Sustainable Hospitality

A Fragile Ecosystem

What works in one destination does not necessarily work in another. The Galapagos Islands are are defined by strict environmental protections, limited resources, and highly sensitive ecosystems.

Rather than applying generic sustainability checklists, we focus on solutions that respond directly to the realities of the Galapagos. Sustainable tourism here requires restraint, local understanding, and thoughtful choices that protect what makes these islands so extraordinary.

Quality Over Quantity

What defines Galapagos Safari Camp is as much what we chose not to build as what we did. Instead of constructing a large concrete hotel, we limited ourselves to just nine Safari Tents and one Family Suite. This reduces pressure on land, water, and energy resources while allowing us to offer a more personal and meaningful guest experience.

As a small, family-owned operation, we aim to maximise the positive impact of tourism through education, local employment, and long-term stewardship, rather than through volume.

Low-Impact Construction

Our buildings were designed to work with the landscape rather than reshape it. The semi-circular façade of the main lodge follows the natural contours of the land, and only three trees were removed during construction.

Minimal Footprint

Sleeping under canvas provides comfort and shelter while maintaining a close connection to the surrounding environment. If the Camp were ever to cease operating, there would be very little trace that we were ever here — a guiding principle of our approach to sustainable construction.

Natural Ventilation

The Safari Tents were carefully positioned to capture the natural airflow of the highlands, eliminating the need for air-conditioning. This reduces energy consumption while allowing guests to experience the scents, sounds, and rhythms of the forest.

Air-conditioning is offered only in the Family Suite, a brick-and-mortar structure that cannot benefit from natural ventilation in the same way.

Immersed in nature

Sleeping under canvas is very different from sleeping within four walls and a roof over your head. You are comfortable and sheltered, yet exposed to the natural world you have traveled all this way to experience. This is Appropriate Luxury.

To learn more about building challenges and solutions in the Galapagos, refer to Best Practice Housing, an initiative led by The Princes Foundation with the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Energy Efficiency

Energy production in the Galapagos remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, transported by oil tankers that carry an inherent risk of spills), making efficiency a critical priority.

Throughout the Camp, we focus on reducing energy demand through design choices rather than technological excess.

Eco-Friendly Lighting

Low-intensity, low-consumption lighting is used across the Camp, including inside the tents. This reduces light pollution, minimises disturbance to wildlife, and allows guests to experience naturally dark night skies.

Solar Powered Hot Water

Each Safari Tent is equipped with solar panels that provide hot water for the ensuite bathrooms.

Responsible Use of Water

Freshwater is extremely scarce in the Galapagos. Our approach prioritises conservation, efficiency, and responsible sourcing.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater is collected and treated on site to drinking quality, reducing dependence on desalinated water, which requires fuel-powered plants and transport.

Learn more: The story behind our rainwater reservoir

Small Pool

As water is such a precious commodity on these islands, our swimming pool is intentionally small. For the same reasons, private hot tubs and plunge pools are not offered.

As actor and environmental advocate Edward Norton observed, “an ensuite plunge pool is a non-sustainable version of luxury.” (2022 World Travel & Tourism Council Summit, Saudi Arabia)

Food for Thought

Sustainable dining in the Galapagos is complex. Local agriculture can place pressure on limited land and freshwater resources, while mainland sourcing involves long-distance shipping.

At Galapagos Safari Camp, we focus on carefully planned tasting menus that reduce waste, minimise imports, and work with what is responsibly available, while still celebrating Ecuadorian flavours and accommodating dietary requirements.

Reducing food waste is one of the most effective ways hospitality businesses can lower their environmental footprint. Food loss and waste account for 8-10% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions (5x emissions from aviation sector). UNFCCC

Endemic Garden and Reforestation Project

Introduced plants are among the greatest threats to Galapagos biodiversity. Many invasive species were originally introduced for agriculture or ornamental gardens.

Working closely with Charles Darwin Research Station, the Galapagos National Park, and Conservation International, we restored a former cattle farm into an endemic garden showcasing native species such as Scalesia, palo santo, and Opuntia.

More recently, native cacao plants have been introduced to provide much-needed shade for various seedlings and to produce the first ever Galapagos chocolate bar!

Tree Planting

Guests are invited to participate in our restoration efforts by planting native trees during their stay. For many, this becomes a meaningful way to mark a special occasion or contribute directly to conservation in the Galapagos.

If you would like to plant a tree at Camp, please let your Safari Designer know.

Wildlife Conservation

We are proud to support the conservation of the critically endangered Galapagos Petrel, a seabird that nests in the highlands of Santa Cruz.

In partnership with biologist Carolina Proaño and the Galapagos Petrel Project, our work includes habitat restoration, burrow monitoring, and the creation of safer nesting sites within the Camp’s grounds.

Learn more: The Galapagos Petrel Project

Local Impact

We have established a network of local suppliers and support local households on Santa Cruz Island, helping to strengthen the local economy in a sustainable way. 60% of our team at Camp are from the nearby community of Santa Rosa, some of whom also supply us with fresh produce.

By investing in long-term employment, training, and community partnerships, we aim to ensure tourism contributes positively to life on Santa Cruz Island.

Use of Plastics

We support the Galapagos government’s restrictions on single-use plastics and actively work to minimise plastic use at Camp.

All guests are provided with refillable aluminium water bottles, which can be refilled throughout their stay, reducing reliance on disposable plastic bottles.

Get Involved

Environmental education and awareness are essential to the long-term protection of the Galapagos Islands. We collaborate with a range of conservation and education initiatives and are always happy to suggest ways guests can get involved.

Recognition

Galapagos Safari Camp has been selected for the Jacada Positive Impact Collection, recognising properties that address location-specific environmental and social challenges through tourism.

Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry Book

We have also contributed a case study on Appropriate Luxury and nature-based tourism to Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry: Principles of Sustainable Operations, reflecting our belief that travel choices matter.