Blog: Finch Bay Eco Hotel in Tripadvisor Top 25

The Finch Bay Eco Hotel in Puerto Ayora, Galápagos, has been included in Trip Advisor’s Top 25 Best Hotels in South America 2012. The hotel, which already holds the #1 spot on Trip Advisor’s hotels in in the islands, now ranks among the finest establishments on the continent.

“We’re delighted with this award,” says General Manager, Xavier Burbano de Lara. “but also full of humility. The reviews written by guests from around the world on Trip Advisor give us great feedback in order to improve. To be included in their users’ Top 25 Best Hotels in South America is a reflection of our staff’s dedication and perseverance – especially considering the Tsunami wave in March which put us out of action for a few days. Our philosophy is and always will be this quote by Rabindranath Tagore “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy”.”

The Finch Bay is the only beachfront hotel in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, located on a quiet, secluded side of the town, away from cars and traffic. In 2009, it added 6 Ocean View suites to its 21 Garden View rooms, completing its facilities which include an idyllic swimming pool and relaxing shared areas.

The Finch Bay formula of day-explorations of the islands aboard its own yachts combined with a relaxing ‘disconnect’ ambience back at the hotel has proved ever-popular with guests, who are staying for longer and longer, according to Burbano de Lara. It’s also ideal for those who want to enjoy its idyllic setting for a few nights following a cruise in the islands.

It’s the only hotel in Puerto Ayora to operate its own yachts of surrounding islands: the 16-guest Sea Finch and the 20-guest Sea Lion.

It offers attractive “day-trip plus accommodation and meals” packages for guests aboard these, as well as activities such as snorkeling mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, visits to see giant tortoises, and scuba diving in the world-famous Galápagos Marine Reserve.

Taking into account the fragile and unique environment of its location, the hotel implements best practices in sustainable tourism at every level of its operation – whether growing its own organic vegetables, recycling, monitoring water use, installing more solar panels or contributing to environmental and social initiatives through its support of the Fundación Galápagos-Ecuador and the Children of Galápagos Foundation.