Pikaia Lodge

About the property Video Photo gallery

The most comfortable place to stay on the Galapagos, this small luxury hotel brings five-star eco decadence to the wilderness. Extremely cosy and well appointed, but not the most convenient for exploring Galapagos wildlife.

Plan your trip

Stay at Pikaia Lodge

Green forests stretch towards the Pacific. A tortoise slowly ambles past. You take in your private Galapagos view, wondering how this luxury can exist in such a wild and remote environment. Like an infinity pool overlooking the archipelago. Sleek modernist lines and floor-to-ceiling windows. A spa. A suite with its own terrace and plunge pool. Such amenities won’t be new to you, but they’re pretty new to the Galapagos. Pikaia is the islands’ first real luxury hotel and the ideal base for mixing high-end comfort with a little exploration.

Location

Spectacular in one sense, on the edge of an extinct volcanic caldera with glorious views over all of Santa Cruz island. However, this remote location is a little inconvenient, as it’s a 40-minute drive to the port or Santa Cruz’s natural attractions. Stay here for the tranquillity, not if you prefer an action-packed itinerary.

Rooms

Sustainably built and solar powered, carbon neutral on the edge of a volcano but also highly luxurious. The style is spacious and contemporary, but there’s still room for a marble-lined bathroom. Pikaia is the only Galapagos member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and the quality shows - nowhere else on the islands is as comfortable. We love the suites with terraces that jut out above the volcano.

Who is it for

The preferred choice for people who value their comfort and luxuries above getting their feet dirty. Certainly a good option for anyone who doesn’t like the idea of sleeping on a boat. Children over eight are welcomed but a better located lodge will suit families more. Note the three-night minimum stay.

Facilities & activities

The spa and restaurant are both fantastic. Every stay includes a program of activities on land and in the water, aboard Pikaia’s boat. However, the ease and variety of these activities doesn’t match other lodges, or come close to what you can do on a boat. Adding on 90 minutes of transfer time due to the remote location isn’t ideal either. So come to relax in a beautiful location and do some gentle exploration, not for an active holiday.