Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands
Pikaia Lodge
The Galapagos Islands are strongly protected by the Ecuadorian Government, which limits the amount of development and foot-traffic on the islands. Pikaia Lodge therefore offers a rare opportunity to stay on dry land and explore the island of Santa Cruz in depth. An island stay is ideal for those who suffer from sea sickness.
The Galapagos Islands are strongly protected by the Ecuadorian Government, which limits the amount of development and foot-traffic on the islands. Pikaia Lodge therefore offers a rare opportunity to stay on dry land and explore the island of Santa Cruz in depth. An island stay is ideal for those who suffer from sea sickness.
The Galapagos Islands are strongly protected by the Ecuadorian Government, which limits the amount of development and foot-traffic on the islands. Pikaia Lodge therefore offers a rare opportunity to stay on dry land and explore the island of Santa Cruz in depth. An island stay is ideal for those who suffer from sea sickness.
The Galapagos Islands are strongly protected by the Ecuadorian Government, which limits the amount of development and foot-traffic on the islands. Pikaia Lodge therefore offers a rare opportunity to stay on dry land and explore the island of Santa Cruz in depth. An island stay is ideal for those who suffer from sea sickness.
Location
Pikaia Lodge can be found on the eastern side of Santa Cruz island, the second largest of the Galapagos Islands. Perched on the edge of an extinct volcanic crater, it occupies the site of former pasture land which has been transformed by the planting of more than 11,000 native trees.
Accommodation
At Pikaia Lodge you will be staying in one of the 14 rooms or suites, all with panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows and from terraces or balconies. Some suites have small pools. Floors are made of sustainable bamboo wood, the beds are king or queen size, and bathrooms are luxurious. We think you will particularly appreciate the second floor rooms which have balconies that extend out in dramatic fashion over the crater.
The lodge has terrific facilities including a spa with jacuzzi, sauna and treatment room, along with a crater-side infinity pool that catches sun all day long. The views from the pool look out over the forested hills of Santa Cruz and you will be able to picture the giant tortoises munching on the foliage before you venture out to see them. The Homo Sapiens Explorers’ Lounge has an extensive library and is the venue for talks on all aspects of the Galapagos.
The lodge has terrific facilities including a spa with jacuzzi, sauna and treatment room, along with a crater-side infinity pool that catches sun all day long. The views from the pool look out over the forested hills of Santa Cruz and you will be able to picture the giant tortoises munching on the foliage before you venture out to see them. The Homo Sapiens Explorers’ Lounge has an extensive library and is the venue for talks on all aspects of the Galapagos.
The menu at the Pikaia Lodge’s Relais & Chateaux restaurant changes daily, partly because of the huge capabilities of the chef and catering team, but also because ingredients are locally and sustainably sourced. At your fossil-inlaid table, you will enjoy a range of exciting natural fruit juices at breakfast time, perhaps followed by the Ecuadorian dish called tigrillo (a stuffed plantain). Dinners are a heaven for fish-lovers, but there are alternative options if your taste is for something land-based.
Not surprisingly on an island where conservation efforts are top of the agenda, Pikaia Lodge is passionate about sustainability. Solar panels and wind turbines generate almost all the necessary energy and rainwater is harvest from the roofs. You will also be encouraged to plant a tree before you depart.
Not surprisingly on an island where conservation efforts are top of the agenda, Pikaia Lodge is passionate about sustainability. Solar panels and wind turbines generate almost all the necessary energy and rainwater is harvest from the roofs. You will also be encouraged to plant a tree before you depart.
Experiences
- Borrow one of the lodge’s mountain bikes to venture along more than 3km of private paths. You are likely to encounter giant tortoises on the way, along with the famous finches.
- Venture down to fine white sands of Tortuga Bay for a swimming and body-surfing. You will spot marine iguanas and brightly coloured crabs, along with seals and blue footed boobies. Another alternative is the bay of El Garrapatero, with its mangroves.
- Included in your stay are adventures aboard the Pikaia Lodge’s very own 100ft yacht, giving you day-tour access to excursions in very small groups.
- For the full scientific experience, take a visit to the Charles Darwin Scientific Research Centre where you will learn all about the role the Galapagos Islands played in his revolutionary theory of evolution.
- There’s a fascinating trip to an organic coffee farm for you to see how local people make a living in a sustainable way.
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