As you stand on top of the hill looking out onto the distant coast of Santa Cruz Island, you almost get a sense of being at the end of the world. The location of these volcanic islands at the equator and with the confluence of three major ocean currents, allows for a surprising ecosystem to be enjoyed. One containing varieties such as sea lions, giant turtles, marine iguanas and the only penguin species found in the tropics. Stay at the stunning Pikaia Lodge, a luxury lodge built with great care of the sensitive environment of the Galapagos Islands.
Contact form
Ecorating: 4.0
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
Does my trip make a difference?
Read more
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
Sample Itinerary
Given Pikai’s central location on Santa Cruz Island, there are perfect opportunities to explore the islands. Many of the most interesting islands are nearby, with secluded white sandy beaches and fascinating wildlife in Galapagos National Park.
All these islands can be reached within relatively short navigation times aboard the large, comfortable, stable ocean-going yacht M / Y Pikaia I.
You will also have the opportunity to enjoy some of Galapagos finest beaches.
Just by taking a short walk you can come face to face with a wild giant turtle. Pikaia Lodge has its own private turtle reserve on the plot.
Children are welcome to Pikaia Lodge, there are lots of activities for them to explore.
This beautiful and spacious suite is located above the main plateau of the main crater, conveniently close to the main building. This suite features panoramic floor-to-ceiling views with access to a private pool and a shaded terrace with stunning unobstructed views.
These six beautiful rooms on the ground floor are nestled on the small plateau of the main crater, conveniently close to the main building. All have panoramic views from floor to ceiling windows with access to private shaded terraces and breathtaking unobstructed views.
The EVOLUTION restaurant has a sophisticated daily menu from morning to dinner, inspired by a unique composition of Peruvian and Ecuadorian cuisine. Appetizers, entrees and desserts are lovingly prepared and presented creatively with fresh local produce such as organic beef, chicken, catch fish, lobster or the world famous jumbo cake served with a variety of vegetables, rice, Italian pastas and herbs and spices.
Guests can take a refreshing dip or swim a few lengths for exercise. There is a covered terrace next to the pool where guests can enjoy food and drinks without changing clothes.
There is also a spa and gym, where guests can enjoy a relaxing massage or if you want to work out with a fantastic view outside.
Trip details
Eco rating: 4.0
Season: Year around
Airport: Quito internationella flygplats Mariscal Sucre (UIO) or Guyaquil.
Included: Domestic flight to Galapagos, breakfast.
Not included: Park entrance fees to Galapagos National Park (US $100 per adult/$50), tourist transit card (US $20 per person), beverages, laundry, insurance, service charge, items of personal nature etc.
Good to know about Galapagos:
Travel Ethics: Always bring a copy of your passport with you. Keep calm when you see armed men in uniform, usually they are security guards at banks etc. Out of respect, please ask before you take a photo of someone. Dress respectfully. Bring a family photo from home, Ecuadorians are very family-friendly and can open up for nice conversations. Bring small banknotes, max 20 dollar bills.
Visa: You will need a valid passport to visit the Galapagos, with at least 6 months still available. Most countries do not require a visa to enter Ecuador, but it is a good idea check with your local embassy before making travel arrangements. The local currency is the US dollar, but most yachts accept major credit cards. If taking cash, try to bring smaller notes, as $100 bills are not accepted by many restaurants and stores. It is also recommended to bring US$ cash to tip the guides and crew aboard your Galapagos cruise.
Time zone: GMT -5
Vaccinations: Learn more about what vaccinations you need here.
Packing: Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, snorkel-friendly swimwear and good walking shoes
Local currency: USD
Weather: Galapagos
Mobile network and email: Internet service can be scarce throughout the Galápagos Islands, though some hotels and restaurants may provide wi-fi, and some internet cafés can be found in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz and Puerto Bquerizo on San Cristóbal Island.
Water: Drinking water is available at the hotel.
Security: Your security is our priority. The roads in Ecuador are unfortunately of poor quality, why we package our trips with flights. Crime is worst in the northern parts of Ecuador close to the Columbian border.
More information at: Travel advice Ecuador
Ecorating: 4.0
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
Does my trip make a difference?
Read more
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
The Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD) and the Ecuadorian Tourism Ministry demand that tour operators strive to make their businesses as environmentally friendly as possible. Galapagos tour providers must take action to:
* Save water and energy
* Recycle and process waste materials
* Use locally produced products
* Hire local employees, pay them a fair salary and give them extra education
All this helps you when You travel to Galapagos.
Some companies are proactive in their efforts to preserve Galapagos by supporting community and conservation projects. Galapagos Conservancy encourages visitors to Galapagos to travel with accredited licensed tour operators with a strong commitment to the conservation of Galapagos.
In 1979, the Galapagos Islands became the world’s first UNESCO-designated World Heritage List – an honor to one of the world’s most magnificent places. Please read the Galapagos National Park rules before traveling to the islands.
Pikaia Lodge: is one of the most advanced green lodges built in the world. It operates with alternative energy resources and has a comprehensive social responsibility program. Pikaia Lodge has been designed and equipped according to the highest environmental specifications. World-class experts have been hired to help meet the challenge of offering guests five-star luxury with all their energy, resources and water needs for optimal comfort while achieving a working Co2-neutral status. The lodge was designed to use the sun efficiently, for natural light, an optimum location of solar panels and for solar cell energy production. The lodge is situated in a east-west direction and all social areas and rooms are situated either north or south to prevent the intense equatorial sun from entering the large panoramic windows. Passive cooling with cross-air ventilation in all rooms and buildings through optimization of convection and natural airflow with a smart window design.
The lodge is carbon neutral and operates with a mixture of conventional and alternative energy sources that do not pollute or emit greenhouse gases. New technology enables the lodge to use solar cells, and “grid bound”, which means that the lodge is connected and supplies electricity to the island’s electricity grid. The lodge aims to produce gradually enough electricity during the day as an excess to compensate the amount it uses from the network. All of the lodge’s CO2 emissions are compensated by an endemic tree planting program.
Pikaias Social Commitments:
During the past five years, Pikaia Lodge has hired an additional teacher for the local El Cascajo school, and this program is under way. The lodge donated materials to replace church roofs done by local community members. The lodge donated coating materials and fuel to repair the city’s main street with the machines from the municipality.
Pikaia Lodge organizes and promotes regular sports and eco events in the village.
When possible, local students are invited to the Pikaia Lodge Conference Room for scientific presentations.
The lodge purchases local products such as Galapagos Organic Coffee, Vegetables and Seasonal Fruits, mostly from El Cascajo community.
The lodge promotes and includes activities owned and operated by urban residents, such as visits to lava tunnels, craters and animal welfare centers in their guest programs.
