National Geographic Galapagos Escape

Set within a historic park and wildlife reserve, the luxury Hotel del Parque is a tropical oasis in the Samborondon neighborhood of the bustling city of Guayaquil and along the Daule River. Parrots and spider monkeys roam the trees and the hotel is surrounded by palm leaves and exotic flowers. This elegant boutique hotel blends the world of luxury and nature perfectly with lush patios and a bio-diverse park and wildlife reserve just outside the walls. A ten-minute drive from the airport and 15 minutes to the city center, this relaxing space is easily accessible for a pre- or post-Galapagos hotel.

Hotel del Parque Review

AdventureSmith Explorations’ Hotel del Parque review includes a detailed description and photo gallery. Our adventure travel experts can help compare the Hotel del Parque with other Guayaquil pre and post hotels. Book this hotel in conjunction with our Galapagos tours, Galapagos cruises and/or other Ecuador vacations. This property is a popular pairing with our luxury Galapagos tours. Our travel specialists can help you compare this hotel to others in Guayaquil.

Choose this hotel and escape to an oasis in an otherwise bustling city. Travelers will not find a quieter bed or more tranquil hotel atmosphere in Guayaquil, a city with few boutique or luxury hotel options. The hotel itself is extraordinary with history, elegance and five-star sophistication; it must be counted among the finest hotels in Ecuador. The park and riverfront surroundings are a surprising bonus. Spending a day among the history and animals of the Parque Historico, guests inevitably run into local Guayaquilenos families enjoying picnics or lovers strolling the waterfront pier hand in hand. The Hotel del Parque is perfect for travelers looking for an upscale hotel close to the airport or for people seeking a longer stay that will immerse them in the culture and history of Ecuador’s most populous city.

Hotel del Parque History

Built in 1891 by Guayaquil’s oldest charity, the building was named Hospício Corazón de Jesús and was the first hospice in the city providing shelter for the homeless, elderly and disabled. Mr. Julian Coronel founded this altruistic refuge originally in the center of the metropolis. Facing demolition in the 1980s, the property was bought by the Central Bank of Ecuador and moved board-by-board to its current site in Parque Histórico. There, it was meticulously restored alongside three other heritage buildings. The Hotel del Parque team and designer Julio Vinueza transformed this historical building into a modern luxury hotel with the architecture of 19th-century Ecuador.

Amenities at Hotel del Parque

The inside lounge offers sophistication and history in a comfortable setting, the perfect place to read the newspaper and chat with new friends. The two inner patios with fountains and tropical plants are a cool, refreshing place to be revived after exploring Guayaquil. The reading room provides games, television and computers. A fitness center is available 24 hours a day. Meeting facilities and boardrooms are also on site. High-speed free Wifi is available throughout the hotel, as well as concierge services, 24-hour room service, minibars and full air conditioning.

Dining at Hotel del Parque

The Casa Julian Restaurant, set on the Daule River, with executive chef and Guayaquil native Juan Carlos Ordonez, offers delightful and vibrant creations made from fresh local ingredients. The innovative chef combines traditional Ecuadorian fare with new textures and pairings. This waterfront restaurant features fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean paired with local ingredients like avocado, coconut and cacao. Breakfast (included), lunch and dinner are served, as well as daily afternoon tea with traditional Guayaquil sweets and delicacies and local herbal tea infusions. Guests can enjoy meals in the elegant riverside dining room, in the park for a private dining experience (prior notice needed) or in the comfort of their room. Complimentary coffee and juice, fresh-baked cookies and pastries are available 24 hours a day. Dietary restrictions can often be accommodated with prior notice.

Activities at Hotel del Parque

The unique spa offers massages and beauty treatments in the wood-beamed bell tower of the original restored chapel, with 360-degree views. This charming 19th-century chapel-faithfully reconstructed and painted in cool blues with original Gothic, Renaissance, and Mediterranean features-creates the perfect sanctuary for revitalization, especially after an active, immersive trip to the Galapagos.

Guest activities also include picking cacao pods and learning how the pod is transformed into chocolate. Guests can also learn the art of coffee roasting and growing-an interactive experience with Hotel del Parque’s chef. The healing Ecuadorian herb garden welcomes guests to learn about traditional medicine and even acquire personal infusions to cure aliments.

Guided or unguided wildlife walks through the grounds and wildlife sanctuary is on offer for an immersive nature experience. Hotel del Parque guests have exclusive park access on Mondays and Tuesdays, and in the early mornings and evenings when the park is closed to the public. Fun scavenger hunts are offered for kids to explore the gardens and search for rare plants and wildlife.

Nearby Attractions to Hotel del Parque

Parque Historico offers nature trails with three different ecosystems spread across more than 7.4 acres. Wildlife that can be found in the park range from sloths and ocelots to crocodiles and caimans, as well as harpy eagles and toucans. Restored 19th-century buildings like the former Territorial Bank property and the former homes of some of the city’s wealthiest families are placed throughout the park. All of these buildings were rescued from demolition, as well as the fabulous period trams. Folk dances and theatrical performances are a couple of the cultural heritage offerings that happen throughout the park and the Daule River is an excellent spot for sunset viewing.

Outside of the park, options include visiting the markets, gardens, safari park (for kids) at Simon Bolivar Pier. and museums. The riverside can also be explored, via boat. The Lineal Park has a nighttime dancing waters show, views of ‘the most beautiful bridge in the country,’ El Velero Bridge, and a unique Zigzag bridge. The Civic Square is home to many famous monuments, water fountains and viewpoints. These are just a few of the many treats that Guayaquil has to share.

Accommodations at Hotel del Parque

The 44 elegant guest bedrooms and suites are set across two floors and are furnished entirely with Ecuadorian pieces, both antique and modern in style. The pale grey and yellow hues contrast refreshingly with the exuberant tropical world outside while respecting the historical origins of the property. The marble bathrooms ensure elegance throughout this luxury hotel. Each room offers a minibar, smart TV, dining table for two, toiletries, turn-down service, alarm clock, safety deposit box, coffee and tea, and bathrobe and slippers. Hypoallergenic bedding is available on request.

Deluxe Double

The deluxe double guestrooms offer two full-size beds, perfect for guests traveling with colleagues, family, or companions. Luxurious furnishings and courtyard or garden view.

Deluxe King

One plush king bed awaits guests in the deluxe guestrooms, with all the charm and comforts reflected throughout the hotel and neighborhood. Guests awaken to the sun with garden views.

Signature King

Located on the second floor overlooking the gardens, these guestrooms offer one king bed and a cozy sitting area for lounging.

Junior Suite

With more than 1,200 square feet of luxurious space, this suite offers a roomy, elegant ambiance with one king bed and excellent garden views. This space can connect with a Signature Room to form a two-bedroom suite.

Park Suite

Guests revel in Ecuadorian bliss in this spacious suite with a private king bedroom, a separate living room and dining area, small pantry kitchen and four large windows overlooking the main park. The master bathroom has an elegant freestanding bath with views of the tropical gardens. The Park Suite also provides an optional private butler service to ensure comfort and convenience.

The National Geographic Islander II combines the spirit of education and discovery with elegant and spacious living areas. At only 48 guests she matches her predecessor ship, National Geographic Islander, but this new iteration is packed with amenities not available to earlier Islander guests.

National Geographic Islander II Review

The following cruise ship review includes a detailed description of this incredible Galapagos expedition ship including the deck plan and a photo gallery. Our small ship cruise experts have been aboard nearly every first-class vessel in the Galapagos Islands, including this ship's predecessor. Find the detailed ship description and deck plan below. Then contact our experts to compare the Nat Geo Islander II with other small cruise ships, expedition ships and mid-size cruisers offering Galapagos cruises.

Choose the National Geographic Islander II for an all-suite ship with modern and Ecuadorian decor, and amenities not typically found on a Galapagos expedition ship. This ship feels like a private yacht. She has been outfitted for adventure with areas like a Science Hub and Chart Room, yet she maintains her charm with various indoor/outdoor spaces, wraparound teak decking, crystal chandeliers and a unique top-deck pool. This ship is excellent for Galapagos family cruises, with select interconnected cabins, family-friendly activities and numerous educational opportunities for kids. She also makes our list of Galapagos luxury cruises due to her high level of educational programming. 

Design & Sustainability

The Nat Geo Islander II has been purposefully refit to offer the high level of service and education that our partner National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is known for. The aft Marina with its gear room and swim platform offer ample space for guests to get on and off the ship with ease, multiple times each day. Environmental considerations are also apparent with features including reduced outdoor lighting, special paints and a new air conditioning system that recycles water. Finally, her stabilizers ensure smooth sailing through open ocean crossings.

Onboard Facilities

This best-in-class expedition ship offers a wide range of amenities. For example, her forward Viewing Platform invites moments to catch the amazing wildlife of the Galapagos. Her open bridge encourages travelers to observe the navigation process. And two non-guest suites are reserved for invited community members, researchers, educators and storytellers involved with Galapagos. Easy access to outdoor deck space is available around the ship, including space for outdoor events such as a BBQ, chocolate and spirits pairing, stretching and meditation. Finally, her interior design features artwork created by local artisans to share in Ecuador's finest.

Dining, Bars, Lounge & Food Sustainability

Dining options aboard the National Geographic Islander II are exclusively offered on the uppermost decks, with seating for all and amazing sight lines. The indoor/outdoor Patio Cafe creates a calm dining experience in a protected area at the back of the ship, with floor-to-ceiling windows to bring the outside in. The sophisticated Yacht Club Restaurant features fine dining in a central location, with The Cove lounge area a perfect after-dinner hangout or pre-dinner presentation area. The open-air Observation Deck provides a generous amount of sunny seating and casual fare from the bar and grill. An outdoor BBQ are offers al fresco dining with fun options such as pizzas. And a 24-hour coffee and tea station is always available, featuring 100% Ecuadorian and Galapaguenian coffee beans. Additionally, the "Zero Proof" program means delicious cocktails with no alcohol are available at the bar; the bar also offers Galapagos-produced craft beer.

Food on board is fresh, local, organic and sustainable. Chefs regularly work with local producers to harvest and select ingredients, ensuring quality as well as working toward updated techniques such as hydroponics. On board the ship, ingredients are kept out of the waste stream and flavors are preserved by pickling, curing and canning. Meals are pre-ordered and plated as often as possible, and excess ingredients are turned into crew meals, further reducing food waste. The menu on board Nat Geo Islander II features certified fish, vegan and vegetarian options (including items like in-house-made vegan cheeses), and a seasonal or annual refresh. Some dishes are even designed to represent the environment in which National Geographic Islander II operates.

Science Hub, Library & Chart Room

Discovery is at the forefront of every departure aboard Nat Geo Islander II, with a science hub, library and chart room—each space encouraging educational pursuits. These areas play host to the Global Explorers program for kids and teens with various guided activities. The science hub features equipment including microscopes, lab benches, digital photo editing tools and an interactive video display of the ship's underwater cameras.

Pool, Spa, Sauna & Gym

A top-deck plunge pool offers a cool respite on hot equatorial days, complete with outdoor showers adjacent to a cedar-lined sauna, topnotch fitness studio and outdoor theater. The gym features Technogym equipment, yoga space and incredible views. The spa keeps travelers pampered with options such as massage atop a quartz table. And the onboard doctor's office ensures safety.

Activities & Expeditions

Restful onboard moments are balanced by active off-ship explorations. Guests are regularly treated to opportunities to swim, kayak, stand-up paddle, hike, practice photography and seek unique flora and fauna on Zodiac cruises. National Geographic Islander II carries a fleet of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, a custom-built glass-bottom Zodiac, various Zodiac Mark V boats, and snorkel gear for travelers of all ages.

Crew & Guides

Guests are treated to a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio for the feeling of a private yacht. And the ship carries a wellness specialist and 5 guides, including an undersea specialist, photo instructor, video chronicler and field educators. All guides and crew members aboard National Geographic Islander II are Ecuadorian, furthering the sense of authenticity and connection to country.

Cabins & Nat Geo Islander II Deck Plan

Common to all 26 suites aboard this Galapagos ship are: panoramic windows, twin/king convertible beds, a seating area with sofa, ample closet space, private marble double-sink bathrooms with a walk-in shower, WiFi, a flat-screen TV and a stocked mini bar. Triple options are available with the third guest sleeping on a sofa bed. And families may opt to connect the Santa Cruz Suite (#303) with Suite #301 to create a family suite.

Launched in 2001 from the same shipyard as National Geographic Orion, the 48-guest National Geographic Gemini is a highly maneuverable, shallow-draft expedition ship purpose built to explore remote areas with ease. Following a multi-million-dollar renovation, the ship embodies the spirit of adventure and extreme comfort that are synonymous with National Geographic, and will celebrate a deep connection to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and its people.

National Geographic Gemini Review

AdventureSmith Explorations’ National Geographic Gemini review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our small ship cruise experts have been aboard nearly every first-class vessel in the Galapagos Islands. Find the detailed ship description and deck plan below. Then contact our experts to compare this expedition ship with other Galapagos cruise ships offering Galapagos cruises.

Choose the National Geographic Gemini for an enriching experience aboard a state-of-the-art vessel. At only 48 guests, she is National Geographic's second-smallest ship cruising in the archipelago. Add her size to her fresh renovation and top expedition guides, and travelers are in for the perfect combo of the finest educational and onboard experience. This ship is excellent for Galapagos family cruises, with select interconnected cabins, family-friendly activities and numerous educational opportunities for kids like National Geographic's Global Explorers program. She also makes our list of Galapagos luxury cruises due to her high level of educational programming. 

Onboard Facilities

National Geographic Gemini was built in 2001 and extensively renovated in 2024. You’ll find abundant comfortable spaces to take in the scenery and relax after an active and exhilarating day ashore. Enjoy optional onboard laundry service, a doctor’s office available 24 hours a day free of charge, a global gallery selling handmade local artisan items, a library, lounge with panoramic windows, full-service bar and a sun deck. The captain welcomes guests per the open bridge policy. WiFi is available for purchase by the minute, suitable for basic tasks such as checking emails and browsing the web. In areas with good connectivity, the satellite internet is likely strong enough to support high-data activities like streaming videos or making video calls.

Open-Air Decks, Spa & Gym

Enjoy the outdoors on the Upper Deck, which features an outdoor shower, a whirlpool hot tub with adjacent shaded seating area, and a windowed fitness center with exercise classes and wellness specialist. The onboard LEXspa features massages, body treatments and facials inspired by the Galapagos..

Dining, Bars, Lounge & Food Sustainability

The open and expansive windowed lounge hosts presentations and recaps, and features a well-stocked, comfortable bar. The dining areas aboard the National Geographic Gemini, offered in the outdoor café on the Lounge Deck and the indoor restaurant on the Marina Deck, can comfortably seat all passengers in one sitting. The atmosphere is laid back with casual dress and open seating arrangements. Expedition leaders, naturalists and guest speakers often join guests for lunch and dinner, while breakfast often serves as a planning session for the day's adventures.

National Geographic Gemini provides an authentic sense of place informed by decades-long relationships with local communities and conservation groups. Meals will have Ecuadorian flair and are designed to support the community—comprised by locally sourced farm-to-table and ocean-to-table ingredients.

Activities & Expeditions

Restful onboard moments are balanced by active off-ship explorations. Guests are regularly treated to opportunities to kayak, stand-up paddle, hike, practice photography and seek unique flora and fauna on Zodiac cruises. National Geographic Gemini is equipped with a Zodiac boarding and gearing up area for snorkeling and excursions, plus expedition tools like a video microscope and underwater video camera. She also carries a fleet of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, a glass-bottom boat, various Zodiac Mark VI boats, and snorkel gear for travelers of all ages, including shortie wetsuits.

Crew & Guides

Contributing to the fully immersive Ecuadorian experience on board is the passionate and knowledgeable Ecuadorian crew. Guests are treated to a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio for the feeling of a private yacht. And the ship carries a wellness specialist and 5 guides, including an undersea specialist, photo instructor, video chronicler and field educators.

Cabins & National Geographic Gemini Deck Plan

All cabins aboard this Galapagos expedition ship are ocean-facing and offer ample storage, queen or twin beds, a sofa, desk, television, a stocked mini-fridge and air conditioning. Bathrooms are large, equipped with towels and a hair dryer, and feature glass showers. Triple options are available with the third guest sleeping on a sofa bed, and families may opt to connect select rooms.

Suite 601 on the Upper Deck (Category 7) is the largest in the National Geographic Galápagos fleet with a separate living room, forward-facing balcony, private jacuzzi, side balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows. Cabins on the Bridge Deck (Category 4 & 5S) all have private balconies with seating.