Visit Scalesia Lodge: Safari-Style Galapagos Luxury in Isabela Highlands

Are you wondering where to stay in the Galapagos Islands? In this post we share details about the Scalesia Lodge, a luxury lodge in the highlands of Isabela Island. You’re about to find out why this has been described as the undiscovered gem of the Galapagos. 

Before we get into details about the Scalesia Lodge let’s watch a short video highlighting the beauty of Isabela island. The video covers many of the things you can explore while staying at the lodge. Some things you can explore on your own, and other we can help you arrange.

Visiting Isabela Island, Galapagos Video

id that get you excited about your Galapagos travel plans? I’m guessing … yes. So now that you’ve seen some of what Isabela Island has to offer let’s take a closer look at the Galapagos Scalesia Lodge.

Visit Scalesia Lodge: Safari-Style Galapagos Luxury in the Highlands of Isabela

Scalesia Lodge is a modern safari-style luxury lodge located about 20 minutes (9 miles/14 kilometers) from Puerto Villamil on the slopes of a volcano. It’s surrounded by 16 hectares (40 acres) of scalesia forest.

The scalesia forest is a cloud forest made up of trees and shrubs that are endemic to the Galapagos Islands. They are related to the daisy in the family Asteraceae. These giant daisy trees are unique looking and create an ideal home for mosses, epiphytes, orchids and bromeliads. This forest is often described as looking magical, or like something from fairytale.

The Scalesia Lodge is situated in a beautiful setting overlooking the forest and coastline of Isabela. On a clear day you can also see out into the Pacific Ocean.

Scalesia Lodge Accomodations: What to Expect

This Galapagos lodge offers 16 luxurious tents, 4 with king sized beds and 12 with twin beds. The tents are not your average “tent” each has an en-suite hot-water tempered glass shower and large terrace. The tents measure 20m2 (215 sq. ft.), the terrace 23m2 (248 sq. ft.), and the bathroom 10m2 (108 sq. ft.). They are designed/decorated to help you feel like you’re immersed in the nature surrounding you.

The main lodge features large windows and a wraparound deck overlooking the forest and the Pacific where you can see other Galapagos islands dotting the horizon. There is a restaurant, conference room and meeting areas where you can relax and socialize.

The restaurant serves gourmet dishes, featuring local and international cuisine.

Scalesia Lodge: Explore and Discover the Galapagos

Staying at the Scalesia Lodge means that you can choose to explore the Galapagos without taking a cruise. This may be a great fit for you if you have children.

Another option is to take a cruise and then incorporate a stay on land at the lodge as part of your adventure.

7 Things You Can Do From Scalesia Lodge

Along with exploring the grounds surrounding the lodge there is a lot to discover on Isabela Island, a few of the highlights are:

1. Hike up to the second largest caldera in the world: Sierra Negra.
2. Walk through lava fields in Volcan Chico.
3. Visit a turtle breeding center where you’ll see the giant Galapagos tortoises.
4. Explore Los Túneles where you can walk across lava bridges, and discover Galapagos birds and other wildlife.
5. Walk through lava tunnels.
6. Learn about some of the history of the island at El Muro de las Lagrimas (Wall of tears).
7. Explore Tintoreras where you’ll see Galapagos animals like the Galapagos penguin, white-tip reef sharks, sea lions, and marine iguanas.

Those are just some of the things to see and do during your stay at Scalesia Lodge on Isabela. Read more about the highlights mentioned above here.

You can enjoy all inclusive programs, of 8, 5 and 4 days. Contact us today with questions, or to book your stay.

Have you stayed at the Scalesia Lodge? Please share your experience by commenting on this post.