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.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Location
Km. 13 Via El Camote A 100 M de Cerro Mesa, 200350 Ecuador
We stayed here for three nights following our Galapagos cruise as we knew we would need time to rest and relax.
The hotel is beautiful, very well appointed and spotlessly clean. Eco friendly and carbon neutral.
Our room was spacious and had a garden/mountain view. The bathroom and dressing room were large and there was a separate seating area. The weather was very mixed when we were staying so we didn't really get to make the most of our terrace, but it was also spacious.
The communal areas were, as the rooms, well appointed and spotlessly clean. Pretty much every part of the hotel has a spectacular view.
It is quite an isolated location. As I said earlier we had planned to just rest by the pool for three days but the weather was really against us. I understand that the hotel runs their own excursions, however we had just done a week on a cruise so weren't staying for those which meant we were at a bit of a loss to entertain ourselves in the bad weather. We ended up taking a taxi into Puerta Ayora for dinner on the second evening and for the afternoon/evening of our third day to avoid just sitting in our room or the bar.
The hotel was very quiet, after a group of 8 left the day after we arrived, there was only us and another couple in the hotel for our entire stay.
We ate in the hotel one evening only. The menu is quite small and they alternate two menus every 3 days. The food was excellent, but we were slightly perturbed to have my main course served at the same time as my husband's starter (I had opted not to have a starter) so I was still eating when he finished his starter and then he was still eating when I finished. I think this is probably a training issue, I didn't expect to have to specify to the waiting staff that I wouldn't want it until my husband had his main course.
The service was very attentiv and friendly throughout the hotel, although as we were often the only people in the bar and the restaurant it could have become a little over attentive. The prices for food and drink weren't bad considering you are basically a captive audience unless you taxi in to Puerta Ayora.
We ate lunch in the hotel every day and it was very good. Breakfast was also great, although we were expecting a buffet, however we had to specify from a menu what we would like including cereals and even juice.
Reception were very helpful, and were always happy to advise and arrange taxis. (You can have the taxi added to your bill but we paid cash for ours to the driver.)
Overall we enjoyed our stay in this beautiful hotel but it's quite isolated unless you intend to use it as a base to take trips. If you want to explore Galapagos without being boat based it's the perfect luxury hotel.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Andrew-D-Balfour, General Manager at Pikaia Lodge
Responded 7 Jan 2020
Dear APluckyHeroine Many thanks for taking the time to review your stay at Pikaia. I´m glad you enjoyed your stay with us after your cruise around the Islands. As you mention, guests who stay at Pikaia mostly take part of a variety of activities we organize with our own yacht and land explorations. In our programs we make sure we balance interacting with the unique Galapagos wildlife, adventure activities and some relaxation time at our lodge. In essence it would be the same as you experienced during your cruise, with the advantage of sleeping in a comfortable bed after your day’s activities and having the flexibility of opening the door of your room and going for a walk to unwind. Thanks for sharing your feedback on the restaurant experience. We will revise the timing of service during meals to make sure we can better accommodate guests with different orders. It was a pleasure having you as our guest, and we look forward to seeing you back in Galapagos. Kind regards
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We enjoyed our stay here. The rooms were very nicely presented with great views, comfortable beds, very good bath and shower rooms although the water pressure in the shower could have been better. The tours offered were good, although the drive to and fro was a bit tiresome. The thing that let it down for me was the menu. The lunch menu was always the same, quite a bit of choice but sometimes what you chose was not available. The dinner menu was very limited and there were apparently 3 menus which changed every other day. So if you had a problem finding something you wanted one day the next day was impossible. The food was good but I don’t think the choice was adequate for this standard of hotel. The staff were professional and helpful.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Andrew-D-Balfour, General Manager at Pikaia Lodge
Responded 12 Mar 2020
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Swash, On behalf of our team we want to thank you for choosing Pikaia Lodge over all other options. I am pleased to know that Pikaia Lodge and Galapagos became the eco-luxury adventure you were looking for. On the other hand, we regret that your experience in our restaurant wasn’t equally perfect. Our menus consist in 4 starters, 4 main courses and 3 desserts, our dinner menus change every two nights, therefore offering plenty of options to enjoy during the stay. Unfortunately, it seems you arrived at the very transition period where old recipes where no longer served. Despite this inconvenience we are relieved to hear that you enjoyed the food served. Thanks for the comment and we look forward to seeing you back in Galapagos Kind regards
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Beautiful location, attentive staff, phenomenal food and drinks. The day trips aboard Pikaia I (we had one hike and one snorkel each day) gave us closer encounters with sea lions, iguanas, penguins, sharks, and birds than we had anticipated. The lodge managers helped us coordinate our dive days with Scuba Iguana and seemlessly rolled with our occasional change of plans. The naturalists employed by Pikaia who accompanied us on each excursion (as they must in the Galapagos) were interesting, engaging, and fun. We were two families traveling together with kids ages 8 through 14 and each staff member was as attentive to the children as they were to us adults, always going the extra mile when they could to ensure everyone was getting something out of each excursion, adventure, meal, and day. This level of luxury is not common for our family vacations and we enjoyed each moment and every penny was worth staying here and experiencing the Galapagos Islands with their staff. The only negative point was the necessary time spent traveling from the lodge each morning to the marina (either 30 or 50 minutes depending which marina). But this is a pretty light negative - the journeys on the bumpy roads allowed us to learn more about the naturalists with us for the day as well as more about the Galapagos in general.
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Date of stay: June 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â This place is so small that there is no such thing as a bad room!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our family of 2 daughters. husbands and 4 teenage grandsons stayed at this lovely resort. Everyone enjoyed the trips that were very active and full days. The days included viewing the huge, old tortoises, snorkeling with hammerhead sharks, watching the blue footed boobies nesting and general nature walks.
The lodge itself is spectacular with outstanding accommodations, extremely good and varied food and, perhaps, the most helpful and knowledgeable hotel staff I have ever seen. One son-in-law commented that it felt like an Aman Resort.
Likes: accommodations, food, tours and staff
Dislikes: weather all week in late June was cloudy with rain and cool every morning, road into Lodge was unpaved and very bumpy
Good to know: the Lodge is a difficult place to get to but we’ll worth it when you arrive
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Andrew Balfour, General Manager at Pikaia Lodge
Responded 9 Sept 2021
Dear jaylytle Many thanks for taking the time to write your review. I will share with our team, they are really a special group of people. June through mid October is usually our cooler season, and it does get overcast with occasional blue skies. Luckily the experience with wildlife is just as good if not better in some cases. Underwater life is at the most active with the Humboldt current bringing reach nutrients that feed all kinds of species. Good news regarding the access road to the property, after many years of waiting IT HAS BEEN PAVED.. Yes, I put this in capital letters, can’t hold the excitement. Pikaia is always her for you, we hope you return. Kind regards
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We spent a week during New Year's. The property is located on at the top of the mountain on a tortoise reserve. The rooms are spacious and modern in design. The food was unbelievable, and the chef was beyond accommodating to the dietary needs of everyone in my family. He even gave out his cazuela recipe to my wife which we were addicted to the entire week. We loved that we had the option of an Ecuadorian dish at every meal, and we tried all sorts of new things. We had Heidy as our server for most of the week, and she was always so cheerful, attentive, and over all so sweet. All the staff that work in the dining area had all the above qualities. The front staff people were equally as attentive and kind, especially Christopher. The yacht crew was also the same- doing whatever was needed to make you comfortable. The excursions on the yacht were phenomenal, and we loved the snorkeling and the topography that changed daily. The only down side is that there is a lot of transit time-- 40 minutes each way to the canal, taking the zodiac to the yacht, then sailing to the destination. My only issue with our entire week is that we went scuba diving one day, and the resort stated they would take care of it. The online price from the diving shop was half of what I was charged so I was upset about that after spending so much to stay there. They did give me some of the money back (not all) so I did appreciate that, just didn't seem right. We have told everyone about our amazing experience and showed tons of pictures. It is a bucket list type of place.
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Date of stay: December 2021
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Andrew Balfour, General Manager at Pikaia Lodge
Responded 26 Jan 2022
Dear Jdsilv97 Thank you very much for this great review! Not only Heidy, Chris and Cristian (Executive Chef) but the whole Pikaia Lodge team was more than happy to host and attend you. We hope other families can find motivation from your description and can have this Galapagos experience as you have. We regret you went through the experience with the diving, no apologies or refunds whatsoever will ever make over for the mistakes. We have surely learned from it, and now have the commitment not to let it happen again. Truly hoping that your path brings you back, I bid you a farewell.
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I stayed here in July 2019 and again in May 2021 and both were amazing experiences. You can get a great hotel anywhere, this was something else entirely. From the point that you land to the point that you take off back home; they make sure you feel special the entire time. These people invented hospitality. There are no bad rooms, meals, tours or guides. If you're considering a trip to the Galapagos and you plan on spending the money - this place will make you glad you spent it. I already have plans to go back! Thank you Christopher, Xavier, Stephan, Norman, Michelle & everyone else I didn't meet - I hope to see you again soon.
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Date of stay: May 2021
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â There are no bad rooms!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Andrew Balfour, General Manager at Pikaia Lodge
Responded 24 May 2021
Dear JacquelineS379 Many thanks for taking time to write your review. We were happy to see you return and now are thrilled to see you enjoyed your second stay at Pikaia. Your words about your experience, and the description of the kind of hospitality we offer are a sign that the hard work of our team is on the right track. We will share your comments with our team who will be proud. We look forward to seeing you return. Kind regards
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I wanted to thank you for such a spectacular experience with you. We are fascinated by every detail received, since that makes a difference and makes this experience memorable.
From the reception at the airport to the lounge, the personal welcome from Norman at the entrance, the warmth of Monica at the reception, the high standard of the rooms with high quality materials and the spectacular view, the charisma of Michelle in the restaurant, the innovation and mixture of flavors that Cristian achieves and his personalized treatment to explain it, the sweetness of Canú, Paulina, Bryan, the excellent recommendations and simplicity of Jonathan with an high quality selection of drinks, the magical hands of Rosita in the Spa that totally relaxed us.
In short, we have a treasure in these islands and you are definitely the best option to enjoy them. I wish you every success, I am sure you will.
You have identified the perfect spot and turn it into this paradise within a paradise.
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Date of stay: June 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would rate the staff, service, food views, rooms as 6*. It really is a special property with great people; the chef is remarkable. nothing is too much.
The dedicated boat is fabulous, again staff are great.
Be aware that the lodge is a fair bus ride (45 mins) away and that can make the days feel rather long. The tranquility of the lodge does make up for it though. If I were trying to find an area for improvement its that the trip schedule seemed rather rigid. I would've skipped the tortoise farm for another Dayton the boat - I suspect that's because of the small number of guests but I prefer more flexibility and don't really like to be scheduled. Also helpful for the schedule to tell you what to wear.
But this shouldn't detract from a truly remarkable trip. thank you to the staff in particular.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â If you go for the pool suite (fabulous) make sur the pool is properly heated otherwise its not...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Andrew Balfour, General Manager at Pikaia Lodge
Responded 9 Sept 2021
Dear DavidhJ819KU Many thanks for your comment and for your wonderful rating of our staff, service food and room. We are happy to hear you enjoyed your stay at Pikaia Lodge. Regarding your comment about flexibility, we will take this in mind and find ways to improve. I will share your thanks with our great staff. Kind regards
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Excellent way to see the Galapagos! Pikaia used to be a cruise ship, and a few years ago they agreed to give up their cruise ship license to have a land lodge instead. They still have the ship however, so when you go out for day trips, you get your own state room. They take you all over the islands for snorkeling and short walks to see the flora and fauna. The only drawback is that it takes about an hour drive to get to the water each day. Back at the lodge, they have beautiful facilities and are very accommodating in terms of food. Great for active people of all ages!
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Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We really loved Pikaia Lodge! It’s a 45-minute car trip from your arrival point on Santa Cruz Island, but once the ride is over and you finally arrive at the Lodge, you quickly realize that the time spent is well worth it. Perched atop a caldera’s edge, the views out over the island to the ocean in the distance make you feel like you are sitting atop the world. The lodge is surrounded by very private, lush greenery, and the high altitude means that you are frequently enshrouded or at least dappled by clouds of mystery. There may not be as much intense sun here as by the water’s edge down below, but the romance, beauty, and intrigue created by the constantly changing clouds and the patterns they create on the landscape below make this destination something very unique in the world. It’s a marvelous place for relaxing and dreaming. Most of your day time will be spent traveling to see wildlife on Santa Cruz and to the Pikaia Yacht to visit the other islands. By the time you return back to the lodge, it will be later in the afternoon or early evening. My advice, if you have the luxury of time, is to designate some days to just mill about the Lodge and savor its peace and beauty. One afternoon, when everyone else had left for the day, I had the pool to myself for skinny-dipping. Along with some drinks, soft jazz, and those incredibly panoramic views, you have one memorable afternoon. The rooms are wonderfully spacious and convenient to the main part of the lodge. We had a suite with a soaking pool and unfortunately, the heat to the pool was shut off on some days so that by the late evening, when we were ready to use it, it was too cool. My one suggestion to the lodge would be that the heat to the pool be left on while guests are using the room so that it is ready in the evening when the ambient air turns cool. I also must comment on how wonderful the food is here. It helps that the manager, Norman, has a chef’s background. Meals here are a definite treat and we do so miss that food! For lunch, please try the Cazuela. It’s a seafood and plantain stew that entices you to try it every day. Pikaia Lodge is a fabulous place with a fabulous staff. Norman, Christian, Michelle and the entire crew will make your visit here unforgettable.
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Date of stay: June 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â We loved the soaking pool suite for its close proximity to the main lodge and size (room 14)
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Washington DC, District of Columbia14 contributions2 helpful votes
We cruised 1/2 day to Bartolome & Sullivan Bay, hiked and did some scuba diving on our yacht day. We were 10 guests (8 adults & 2 kids).
Among the crew were 2 servers and a cook that I could see. While wondering around the I happen into the captains control room. Three men were part of the navigation team there. When we anchored to snorkel 3 men helped us suit up, one guy drove us to the cove on a smaller boat accompanied by our guide.
It felt well supported. There may have been more crew behind the scenes. What I mentioned is what I saw, specific crew numbers were not made known. Hope this is helpful.
There are more places to choose from in the Santa Cruz area.
LOCATION
EcuadorGalapagos IslandsSanta Cruz
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
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