Accommodation Scams in Galapagos Islands

Accommodation Advance Payment Fraud

Fraudulent rental listings for Puerto Ayora guesthouses and Airbnb-style properties appear on booking platforms and social media groups targeting visitors planning Galapagos trips. Operators request full payment in advance via bank transfer or informal payment apps, then either cancel close to arrival or provide accommodation far below the advertised standard. Galapagos's remoteness means there is little recourse once you arrive and find no reservation. The limited accommodation supply on the islands makes visitors feel pressure to secure bookings early, which operators exploit.