Spectacular Galapagos'

Oh my!!! What a wonderful week in an incredible, luxurious home with exceptional intentional service. The home was set on the premier spot in Pto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island...a dreamy South American respite. The vistas from windows let us enjoy the bay, the town and most importantly, the ocean. The staff made our stay truly a getaway of rest and wonder. Mariana prepared wonderful meals and Byron created beautiful unique settings for each meal. We certainly enjoyed the many sets of dinnerware and lighting. There were definitely magical moments. We certainly enjoyed the wildlife experience on several islands. Finch Bay expeditions were exceptional ... and we would recommend highly. We couldn't have been more delighted with our home away from home and the care we were given. We want to give a special thank you to Juan, our host, who shared his home so graciously and with such kind & helpful care. ”

Spectacular !

From the moment Byron (the caretaker) met us at the taxi station and escorted us via water taxi to Casa La Iguana, it felt as though we were in heaven. The incredible property is directly on the sparkling blue water and Mariana and Byron took care of us all week. Mariana cooked 3 meals every day for us and we felt like royalty. She happily obliged our request for fresh fish as well as many of the delicious National dishes. Each evening after a wonderful dinner we would enjoy the hot tub followed by card games at a table overlooking the water and the lights from the yachts. Byron was the utmost host and he enabled us to do and see amazing things on the island. He anticipated our every need. I used an English/Spanish translation app on my phone to assist in communication and was able to use the small amount of Spanish I do know. I was so inspired that I signed up for Spanish language classes when I got home. The house is gorgeously appointed and extremely comfortable. We enjoyed perusing all the artwork and collections in the house. We got at least 10 hours of sleep each night and had leisurely mornings after a spectacular breakfast, reading in the hammocks and watching the birds and boat activity on the water in front of the house. Sometimes we would walk to the beach and see amazing wildlife on the way as well as in the water. One day we took a walking tour and were able to swim and snorkel in a very deep and clear pool of water surrounded by rock walls. Truly unforgettable. The wildlife on the islands is world-renowned and we had adventures going to see the giant tortoises roaming free at the top of the mountains, as well as iguanas swimming in the ocean, sea lions, turquoise blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, brightly colored crabs and interesting indigenous flora. This was a bucket-list trip of a lifetime to the Galapagos in spectacular Equador. ”

Wonderful Vacation

Casa la Iguana was exceptional. The photos of the property are great and in person Casa la Iguana was even better. Best of all was the service we received from Marianna and Fernando. They truly made our stay at Casa la Iguana very relaxing and enjoyable. Every detail was taken care of for us, including Fernando greeting our arrival in town at the dock and Marianna cooking the most enjoyable breakfast and dinner for us. The art work and furnishing of Casa la Iguana kept us all very entertained. Not to mention the daily visits by sea lions, marine iguanas, variety of birds and sharks. Yes, in the evening small sharks would swim by the shore line lights looking for a tasty snack. The Galapagos Islands lived up to their representation. We followed Juan's recommendations for day trip operators. We swam with sea turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas, many schools of fish and small reef sharks. We saw the frigate bird blowing up their red breast and the blue footed booby displaying their feet in a mating dance. We took a local taxi from the dock area to Rancho Primicias where we saw many giant tortoise in their natural environment. Highly recommend a stay at Casa la Iguana. ”

Probably Our Best

We have take a lot great trips all over the world, but our recent trip to the Galapagos and Casa La Iguana was perhaps our best ever. First of all, the Galapagos Islands are almost like another planet. The landscape and wildlife is like nothing we have ever seen. Imagine waking up and finding a couple of giant iguanas on the porch to meet you pretty much every day. The house is without question the nicest accommodation in Porta Ayora. It is large, open air and the art is really cool. However, the most amazing feature is the staff. Alejandro (house manager) and Marianna (cook) could not have been better. Very attentive and the meals were great. We did not bother to eat out one night. Awesome trip and experience.”

Paradise found!

What an amazing journey with a fun group of girlfriends. The Galápagos Islands have been on my bucket list for years and thanks to Casa La Iguana it became a reality. The home is teaming with all the wildlife of the islands. We had the Magnificent Frigate bird greet us each morning along with numerous finches that would eat right out of your hand. Alejandro and Marianna, the home caretakers, spoiled us rotten daily. They made sure we had everything we needed. Marianna is a wonderful cook and we couldn't have felt safer knowing that Alejandro was watching out for us always. We had not a care in the world. The owners were so accommodating as well and were very responsive to any requests. The home is decorated with artifacts from all over the world and it's fascinating just to walk around and take it all in. I hope to go back and visit the other islands in the future. I am so glad my first visit to Galapagos was at Casa La Iguana! One tip before you go, brush up on your Spanish and bring lots of cash. No one takes credit cards. ”

An experience we will always remember!

Our stay at the Galapagos Villa was exceptional! We can only rave about it and if you have an opportunity you must place this one at the top of your list of 3rd home Villas! Juan the owner was wonderful to work with and always answered all questions immediately and tried to help us with everything we needed. We would have loved the opportunity to meet him. The Staff of 3 totally spoiled us. Alejandro was the live-in Villa Manager and from the minute we met him as he met us at the dock to transport us to the villa, he made sure that all of our needs were taken care of, including going with us to the dock daily to make sure we met our guides for our day trips. He did our grocery shopping each day and carted everything by Water Taxi to the Villa. You can only access the villa by water taxi, which cost between 80 cents and $1 per person per trip. Alejandro called the water taxi for us by radio and they radioed him on our return as we approached the villa so we could always be met and assisted. Getting in touch with the boat tour operators in advance of our trip was a challenge but with Juan and Alejandro working on it we were able to book our excursions in advance of our stay. The villa itself is beautiful and an experience in itself. The owners are collectors and the villa is filled with art and items they have collected during their worldwide travels. Mariana the main housekeeper and chef extraordinaire along with her sister were so good that we only went out to dinner one night and then decided the best food was the home cooked Ecuadorian meals they made for us at the Villa. One morning I did a family excursion with Mariana and my 2 grandchildren to the local farmer's markets and fish vendors to purchase our food for the day. A great experience for the kids. Every morning Mariana arrived with freshly baked bread from the local bakery - what a treat! We especially enjoyed the outdoor areas of the Villa, the swimming pool, the spa and to be surrounded daily by all the wildlife in the water and on the land. We had our own nightly entertainment watching the various sea life swim by. In the Villa each day was an adventure not knowing which bird, iguana or sea lion would stop by to visit. It was an extraordinary experience which we will always remember! ”

Galapagos Oasis

This is the best place to stay in the Galapagos. We love Villa Casa Iguana. The staff are the sweetest people and so helpful. Owners are amazing and great to work with. I highly recommend renting this place. We will be back again. It was our 2nd visit and we made great memories again.”

Villa Iguana - Galapagos Island

Villa Iguana , better known by the locals as the “Casa Amarilla” is a Paradise within Galapagos; its comfort, tasteful décor and friendly service has deservedly won great prestige in the area. The island is a wonderful symbiosis of all the species which inhabit it: flora, fauna, earth, air and water, as well as people from all backgrounds, mix into perfect biodiversity which illustrates the island’s complex and yet simple life. Once you arrive at the Villa, you start enjoying the place’s magic. The Great Frigatebirds, Boobies, Seagulls and different kinds of birds from all sizes and colors stop at your terrace and eat out of your hand. A sea lion would come bathe in the swimming pool or the Jacuzzi, depending on her mood, and would then dry off with us by lying in the sun on a chaise lounge by the side of the pool. The stoic cactuses are present throughout the entire garden, in which they compete with other flower plants in order to ascertain their presence. You can actually cool off by jumping straight into the sea from your very own terrace. A truly Unforgettable Experience. The staff was excellent. Alejandro was kind, attentive and always willing to help, Mariana efficient and knowledgeable about the house and dear Esperanza trained in the culinary arts can prepare any Galapagan dish. We did not have the pleasure to meet the owners personally but they couldn't be more receptive. For nature lovers, Villa Iguana in the Galapagos islands is a necessary stop. Evelyn Brea Nov 2013 PD: I highly recommend that visitors break their piggy Banks before travelling, coins are very handy! ”

Wonderful Week!

We had a wonderful week at Casa La Iguana. The house was beautiful and had a delightful open air feel to it. All the bedrooms were air conditioned, so sleeping in the heat and humidity was not a problem. The two people running the house were incredibly helpful. Alejandro set up all our day trips to the various islands for us, did the grocery shopping, maintained the outdoor living space, and advised us on any questions or issues we had. Marianna was the cook and provided excellent meals based on our requests (including two Wahoo meals from a fish I caught). Of course we paid for our own groceries. She did breakfast and dinner for us. The pool, patio, and hot tub were very relaxing and overlooked the best view in Santa Cruz of the harbor and ocean. We enjoyed the ambiance of the house so much that we spent two days of our week just sunning and lounging there between boat trips to the various islands to see the wonders of the Galapagos. Our previous trip to the Galapagos was on a cruise on a small boat. Staying at Casa La Iguana was far superior to the boat experience. If we visit the Galapagos again, the only accommodations I would consider would be Casa La Iguana.”

Casa Iguana

This was one of the most memorable vacations ever. The home is so welcoming and the location could not be better. The staff and owners were incredible and so pleasant to deal with. From the views to the jacuzzi and pool and diving into the ocean from your patio this house is truly spectacular. Alejandro and Mariana took great care of us and we have memories for life. If you get a chance to go to Galapagos rent this home. We will be back.”