Perched on the edge of an extinct volcano this remarkable lodge boasts some of the most spectacular views in the Galapagos Islands
Aside from glorious 360 degree views, Pikaia Lodge is perfectly positioned in the heart of the Galapagos Archipelago on Santa Cruz Island. A member of the coveted Relais & Chateaux collection, the lodge’s location is the ideal spot for guests looking to explore the legendary islands in complete comfort and style.
With just 12 beautiful rooms and two suites the Pikaia offers both luxury and exclusivity. The rooms are spacious – 61m2 in size – and boast either a ground floor terrace or balcony. Each room is furnished with twin queen beds or a king bed, have panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, feature warm contemporary décor and bamboo flooring. The spacious ensuite bathrooms have walk-in closets, his and hers sinks, shower, bathtub and luxury amenities including SUMAQ shower gels, bathrobes and slippers.
Decorated in the same style the two elegant suites are slightly larger in size (74m2) and nestle on the top of the main crater. Both have king size beds plus an additional sofa bed. Each also has access to a private, shaded terrace, with the Pool Suite having a slightly larger terrace and a lovely private plunge pool.
The main lodge offers wonderful hospitality in the “Evolution Restaurant”, which serves a delicious fusion of Ecuadorian and European cuisines and an evolving menu that changes every two days. The restaurant also has a walk-in wine cellar with a wide range of superb South American wines. For special occasions, guests can enjoy romantic dinners under the stars by the fire pit.The building also houses the Homo Sapien Explorers Lounge, a 24-seat lecture theatre, as well as a dedicated library filled with books on evolution, the Galapagos Islands and science. There is an undercover terrace where guests can enjoy a relaxing drink or casual meal as well as an outdoor infinity pool with awe-inspiring views of the archipelago. The Sumaq Spa offers massages and treatments in an oasis of peace and tranquility. There is also a whirlpool and gym.
A third yacht – the M/Y Galapagos Aggressor III – is used for a one-week, live-aboard advanced diving cruise, exploring the marine wonders of the Galapagos Islands.
Other activities available include scuba diving, complimentary mountain bike hire, and nearby white-sand beaches ideal for swimming or snorkelling.
Land and marine based day tours
With its unique position in the heart of the archipelago, Pikaia Lodge specialises in land and marine based day tours for small groups of guests, accompanied by highly-trained guides. There are two superb yachts exclusively for lodge guests – the 35-foot M/B Pikaia II designed for guided coastal fishing and snorkelling experiences around Santa Cruz Island – and the larger 105-foot M/Y Pikaia I, used for ocean-going day-trip explorations to nearby islands. The M/Y Pikaia I is particularly luxurious, with a partially covered sundeck and bar, hot-tub, and private air-conditioned cabins with showers for guests’ use in-between activities. There is also a fantastic lounge and dining area for onboard meals.
Highlights
- Situated on the edge of an extinct volcano on Santa Cruz Island in the heart of the Galapagos
- A member of the esteemed Relais & Chateaux collection
- Just 14 elegant and spacious rooms and suites
- Superb Evolution Restaurant and an extensive walk-in wine cellar
- Stunning infinity pool with incredible views
- Exciting land and marine based activities
- Homo Sapien Explorers Lounge with 24-seat lecture theatre
- Two exclusive-use vessels for island exploration the M/Y Pikaia I & M/B Pikaia II
- Complimentary mountain bike hire
Getting there
Travellers to the Galapagos must first stop in Guayquil or Quito – Ecuador’s two largest cities – before flying on to the islands. Pikaia Lodge is most easily reached from Galapagos’ Baltra Airport. From the US there are regular daily flights, including from New York and Miami, to Quito or Guayquil. From Europe there are flights from Amsterdam with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and from Madrid with Iberia.
Be Inspired
Recommended
Luxury Lodges in the Galapagos
Finch Bay Hotel
Located on the south side of Santa Cruz Island, this stunning hotel is positioned in the heart of the Galapagos archipelago.
Pikaia Lodge
Perched on the edge of an extinct volcano this remarkable lodge boasts some of the most spectacular views in the Galapagos Islands
Recommended
Best cruises in the Galapagos
Below are some of our suggested Galapagos Islands cruises that all feature small ships or yachts allowing for a more intimate and personalised sightseeing experience. Choose from one of our featured itineraries or let us custom design a tour to suit your interests, style and budget. To find out more about the type of Galapagos Islands cruises we can put together, please contact us to speak to a consultant today.
Galapagos Extravaganza
This 15 day/14 night itinerary combines the very best of the southern, north and central islands exploring Floreana, Espanola, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, South Plaza and North Seymour islands.
Legendary Galapagos – Beaches & Bays
This 7-night itinerary combines the very best of the southern and central islands exploring Floreana, Espanola, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, South Plaza and North Seymour islands.
Legendary Galapagos – Volcanic Wonders
This 7-night itinerary combines the best of the northern and central islands including Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Rabida and Fernandina islands.
Galapagos Islands FAQ
Ecuador Overview
What is the best thing to do in Ecuador?
Ecuador offers an incredible array of experiences within its borders; from heritage-rich colonial cities and luxurious rainforest lodges to opulent Amazon River cruises and exciting rail journey’s – there is something for everyone to enjoy. Most compelling of all is the wild beauty and unique fauna of the Galapagos Islands.
Ecuador Culture
From Amazonian frontier towns and Pacific fishing villages, to colonial cities and country markets, Ecuador is a blend of a many cultures. The country is famous for its excellent handicrafts, whilst Afro-Ecuadorians are known for marimba, a lively form of traditional music and dance.
What can I combine Ecuador with?
Mainland Ecuador can be easily combined with a cruise through the beautiful Galapagos Islands, located just under 1000 kilometres off the coast. Neighbouring Peru is the other county most easily (and best) to combine with Ecuador. Top highlights include Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and historic Cusco.
How do you get to Ecuador?
Ecuador’s capital Quito, and the country’s largest city Guayaquil, are the major hubs for flights into the country. Both cities are serviced by a number of airlines directly such as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, American Airlines, Air France and United. Latam Airlines (primarily based in Santiago, Chile), is the major airline in South America and offers direct flights to number of US and European cities. The Galapagos Islands are a 2 hour flight from Quito or 1.5 hour flight from Guayaquil.
US – Ecuador is very easy to fly to from the United States. There are plenty of direct flights to either Quito or Guayaquil from a number of US cities. Airlines that fly between the countries include United Airlines, American Airlines and Latam Airlines.
Europe – There are a number of countries that operate direct flights into Ecuador from Europe including France and the Netherlands. Alternatively Latam fly to European countries such as Germany and Spain.