About Opuntia - Galapagos Eco Journeys and Hotels

We are a team of experienced, knowledgeable travel professionals who share an incredible passion for Galapagos. The vacations we create in Ecuador and Latin America are designed to positively impact our guests and make a difference with the local people and the environment. Our focus is on quality and detail, mastered skillfully over the last 20 years. As a private network of superb hotels and award winning tour operator, our goal is to offer the discerning traveler an upscale Galapagos voyage. We focus on authentic, sustainable travel where “eco” means you abide by nature´s rules without compromising comfort or quality. Each Opuntia journey upholds these important eco-aspects while offering a pampering and relaxed waterfront experience. Our aim is to exceed your expectations. Guiding is the cornerstone of our success and what we enjoy the most. Exceptional guiding skills lead to exceptional experiences, which is why our tours are led by seasoned, world-class, naturalist and adventure Galapagos experts. Our Galapagos tours provide comfortable itineraries, with only one inter-island flight (by small plane) between San Cristobal and Isabela Islands and one ocean transfer (by fast boat) between Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands.

THE OPUNTIA DIFFERENCE

Our Galapagos tours directly benefit the sustainable development of local families and individuals through business alliances, training, continuous professional development, and employment. Small group travel enhances the personal nature of travel while minimizing environmental impact. Flexible itineraries that adjust to your pace and lifestyle. 
Our programs and hotels are kid-friendly to allow you to enjoy extraordinary activities with your family. All waterfront boutique Galapagos hotels in three main Islands with excellent locations and service. Exclusive activities provided for Opuntia guests.
Private departures for families and absolute privacy. Avoid areas which are under-managed or over-visited in the Galapagos Islands. Free time to explore the local island life. Ideal alternative if you are sensitive to sea sickness, tight quarters, large groups or wet landings.

Opuntia is committed to Social and Environmental Sustainability

When we first introduced active land-based Galapagos programs in 2003, all standard Galapagos tours were cruise-based and revenue-contained. Opuntia tours were conceived to rival cruise boats in quality and service, but were also an opportunity to improve the Galapagos experience in terms of comfort and sustainability.
When you sign up for an Opuntia Eco Journey you support over 50 local community members and their families. A shift from a fishing-based economy to a tourism-based economy in Galapagos is a recent development of the past 10 years, especially in Isabela and San Cristobal Islands. Many new business partnerships and alliances are formed around this initiative. We continuously train and develop our collaborators on every service and technical area with a focus on values and quality. Our final objective is to develop a new breed of local professionals that can manage every logistical aspect of this operation.
Our commitment to sustainable ecotourism goes beyond the field and behind the scenes.  We preside over Ecuador’s Ecotourism Association (ASEC) and invest an important part of our work day to support the multiple aspects of social and environmental sustainability. We create, articulate and promote sustainable policies, tools and best practices for any operator who wishes to be part of this cause.
We strive to align ourselves with organizations that inspire us, such as the International Ecotourism Society (TIES). We abide by the “Leave No Trace” environmental standard, while our journeys are verified by Rainforest Alliance. We attempt to guard the Galapagos Islands fragile people and environment in every one of our actions. We sponsor “Hacienda Tranquila”, a charitable Galapagos organization focused on environmental and social issues. With Hacienda Tranquila we support employment and a market for organic fruits and coffee, an expanding community based voluntourism program, school development initiatives and support for the local disabled children. In addition to a native species reforestation plan we have recently launched a carbon off-setting program so that our Eco Journeys can be carbon neutral in the future.

Sincerely,

Marcelo Meneses
Director
Opuntia Eco Journeys and Hotels