Enchanted Lodge in Galapagos offers a unique way to explore the islands’ wildlife. . I came to the Galapagos for cruises but was happy to have a few more days on the island to relax and experience nature. Read on for my review of Enchanted Lodge and practical tips
Content of this article:
How to get to Enchanted Lodge?
The Enchanted Lodge is located on Santa Cruz Island, the main island of the Galapagos. The airport to access is it Baltra.
Since cars are not allowed on Baltra Island, the first step is to take a bus from the airport to the ferry terminal. The bus ride costs USD 5 and is the only transportation option from the airport. During the bus ride, you’ll have the opportunity to spot many iguanas along the road, which adds to the excitement of the journey.
Once you reach the ferry terminal, you’ll need to take a short ferry crossing to the main island of Santa Cruz. The ferry ride takes approximately 5 minutes and costs $1. Rest assured, they will take care of getting your bags on the bus and on the boat.
Upon arriving at Santa Cruz, you can take either a bus into town or a taxi directly to Enchanted Lodge. The bus fare is $5, while a taxi ride costs $25. Both options are available depending on your preference and convenience.
If you have arranged for an airport transfer with Enchanted Lodge Galapagos, like I did, a representative from the lodge will be waiting for you at the Baltra airport. In my case, Marcia came to pick me up from the airport. This personalized service made the journey even more pleasant. Along the way to the lodge, we made a few stops, which allowed me to catch my first glimpse of the stunning beauty of the Galapagos Islands.
Review of Enchanted Lodge in the Galapagos
The lodge is located in a peaceful and secluded area with lush green surroundings. Its design is in harmony with the natural environment, creating a tranquil atmosphere. The lodge reminded me of Mexican haciendas.
Nestled in the highland of Santa Cruz and surrounded by a vast plantation, this lodge is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts.
The Enchanted Lodge has ten charming rooms located in small pavilions. These rooms are thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and tranquility, allowing guests to unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The decor in each room is charming and adds to the overall character of the lodge.
The lodge also has a spacious restaurant where guests can enjoy delicious meals while taking in the stunning panoramic views of the lush landscape. Guests can relax in the cozy seating area and enjoy the peaceful retreat, whether by reading a book or listening to the soothing sounds of nature.
Tip: The Internet is only available in the dining area. The internet access allowed me to catch up on emails. It was a nice balance between being disconnected in the rooms and having the convenience of internet access when desired.
The lodge offers a large pool and jacuzzi for those looking to cool off and rejuvenate. Take a refreshing dip in the pool or unwind in the jacuzzi while taking in the breathtaking views. It’s the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring the Galapagos.
Review of the rooms at Enchanted Lodge
Despite its simplicity and rustic charm, the room I stayed in exuded a comforting warmth that made me feel right at home. The combination of the comfortable bed and the peaceful surroundings made for a truly restful sleep. It was a joy to wake up each morning to the sound of the birds.
The room has AC, but it was not needed during my stay. There are also screens on the windows to keep the mosquitos away
Tip: Bring mosquito repellent with you. I got many bites, especially around sunset time.
The bathroom has a shower with plenty of hot water and a hair dryer.
One thing to note is that the rooms have no internet or cell phone network reception. However, I found this to be a blessing in disguise. It allowed me to disconnect from the outside world and truly immerse myself in the beauty of the Galapagos Islands. If I needed to access the internet, there was Wi-Fi available in the dining area, which was a short walk from the rooms.
Review of the food at Enchanted Lodge
What to do at Enchanted Lodge?
The staff at Enchanted Lodge is exceptional. Marcia took care of me, and it felt like traveling with a friend. She was knowledgeable and ensured that I had a memorable stay. Whether it’s arranging guided tours, suggesting local attractions, or catering to dietary preferences, the staff is attentive and eager to assist.
Enchanted Lodge in Galapagos offers a wide range of activities and excursions to ensure that you have a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. They are putting together all-inclusive packages that include land tours and boat activities around the island.
Here are some of the activities and excursions you can enjoy during your stay:
- Guided Nature Walks: Embark on guided nature walks with experienced naturalist guides who will take you through the islands’ diverse ecosystems. Learn about the unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos, spot endemic species, and witness the incredible biodiversity up close. They took me for a walk in the reserve ecologica Cerro Messa. There, we saw giant tortoises and an incredible number of birds, including an owl.
2. Bicycle to Garrapatero Beach. Enchanted Lodge can loan you bicycles to go down to the beach, The Garrapatero beach is stunning. It has a mangrove area where we spotted many marine iguanas. In the trees along the beach, Pelicanos had built a nest and were taking care of the cutest baby pelican. Further inland, we even saw a pink flamingo!
3. Kayaking: Take to the water and explore the coastlines of the islands by kayak or paddleboard. Enjoy the tranquillity of the ocean, admire the stunning landscapes, and maybe even encounter marine life along the way. The Garrapatero beach near the lodge offers kayaks to rent. And you can even go to the beach with one of the bikes from Enchanted Lodge
4. Boat Tours and Cruises: Enchanted Lodge can arrange boat tours and cruises to explore the surrounding islands and their unique ecosystems. I didn’t do any boat tours while at Enchanted Lodge because I had 2 weeks of cruising planned just after it, but they can organize it for you.
5. Nature walk along the property. The enchanted Lodge spreads over 40 Acres of land. They have nature trails that you can walk. You can learn to make chocolate and visit their cheese factory. The cheese that they make was surprisingly good
In conclusion of my review of Enchanted Lodge in the Galapagos
Overall, Enchanted Lodge in Galapagos is a hidden gem that offers an unparalleled experience for nature lovers. With its stunning location, luxurious accommodations, commitment to sustainability, and exceptional service, it is the perfect place to disconnect from the outside world and immerse yourself in the wonders of the Galapagos Islands.
It is the perfect place to relax in nature before or after your cruise. For more information and to book, check the Enchanted Lodge website here.
For more info about the Galapagos, please read my review of the cruise on Origin, Theory, and Evolve and my review of the diving cruise on Galapagos Sky