Galapagos Islands, EcuadorSanta Cruz
Galapagos Safari Camp
Highland safari camp
Santa Cruz Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Opened
2007
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Local Design LuxeOutside the door
Highland safari camp
The camp offers an overland alternative to Galápagos cruises, with days on private boats and nights in rewilded highlands.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Canvas tents pitched in rewilded highlands where giant tortoises roam along volcanic ridges.
Notable
Elevated canvas tents feature volcanic rock basins and decks looking out toward the Pacific.
Notable
Dedicated hosts pack field picnics and arrange private boat charters across the archipelago.
What they say
Also in AFAR.
The luxury tents are connected to the lodge by a volcanic rock path and sheltered under three layers of covering to protect from sun and rain.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The camp borders Galapagos National Park in the Santa Cruz highlands, where wild giant tortoises graze along misty ridges.
1 of 4
The rooms
Canvas tents rest on raised timber platforms, with hammocks on the balcony and washbasins carved from volcanic rock.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The curved freshwater pool is lined with mosaic tiles and heated by solar panels, looking out over the highland canopy.
The massage tent
Restorative massages take place inside an open-fronted tent tucked into the forest, surrounded by highland birdsong.
Restaurant
Main Lodge Dining Room
Dinner is served along a 15-foot Balinese teak table or on the veranda, with four courses highlighting Ecuadorian ingredients.
At the table
Drinks are served at dusk on the timber observation deck, looking out across the national park toward the ocean.
How it began
The founders conceived the camp from a treetop in 2003, later rewilding the former cattle ranch with native trees.
Galapagos Islands
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Pikaia Lodge
“Volcanic crater lodge”
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.