Why we love it
Pikaia Lodge is state-of-the-art eco-lodging. The design is focused on sustainability, with adornments of local Galapagos lava stone and tiles, Peruvian travertine and sustainable bamboo. Rainfall is gathered on the roof, which is treated, purified and used throughout the hotel - avoiding any need for plastic bottles.
Cost Per Night: : £ £ £ £ £
Perfect For: : Couples
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Sensational views over miles of fertile volcanic land and the Pacific Ocean on the horizon, with Giant Tortoises as your only neighbours.
Truly rural and entirely luxurious, Pikaia Lodge is the Galapagos’ finest in-land accommodation. This groundbreaking lodge is a premium option for those wishing to explore the Galapagos without being confined to decking space or cabins on a boat.
One of the Galapagos's most luxurious in land lodges - take the in the spectacular views
The lodge is characterised by bright spaces, floor-to-ceiling glass-panelled walls and utterly sublime views over Santa Cruz Island. Pikaia Lodge sits atop a hill 450 metres above sea level and is set in an extinct volcanic crater. Walk, jog or mountain bike around 3.5 km of winding pathways through a giant tortoise reserve occupied by resident finches and a pair of owls. The 31 hectares of forest, farmland and walled fields are an idyllic retreat from the crowds of hot-spot areas. Without restrictions on having a set group itinerary, guests at Pikaia have the freedom to design their dream stay. Whether it’s swimming in the local beaches of Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay’s white stretching shores or El Garrapatero’s turquoise waters with weaving mangroves - or venturing further afield to track down sea lions, dolphins, and manta rays. The infinity pool’s expansive waters reach towards the ocean on the horizon. Accessible by the lodge’s three luxury private yachts, explore neighbouring islands and beaches by a smaller vessel. Pikaia is a gateway for visitors to get to know the Galapagos from an entirely new perspective. After a long day’s excursion, trekking volcanic craters, lava tunnels, endemic forests or out at sea, take the evenings to relax back at base. The fossil-inlaid tables awaiting you for dinner, first sink into the sofas at the DNA bar and debate your top wildlife viewings of the day over a cerveza or a classic margarita. Watch the sun disappear over mist-clad hills with a crackling fire by foot.
The Lodge
The property is owned by Herbert Frei, a Swiss Ecuadorian, and his heritage shines through on the interior and design of the property. Black volcanic rock and floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of impressive views over the highlands and ocean. All 14 rooms have uninterrupted views of forests, farmland and tortoises. Terrace rooms are situated on the ground floor and have private shaded terraces, large marble ensuites with twin sinks, rain showers and a bathtub. The Balcony rooms are on the first floor, perched on the main crater with unobstructed views, private balconies and bamboo wood floors. The Garden Suite has a ground-floor terrace and a private garden facing Santa Fe Island to the east. The Pool Suite features a ceramic tiled plunge pool and a spacious terrace with sun loungers.
Facilities
Restaurant, bar, infinity pool, spa with jacuzzi and sauna, treatment room, lounge, WiFi in rooms, TV, mini-bars in the room, robes and slippers, hairdryer, Pikaia backpack and water bottle, and biodegradable Sumaq toiletries.
Dining
How this lodge makes your trip more responsible
At Wayfairer, we promote sustainable and positive tourism to all our clients who choose to travel with us. This means that all stays actively benefit the countries we visit, and experiences give back to the wildlife and communities we interact with. We only partner with lodges, hotels and tour operators in Ecuador who share our ethos.
Pikaia is renowned for its environmental efforts - it is a carbon-neutral lodge. The verdant green grounds surrounding were previously a cattle ranch, and prior to its opening, the hotel planted over 11,000 endemic trees to reforest the pasture land. Solar panels and a wind turbine generate much of the energy needed to run the lodge without polluting or emitting any greenhouse gases.
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