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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Bathrooms | 1 |
| Sleeps | 4 |
| Apartment / Condominium | |
| Suitability |
|---|
| No Pets |
| No Smoking |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 22 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
Get the real scoop!
All reviews are written by verified travelers
Details
| Rental type | Apartment / Condominium |
| Minimum Stay | 1 night |
| Bedrooms | 2 Total |
| Bathrooms | 1 Total |
| Sleeps | 4 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyNo Smoking allowedNo Suitable for childrenAsk Suitable for the elderlyAsk Wheelchair accessibleAsk |
Description from the owner
A separate building to the main house in the Cactuspad premises, is a two-storey house with two identical apartments. Both apartments are available and are identical in their layout. The downstairs apartment boasts a private and small front and back garden. The upstairs apartment has a quaint balcony. Both units have their own private entrance from the street and a cosy rectangular layout. Both have two bedrooms and a bathroom leading from the main kitchen/dining/living area.
The apartments are quiet, and situated in the delightful neighborhood of El Eden, a five minute walk from the Charles Darwin Research Station, seafront and town c...Read more
Amenities
Location
Orchidea
Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
What's Nearby:
Additional Location Information
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $70 - $120 | $70 - $120 | $490 | $1,500 | 1 night |
| Aug. 6 2012 - Dec. 31 2013 Nightly |
$120 | $120 | - | - | 1 night |
| Aug. 6 2012 - Dec. 31 2013 Weekly |
$70 | $70 | $490 | $1,500 | 7 nights |
| All Other Dates | $120 | $120 | $490 | $1,500 | 3 nights |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
Additional notes from owner
$490/week. $700/week between 19 Dec - 3 Jan.
Minimum one week unless gaps are available. Starting any day of the week if available. Any additional nights will be charged at $70/night ($100/night 19 Dec - 3 Jan).
If needing less than 1-week stays, we charge $120/night.
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: April 02, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
ExcellentVery Good
Average
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Andalina_13
Darmstadt, GermanyGerne wieder
Left on 04/14/2013 for a stay in April 2013
Wir (3 Personen) waren fuer 10 Tage in der Orchidea Ferienwohnung im Erdgeschoss und waren vollstens zufrieden. Es war genau wie in der Beschreibung angegeben.
Kuechenausstattung war komplett vorhanden. Wir haben mehrmals frische Handtuecher und Trinkwasser bekommen. Gereinigt wurde jeden Tag.
Vormittags war stets eine nette ansprechpartnerin vor Ort die auch telefonisch jederzeit erreichbar war.
Die Lage von Orchidea ist etwas ausserhalb des Zentrums. Der Malecon von Puerto ayora ist zu Fuss in 10 Minuten zu erreichen. -
Browncoat66
Cuenca, EcuadorFabulous apartment for extended or short term stay
Left on 02/21/2013 for a stay in December 2012
My husband and I stayed for 10 days in the upstairs apartment. We could not have asked for a nicer place. Everything was just as described on the owner's Galapex web site and in excellent condition. We found the apartment to be very comfortable and safe. The apartment has an abundance of natural light and air. It was wonderful to leave the sliding french doors to the porch open and enjoy the cool ocean breeze. And with all the storage we were able to unpack all of our suitcases and feel at home.
The owners were very helpful without being intrusive, and the maid popped in every other day to take care of the apartment. It was nice being less than a 10 minute walk into town or the Tortoise breeding center. It was fun to walk over to the center and watch the tortoises being fed around 9am Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. -
JuliaL
FloridaClean, great location, wonderful landlord
Left on 02/09/2013 for a stay in February 2013
We stayed at the Orchidea (upstairs) for 6 days. It was very nice and clean. We had a hammock on the front balcony, a fully working kitchen, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. Paul, our landlord, was awesome. We have rented properties around the world and Paul was the best landlord we have ever had. He was able to give us information on free stuff to do and recommended snorkeling tours. The house is close to town and in walking distance to local restaurants and shops, but off in the residential area where you won't be bother with noise.
Thanks Paul for all your help during the trip. We had a lovely time! -
Baders on tour
Weybridge, EnglandLook no further - much more than just excellent value accommodat
Left on 11/11/2012 for a stay in October 2012
We are a family of four with two boys aged 8 and 7 and felt at home here from the moment we arrived - the accommodation has been ideal. It has been wonderful to have plenty of space including 2 good sized bedrooms with extensive cupboard space and a good sized kitchen with dining table and lounge area, also a very sweet patio out the front and a small rear garden with hammock. The front patio was very useful so we could keep out of Martha's way when she does the daily cleaning. She can also do washing for a modest fee.
The house is located about a ten minute walk from the main town but it is a pleasant walk and means you are away from any of the bustle of the town. Should you need them, taxis pass frequently and are only $1. There are plenty of little shops dotted about, we found one less than five minutes walk away where we had croissants straight from the oven for breakfast. The owners Paul and Gaby live next door with their children and are, not only extremely welcoming and helpful, but also have the advantage of being very personable and experienced Galapagos guides themselves so have fantastic knowledge on the area and advice on where to go and what to do. This complements an extensive and lucid written guide which we referenced frequently. The combination of this availability of local knowledge proved to be absolutely invaluable.
Paul and Gaby have been so generous to us and allowed us to use the Orchidea as a base for our stay across the month we were in the Galapagos, while we spent some time in San Cristobal and Isabela. We even managed to have some interesting inland trips together that we just wouldn't have thought of, while we happened to be on San Cristobal at the same time. Given we are homeschooling our boys, they also helped us to integrate into the Galapagos way of life which even included a visit to the local school!
I would happily recommend Orchidea to anyone who is considering staying in Puerta ayora. We hope to return one day!
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marywebb2004
Kabul, AfghanistanAbsolutely wonderful
Left on 11/02/2012 for a stay in September 2012
Orchidea is absolutely wonderful. Close to all the town but far enough away to get away from the town. It felt more like a home and not like a rental. The owner was great. There were no issues during my extended stay. The housekeeper is wonderful with plenty of information to help with those things that are for the locals. The information provided at the rental is very helpful. The owners have put together a book to make choices much easier. It was safe, comfortable, and clean
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0urfamily_of_four
Chandler, ArizonaOrchidea met all of our needs and it's location can't be beat!
Left on 08/02/2012 for a stay in June 2012
We are a family of 4, we have two children 8 and 10. Our accommodations were perfect for our family. The kids loved their bunkbeds. The kitchen is large and so are the bedrooms and bathroom. We enjoyed the private outdoor areas in the front and back, especially the hammocks. The owners have a housekeeper that kept our place clean. She is available for cooking and laundry for a small fee, and well worth it! The owners Paul and Gaby were incredible. They are so friendly and helpful. Paul is very passionate about the Island and is an amazing guide. If you want to do any excursions, definitely book them with him. He has lived there for 20+ years and knows the island like the back of his hand. We stayed at Orchidea for 5 weeks and it wasn't long enough. Be careful booking with outside companies for scuba, excursions etc. Definitely trust in Paul to help find the right fit for you. The only negative experience we had was because we prebooked our scuba trip and didn't check around first.
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Grace
Santa MonicaComforts of Home with a Friend Next Door
Left on 05/22/2012 for a stay in December 2011
We were in the Galapagos for almost 10 days guided in large part by the excellent recommendations from Paul and a friend who had stayed at Orchidea a few months earlier. Orchidea was perfect and just wish we could have stayed here our entire trip. Paul was so helpful to us, and right next door. Orchidea is well located, just a few minutes walk to restaurants and the Charles Darwin station. We were there during the holidays and treated to a holiday parade that went right by the house. Another day, on the way out, we stopped to watch a girl's basketball tourney being played at the local park. The little house had everything we needed with room to dry wetsuits;/bathing suits on the back porch. It was great to come back to Orchidea to relax and regroup from our adventures. Use Paul's recommended taxi drivers, they are reliable and professional.
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Gary and Greta
Avon, CO USAGreat location and service
Left on 05/17/2012 for a stay in May 2012
We stayed at Paul's place and had a great time. Paul was very helpful and friendly. He pointed us in the right direction for island day-tours and interesting locations on santa cruz. It was fun meeting his family, too. He even took time to take us on a nice walk to Luna Media, an out of the way park location in the high country. Paul was a wealth of information. We will missed the evening gin and tonics we share with him!
The apartment is a short walk to town, about 10 minutes. It is also very close to the charles darwin center and iguana dive center, both highly recomended locations. The apartment had a well equiped kitchen and plenty of space to relax after a days activities. Martha came in every day, cleaned-up the apartment and made sure we always had clean towels.
It was a bit hot and humid when we visited, and no air conditioning is avaialble.
It was not advertised with a/C so not a complaint, just a comment.
We would deffinately return again.
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ESHEETS
MIAMIHard to find a better value for a rental in Puerto ayora
Left on 05/16/2012 for a stay in April 2012
I travelled with my family and 2 small children this spring and stayed at the Orchidea apartment. Everything we needed was in perfect working condition and many small details not found in most rentals in south america were thought of in advance such as having all the towels, toiletries and even a big 20 gallon jug of drinking water was available. I Dont think you could find a better equipped apartment in the Galapagos for this value. Owner is very involved and is a top guide in the islands which is a big plus for those basing their Galpagos experience from land in Puerto ayora.
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Kaelin
Altendorf CHAn excellent place to stay:)
Left on 02/24/2012 for a stay in December 2011
Our whole family stayed at Orchidea for two weeks.
We recommend this place to everyone that want to
have a quiet stay. It was a great place to relax
after a full day of hiking, swimming and island-hopping.
The accommodation was perfect, the location excellent
in a quiet neighbor yet walking distance to shops
and restaurants on the main street.
Paul and his wife Gabi are extremely helpful and
for their helpfulness they get an extra big star *** *** :) -
Alexander and Anna
Gainesville, FLAmazing place to stay!
Left on 01/26/2012 for a stay in December 2011
We are a young couple, who just wanted to explore Galapagos Islands. We stayed there for two weeks in December, 2011, and were quite tight on a budget. I should say, we got really lucky staying at Orchidea. First of all, this apartment is really like a home, where we had everything what we needed. Also, the owner provides you with all valuable information concerning places to visit, tours, good restaurants, maps, transportation, grocery stores, everything that you might be interested in. Since the town is pretty small, everything in the town is no more than 15 min walking distance. But, if you don't like to walk, the taxi within the town is only $1.
So, we were completely satisfied with everything concerning the house, location, services, etc, not saying that the price was really cheap.
But, the most valuable part of our travel was the fact that the owner, Paul, lives in the next building. He is a very friendly person and always very welcome to help you with everything. As a naturalist, who spent many years studying the evolution on Galapagos Is, he can tell you a lot about the nature and local species in a very nice and comprehensive way, so that at some point you start feeling that you spent years of you life on Galapagos too, and love them so much.
We are very thankful to Paul for making our Galapagos experience really amazing and unforgettable!
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Emily and David
NYCA wonderful home away from home on our trip to the Galapagos!
Left on 11/28/2011 for a stay in October 2011
We loved Orchidea! It was charming, sunny, and tidy with all the amenities we needed. Paul, the friendly owner of this lovely condo, greeted us immediately upon our arrival and helped us get situation. Weeks before our trip, he sent great information on the area and great travel tips. The housekeeper came every day to tidy up the condo and did an excellent job.
The condo is conveniently located within a few minutes walk to town on a quiet, pretty residential area. Cabs come by frequently. The condo is enclosed by a gate, and with all the locks and peacefulness of the area, we felt very safe.
We couldn't have been happier with our stay and hope to come visit again soon! -
A great place to stay
Rusthall, EnglandSanta Cruz Galapagos
Left on 11/10/2011 for a stay in October 2011
Paul was there to meet us from the taxi, and straight away, we had a good feeling about him, unfortunately, we did not meet Gaby as she was away on a cruising job. We stayed one week and Paul answered every question we asked and was very helpful, we feel we could not have asked for a better service from him.
The property is basic and more than acceptable, it is very close and a short distance to walk into town to go on tours or just sight seeing. The Darwin Research Station is an easy walk as the terrain is flat.
Prior to booking, Gaby and Paul answered all my emails quickly and efficiently.
If we ever go back to Santa Cruz, we would book with Paul again and have no hesitation in recommending this property, unless you are looking to stay in a property with a view.
Thank you Paul for all the help you gave us
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garyinternational
Safed, IsraelGreat Option for the Galapagos
Left on 10/16/2011 for a stay in October 2011
We were 3 adults that stayed for 8 days in the Galapagos. We decided not to stay on the yachts (a great decision) and do day trips from Santa Cruz Island. We visited 3 islands and spent 3 days touring Santa Cruz.
Staying at the house was great, easy walking distance to town, all the tour guides knew the place so pick up was great for the tours. The house is basic (you must bring all household stuff) - but they provide plates, glasses etc. Food was easy to get as the supermarket is a 10 min walk away, bakery is 4 minuites - in short - all is clos eby.
As we enjoy walking, we did not take the taxi's around the town (they are $1) as you miss a loss if you dont walk.
Paul and Gaby were fantastic and always around to help. We were met by them, given ideas on what to do, where not to go. As Paul is a naturalist, he gave us a tour around the Darwin Institute - great! As they live next door, it was just a quick jump and they were over to help. The whole build up to the trip was easy as both Gaby and Paul answered all my e-mails (and there were a lot) quickly.
I highly recommend!Response from Paul McFarling - 10/21/2011
Owner
Thanks for your great review Gary! It was fun having you here!
I just want to make sure that any readers are clear about the "The house is basic (you must bring all household stuff)" comment. We do provide soap and a couple of rolls of toilet paper for arrival after which one can purchase household necessities in the stores nearby. This is all written in the information we send out prior to arrival! -
Christy
Cornwall, Ontario, CanadaQuiet, convenient comfort
Left on 10/02/2011 for a stay in July 2011
Gaby and Paul McFarlane shared a great deal of information before our arrival, so we knew exactly what to expect. Upon arrival, they were immediately available and answered any further questions, as they did during the stay as well. They recommended a variety of excursions and assisted with booking them as well. The housekeeper was also available. The location is a convenient close walk to the downtown area, market, and Charles Darwin station. By the end of our week there, we knew people in town and would run into Paul and Gaby as well. It was a perfect way to spend our amazing Galapagos experience.
Response from Paul McFarling - 10/03/2011
Owner
Glad you had a good time! Hope to see you back soon!
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s_lamb333
EdmontonSimple living in a home away from home
Left on 09/04/2011 for a stay in March 2011
I loved the simple elegance of the place. It had a very natural feel to it with a beautiful garden setting around the property. It was far enough off the beaten path that you felt you were living with the locals, but not so far that it was a pain. I had a little difficulty finding the place, but that was mostly do to the fact that I speak very little spanish. I would definitely recommend this property if you are going to spend significant time in Puerto ayora
Response from Paul McFarling - 09/16/2011
Owner
Thanks for your review Scott. Glad you had a good time!
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RoamingTravler
Wilmore, KentuckyCharming & Delightful Island Getaway
Left on 03/06/2011 for a stay in September 2010
My husband and I spent ten days downstairs in the Orchidea before kicking off our our two month South american backpacking trip. It was our perfect dream situation for exploring the Galapagos islands! Being on a tight budget we found ways to save money and experience the magic of the archipelago.
Before traveling to Ecuador, Paul McFarling and his incredibly helpful website was crucial to orienting us to the experience and made logistical coordination easy. Christina Paz, her husband and Marta were wonderful upon arrival, providing assistance with the apartment, day trip coordination and the flexibility we needed.
Day trips to area islands were spectacular but a pleasant surprise to us totally enjoyed the local adventures on Santa Cruz island itself: the Charles Darwin Research Station, our first ever surfing lesson at gorgeously pristine Tortuga Bay (within walking distance from the apt.), bike riding in the highlands, delicious swordfish fillets bought at fish market cooked at the apt - our freshest meal the whole trip! Enjoying fabulous afternoon drinks at Finch Bay hotel, The Rock, and many other fun restaurants. Lovely spa experience within a five minute walk, fresh local market foods, beautiful walks by the water - a charming small town experience in the heart of the magical Galapagos Islands. -
traveler
State College, PAA comfortable and convenient home base
Left on 10/14/2010 for a stay in October 2010
We were very happy with our choice of staying in Orchidea. The house is in a quiet part of town, and very close to restaurants, tour agencies, shops, and the Charles Darwin Research Station. The kitchen is well-outfitted for basic cooking, though the largest pot is too small for steaming the huge lobsters one can get at the nearby fisherman's market (don't worry, just buy a smaller lobster). Although only temporary, living with the Galápageños allowed us to appreciate the Galápagos in a way that a cruise ship or hotel definitely cannot.
We really appreciated the special help we got from Paul McFarling, the concierge Cristina Paz, and the housekeeper Martha. Our travel was interrupted due to the 30 September political turmoil on the mainland, but the three of them helped to ensure that our trip was still a success. In particular, Cristina found us some last minute day tours and coordinated alternative flights with aerogal, and Paul arranged for us to stay at Orchidea for an additional night. -
Tom from Red Deer
Red Deer, Alberta, CanadaConvenient, low-cost for land-based visit to the Galapagos.
Left on 05/28/2010 for a stay in March 2010
Orchidea was a little oasis to hang-out during our 2-week visit to the Galapagos. Quiet and "homey", yet only a 10 minute walk to the main waterfront activities. Getting to the other islands takes time and money, but if you are looking for a land-based way to visit the GPS, then this is the way to go.
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GradStudent2010
Columbia, SCParadise
Left on 05/03/2010 for a stay in April 2010
I stayed in the downstairs apartment at Orchidea from 15-24 April 2010.
What a fantastic place! I had just returned to Santa Cruz from a month-long
oceanographic research expedition and was ready for some peace and
quiet. Martha, the housekeeper, met me at the gate and showed me all the
features of the apartment. She was a huge help the entire time! The
apartment has a big kitchen and a nice bathroom. It was just me staying
there, but the apartment easily has enough room for a small family; one
bedroom is set up as a sort of master bedroom, and the other bedroom has
bunkbeds for children. There are 2 hammocks and a nice table and chairs in
the backyard under a sun shade for afternoon naps. The front yard has a
locking gate and thick grass and bushes/flowers that are full of birds. The
place is nice and quiet, especially during siesta (noon-3pm). Martha arrives
every morning at about 830am and can help you with any problems.
Orchidea is about a 5-10min walk from both Charles Darwin National Park
and the waterfront area of Puerto Ayora; or you can take a cab, which only
charge $1 to take you anywhere in town.
Highly recommend any of the accomodations at Orchidea! -
Callie Amick
BermudaSure beats staying in a hotel - clean, comfy, convenient, and a
Left on 01/14/2010 for a stay in December 2009
This cozy apartment is located in a quiet residential area, and is a pleasant 10-minute walk from the heart of Pto. Ayora. All the basic necessities were provided, from towels to a toaster oven and Italian coffee maker. I loved the hammocks! Great for a relaxing read in the afternoon. It was a bonus to be able to rent a couple of bikes and a local cell phone from the owner, Paul. He was a terrific help from start to finish. Paul went out of his way to be helpful, assisting us with arrangements for airport transportation, suggesting sight-seeing trips, and providing information on where to shop for everything from aroma therapy to fresh veggies. Orchidea was a great place to stay.
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Jake Diamond
Boston, MAOrquidea - Home Away From Home
Left on 12/16/2009 for a stay in December 2009
This lovely two bedroom one bath apt is conveniently located in Pto. Ayora, is
in excellent condition and has everything you want. A workable kitchen, nice
bath, comfortable beds, TV and a couple of hammocks out back. Martha, the
housekeeper comes in every day to clean. The owner, Paul McFarling, is a
pleasure to deal with, and as an experienced tour operator can steer you
toward whatever Galapagos experience you want. The price is very reasonable
compared with other housing options and on our next visit I only hope it's
available!
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