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Set in the highlands of Santa Cruz (and away from the waterfront crowds), this totally unique property surprises and delights. All six safari tents and four tree houses have gorgeous views, and guests are surrounded by nature as they sleep. Magic is a place to relax, walk the beautiful mountainside, turn your gaze to the beautiful heavens and to admire nature.
My girlfriend and I were initially apprehensive about visiting during the touristic off-season. It took this place only 30 seconds to change our tune. Truly one of the most surreal stays we’ve had, and it will almost certainly be the same for you. The draw of the camp only starts at the tortoises that will greet you in the morning. It also includes: (1) the multi-course breakfasts and dinners (and possibly lunches, although those are extra and a bit pricey) you’ll receive, (2) phenomenal service that will help you coordinate each day (thank you Nixon and Johnny!) (3) the warm fireplace you’ll curl up beside at the end of each day.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Get a tent or one of the suites—they have their own showers. Bring cash and some shoes you don’t...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were very lucky to attend a yoga retreat hosted at Galapagos Magic Camp and what an amazing experience it was. The accommodations are not luxurious by any means, which is just fine by this yogi. Everything is very sustainable and kind to nature. From living with the tortoises walking around the preserve, to practicing yoga in the beautiful covered outdoor space, to jamming to Kirtan in the underground lava tunnels, you are immersed in nature from the beginning to the end. The food is incredible and prepared by the most patient and kind staff who are always available to provide assistance. We chose to stay in a treehouse with 2 twin beds and a small cubby for our belongings. The weather in the Galapagos this time of year is pretty hot during the day if the sun is out, but gorgeous at night. But it is damp and humid so do not expect your clothes to dry. We really look forward to returning to the camp someday as it was an incredible experience.…
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Date of stay: April 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you are looking to immerse yourself in nature and live in the moment, Galapagos Magic Camp is for you. The views are stunning, the rooms are comfortable and the food is delicious. The staff and hosts go above and beyond and you become part of the family while you are a guest. Be prepared to make friends with the Galapagos turtles who are the friendly, wise stewards of the land. If you enjoy the outdoors and the magic of nature you will be in heaven.
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Date of stay: April 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
INCREDIBLE! The family that owns and operates this Lodge treat you like part of their own! The grounds are a natural paradise with Giant Land Tortoises, song birds, and more roaming the land! It’s called a “camp” but the beds are incredibly comfy in the tree houses and you are lulled to sleep by the sounds of crickets and a star scape like you’ve never seen before! The food is WORLD CLASS… where you stop and think… “wait this is camping” it should be considered 5 star dining! Insider tip, ask Polo to share stories at the fireplace with you! Mesmerizing tales of Galapagos from the past!!! It is also a super quick trip to down town to browse cool stores such as the DELICIOUS Chocolapagos Where you can view an entertaining “chocolate show” with Galapagos’s only Chocolatier Juan Daniel, visit eateries and catch boats to numerous chartered adventures! DON’T MISS BARTOLOME while you are there! Promise it is worth the journey and the cost to charter a boat to that magical island to swim with the sea lions penguins and more! Galapagos Magic Lodge is true MAGIC! BEST TRIP EVER! Seriously up there with African Safari but with sea life as the feature!…
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a great stay here on our first trip to the Galapagos. It is in the highlands of Santa Cruz and about a mile off the main road on a direct track. The grounds are large and scenic. We were the only guest there for two nights and we well taken care of by the three staff. There are lots of turtles on the property that are wild. We stayed in a "tent" that is rustic but comfortable. Two twin beds, hardwood floors, toilet, sink and shower. There is a nice porch as well. Some things to note: It is damp there so things take a little longer to dry. It was raining one day when we left but clear and dry in the Itabaca Channel. The Lodge did not take cash so have $ to cover any bar expenses.
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Date of stay: July 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were really looking forward to staying at Magic Camp and it didn't disappoint. The "tents" are great - not like any tent I've ever stayed in. Proper beds, a proper shower & a flushing toilet. Even electric light & a charging point. Such a quiet place. You wouldn't know it's near civilisation - you can't hear anything except giant tortoises walking & eating. The food was amazing. I don't normally enjoy swordfish but the way Johnny cooked it was superb. The cocktail was lovely too. And breakfast. And they have stocks of good beer. Watching the tortoises walking around & standing in the pool, sitting by the fire with a beer, lying in bed listening to the tortoises... everything was lovely. Definitely a "happy place" for me
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Date of stay: March 2020
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Room Tip:The tents are amazing
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As we drove into Magic, I was wondering if we were going to Jurassic Park. Pleasantly surprised by the quiet and tranquil camp. Able to relax and enjoy nature. Sunset was beautiful as we were given a brief tour of the property including the lava tunnel. The tortoises roamed the fields and provided security! Enjoyed the pre dinner cocktail show and drink. The food was prepared specifically for us and was delicious! Alex, Johnny and Enrique were wonderful hosts.
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Date of stay: July 2019
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where to begin? The name says it all. Magical! There are just a few tents so there is never a big crowd. When we were there it was just the four of us for two nights. The tents have a wooden floor, comfortable beds and a bathroom with a shower and flushing toilet. Each tent has a handmade painting inside to give them personality. There is a common area with a pub like area, several sitting/lounging areas, a fireplace, picnic tables, an outdoor grill, and hammocks to relax in. There is a small pond on the property the turtles enjoy. The staff is very friendly and engaging. The food was absolutely delicious! Did I mention that there are free roaming giant turtles all over the place? Wow. Just. Wow. It is worth every penny. Hope this helps, my fellow travelers! Visit here if you can!…
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Date of stay: January 2019
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Get away from it all and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Galapagos. See wild land turtles near your room, hear the sound of the forest at night. We absolutely loved the Magic camp. We were really bummed that we did not plan to stay here longer. 2 nights was not enough. Food was great, hospitality was wonderful, but the best part was the sound of the natural world around you. We would walk around and see the Turtles, they have a lava cave on the property where you can have dinner. Everything about this place is magical.
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Date of stay: December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A peaceful, quiet (except for the early AM rooster) stay for a good taste of Ecuadorian countryside. Staff were very friendly and helpful, and the food was quite exquisite! We had an outstanding meal in the Lava Lounge, and spent hours watching the many tortoises roaming the property. The showers were a bit temperamental but this was a minor issue overall. Sitting by the fireplace in the evenings was wonderful. We'd gladly stay with Magic Galapagos again!
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Date of stay: October 2018
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.