EXPERIENCES
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Hiking, cycling, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, fishing, swimming, surfing… No matter your favorite active experience, our staff of local naturalist guides knows tricks for combining exploration of the Galapagos’s unique wildlife with Montemar’s Signature Active Experiences. For instance, the amazingly clear water that surrounds the islands makes them one of the most surprising spots in the world for those who love marine flora and fauna: Nearly 3,000 species have been identified, with 18.2% endemism. Whether onshore or underwater, we guarantee your intense days with our passionate staff will be unforgettable.WELLNESS
An enchanting refuge where centennial giant tortoises have chosen to live, Montemar is a peaceful hideaway for travelers to experience well-being to the fullest. Guests can enjoy our wellness activities in a unique natural environment where it’s easy to enjoy the silence, listen to the birds sing, or feel the sun and the wind on the property’s self-guided trails.
Led by our passionate staff, which includes the owner Reyna Oleas, an instructor with over 15 years of experience as a yoga practitioner, our well-being services are carefully designed to enhance the health of our minds, bodies and spirits. Our healing sessions of yoga, stretching, mindfulness and meditation are all held in Montemar’s beautiful open-air Yoga Shala, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This is also the perfect setting to get pampered with our unique Galapagos lava treatment and signature massages.
To join a Yoga Retreat at Montemar, contact our fantastic partners at The Travel Yogi from the US.
CUISINE
From the morning cup of coffee, lovingly grown in our own plantation, to the farm-to-table indoor lunch or candlelit dinner on the outdoor deck, the foodie experiences at Montemar are among its highlights. Our chefs love guiding guests on a culinary tour of Ecuador, exploring local flavors, offering cooking classes and sharing family recipes in the Villas’ open kitchen.
All the delicious dishes and green juices are crafted out of the freshest ingredients from the vegetable garden, without preservatives, colorings or additives. Our staff is always ready to cater to special dietary needs, whether vegan, gluten or lactose-free. To maintain a low environmental footprint, most of the produce comes from the property grounds, using organic and biodynamic techniques. Even the fertilizers are natural and homemade.
FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES
The Galapagos is a fun live laboratory for kids and adults alike to understand the evolution of species on Earth, as Charles Darwin did nearly 200 years ago. Being out in nature to learn about wildlife is a fantastic way for parents and children to share quality time. In Montemar, we use nature as our playground. Here, we design surprising adventures, everything from harvesting eggs, oranges and sugar cane on the farm to building forts with bamboo.
Having raised children in the Galapagos for over 20 years, we know very well how to enjoy the islands as a family. Based on all the activities that we have created for our loved ones, we adore curating essential trips according to people’s ages and interests — which includes special preferences for grandparents.
LOCAL COMMUNITY
Behind a National Park that’s as well cared-for as the Galapagos are passionate people who work hard to make this place so special. At Montemar, we believe that understanding the community is an important component of understanding the archipelago itself. That’s why we’re always looking for opportunities for interaction and lessons with our friends on Santa Cruz Island.
What would you say to a meal at a fisherman’s house? Those interested in handicrafts will love our informal encounters with creative artisans in their workshops. You can also visit the plastic recyclers’ initiative to understand the challenge of keeping the Galapagos sustainable. The locals share many inspiring stories of the Galapagos and they’re always committed to transforming their daily routine into a unique experience for visitors.
COFFEE TASTING
Did you know that Montemar grows high-quality specialty coffee that was graded the best cup of commercial coffee produced on the Galapagos Islands?
Coffee production has recently become the archipelago’s only agricultural export, supporting tourism as a new economy for the islands. And Montemar guests can sample our delicious coffee with sweet notes of dried berries, chocolate and nuts in an interesting tasting session.
It’s also possible to take a walk through our sustainable plantation to learn about the process of harvesting, separating grains and seeds, fermenting, drying and roasting our red coffee beans.
