Wild Ecuador: Wildlife and Culture from Galapagos to the Amazon

,Galapagos Magic Hotel Galapagos Magic Galapagos, galapagos, Ecuador Galapagos Magic is a million miles from the world’s hustle and bustle. Set in the highlands of Santa Cruz (and away from the waterfront crowds), this totally unique property surprises and delights. All six safari tents have gorgeous views, and guests are surrounded by nature as they sleep. Galapagos Magic is a place to relax, walk the beautiful mountainside, turn your gaze to the beautiful heavens and to admire nature. Giant tortoises call Galapagos Magic their home much of the year, and guests might see a handful slowly moving through the grounds or many dozens dotting the meadow. Sunsets from Galapagos Magic are, well, magic! Enjoying the last light of day with a cocktail on the meadow deck is a relaxing pastime, as is sharing stories of the days’ adventures in front of the open-air main lodge’s crackling fire. Magic serves sumptuous, three course dinners. The chefs use their culinary skills in the open kitchen to turn local ingredients into creative and elegant dishes. An after dinner stroll to the ‘Lava Lounge’ for a nightcap is the perfect way to end the day. Capacity – 20 people 4 elevated tree houses 6 raised, walk-in tents Hot water Wireless Internet Laundry service   Lava Lodge Hotel Lava Lodge Isla Floreana, Ecuador Floreana Island is surrounded by mystery and enchantment. One of only four inhabited islands in the Galapagos, it is home to a wonderful, secluded spot right on the water: Floreana Lava Lodge. While the old Galapagos way of life has been slowly disappearing, Floreana’s small population of fewer than 150 people has fought to keep the special character of their island intact. It is a place from another age – quiet, undisturbed, undeveloped and utterly peaceful. There’s no other place like it in the Galapagos archipelago or perhaps in the world, and Floreana Lava Lodge is the perfect place to slow down and soak in the magic, away from the crowds found on other inhabited islands. Floreana’s history is fascinating – full of intrigue, extraordinary characters and enigmatic disappearances. Its local people cherish that history and your interactions with them will allow many of their secrets to unfold. They are conscientious of how their unique history adds mystique to any visit, and sharing their stories with travelers is a favorite pastime. Locals are also keenly aware of the value of their tiny corner of paradise. The archipelago is a global treasure, and Floreana is one of its most precious gems. With that in mind, the locals practice stringently environmentally sensitive tourism. They also strive to maintain the most low-key and relaxed atmosphere of any of the Galapagos Islands, and all of these values are embodied by Floreana Lava Lodge. Located in Puerto Velasco Ibarra, Lava Lodge is owned by members of the Cruz family, one of Floreana’s longest-residing families. Built on black lava sands near the ocean’s edge, the lodge’s cabins are situated on one of the best sites on the entire archipelago for sea views and gorgeous sunsets. It’s comfortable and cozy, with friendly local service and a casual, relaxed air. Much of the food served at the lodge is grown by its owners, including the many of freshly squeezed juices you might enjoy with breakfast, along with some just-collected eggs. They will have been brought from the Cruz farm the night before or early that morning. Only 5 minutes’ walk from the village center, Lava Lodge is also only steps away from a sea lion colony that resides inside the National Park. Guests can swim, snorkel and paddle, or simply lie back and watch the Islands’ most famous marine inhabitants in their natural surroundings. Lodge features: Capacity – 24 people in 10 en suite cabins that sleep 2-3 people each (twins or twin with bunk beds) Social Area Restaurant where breakfast is served as well as BBQ Wooden deck for relaxing with a book or practicing yoga