Debra2023年3月

This place was amazing! It was close enough to easily get to town but far enough away to be quiet so you could get a good nights sleep. We so appreciated Mathias's information before and during our stay and Maria's information before our stay! Mathias was attentive when we needed anything and gave us our privacy when we didn't! He answered all of our questions and made our stay on the island amazing! He connected us with a driver to get from the airport and we ended up using that same driver ot take us to several other places we wanted to see on the island. Thank you so much for helping to make this a wonderful experience for us! We really hope to be back someday!

David2023年3月

Great location for an easy walk into town. Matt was very welcoming and made sure we had everything we needed. Drinking water was provided and everything in the apartment worked. It was a very safe place to stay and mainly very quiet - one night there was a dog barking a bit but that's normal I think. Very good value for money.

Monica2023年2月

Very clean, nice surroundings. It helped that we could use the bikes to bike around town. We were thankful for the amazing AC it was super hot when we’re there and just to get to our place with the AC was very refreshing. Very attentive host.

Erica2023年1月

Very helpful and knowledgeable host. Quiet setting far enough away from the noisy downtown area, but close enough to walk everywhere easily. Would definitely stay here again!

Suzanne2022年11月

First, the best thing about Casa de Mathias is Mathias. This gregarious host is a fountain of information as well as a concerned environmentalist and naturalist, in love with his adopted country of Ecuador (he was born in Germany). Quite the renaissance man, Mathias is fluent in Spanish, German and English, a journalist, singer/songwriter, and dive shop owner. The Jurassic Guide (as he calls himself) was one of the early naturalist guides hired to interpret the Galapagos national park to visitors. He understands the Islands, the flora and fauna as well as the social/cultural environment and has been hired to guide the likes of Bill Gates and other philanthropists and celebrities. He knows most of the people in Puerto Ayora and they know him – and some grew up to the music that he made with his band – his most notable piece is still used at the Miss Ecuador pageant every year. The accommodations are part of Mathias home property – there are two available and each is a separate building. One is a two-bedroom apartment for 5 people and the one we stayed in a studio with a king-sized bed and additional single day bed – suitable for up to 3 people. The property is in the El Eden Barrio of Puerto Ayora a walkable distant to the Darwin Research center, the center of town and its restaurants and shops. The Covid lockdown and subsequent lack of travel, has made a big impact on this city as the tourist income dried up for two years and the town is struggling to recover. At the time we were there it is only about 50% recovered. So, the roads in the area are in disrepair and you’ll see a lot of construction sites that have no activity – suggesting that money is scare or dried up for the time being. But you’ll feel very safe in this town and neighborhood where young people play basketball most evenings in the local park. The accommodations are self-catering. You’ll find all you need for a comfortable night’s rest after touring the islands, a hot shower, or preparing your own breakfast or meals. The covered patio overlooking the garden, is ideal to have your breakfast or relax in the hammocks swinging from the rafters. The bookshelf is filled with books that have been left by other visitors (mostly in English but also some Spanish). There are several CD movies and documentaries, and a CD player. There is no cable or broadcast reception on the TV, but you can stream NetFlex with your own account on the very adequate included WIFI. If you need anything, Mathias will be very responsive. Use your phone via an app to communicate with him, but he just lives in the big house a few steps away on the property. We enjoyed our stay very much and the many conversations that we had with Mathias. If you are interested in learning more about Galapagos than just seeing Giant Tortoises and Blue-footed Boobies, then Casa de Mathias is a good choice for your visit to this part of Ecuador.