How to get to Pikaia Lodge

Book your international flight into either Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE). Both cities connect onward to the islands daily, so choose whichever fits your itinerary.

If you are planning to explore mainland Ecuador before or after your Galápagos adventure, we highly recommend spending a few days in Quito, Ecuador's UNESCO World Heritage capital. Nestled high in the Andes, the city is renowned for its beautifully preserved colonial center, vibrant cultural scene, world-class gastronomy, and nearby attractions such as the Middle of the World Monument, the cloud forests of Mindo, and the spectacular Avenue of the Volcanoes, making it the perfect complement to your island experience.

For guests traveling directly to the Galápagos, however, we recommend arriving in the tropical coastal city of Guayaquil the day before your flight. Guayaquil offers excellent five-star hotels, outstanding local cuisine, and a climate similar to the Galápagos. It also eliminates the 60 to 90-minute transfer from Quito's city center to the airport for the early morning departure to the islands.

Recommended Hotels in Guayaquil and Quito:

There are some good five-star hotels in Ecuador. In Quito we recommend: Casa Gangotena, - Relais and Chateaux, Wyndham Quito Airport or J.W.Marriot. In Guayaquil: Hotel del Parque - Relais & Chateaux, Wyndham Garden or Hilton Colon.

Before boarding, you'll pass through a few island-specific checks — budget at least two hours at the airport in the mainland to move through them comfortably:

• Transit Control Card (TCT): A mandatory USD 20 permit required for all visitors traveling to the Galápagos Islands. The TCT helps regulate and monitor visitor access to the archipelago. We recommend completing the online registration and payment before your trip to save time at the airport, although it can also be obtained at the TCT counter in Quito or Guayaquil before departure. Be sure to keep your TCT (digital or printed) with you, as it must be presented upon both arrival and departure from the Galápagos.
• Biosecurity Declaration: Before traveling to the Galápagos, all passengers must complete the online Sworn Declaration of Goods within 48 hours of their flight. The form declares any food, plants, animals, or other regulated items in your luggage to help protect the islands' fragile ecosystem. In addition, all checked and carry-on baggage must pass a mandatory biosecurity X-ray inspection before check-in at the airline counter.
• National Park entrance fee: Upon arrival in the Galápagos, Pikaia Lodge guests are welcomed by our airport team and escorted through the VIP Lounge, where they receive personalized assistance with the arrival process. During this time, the Galápagos National Park entrance fee (USD 200 per adult, 100 per kid younger than 12, payable in cash in U.S. dollars) must be paid. This mandatory fee directly supports the conservation and protection of the archipelago's unique ecosystems, wildlife, and national park.

From either mainland city, a domestic flight of around two hours brings you to Baltra Island (GPS), the gateway airport for Santa Cruz Island and the closest airport to Pikaia Lodge.

Please keep us informed of your local flight arrangements in order to assist you on your arrival in Galápagos Baltra airport.
Please note that Pikaia Lodge is reached by flights to Galápagos Baltra Airport (GPS) and not to San Cristobal's Airport (SCY).

Two airlines operate regular flights to the Galápagos Islands: LATAM Airlines and Avianca. Both offer daily departures from Quito and Guayaquil, with service to Baltra airport. We recommend selecting an early morning flight to make the most of your first day in the islands.

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, Pikaia Lodge guests are welcomed into the VIP Lounge, where they receive personalized assistance with the arrival process, including the payment of the Galápagos National Park entrance fee. Once through the lounge, your dedicated Pikaia Lodge Naturalist Guide will be waiting to greet you and accompany you throughout your transfer.

Your journey to the lodge, including a short ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island and a scenic drive through the highlands, is included in every package. From there, all that's left to do is settle in and begin your Galápagos adventure.

A note on timing.

Nearly all Galápagos-bound flights depart the mainland in the morning, so plan on an early start. If you're arriving from overseas the same day, we recommend building in a buffer between your international landing and your onward flight, particularly if you're clearing customs and rechecking bags.

Need help piecing your flights together? Our reservations team is happy to advise on routing and timing — just ask when you book.

Foreign visitors do not require visas, and a 90-day tourist visa is issued automatically and free by immigration officers on arrival at Ecuador's international airport, with the exception of nationals from Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Philippines, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, India, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Nepal, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Senegal, Syria, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Haiti, Republic of the Congo, Mali, Ivory Coast, Myanmar, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Albania, Chad, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Sudan, People's Republic of China, who do require visas prior to arrival in Ecuador.

Your passport must be valid for six months after your visit and you must have a return ticket to hand.