Guest with blue-footed boobies on volcanic Galápagos terrain

Land Excursions

Pikaia Lodge offers immersive land excursions that reveal a different side of Santa Cruz Island. Explore the lush highlands, where you'll visit giant tortoise reserves, walk through ancient lava tunnels, and discover Los Gemelos, two impressive volcanic sinkholes surrounded by endemic vegetation.

Guest observing a giant tortoise in the Santa Cruz highlands

GIANTTORTOISESRESERVE

At the Giant Tortoises Reserve, you'll encounter these gentle giants roaming freely in their natural habitat, offering a rare chance to observe one of the Galápagos' most iconic species up close in the lush highlands they call home.

Lit volcanic lava tunnel on Santa Cruz Island

GUIDEDHIKING

Our land-based excursions include guided hiking through the Galápagos' varied terrain, from volcanic highlands to coastal trails, led by expert naturalist guides who help you spot native wildlife and understand the unique ecology shaping these remarkable landscapes. Highlights include walking through ancient lava tunnels and discovering Los Gemelos, two impressive volcanic sinkholes surrounded by lush, endemic vegetation.

Giant tortoises on a path at the Charles Darwin Research Station

VisittoCharlesDarwinResearchStation

On the southern coast of Santa Cruz Island, you'll visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the conservation efforts protecting the Galápagos' unique wildlife, including breeding programs that have helped save the islands' iconic giant tortoises from extinction.

Lush highland trails around Pikaia Lodge

WALKINGTRAILS

Our property features more than 3.5 km of private trails and paths, perfect for walking or jogging at your own pace. Winding through reforested endemic forests alive with birdsong, these scenic paths offer incredible views and the chance to cross paths with wild giant tortoises along the way.

Aerial view of Puerto Ayora and its lagoon

PUERTOAYORAVISITS

Explore Puerto Ayora, the island's vibrant town, where local art galleries, boutiques, coffee shops and the waterfront offer a glimpse into everyday life on the islands.

Dirt trail leading toward Pikaia Lodge

MOUNTAINBIKING

For those seeking more adventure, we offer mountain biking with bikes and helmets provided free of charge for unlimited use. Explore Pikaia Lodge’s 31 hectares of private land with self guided routes, riding through diverse ecosystems and volcanic landscapes, offering access to breathtaking viewpoints, opportunities to bike to Garrapatero Beach, and visit our very own private Giant Tortoise Reserve, where tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat.

White sand and volcanic rock at Garrapatero Beach

ELGARRAPATEROBEACH

In their free time, guests can enjoy a scenic bike ride to Garrapatero Beach, just 250 meters of pure white sand and turquoise waters, surrounded by mangroves and with views to Santa Fe Island. When guests are ready to return, the Pikaia Lodge team will arrange transportation back to the lodge, allowing them to explore at their own pace.

OTHEREXCURSIONS

Guests walking a wooden boardwalk across volcanic Galápagos terrain

Letushelpyouplanyourtrip

Planning a trip to the Galápagos takes more than booking a room. Our all-inclusive Adventure packages combine luxury accommodations, expertly guided excursions, and seamless logistics, allowing you to experience the islands with complete peace of mind.