Things To Do
in Puerto Villamil
Puerto Villamil sits on the southern shore of Isabela Island in the Galapagos, Ecuador. It is the archipelago’s most laid-back port village, offering a gentle pace, palm-fringed beaches, and a gateway to wildlife encounters. The town has a simple waterfront vibe with a handful of shops, and easy access to Concha de Perla and Sierra Negra.
Visitors come for flamingo lagoons, playful sea lions, snorkeling adventures, and dramatic volcanic scenery that frames daily life here.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at a beachfront café, where you can enjoy fresh tropical fruit and coffee. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the powdery white sands of Playa de los Amorosos, soaking in the serene beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Keep an eye out for marine iguanas basking in the sun as you embrace the tranquil morning atmosphere.
In the afternoon, rent a kayak and paddle through the crystal-clear waters to explore the nearby mangroves. This is an excellent opportunity to spot various bird species and perhaps even a sea turtle swimming by. After an adventurous paddling session, unwind at a local restaurant with a delicious seafood lunch, sampling the island's fresh catch of the day.
As the sun sets, head to the pier to watch the sky transform into a canvas of vibrant oranges and pinks. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a seaside restaurant, savoring traditional Ecuadorian dishes while listening to the gentle sound of waves. Wrap up your evening with a peaceful walk along the beach, feeling the cool ocean breeze on your skin.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, then prepare for an exciting excursion to the Wall of Tears, a significant historical site on Isabela Island. The hike to the Wall offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, and you may encounter giant tortoises along the way. As you walk, listen to your guide share fascinating stories about the island's past and the significance of this site.
Upon reaching the Wall of Tears, take some time to appreciate the haunting beauty of this monumental structure while snapping photos of the impressive stonework. Afterward, enjoy a packed lunch amidst the natural surroundings, where you can share your thoughts on the history and culture of the Galápagos. In the afternoon, continue your exploration by visiting the nearby tortoise breeding center, where you can learn about conservation efforts and see baby tortoises up close.
Return to Puerto Villamil in the evening, where you can unwind with a cocktail at a local bar while reminiscing about your day's adventures. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant featuring local specialties, such as ceviche or locro de papa. Finish your night by stargazing on the beach, as the clear skies of the Galápagos provide an incredible view of the constellations.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi (1 km) | $1-2 |
| 🏖️Budget hotel night | $40-80 |
| 🥽Snorkel gear rental (per day) | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Intact wildlife encounters and accessible nature
- Laid-back pace and friendly locals
- Easy access to volcanic landscapes and snorkeling
- Limited nightlife and dining options compared to bigger cities
- High dependence on tour operators and weather windows
- Expensive and limited medical facilities on Isabela
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Hablo inglés" - I speak English
- "No entiendo" - I don’t understand
Places to Visit in Puerto Villamil
Visit one of these nice places.
A tidal lagoon home to flamingos, pelicans, and sea life; great for early morning photographer.
Wide sandy beach with pastel horizons and silhouettes of palm trees.
Historic stone wall with dramatic seaside backdrop for sunset photography.
Crater rim offering vast lava landscapes and sweeping island views.
Boardwalk through tidal lagoons and lava formations, ideal for bird photography.
Food in Puerto Villamil
Puerto Villamil Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fish cooked in coconut sauce served with rice and plantains.
Must-Try!
Fresh marinated fish with lime, onion, cilantro, and chili.
Rice with mixed seafood, vegetables, and herbs.
Savory pastries filled with shrimp or fish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily market with fresh fish, fruit, and local snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Do not touch, feed, or chase animals and maintain a safe distance.
Carry out trash, use reef-safe sunscreen, and stay on marked paths.
Ask permission before photographing people; respect local norms.
Safety
Tipping in Puerto Villamil
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, leave 5-10% if service is not included; for guides and boat crews consider a per-person tip of $5-20 depending on service.
US dollars is the legal tender; most places accept cash and many larger establishments accept credit cards, but some small shops and excursion operators prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December through May brings warm temperatures, higher humidity, and occasional rain; great for snorkeling and wildlife viewing when seas are calm.
June through November is cooler and drier with stronger winds; seas can be rougher but wildlife is active and landscapes are dramatic.
Puerto Villamil at Night
Hiking in Puerto Villamil
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A long hike around and into the crater rim with expansive volcanic scenery.
Easy boardwalk through tidal lagoons with flamingos and lava formations.
Historical hillside trail ending at a stark sea-view point; best at sunrise or sunset.
Airports
How to reach Puerto Villamil by plane.
The main gateway to the Galapagos; international and domestic flights connect to Quito and Guayaquil; transfer to the islands by ferry and continued travel to Isabela.
Another Galapagos gateway; regional flights connect to the mainland and other islands; transfer to Isabela by boat if needed.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Isabela natives and families who live year-round.
Guides, rangers, and staff employed in conservation and tourism.
Seasonal tourists and a small expat presence involved in research and hospitality.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Accessible from shore or boat trips; abundant marine life.
Calm coastal waters near Puerto Villamil and lagoons.
Volcanic landscapes and wildlife trails on Isabela.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puerto Villamil.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Ask for vegetarian options like veggie plates or pasta; many places can adjust fish dishes to be meat-free.