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.

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 thwo hour boatride and cost $30 one-way. Emetebe has irregular flights to Baltra airport or San Cristobal if there enough passengers.

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.

See

For things to see around Puerto Villamil see Isabela.

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.

Money

There are no banks or ATMs in Puerto Villamil. Take enough cash, preferably small bills.

Buy

Shops in Puerto Villamil sell food, supplies, and souvenirs.

Eat

There are several restaurants and bakeries in Puerto Villamil. Most restaurants serve rice, beans and a peace 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.

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.

Sleep

There are a dozen places to stay, most charge $10 a night.

• 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 $10 per person per night.
• Hotel San Vincente is popular by travelers. It has a communal kitchen en they also serve meals and organize tours. The price is around $10 per person per night.
• La Casa de Marita is the only upmarket place in town.

Get out