Start your journey exploring the colonial capital city of Ecuador, Quito prior to setting off on a Galapagos adventure. Head for Pikaia Lodge on Santa Cruz Island - the base for the remainder of your journey. Each day you will embark on the spacious yacht Pikaia I to visit the islands, beaches and wildlife of this remote national park.
LODGE-BASED GALAPAGOS EXPLORATION
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage City of Quito.
- Board the Teleferico cablecar up to 4,000 meters overlooking the historic city of Quito.
- Enjoy a lodge-based stay in the Galapagos Islands at the spectacular Pikaia Lodge.
- Daily excursions on board the luxuriously appointed Pikaia cruising through the volcanic archipelago.
-
Arrive
-
Day 1 Arrive Quito
You will be met at Quito airport and driven to the historic colonial heart of the city and your hotel.The elegant Plaza Grande consists of 15 suites, each with the finest details to create an atmosphere from the 30s and 40s. Situated in the heart of historic Quito, in the Plaza De La Independencia - it is surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings including the Cathedral and the Presidential and Archbishop's Palaces.
Overnight: Plaza Grande
-
Day 2 Quito
Your guide will meet you at the hotel after breakfast for a colonial city tour, including lunch.If the weather is clear there are spectacular views over the city from the Teleferico (cable car) climbing over 4,000 metres on the flanks of Pichincha Volcano.
Overnight: Plaza Grande
-
Day 3 Quito - Santa Cruz Island
You will be collected from your hotel for the transfer back to the airport for the flight to the Galapagos via Guayaquil. On arrival at Baltra airport you will be met and transferred by boat for the brief crossing to Santa Cruz Island, followed by a 40 minute scenic drive to Pikaia Lodge. Due to its central location in the Archipelago, Santa Cruz Island is the perfect position for Pikaia Lodge, with easy access to the surrounding islands, sandy beaches and wildlife on board Pikaia I. Situated on 31 hectares of land and private wild giant tortoise reserve, Pikaia Lodge is positioned on a redundant volcano crater with fresh sea breezes keeping the mosquitos away. Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows and private shaded terraces with unobstructed views across the Galapagos National Park to the Pacific Ocean. Discover some of the finest beaches of the Galapagos near the lodge. Accomodation at Pikaia Lodge is on a fully inclusive meal basis,with most activities also included.
Overnight: Pikaia Lodge
-
Day 4 - 10 Galapagos National Park
Six full days to enjoy activities from Pikaia Lodge. National Park fees are included. A schedule of relaxed half-day explorations combine guided marine activities, rare wildlife observation, snorkelling and swimming off white sand beaches, hiking the volcanic scenery of Santa Cruz island. Full day explorations take guests to some of the best National Park visitor sites of nearby islands on Pikaia's private yacht, the 100 foot Pikaia I, in safety and comfort. Each morning your experienced guides plan exploration options based on satellite weather imagery and tidal charts incorporating hiking, kayaking, visiting beaches, volcanic craters or lava tunnels; looking for endemic wildlife; visiting the Charles Darwin Scientific Research Centre or visiting organic coffee farms in the highlands to see how settlers live.
Overnight: Pikaia Lodge
-
Day 11 Depart
This morning transfer back to Baltra. Disembark on Baltra and fly back to Quito via Guayaquil. You will then connect with your flight home.
-
Depart
BOOKING NOTES
- Per person based on two people sharing one room, excluding international flights
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast.
- Private transfers throughout.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
-
REASONS TO BOOK
Award-winning travel specialists with expert knowledge and the best contacts in the business.
READ MORE
