This Luxurious Galapagos Hotel Is Working To Save Ecuador’s Native Plantlife

Ecuador may be roughly comparable to the U.S. state of Colorado in size, but this South American country has the honor of being one of the few megadiverse nations on earth. While its high-altitude mainland is rife with wildlife, the true gem of biodiversity lies in the Galapagos, an archipelago located roughly 560 miles west of the South American coast. This iconic island chain is renowned for its fascinating animals like the marine iguana, blue-footed booby, and Galapagos giant tortoise, but recent events have made survival increasingly difficult for some of the archipelago’s native species.

In terms of native flora, many endemic Galapagos plants have faced a wide array of issues over the past few decades. From competition with invasive vegetation to overgrazing from introduced goats, the lush forests and dry shrubland of the region are in peril—but fortunately, the Royal Palm Galapagos has instituted an ambitious program to address this ongoing issue.

“In 2007, Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton launched a reforestation program for the Scalesia pedunculata tree which is found in our gardens, off of main roads, and along our nature trails leading deep into the heart of the Scalesia Highland Forests on our resort’s expansive estate,” says Diego Andrade, General Manager of the Royal Palm Galapagos. “Since 2007, our reforestation program has grown to also encompass miconia (Miconia robinsoniana), an endemic shrub found only in the Santa Cruz highlands and San Cristobal islands in the Galapagos.”

While this program has established a stable sanctuary for vulnerable plant species, the benefits don’t stop there. Andrade also notes the high concentration of birds that are drawn to the indigenous flora, with the Galapagos crake, Galapagos flycatcher, and several varieties of Darwin’s finch all taking refuge across property. This collection of native species has led the hotel to become a top-tier ecotourism destination—though birding isn’t the only activity available for guests to enjoy.

For any visitors wishing to contribute to the conservation of Ecuador’s native species, the Royal Palm Galapagos offers a Plant a Tree Program, allowing guests to devote just a few minutes of their time to the future of the archipelago’s native plants while simultaneously gaining insight into the program from a Galapagos National Park staff member. Beyond tree planting, the property also offers a wealth of other activities, with snorkeling, sea kayaking, and nighttime birding all open for booking—and for the less outdoor adventure-inclined out there, the on-property outdoor pool and Royal Palm Restaurant are perfect for a long day of relaxation.

The arrival of humans has certainly caused some issues for the indigenous flora and fauna of the Galapagos archipelago, but fortunately, the region’s top hotels and resorts are working their hardest to prevent further harm. With tiny penguins, massive tortoises, and a wide array of dazzling birds all at risk of further population decline, it’s up to humanity to keep them out of harm’s way—and with hotels like the Royal Palm Galapagos at the helm, it’s safe to say that their future is in good hands.

Ecuador may be roughly comparable to the U.S. state of Colorado in size, but this South American country has the honor of being one of the few megadiverse nations on earth. While its high-altitude mainland is rife with wildlife, the true gem of biodiversity lies in the Galapagos, an archipelago located roughly 560 miles west of the South American coast. This iconic island chain is renowned for its fascinating animals like the marine iguana, blue-footed booby, and Galapagos giant tortoise, but recent events have made survival increasingly difficult for some of the archipelago’s native species.

In terms of native flora, many endemic Galapagos plants have faced a wide array of issues over the past few decades. From competition with invasive vegetation to overgrazing from introduced goats, the lush forests and dry shrubland of the region are in peril—but fortunately, the Royal Palm Galapagos has instituted an ambitious program to address this ongoing issue.

“In 2007, Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton launched a reforestation program for the Scalesia pedunculata tree which is found in our gardens, off of main roads, and along our nature trails leading deep into the heart of the Scalesia Highland Forests on our resort’s expansive estate,” says Diego Andrade, General Manager of the Royal Palm Galapagos. “Since 2007, our reforestation program has grown to also encompass miconia (Miconia robinsoniana), an endemic shrub found only in the Santa Cruz highlands and San Cristobal islands in the Galapagos.”

While this program has established a stable sanctuary for vulnerable plant species, the benefits don’t stop there. Andrade also notes the high concentration of birds that are drawn to the indigenous flora, with the Galapagos crake, Galapagos flycatcher, and several varieties of Darwin’s finch all taking refuge across property. This collection of native species has led the hotel to become a top-tier ecotourism destination—though birding isn’t the only activity available for guests to enjoy.

For any visitors wishing to contribute to the conservation of Ecuador’s native species, the Royal Palm Galapagos offers a Plant a Tree Program, allowing guests to devote just a few minutes of their time to the future of the archipelago’s native plants while simultaneously gaining insight into the program from a Galapagos National Park staff member. Beyond tree planting, the property also offers a wealth of other activities, with snorkeling, sea kayaking, and nighttime birding all open for booking—and for the less outdoor adventure-inclined out there, the on-property outdoor pool and Royal Palm Restaurant are perfect for a long day of relaxation.

The arrival of humans has certainly caused some issues for the indigenous flora and fauna of the Galapagos archipelago, but fortunately, the region’s top hotels and resorts are working their hardest to prevent further harm. With tiny penguins, massive tortoises, and a wide array of dazzling birds all at risk of further population decline, it’s up to humanity to keep them out of harm’s way—and with hotels like the Royal Palm Galapagos at the helm, it’s safe to say that their future is in good hands.