Enchanted Galapagos Lodge

The meals were a highlight. We chose the two-course lunch for $25 and the three-course dinner for $35, and everything was delicious and nicely presented. The chef, Guillermo (?), checked in with us each day about what we wanted and offered ideas. There was no trouble with a gluten-free diet. Yucca bread would be a good addition at breakfast, though. We discovered some at a Bellavista snack-stop. Since other restaurants mean a return taxi ride, having good food at a reasonable price here was especially handy. Our room, number 1, was spacious and comfortable. Wifi just about reached it, though it’s normally available only around reception, the restaurant, and the pool. The hotel was very quiet, which suited us, and Pier (Pedro), the manager, and his team gave us attentive, personal service. He even got the jacuzzi ready around the time we wanted it, without us asking. When he learned we liked cocktails, he tracked down ingredients for a Margarita, despite a delayed order, and surprised us with one while we were in the jacuzzi. The pool has about six loungers, shaded sofas, and towels are provided. We also hired mountain bikes in good condition, with helmets and a lock. Cycling to the El Chato reserve was a bonus we hadn’t known about when booking. It’s uphill all the way and parts of the gravel and sand road may not suit everyone. We had a very enjoyable few nights and would recommend the hotel.

Marcia made a big difference to our trip. She arranged the same taxi driver, Marco, for our excursions and kept in touch on Whatsapp to check we were all right and finding our way. She also set up fine dining dinners with the chef, found Coke Zero for us at a shop, and made me a tasty sandwich when the chef wasn’t there. She and the Enchanted Galapagos Lodge team made the islands much less stressful to navigate. We stayed about five days over New Years, and the highlands gave us a side of The Galapagos we wouldn’t have had if we’d spent all our time on the coast and in the water. The hotel grows pineapples, bananas, and cacaos, and makes its own cheese and yogurt. Breakfast was delicious, with eggs, avocado, bread, and whatever else we wanted. When we had an early start or were running late, Marcia packed breakfast and coffee to take with us down to Puerto Ayora, about a 20 minute drive and $10-15 per ride. The grounds and room were spotless, with staff maintaining the landscaping each morning. We saw slow millipedes and little geckos, but fewer critters than we expected in the highlands. The room had dewy windows at sunrise and warm, refreshing showers after busy days. There’s a lovely pool and trails, though our schedule didn’t leave time to enjoy them. We did sit in the lodge each evening with music on, drinking wine and planning the next day. I can’t say enough about Marcia, Mario, and the whole lodge family. I hope we get to return to The Galapagos and stay here again.

Marcia speaks English exceptionally well and arranged outings for us, including a trip to a beautiful beach where there was almost nobody, and a visit to the nearby town. She can also organize packages to other islands for people who want to stay based on land. We’ve just spent two nights at Enchanted Galapagos Lodge and wished we had more time. With only 10 rooms, the staff made us feel especially well looked after. Marcia, Lucia, and chef Jonathan were lovely, and Mario, who helps around the property, showed us two owls roosting this morning. There’s a nice pool and lots of room to relax.

After our Galapagos cruise, the five of us spent three nights here to unwind away from the commercial feel of town. Marcia and her crew made us feel at home, and the food was delicious, beautifully presented in the lodge’s dining room. We liked walking the trails around the grounds and swimming in the pool. Marcia arranged a trip into town and transport to the airport when we left. We’d stay here again on a future Galapagos trip.