whenever we weren't out exploring, the children lived in the pool and hot tub--and the adults were always enjoying the ever-changing water views. At first we were apprehensive about access only by water taxi, but it turned out not to be a problem, as Byron, Mariana and Esperanza went out of their way to arrange transportation for all of our excursions. The home is easily accessible to town at all hours of the day or night. Byron, Mariana and Esperanza were remarkable--so helpful and kind in every way, even finding babysitters one day. They took care of grocery shopping and cooking virtually all the meals for our group, gracefully accommodating our schedules, and overlooking the messes that a group our size tends to accumulate. We wanted to take them home with us! We are so glad we decided on this home and would heartily recommend it as a highly preferable alternative to a Galapagos cruise.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Extraordinary Adventure
Our family and close friends were anticipating a spectacular adventure in the Galapagos—and the experience surpassed all expectation!! Casa la Iguana is comfortable, stunningly beautiful and the perfect spot to enjoy a multigenerational retreat. We are so grateful to Juan, Marianna, Esperanza and Byron for their care and kindness. A truly special place and wonderful people. Thank you!!!
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Steve S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Terrific family experience
The property was accurately represented and was amazing, beautiful and well-located. Every facet was exceptionally positive, and most particularly the availability and wonderful services of Byron, Mariana, and Esperanza. Tho accurately described, the limited availability of good, fast wi- fi/internet was the only situation that we personally found "wanting". All else was exceptional, including the assistance/guidance provided by the owner prior to our visit. Steve
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sean L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exceptional Waterfront Home and Experience
Our family of 10, ages 11-77, recently spent an unforgettable week at Casa La Iguana. This property is exquisitely appointed from top to bottom and the staff onsite (Byron, Mariana and Esperanza) were incredibly helpful, friendly and talented in the kitchen. Byron discreetly saw to our every need throughout the week and the delightful Mariana and Esperanza made delicious, home-cooked meals for us each day, including a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner, as we happened to be there for the holiday. Although it does not seem possible - this home is even more beautiful in person than in the pictures. The attention to detail in the decor and artwork is impressive - we all had fun taking our time observing all there is to see in each room. We utilized Casa La Iguana as a base for many daytime adventures to the surrounding islands, and while exploring Santa Cruz, and thoroughly enjoyed relaxing there in the evenings and the few days that were unscheduled. The outdoor space was perfect - we spent many hours swinging in the hammocks, playing card games, sipping cocktails from the bar cart, reading by the water and watching the incredible wildlife that was perpetually passing by, both by air and by sea. By day we saw countless blue-footed *birds, crabs, frigates, finches, herons, iguanas and more, and by night there was a constant highway of sharks, sting rays, sea lions and turtles floating by. The bedrooms were all spacious, comfortable and kept spotless, each with its own private outdoor space to relax. The homeowner, Juan, was incredibly helpful leading up to the trip, and provided useful guidance and logistical information needed around the island during our stay. You will not regret booking this location - it really made our entire trip to Santa Cruz memorable!
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michael K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best In Galapagos
We spent 3 weeks at the property. My wife and have traveled all over the world and I can say without exception this is the coolest house ever. It will blow you away from the moment you arrive and Marianna — the cook —- abs Byron the house atendant are kind, caring and perfect. Hire Tesoros for fishing and snorkeling charters. Nicolas is awesome and hire Paola Luca as your natuarlist guide. She rocks.
Stayed 19 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Bernadette A., South Orange, NJ

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Truly 5 star! Exquisite experience and home.
Casa Iguana was a beautifully appointed and truly luxurious home. Every detail from the decor to the stunning location overlooking the bay was just perfect. The house delivered on all our expectations for a luxury home. The staff (Fernando and Mariana) made sure all our needs were cared for. The meals cooked were exquisite. The day trip boat tour recommendations were perfect. We saw so much of the islands and experienced every type of animal. Sitting on the bayside pool of the home we got to see turtles, sea lions, iguanas and birds. What a magical place and the house was incredibly comfortable for our two families with kids. Walking distance to Playa Alemanes and La Grieta. A quick water taxi ride away from all the restaurants and shops. We hope to be back again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Hope B.

Charming, Delightful and Beyond Amazing!
Our family of fourteen well-seasoned travelers has decided that La Casa Iguana may have been our best travel decision ever! The house is so well done...an architectural gem that is beautifully married to the landscape...as though it just sprang organically from the rocky cliff. Being respectful of Ecuadorian culture gives the house a strong sense of place: very appreciated by visitors who travel to experience the heritage of a locale. My eighty-four year old mother spent most of her time at the casa due to her travel limitations, but she enjoyed almost as many wildlife encounters as the rest of us! Being perched over the bay, she sat on the patio and witnessed a constant parade of sharks, rays, sea lions, turtles and birds! The ocean was her personal entertainment aquarium! But, the very best experience at La Casa Iguana is the warm and welcoming attention of Alejandro, Marianna and Esperanza. What an amazing staff! We felt so welcome and so cared for...they are warm-hearted, generous, good and honest people who anticipated problems and jumped in to correct them before we even knew they existed. They truly move beyond the role of house caretakers and enter the realm of trip enhancers...they are an invaluable resource. Thank goodness, they, also, enjoy a good laugh...as my family's grasp of the Spanish language is atrocious! We used phone apps, hand signals and charades to communicate...often keeping all of us in fits of giggles at our mishaps! Expect some! Juan, too, was so generous with his advice and in helping us to make payments on day trips ahead of our arrival; a welcome assist since credit cards are universally not accepted. I would like to take that last point to comment on a worry we had about being land-based on this trip vs prepaid and boat-based. A lot of people don't even realize that basing on land is an option...everything is so focused on boat travel in advertisements. We chose to base on land simply because a few in our family are prone to terrible seasickness. A stroke of good luck that turned out to be! I feel like our Galapagos experience was so much more "local" by staying at La Casa Iguana and interacting daily with the islanders and their way of life. It added an authenticity I don't think we would have experienced isolated and prepackaged on a boat. Plus, booking boat day trips allowed us to visit eight islands! We "saw it all", and our money stayed with the islanders. When I return, it will only be to La Casa Iguana!
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly O.

Casa la Iguana was exquisite! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the villa, every bit of it!
From the moment our water taxi pulled up to the steps of the villa, we knew we were in for an unforgettable stay at Casa La Iguana! And we were only beginning to realize the charm of this unique setting. The ten of us spent the next three days relaxing amidst the amenities on site . . . the pool, spa, patios, and hammocks were amazing! Likewise, the entire house was so accommodating. The furnishings were beautiful, and the bedrooms/bathrooms so well decorated and spacious, giving each couple plenty of room as we settled in for our three days of heaven on earth! Although we spent lots of time exploring the remarkable Galapagos Islands, we always looked forward to returning to the villa! The beauty of this home, situated in a breathtakingly stunning spot, was enhanced by the warmth of Juan, Marianna, Esperanza, and Alejandro. We were so spoiled by their hospitality and gracious care! Whether it was tending to our laundry or preparing our meals, the group treated us like family. Huge compliments to Juan for his excellent correspondence with us as we prepared for the the trip, as well as his attentive guidance while we were there. The ten of us couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable visit . . . we hit the jackpot by staying at Casa La Iguana!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Dawn B.

An experience we will never forget
I can not begin to describe how wonderful the experience of Casa La Iguana was. From the moment we arrived we were awestruck at the beauty of the house and its surroundings. The first thing we did was jump off the steps into the beautiful blue crystal clear water. Alejandro and Mariana were wonderful. They met our needs before we knew we had any. By weeks end we felt we had new friends. Alejandro was instrumental in getting us the excursions we were interested in and so much more. Mariana is a fabulous cook/chef. Everything she made was so tasty. Thank you so much for allowing us to enjoy your beautiful home.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Nancy F., Denver, CO

Exquisite family home and gracious hospitality.
Our group of 13 loved our stay at this beautiful family home. The villa is spacious and exquisitely decorated with large rooms and spaces indoors and out. Juan welcomed us to his families' lovely home and played a key role in planning our amazing 8 night stay. Juan and the staff, Alejandro. Mariana and Aurora cared for us in every way possible from arranging transfers and tours, to hiring a naturalist, suggesting yachts to hire for private tours, shopping daily for the freshest of foods, and doing laundry. We were spoiled with delicious meals every day, enjoying the beautiful waterfront, walking in the nature preserve, getting to know Ramona and other birds who visit daily, panga rides to and from town, day tours to other islands and the Highlands. We are thankful to the Altgelt family for opening their lovely home and to Juan and the staff for their service, hospitality and friendship. I highly recommend a stay at Casa La Iguana. You won't want to leave.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Natalie G.

Remarkable experience in a luxury home
We spent 10 days at the Casa La Iguana and we loved it!!! The house is right on the water, with an exquisite decoration, and it is very comfortable with 5 rooms with bathrooms en suite. It also has beautiful views of the ocean and marina, outdoors jacuzzi and pool, and steps that go straight into the ocean where we would swim everyday and from where you could see all kinds of marine life. Located very near the port by water taxi and a short stroll to "las grietas", and close to all the diving shops, restaurants and bars. But above it all there is The staff (which is the best part) Alejandro, Mariana and Aurora would cook for our family everyday so we were spoiled with delicious breakfasts, lunchs and dinners, and we were able to eat plenty every day in the privacy of the home with our family. They also helped us to arrange some tours and general information on what to do and where to go. Thank you Alejandro, Mariana and Aurora!!! You made our stay a truly remarkable experience.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2016

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