The Galapagos Islands
Scalesia Lodge
The beautifully designed Scalesia Galapagos Lodge was recently inaugurated in September 2015 and offers comfort and first class service. It is located in the highlands of Isabela Island, about 20 minutes from Puerto Villamil. The lodge is located in the center of the island and it has 16 hectares (40 acres) of property in the middle of a magical forest with an spectacular view of Isabela’s coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
Isabela Island is the third most populated island in Galapagos and home to six large volcanoes. The island is divided into two sections; the northern half is famous for its wild and remote environment characterized by shallow waters, and the southern part casts a shadow over the North with its towering volcanoes and spewing fumaroles.
Amazing Isabela (min 2 guests)
Operates on any day of the week for:
Prices per person| double or triple tent
3 Days / 2 Nights Program: US$ 1,058.00
4 Days / 3 Nights Program: US$ 1,584.00
5 Days / 4 Nights Program: US$ 2,114.00
Single supplement 50%
- Accommodations
- All tours described on the program, only for Scalesia Lodge clients
- Galapagos National Park Naturalist guide (english speaking guide)
- Meals as described on the itinerary
- Transfer in/out Puerto Villamil - Scalesia Lodge - Puerto Villamil
- Available upon request (extra fees)
- Airfaire from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra (round trip). Flights ca be arranged upon request
- Entrance fee to Galapagos National Park ( US$ 100 per person)
- Transit card to enter Galapagos (US$ 20 per person)
- Entrance fee to Puerto Villamil (US$ 10 per person)
- Ground transportation Baltra - Puerto Ayora - Baltra (US$ 60 per person - round trip)
- Transportation from Baltra to Isabela and back (can be arranged upon request - US$ 80 public transportation round trip)
- Beverages
- Gratuities
- Anithing not mentioned in the itineraries
- Activities for Half-board lodging
NOTE: Subject to change without prior notice
Children (one child per 2 adults)
75% discount for children under 4 years old
50% discount for children under 12 years old
Galapagos Islands
The journey to the Galapagos Islands starts in Quito or Guayaquil. The only viable way to travel to the Islands is by a commercial flight. These are the available routs:
- Quito – Baltra – Quito
- Guayaquil – Baltra – Guayaquil
- Quito – Baltra – Guayaquil
- Guayaquil – Baltra – Quito
Since the flights leave in the morning, an overnight stay is almost always required in either Quito or Guayaquil (please contact us to book an accommodation).
We operate with AVIANCA flights AV1632 and AV1633. It takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to get to Baltra´s airport.
Upon arrival to Baltra, you have these options to reach Isabela Island:
- Transfer (bus + car) to Puerto Ayora to board the speed boat (chartered or public) to Puerto Villamil (2 hours and 30 minutes approximately each way)
- Inter islands flight with a local airline from Baltra to Puerto Villamil (30 minutes approximately each way)
About Luggage
*For national flights no more than 20kg per person and one regular size carry-on bag 7kg
*For emetebe (inter-islands) flights no more than 10kg per person – extra weight is 1$ per pound
RETURN TIME
It’s recommended to be two hours in advance before your flight. Please contact us to book your flight.
Scalesia Lodge is a new concept of accommodation on the Galapagos Islands, and has been designed to connect you with nature and allow you to explore and enjoy Galapagos at its best.
There are:
-
3 different social areas for relaxation and reading
-
16 beautiful and comfortable tents, 53 m2 (570 square foot).
-
Tent 20m2 (215 sq. ft.), bathroom 10m2 (108 sq. ft.) and terrace 23m2 (248 sq. ft.)
-
4 Tents equipped with king size bed
-
12 Tents equipped with twin full size beds
-
Hot-water tempered glass showers.
-
The beautifully decorated and very comfortable tents will be set up in the middle of our forest and the Pacific Ocean, where you will find the peace and tranquility only Galapagos can offer you
Packing list:
-
Passport
-
Binoculars
-
Flashlight and batteries
-
Camera
-
Insect repellent
-
Sun protection (sun cream / sunglasses / hat or cap)
-
Water bottle
-
Lightweight long pants and long sleeved shirts for walks
-
Shorts, short sleeve shirts and bathing suit
-
Hiking boots or shoes
-
Sandals or Tivas for wet landings
-
Windbreaker or light raincoat
-
Small day pack
-
Plastic bags to protect cameras, binoculars, film, etc… from rain
-
Sea sickness medication (optional – please check with your doctor)
-
CASH for extra expenses (no ATM machines in Isabela). We do not accept credit card or travel checks in our lodge
To reconfirm a booking, a 20% deposit is required within 7 days of the reservation.
Amount due is required 60 days prior to arrival date.
If booking is cancelled after being confirmed 10% of the deposit is non-refundable.
If booking is cancelled 120 days prior to arrival the deposit is non-refundable.
If booking is cancelled 60 days prior to arrival 100% of the deposit is non-refundable.
All cancellation fees will be discounted from the deposits.
All cancellations must be sent in writing via e-mail.
Last minute bookings are non refundable.
-
Cash (PACHAJOURNEYS' Offices)
-
Wire Transfer
-
Bank Deposit
-
Credit Cards (8% – 12%)
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
AM: Tintoreras / PM: Los Humedales and Tortoise Breeding Station
Morning visit to the Tintoreras, an islet formed by lava flows located 10 minutes by dinghy from Puerto Villamil. Its name comes from the white tip reef sharks called in Spanish “Tintoreras” which are frequently seen in this area. Different species of animals can be seen in the area as sea lions, marine iguanas and penguins. This is a perfect place to practice snorkeling. Return to the hotel by lunch time. In the afternoon visit los Humedales, a complex with various trails where you can find the four species of mangroves existing in Galapagos. This area is characterized by solitary beaches, lava tunnels, natural pools and estuaries where you can see flamingos and other birds. You will also visit the Turtle breeding center where the National park is breeding turtles in danger of extinction. Some of this giant turtles have been released by the park and can be found on the trails. Overnight at Scalesia Lodge. (B,L,D)
Tintoreras Tour: Accompanied with a private guide
Highlights:White-tipped reef sharks, penguins, marine turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas
Dry landing / Wet landing
AM: Los Tuneles / PM: Beach and activities: biking, surfing or kayaking
A 30 to 40 minute ride on a small fast boat will take us to a unique place where lava flow has been impacted for many years by the oceans waves. This has formed the unique tubes and bridges of Los Tuneles. This visiting site is a marine paradise for white tipped reef sharks, Galápagos green sea turtle, the Galápagos sea lions, manta rays, parrot fish, yellowtail surgeon fish among many others. Definitely one of the best places to snorkel in Isabela and the Galapagos, the water is very calmed, clear and shallow. Besides being a marine sanctuary it is characterized by its unique geologic formations, a series of lava flows have produced many arches and tunnels both under and above water, where you find a number of animal species that have taken up residence in these magnificent formations. Many birds, such as bobbies can also be found. Return to Scalesia Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon free time to enjoy the magical beach of Puerto Villamil or enjoy one of the following activities for extra cost: biking, surfing or kayaking. Overnight at Scalesia Lodge. (B,L,D)
Tuneles Tour: Accompanied with a private guide
Highlights:Galápagos green sea turtle, the Galápagos sea lions, manta rays, parrot fish, yellowtail surgeon fish Dry landing / Wet landing
AM: Volcan Chico & Sierra Negra / PM: Cueva de Sucre & Mirador and Beach
Today you will visit some of Isabela´s best attractions, the Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano.
Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes of the archipelago, its recent eruption took place in 2005. The volcano’s crater is considered the second largest in the world with a diameter of 10kms. Volcan Chico is also an active volcano, sulfur vents can be seen in this area. This is an approximately 6 hour’s walk tour to appreciate all the splendor of the volcanoes. You will enjoy a snack in the area. Return to Scalesia Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon visit to Sucre´s cave, located 14Km of Villamil Port, placed in the agricultural area of the Island. Enjoy a short walk to appreciate the typical vegetation and endemic plants. Continue to Mirador de Mango from where you have panoramic views of southern Isabela and the agricultural area. This is also a place for finch birds’ observation. Overnight at Scalesia Lodge. (B,L,D)
Highlights:Basaltic caldera, stunning views, finches
Dry landing
AM: Tintoreras / PM: Los Humedales and Tortoise Breeding Station
Morning visit to the Tintoreras, an islet formed by lava flows located 10 minutes by dinghy from Puerto Villamil. Its name comes from the white tip reef sharks called in Spanish “Tintoreras” which are frequently seen in this area. Different species of animals can be seen in the area as sea lions, marine iguanas and penguins. This is a perfect place to practice snorkeling. Return to the hotel by lunch time. In the afternoon visit los Humedales, a complex with various trails where you can find the four species of mangroves existing in Galapagos. This area is characterized by solitary beaches, lava tunnels, natural pools and estuaries where you can see flamingos and other birds. You will also visit the Turtle breeding center where the National park is breeding turtles in danger of extinction. Some of this giant turtles have been released by the park and can be found on the trails. Overnight at Scalesia Lodge. (B,L,D)
Tintoreras Tour: Accompanied with a private guide
Highlights:White-tipped reef sharks, penguins, marine turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas
Dry landing / Wet landing
AM: Los Tuneles / PM: Beach and activities: biking, surfing or kayaking
A 30 to 40 minute ride on a small fast boat will take us to a unique place where lava flow has been impacted for many years by the oceans waves. This has formed the unique tubes and bridges of Los Tuneles. This visiting site is a marine paradise for white tipped reef sharks, Galápagos green sea turtle, the Galápagos sea lions, manta rays, parrot fish, yellowtail surgeon fish among many others. Definitely one of the best places to snorkel in Isabela and the Galapagos, the water is very calmed, clear and shallow. Besides being a marine sanctuary it is characterized by its unique geologic formations, a series of lava flows have produced many arches and tunnels both under and above water, where you find a number of animal species that have taken up residence in these magnificent formations. Many birds, such as bobbies can also be found. Return to Scalesia Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon free time to enjoy the magical beach of Puerto Villamil or enjoy one of the following activities for extra cost: biking, surfing or kayaking. Overnight at Scalesia Lodge. (B,L,D)
Tuneles Tour: Accompanied with a private guide
Highlights:Galápagos green sea turtle, the Galápagos sea lions, manta rays, parrot fish, yellowtail surgeon fish
Dry landing / Wet landing
AM: Volcan Chico & Sierra Negra / PM: Cueva de Sucre & Mirador and Beach
Today you will visit some of Isabela´s best attractions, the Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano.
Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes of the archipelago, its recent eruption took place in 2005. The volcano’s crater is considered the second largest in the world with a diameter of 10kms. Volcan Chico is also an active volcano, sulfur vents can be seen in this area.
This is an approximately 6 hour’s walk tour to appreciate all the splendor of the volcanoes. You will enjoy a snack in the area. Return to Scalesia Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon visit to Sucre´s cave, located 14Km of Villamil Port, placed in the agricultural area of the Island. Enjoy a short walk to appreciate the typical vegetation and endemic plants. Continue to Mirador de Mango from where you have panoramic views of southern Isabela and the agricultural area. This is also a place for finch birds’ observation. Overnight at Scalesia Lodge. (B,L,D)
Highlights:Basaltic caldera, stunning views, finches Dry landing
About Isabela Island
Isabela Island is a hidden gem within a treasure. Shaped as a sea horse, Isabela is the largest island of the Galapagos and one of the younger ones. Isabela Island was formed about 1 million years ago by the joining of six shield volcanoes — from north to south — Ecuador, Wolf, Darwin, Alcedo, Sierra Negra, and Cerro Azul.
The island is primarily noted for its geology, providing excellent examples of a geologic occurrence that created the Galapagos Islands including uplifts at Urvina Bay and the Bolivar Channel, tuff cones at Tagus Cove, and Pulmace on Alcedo and Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the second largest crater worldwide (11km diameter).
The majority of Isabela residents make their living by fishing, farming, and tourism. In the 90s, development for tourism began. The number of hotels, restaurants and bar grew since then. However, the town still retains its relaxed attitude in contrast to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal. Puerto Villamil is probably one of the most beautiful townsite in Galapagos, with its long, white-sand, palm-lined beaches and several brackish-water lagoons frequented by pink flamingoes, common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules.
In terms of wildlife, Isabela is home to the vast majority of all species found in the Galapagos. In the Puerto Villamil area you can find an abundance of blue footed boobies, pelicans, penguins, flamingos, herons, ducks, finches, tropical birds, sea turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas, manta rays, sharks, eels and tropical fish. Galapagos tortoises and land iguanas roam free around the Sierra Negra Volcano. Sally light foot crabs, hawks, owls, dolphins and whales, among other species are often spotted there as well.