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Puerto Villamil
From Wikitravel
Puerto Villamil is a town on Isabela, one of the Galapagos Islands. Most of the inhabitants live in agriculture and fishing, but also tourism is growing. It's a nice place to hang out on the beach for a few days or do some snorkeling.
[edit] Get in
There is a daily boat leaving to Puerto Ayora at 6:00am and leaving from Puerto Ayora back to Puerto Villamil at 2:00pm. It's a rough and noisy two hour boatride and cost $30 one-way. Emetebe has irregular flights to Baltra airport or San Cristobal if there enough passengers.
[edit] Get around
Most streets lack adequate street signs, but a civic improvement project is changing this, at least in the center of town. New sidewalks with lava pavers are also being added. The town is small enough to explore in an hour. Local children are glad to help you find your destination.
[edit][add listing] See
For things to see around Puerto Villamil see Isabela.
[edit][add listing] Do
- Snorkeling - snorkeling around Las tintoreras or Concha de Perla is excellent. You might also ask a local panga owner to take you out to "Los Tuneles", or "The Tunnels", a wonderful area of eroded lava islets filled with sea life.
- Hiking - there's a nice 2,5-3 hours (return trip) hike to the wall of tears. On the way there are lots of things to see; lakes with flamingo's and other wildlife, beaches with hundreds of (really big) iguana's, beaches with sea lions, giant turtoises and there are some view points. Take plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat.
- Visit the turtoise breeding center - A nice half hour walk from town through mangroves to the breeding center. Some information and lots of giant turtoises (free)
[edit] Money
There are no ATMs in Puerto Villamil or banks. Very few locations accept credit cards, make sure to bring plenty of cash.
[edit][add listing] Buy
Shops in Puerto Villamil sell food, supplies, and souvenirs.
[edit][add listing] Eat
There are several restaurants and bakeries in Puerto Villamil. Most restaurants serve rice, beans and a piece of meat for around 2 dollars.
- Encantado de Pepa is a wonderful little cafe serving good food on a clean and charming patio adjacent to the town's main square. La Pepa is one of the most entertaining characters in the Galapagos.
[edit][add listing] Drink
The nightlive is pretty sedate in Puerto Villamil.
- Bar de Beto is a beachfront bar popular with locals and travelers, good to grab a beer and chill out.
[edit][add listing] Sleep
There are a dozen places to stay, most charge $10 a night.
- Plaucio lodging house in between the village and the harbour is this quiet friendly budget hostel run by the very friendly artist Plaucio Alvarez. There are 3 simple cottages costing $10,- per person set in a nice cactus garden. Rooms have electricity, toilet and hot shower. Use of kitchen facilities. tel: (593) 097 733 083
- Hostal Flamencos is probably the best deal in town. The clean spacious rooms have airco, television, fridge, private bathroom with hot shower and a view on poza salinas, where sometimes flamingos can be seen. It's run by a friendly family who also serve meals. The price is only $20 per person per night.
- Hotel San Vincente [1] is popular by travelers. It has a restaurant they also organize tours. There's room for 48 guests distributed in singles, doubles, and triples rooms. All rooms have air conditioners, hot water, private bathroom, and TV. The price is around $30 per person per night plus taxes and include the breakfast.
- La Casa de Marita is the first upmarket place in town.
- Hotel Albermarle the newest and most upscale hotel in town.
[edit] Get out
| This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow! |
