1/5
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Pikaia Lodge

Galapagos • Santa Cruz Island • OVER THE TOP

avg. $3,183 / night

Includes $168 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

Credit and debit card charges are processed directly by the hotel (i.e. not PressBeyond), meaning that any travel-specific credit card points or incentives that you normally get as a cardholder for direct hotel bookings are preserved

Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Part of Relais & Châteaux

Location

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PB hotel design editorial

Cantilevered from a volcanic ridge on Santa Cruz Island at roughly 550 metres above sea level, the structure that houses Pikaia Lodge announces itself through its steel exoskeleton — angled diagonal braces extending beyond the glazed facade like the ribs of some half-constructed ship, holding the building in tension with the hillside rather than against it. The architecture, designed to minimize ground disturbance on an island where 97 percent of land falls within protected national park territory, treats structural necessity as the primary aesthetic statement. Floor-to-ceiling glazing on the room frontages dissolves the boundary between interior and the sweeping Pacific panorama beyond, the Galápagos lowland scrub rolling toward the coast in every direction. Inside, the 14 rooms carry dark-stained hardwood floors and low platform beds dressed with terracotta and coral-toned woven throws that quietly reference Ecuadorian textile traditions without overstating the connection. Headboards inset with mosaic tile detailing add textural warmth to what is otherwise a restrained, contemporary palette. The restaurant centers a stainless-steel double-helix sculpture rising from a recessed fire table — an unsubtle nod to Darwin and the evolutionary science the islands inspired — flanked by navy velvet dining chairs and travertine flooring that continues out to the infinity pool terrace, where slatted teak sun loungers face west toward a horizon that, at sunset, justifies every constraint the archipelago's conservation rules imposed on the building that frames it.

Travel notes

3-night minimum stay requirement; flights available from Quito airport (UIO) and Guayaquil airport (GYE) to Galapagos Baltra Airport (GPS)

About

The Galapagos Islands nicknamed the "Enchanted Islands" and described as the "Last Paradise on Earth" is a truly memorable experience. The Pikaia Lodge concept is a luxury land based eco-adventure with the highest level of comfort and services. We offer an experience like no other, in a place like no other, where the guest will encounter some truly fascinating unforgettable moments. Designed for the physically active adventure traveler, who seek close contact with the incredible wildlife, stunning views and the overall beauty that surrounds the Galapagos Islands. At Pikaia Lodge we offer 3-7 night packages, which are ALL inclusive. Complemented by our very own land and marine explorations aboard our exclusive private yacht.

Amenities

Pool

Shuttle Bus Service

Non-smoking rooms

Room service

Free Internet

Restaurant

Bar/Lounge

Spa

Airport transportation

Public Wifi

Pikaia Lodge Reviews

157 reviews

"Very nice lodge super friendly staff really 1 star service. But then i wanted to dive Gordon Rock yeah no problema. I get the quotation 665 dollar oke let's do this. But i did read it wrong they send me to seymour island where i havebeig snorkeling 2 days before was a nice dive with spotted eagle rays white tip sharks. And at Daphne island sea lions white tips and 2 small hammerheads and a lot of nudy branches.but back to the price. I asked them what they paid 225 the first couple the second one did not no exactly because it was a package. The other couple 275. I spoke to a other person he was also staying in the hotel and he paid 520 dollar. The answer from the lodge yeah they arranged it them self. So because i asked the lodge i have to pay 400 or 140 dollar more. THIS IS NOT OKAY. I really enjoyed my 18 days in Equador. Except the last day. I can really effort this but it feels like a BIG rip of at the end🤮🤮"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 07, 2026

"The Pikaia Lodge is close to perfect. From the Gen. Mgr. to the uggage attendant, courtesy exudes from everyone. The rooms are impeccably clean, comfortble and well appointed. The restaurant is a hidden gem The views are breath taking. Can't say enough good things. Don't think twice book this place!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 24, 2026

"What an amazing family adventure! We just returned from 6 nights at Pikaia Lodge. First, the Lodge: spectacular! The level of service was amazing. The rooms are spacious and the pool and grounds are spectacular. The land tours and the navigations were planned so well and every day was a new adventure. Second, our guide: Duncan. Duncan was super accommodating, very knowledgeable and a fun guy to have as our family guide. He made our trip! Third, the logistics. We traveled with our grown daughters and their husbands and our 1 year old granddaughter. The Lodge made all transfers seamless and comfortable, and made traveling with an infant so easy. If you are a little intimidated about traveling to Ecuador (as we were), do not give it a second thought: contact Maybel Karola Galvez of zeros3traveladvisor. She will arrange your flights and transfers, personally guide you through the airports, and ensure that your travels throughout Ecuador are worry free (even with an infant!, all at a very reasonable cost. Finally a message to all the staff at Pikaia, Duncan, and Maybel: you made our Galapagos trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We cannot thank you enough for everything you did to make our vacation so much fun!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Feb 22, 2026

"Outstanding hotel. The price includes small group daily excursions with their own yacht and guides (Mario was fantastic!). It’s a great alternative to the typical cruise programs, giving more flexibility on arrival/departure dates and the comfort of a real hotel room every night. Glad we stayed here!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Dec 30, 2025

"We just stayed at Pikaia for 3 nights at the beginning of our Galapagos vacation. It is absolutely fabulous. The lodge is beautiful and the grounds are breathtaking. On our first full day, we went on their private yacht to visit North Seymour island as well as some snorkeling. The yacht was amazing, even though only a day trip, everyone has their own private room with full shower, which was great. The staff on the yacht, including the guide, was fantastic. The next day we had a land day visiting Tortuga Bay and some kayaking, again with a great guide. The entire staff at the lodge was great, everyone was so friendly and they could not do enough for us. And the food was simply outstanding, some of the best I’ve ever had at a hotel. While only there a short time, it was clear this place really stands out. We’ve been fortunate enough to stay at some great hotels around the world, and Pikaia is right up there with the best we’ve ever experienced. Thank you all for making our trip truly great."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 30, 2025

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