Galapagos Safari Camp

Visiting the Galapagos used to be a straight shot. If you wanted a fluffy pillow, some decent grub, and an excellent naturalist, you had to be on a boat. No longer. We recently visited the Galapagos Safari Camp and it’s something of a game-changer.

Galapagos Safari Camp an eco-luxe camp in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, the most central of the islands in the chain. Luxury African-styled tents sit on raised platforms in the dense jungle, outfitted with plush beds and full size en-suite washrooms, and complete with balconies and hammocks from which to take in uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean, and the Western and Northern Islands. The family suite, which used to be the owner’s house, provides 3 spacious bedrooms, as well as a playroom, perfect for larger families.

Away from your tent, you can continue to channel your inner Darwin in the central lodge, which though not canvas, has an airy open-floor plan, minimalist décor and floor-to-ceiling glass walls with more panoramic views of the horizon. A volcanic rock path leads from there through the camp up to the infinity pool.  To the other side of the camp, the viewing platform with more breathtaking views is the ideal place for a sunset cocktail.

Don’t think that being land-based means a lack of wildlife. With daily boat trips to neighbouring islands, not to mention in-depth explorations on Santa Cruz itself, the full iconic Galapagos menagerie is there to be marvelled at.

So those keen to visit the islands but adverse to life on board, or those simply who don’t have a full week to dedicate to a cruise (the camp has no minimum length stay), now have a first-rate choice.

Victoria Marsh is based in our Toronto office, but has her eyes firmly fixed on the horizon, southwards to Latin America for which she’s an integral part of our planning team. Next stop, Peru.