Semilla Verde Guest House

If you're undecided about a placed to stay for your next land based trip to the Galapagos - look no further that Semilla Verde Guest House on Santa Cruz Island.

Run by husband and wife Robert and Daysi, Semilla Verde offers a terrific place to base your Galapagos adventures from. Naturalist guide, Robert, booked all our tours for us, made us breakfast each morning and worked with us on lunch and dinner selections, whether eating at home or in one of the neighboring towns.

We found the serenity at night to be a perfect match to the daily activities and the reason we went to the Galapagos to begin with. To unwind and be amongst nature. We no light pollution to speak of the night sky was amazing. And during the day it was just a 12 min free shuttle/taxi ride into Puerto Ayora. A bonus was that most of our day trips started at the Itabaca Channel which conveniently means that you are the last to be picked up (more sleep) and the first to be dropped off by the shuttle.

The home itself is terrific with AC in the bedrooms, modern updated accommodations, a pool and of course the surrounding acreage with recurring tortoise spottings.

Trust me, you would not regret staying with Robert and Daysi for your next trip.

Location:
Km 12, via a Baltra

Puerto Ayora

Santa Cruz Island

Galapagos

Ecuador S.A.

Puerto Ayora, Ecuador

Guesthouse Types:
B&b, Great for couples, singles

This Hotel is: Mid-Range

Hotel Amenities, Services and Facilities Restaurant, Bar, Breakfast Included, Community Kitchen, Laundry Service, Internet Facilities - Free, Safe in Reception or Rooms, Travel Info Desk, Lounge, Book Exchange - Free, Luggage Storage, Airport Pickup - Extra Charge, Linens Included, Non-Smoking Rooms, 24-Hour Hot Water, Gift Shop, Child-Friendly Facilities, Outdoor Swimming Pool, Room Service, Wake-Up Call, Towels Included, Common Room, Telephone/Fax Facilities, BBQ Area, Taxes Included in Price, Hair dryer

Currencies accepted
US dollar

Getting There:
On arrival at Baltra Airport, take the free shuttle bus service to Itabaca Canal and then take the 5 minute ferry ride to Santa Cruz Islands. Take a taxi - one of the many white pick ups - to Semilla Verde (next to Rancho El Cisne), between El Carmen and

Room Prices:
Lower:$120
Higher:$225
Price Description:Price for two people sharing includes breakfast (cooked or continental), daily taxi/shuttle ride to and from town, and all taxes. *To celebrate the guest house inauguration there are some great price offers* Very good value!

Contact Information:
Phone: 00 44 87 103 006
E-mail: info(at)remove-this.gps.ec
URL: www.gps.ec

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Reviews

Traveler Reviews of Semilla Verde Guest House

Semilla Verde Guest House, Galapagos

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay with the Grimstones at the Semilla Verde (www.gps.ec). Nestled in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, we enjoyed the feeling of being in a tree house cradled in the canopies of Scalesia trees. Our accommodations in the main farmhouse were spacious and very comfortable. We bird-watched from the deck, encountered tortoises wandering freely on the property and enjoyed homegrown bananas, grapefruit, oranges and coffee. The location was isolated from the hub-bub of Puerto Ayora, but close enough to conveniently catch a taxi into town.  Robert and his wife, Daysi, were friendly and gracious hosts.  An experienced naturalist guide, Robert was extremely knowledgeable about the island's natural history and wildlife, and well connected to its people and culture. He gave us great recommendations about what to do and see on Santa Cruz as well as on other islands. Staying at Semilla Verde was a wonderful way to enjoy our experience in the Galapagos Islands.  We would love to return someday! David, Kirsten, Dillon and Kirby FranklinPetaluma, California(email: chipote@peoplepc.com)

Traveler from Petaluma, California on May 26, 2009

A great combination of amazing adventure and utmost relaxation.

We recently returned from an amazing trip to the Galapagos Islands. Robert from the Semilla Verde Guest House made the planning of this trip a breeze. He stayed in constant contact with me and designed a trip that fit our desires and budget. When we first arrived at the Guest House we were welcomed by Robert's wife Daysi and fresh lemonade. We took a swim in their pool surrounded by their beautiful garden. As we became acclimated to being in paradise, we just found all the day-to-day stress melt away. It became a toss up each day between enjoying the grounds of the Guest House and seeing the wildlife we came so far to see. Each expedition brought a new amazing experience as we snorkled with sea lions, turtles and marine iguanas. It was wonderful to return from a long day in the sun to our oasis in the Guest House. We showered, relaxed with a glass of wine on the balcony, and waited for Daysi and Robert to cook us another amazing meal. We travelled with friends who stayed in the town of Puerto Arroyo....although they boasted about their $15.00 rooms and $5.00 meals. We wouldn't have traded our experience at Semilla Verde; you not only get a beautiful room, and a great meal, you get away from the hustle of the city. After each dinner, we laid in the hammocks at night staring at the million stars and full moon, watched DVDs and played games. My kids also loved playing with Robert and Daysi's 2 dogs and 2 cats. Robert took us on the Highland tour of the lava tubes and tortoise reserve, he is incredibly knowledgable about the history of Galapagos....we learned so much from him. Between Robert's passion and Daysi's sweetness, they make wonderful hosts of their guest house. Not to mention, Blanca who cleaned up after us everyday and folded each piece of our clothing. The house was spotless! We quickly felt like a part of their family. I can't reccommend this place enough. It met and surpassed our expectations. We will definately return.

V!VA user from California on Apr 23, 2009