My husband and I stayed in at this apartment for 5 nights in Feb 2018. It was cool to be part of a neighborhood, rather than staying at a hotel. John & Donna were fabulous hosts suggesting tours, food store locations, setting up taxis for us and going above the duty of being a "host" to help us with a couple unusual requests. The kitchen had everything we needed and I noticed there were nice touches you don't always see. For example, high-quality extra towels and washcloths, good lighting in the bathroom, fresh flowers and coffee/tea in the kitchen. The main touristy part of town is walkable from the apartment, but if you are tired, taxis are very cheap. We did not have a lot of days here, so Santa Cruz was a good island due to all the tourist things you could get to without a boat. The weather is temperate and most of the time we had our windows open, but they have A/C splits in each bedroom (and the living room) if you have difficulty with heat. There is a bit of street noise all day, but it quiets down at night. They do not have an elevator, so if you have challenges with stairs, you will want to be on the ground floor. We enjoyed the rooftop deck with nice breezes and a lovely ocean view. Great for sundowner! I would recommend staying here if you are not doing a cruise.

We couldn't have stayed in a place that was ore perfect. Donna was very responsive to our queries before we arrived and although she was away while we were there, Fabiola was most helpful in getting us situated. The location was most convenient to everywhere we wanted to go and the price was most reasonable. A 5 star recommendation.

The location of this property is perfect - walking distance or quick taxi ride to everything in Puerto Ayora. Lots of restaurants and shops within a couple minute walk. The kitchen had everything you'd need, all appliances and TVs worked, the shower was nice with plenty of hot water, the air conditioning was great and fully cooled the apartment, the social terrace is spacious and comfortable. There are plenty of windows so the apartment has a very light and airy feel. The housekeeping service was outstanding and you are given fresh beach (and bath) towels each day. Plus the beds were super comfortable, we all liked them better than the ones we have at home! Donna is very helpful and knowledgeable. I strongly recommend you let her organize your day trips, rides to/from airport, etc. I can’t say enough good things, I highly recommend!!

The location of this property is perfect - walking distance or quick taxi ride to everything in Puerto Ayora. Lots of restaurants and shops within a couple minute walk. The kitchen had everything you'd need, all appliances and TVs worked, the shower was nice with plenty of hot water, the air conditioning was great and fully cooled the apartment, the social terrace is spacious and comfortable. There are plenty of windows so the apartment has a very light and airy feel. The housekeeping service was outstanding and you are given fresh beach (and bath) towels each day. Plus the beds were super comfortable, we all liked them better than the ones we have at home! Donna is very helpful and knowledgeable. I strongly recommend you let her organize your day trips, rides to/from airport, etc. I can’t say enough good things, I highly recommend!!

Great place to stay with great hosts who were very accommodating. Very walkable to all the places or a short taxi anywhere for 1.50. Would highly recommend.

Spacious and comfortable 2 bedroom in a great location. We stayed for 4 nights and would stay there again. The apartment was very clean and well maintained. Donna was very helpful with planning and a gracious host.

Spacious and comfortable 2 bedroom in a great location. We stayed for 4 nights and would stay there again. The apartment was very clean and well maintained. Donna was very helpful with planning and a gracious host.

Overall, we were really pleased with the space. We have 4 kids (5, 8, 10 and 12) and the beds and set-up of the space all worked well. It was a great, clean place to crash at the end of an adventurous day. We loved the terrace and found there to be enough necessities to cook the meals we needed. We shopped locally but also enjoyed the restaurants in Puerto Ayora. The electricity went out twice in the 5 days we were there - once first thing in the morning for almost two hours (no running water or a way to flush the toilet with six people:( and once in the evening as we were starting to think about cooking supper for our family of six. We've traveled in many third world counties (Haiti, Tijuana, Costa Rica, Peru, etc) so are no strangers to these sorts of occurrences, however the difference in this case was the lack of forthcoming communication from the owner. We were certainly not looking for an apology that the power had gone out (as we realize it is out of anyone's control), but rather a simple acknowledgement or any communication about what she knew abut the situation would've been helpful and appreciated. When I finally called her after about an hour and a half without power (because I couldn't email her as the wi-fi was unavailable) I felt like I was disturbing her and then learned that she knew that it was out in much of the city and had received other information from the town's Facebook page. We thought it a bit odd that she wouldn't come and knock on the door or call us as soon as she had any information just as a thoughtful, empathetic and proactive thing to do as a host of her building. She did end up bringing us a lighter (after I called her) which we appreciated. The one thing I would suggest to future guests is to do your research with the tours. The owner quoted us a price of approx $300/person for a certain inter-island tours and I was very glad I waited to book as we very easily found a tour company on our own the first evening there to take us for $100/person for an entire day tour. The service was exceptional, the English speaking guide was awesome and they kept us safe, informed and filled with great food and drinks the whole day. They treated our kids really well too. The company we went with was the tour company next door (on the right) to the Natsumi sushi restaurant on Baltra street. We did the Academy Bay tour with them as well. We appreciated the owner's help setting up our highlands tour and transportation to the airport

Thanks so much to Donna and John, owners of Torre Mar apartments! We had a truly amazing stay in the Gallapagios Islands. The apartment was clean and comfortable with everything we could possibly need. The beds were very comfortable, nice sheets, tons of towels, cookware, really…everything! The apartments are in a great location, within an easy walk to the water and center of town. If you don’t feel like walking, it is super easy and cheap (about $1) to catch a cab back to the apartment. John and Donna provide a ton of info on the area to help you organize your trip, and they will probably even help you find day tours if you need help. John is local, and a wealth of information about the area. The owners are so warm and friendly that you will find yourself missing them once you leave! Thanks John and Donna for making my sisters 60th birthday celebration truly amazing!

If you are going to the Galapagos Islands, consider the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz where you will find a variety to do without breaking the bank with no need for a car. If you are just a couple, book far enough in advance to stay at Torre Mar's studio penthouse like we did. What a find this 4 story building was with 360 degree views from a walk around porch with the balcony sitting area pointed toward the harbor. You'll see a most glorious sunrise every morning from here.. This roomy and centrally located apartment is perfect for two, with everything you'll need. The room is quiet and tucked away from any street noise but just 10 minutes from the harbor by foot. There are a variety of great restaurants and shops just minutes away, and when you are ready to "come home" you can even grab a taxi and tell the driver to take you to Torre Mar for only one-two dollars and they all know the location. We loved our stay here, great privacy and a warm host who also lives in the building. Ginger & John

The hosts were totally awesome and helped us plan activities and generally organize a trip to save the most money. The condo is close to an awesome bakery and Cuban sandwich shop. Downtown is all around the condo and the main tourist strip is a 8 minute walk or 1 dollar taxi ride each way. Our daughter was turning 7 while we were in Galapagos so Donna and John (the owners) not only allowed us to have a party here they even helped wrangle some kids some my kids so daughter could have the same happy birthday feeling as back home. We cannot say enough about how much we appreciated staying here. These folks would make great neighbors :) and we have no problem saying that these folks are what make renting homes away from home so special.

John and Donna were great hosts, treated us like we family. They even hosted us with their family and friends to a bbq on the patio, complete with lots of local seafood. The rental was spacious, clean and comfortable. We spent a week there and used it as our jumping off point for adventures all over the area. No cars needed as cabs are plentiful and very cheap. I would stay there again and recommend it to any of my family or friends.

Very nice condo and conveniently located. Nicely decorated with John's works. Walk a block up to the market to buy fresh fruit and vegs. All fruits and vegs grow on Galapagos are technically organics since they do not allow chemicals. Walk a couple of blocks down to have dinners at the Kioskos. Take 30 minutes walk to the most beautiful Tortuga Bay and enjoy a day at the beach. It's a good base for exploring all other islands of the Galapagos. Wish I can stay there longer.

Fabiola and Carlos were great! Unfortunately, both John and Donna were away during out stay there. But that did not stop us from having a wonderful time and experience at such an exotic place!!! Carlos was able to recommend a day trip with snorkeling and is available for hire to drive you to the highlands to see the Tortoises roaming in their natural habitat. The only thing that would made this stay over the top was having a pool to cool off after a day of excursions... Laundry services across the street was convenient, but expect to pay more. Lava wash near the pier was much cheaper and did an excellent job!!

My daughter and I spent a week at Torre Mar in December 2013. We loved our apartment! It was so comfortable, clean and well maintained. We were so comfortable there and the location is great. It's very easy to get around town by walking, although you can take a taxi for $1 a stop. Donna was extremely helpful with recommendations and I'd really get some input from her before you book any guides or trips. She and her husband John are a wealth of information! I would definitely stay at Torre Mar again and I don't think anyone could be disappointed by making it their choice for a home away from home.

Donna and her husband couldnt have been nicer! The condo was convienantly located 5 Min walk to everytging and nice neighbors as well! The Island is very friendly and people cooperative. Lots to see and do... I enjoyed the cab driver she hooked us up with. He was very helpful even took us to a couple of out of the way spots... A local farm that grew his own coffee and sugar as well as the fisherman that lived across the street were especially interesting friendly people. Since it was out first trip to ecuador we had some security concerns as well as food and water.... If I had it to do over Id put those concerns away and just ENJOY!!!! I felt completely safe and ate some deliciouse local food no issues! Its too bad it took me a couple days to adjust. If I had one reccomendation it would be to be careful booking trips from Santa Cruz to some of the other far away Islands especially if seasickness is any issue. Its 46 Nautical miles ( ONE WAY ) and the boats are packed to full capacity. The ocean can be rough and at BEST its a 2 hour run! Other then that.... GREAT PLACE TO STAY!! Custom beautiful furniture, awesome hand laid Ceramic! Great bedding.. Towells....Rooftop area was awesome for relaxing!

This was the perfect place to stay while we were in the Galapagos. Donna and her husband were fabulous hosts and stay right on the property, so they were available if needed. The condo was huge compared to virtually any other accommodation on Santa Cruz. She coordinated a ride to and from the airport, as well. The building is a few blocks off of Charles Darwin Ave, but the walk was really no bother. We would suggest this place to those headed to the Islands. On the Galapagos Islands things can be quite primitive. In fact, most of the hotels advertise hot and cold running water. This was no issue at this property as things were updated, clean and nice. Donna provided us with several gallons of drinking water, as well as an informational packet upon making the reservation that gave suggestions about travel to the Galapagos. The one thing to be mindful of is that there was no elevator in the building, like much of the rest of the islands. If you are disabled that may be an issue, although the owners helped get our luggage to our room. Again it was a fabulous place to stay and I have to say we were a bit apprehensive as this was our first booking of a vacation rental. We would definitely do it again and hopefully the owners of our next stay will be as conscientiuos and perfect as Donna and her husband.