Travel Anytime to these iconic destinations

Galapagos Glamping & an Adventure into the Amazon!

Many travelers who dream of visiting the Galapagos Islands also want to experience the Amazon rainforest. These two destinations are often paired together, but a two-week trip is often not feasible for everyone. That’s why we’ve created this one-week itinerary that allows you to see the best of both worlds.
This itinerary is perfect for the traveler who has always wanted to experience the unique wildlife and ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon rainforest. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the most amazing animals on the planet in their natural habitats” – Malaka Hilton

 

Pikaia Lodge – Check in and receive a complimentary welcome drink as well as your printed itinerary. Ease in with a welcome briefing before making your way to your expansive room with your a balcony. One look of the views and you will understand why Pikaia Lodge is a Relais & Chateaux award-winning accomodation.

DAY 1- You will have the chance to relax and familiarize yourself with the Lodge’s facilities and beautiful surroundings. Pikaia hosts recommend having a therapeutic treatment at their Sumaq spa, swimming in the Infinity Pool, gym, trekking or cycling within our 31 hectares of grounds located in the heart of a tortoise reserve.

Evolution Restaurant opens at 7:30pm for dinner.

DAY 2 – FULL DAY LAND EXPLORATION Your day begins with breakfast at the Lodge’s in-house restaurant. You will meet your assigned naturalist guide at the lobby before heading out for the first half of the day’s adventure that includes visiting the giant tortoise reserve, walking through lava tunnels, and visiting Los Gemelos & Scalesia forest.

You will return to the Lodge for a delicious lunch, which is then followed by a quick rest before embarking on the afternoon activities. A afternoon in Puerto Ayora is a great way to experience the best of the Galapagos Islands. Begin with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you can learn about the history and conservation of the islands. After the station, take a stroll down the streets of Puerto Ayora, where you can shop for souvenirs, sample local cuisine, and immerse in the culture. In the evening, return to Pikaia Lodge, for an evening of indulging in the views and cuisine of Pikaia.

DAY 3 – NORTH SEYMOUR – MOSQUERA ISLET Your day begins in the lobby, where you will find a coffee/tea station. Here, you will meet your expert naturalist guide, who will be with you for the day’s adventure.

Shortly after, you board the Vision Pikaia yacht, where you enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you cruise to the first island. After a morning of exploring the island’s unique wildlife and landscapes, you’ll change into wetsuits for a snorkeling excursion in the crystal-clear waters of the second island.

After a refreshing shower in your private, air-conditioned cabin, enjoy a delicious lunch on the yacht. In the afternoon, relax on the sundeck or take part in a variety of optional activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing.

As the sun begins to set, the yacht makes its way back to Pikaia Lodge, where you can enjoy a final drink on the deck before retiring to your private accommodations.

Pikaia Lodge, Main Pool

DAY 4 – SULLIVAN BAY – BARTOLOME ISLAND Enjoy your second day aboard the Vision Pikaia yacht. Meet your guide at the coffee/tea station before boarding the yacht and venturing to Bartolome Island. Again enjoy your own private cabin, breakfast and lunch aboard the yacht. Today you will experience precious wildlife such as Galapagos Penguins, Rays, Sea Lions, Green Sea Turtle, Lava Herons, Lightfoot Crabs, Lava Cactus as well as stunning Lava Flows Landscape.

Return for an evening at the lodge.

Life at Pikaia

Each morning at Pikaia, wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore and the sun streaming through your private balcony.

Spend the day enjoying the many excursions available, from reclining aboard Pikaia’s yacht to experiencing a snorkeling excursion, where you’ll have the chance to see some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet. Keep your eyes peeled for giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, and iguanas!

Return to the lodge for a refreshing swim in the infinity pool or a treatment at the spa before enjoying a gourmet dinner and wine pairing.

 

DAY 5 – DEPARTURE FROM PIKAIA LODGE & GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Once you have departed from Pikaia Lodge, you will embark on a 40-minute scenic trip in private transportation to the Itabaca Channel dock. This is the followed by a short 5-minute boat ride across to Baltra Island, then a private van ride to Seymour Eco-Airport.

Baltra to Iquitos – Begin your day with a flight to Iquitos, Peru. After landing, take a scenic car ride or breathtaking hydroplane journey to our embarkation destination, where the Delphin II awaits in all its resplendent glory. Enjoy a VIP reception on the shores of the Marañon River at Delphin’s private port. The Delphin II will be your floating hotel for the next four nights as you adventure into the heart of the Amazon.

Aboard Delfin, you will be served by our qualified staff who will introduce you to your exquisite and cozy suite, specially equipped with all the amenities for the experienced traveler as yourself. Orthopedic beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows of 100% pure natural latex, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and private bathroom with Spanish style hot water showers are all framed with a spacious private terrace we are sure you will enjoy to the fullest.

Delphin II

As the Delfin begins its journey, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the elegantly appointed observation deck on the third level. Your naturalist guide will provide you with an overview of your itinerary, including activities, route, highlights, wildlife and vegetation to look out for, geographical and historical background, and other useful information.

DAY 5 Yanallpa & Dorado River In the Amazon rainforest, the early morning hours are the best time to go birdwatching. The dry mornings with beautiful sunrises provide ideal conditions for spotting birds, as they are more active and easier to see. We will take a skiff to the shores of the Ucayali River, a hotspot for birdlife. This area is lush with large trees and old palm trees, which provide food and shelter for a variety of birds. We can expect to see red-bellied macaws, raptors, woodpeckers, swallows, and maybe even blue and yellow macaws!

In the afternoon, we will search for the famous hoatzins nesting a few feet above the water, and maybe even a sloth or two of the three-toed kind. The Dorado River is also home to troops of brown capuchin monkeys and squirrel monkeys. As the sun sets, we will look for black and white caimans, fishing bats, and noisy night monkeys, where you will encounter a whole new world of adventure. After dinner, join us for a movie night in the indoor lounge.

DAY 6 Full Day on the Pacaya River – The Pacaya River is the heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Peru’s largest protected area with a mean annual rainfall of nearly 3,000 millimeters. It is by far the largest protected wetland reserve in the world, and is filled with lakes, palm swamps, and streams. In the rainy season, the reserve becomes a flooded forest, creating a stunning and unique landscape. You will have the chance to explore one of the pristine Amazon lagoons in this wonderful region, and experience the beauty of the Amazon rainforest at its finest.

DAY 7 Yarapa River & Fundo Casual – Along the Yarapa River, you will have the opportunity to explore this tributary intimately. Listen closely for the sounds of the mysterious jungle as you travel downriver to a wide creek that leads to an attractive hidden lagoon. As you absorb the beauty of the landscape, you will have the chance to reflect on the wildlife that surrounds you. Hawks, terns, herons, and monkeys are just some of the animals that you may see, and you will also have the chance to meet the rivereños, the people who live in this region. These people are an important part of the Amazon ecosystem, and their presence reminds us that we are all connected to this magical land.

In this area, you may also see some of the more unusual monkeys that live in the Amazon, such as the pygmy marmoset, the squirrel monkey, and the monk saki. This medium-sized monkey with thick fur and bushy tail looks more like it belongs in the Arctic than the Amazon!

On board your skiff, you will visit a local community and meet the people who have called Amazonia their home for generations. You may step into a typical schoolhouse and meet the children, and then visit the women’s arts and crafts market. This is a great opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of the Amazon people.

The Fundo Casual jungle trail takes you deep into the terra firme (non-flooded forest) of the Amazon rainforest. Your guide will point out the dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon, so be sure to keep an attentive eye out for surprises! It’s almost unbelievable how with every step you take, you’ll find something new. Anacondas, rainbow boas, tarantulas, poison frogs, and porcupines have all been spotted on this trail. This is one of the very few places in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve where you’ll spot the elusive two-toed sloth.

DAY 8 Disembarkation – After your journey on the Amazon River, the Delphin ground crew will take you back to Iquitos by private vehicle or by hydroplane. Then, fly home, reminiscing on the once-in-a-lifetime experience you just had!

Please call our office (888-722-3401) to customize your own experience based around a Pikaia Lodge and the Delphin II accommodations.

Inclusions

  • Pikaia Lodge Inclusions
    • VIP Lounger at Seymour Airport (Bartra Islands), on arrival and departure
    • Complimentary Satellite Wi-Fi
    • Pikaia Lodge rucksack and water bottle
    • In-room mini bar
    • House wines and local bottled beer
    • Full board meals served at the Lodge and on board M/Y Vision – Pikaia
    • The use of wet suits, snorkeling gear and mountain bikes
    • Naturalist guide for the duration of stay
    • Marine navigations aboard our private yacht, M/Y Vision – Pikaia
    • Land excursions
    • Accommodation
    • Transport around the Galapagos Islands according to itineraries
    • Transfers to and from Baltra Island Airport
  • Delphin II Inclusions:
    • Meals:
      • Arrival day: lunchbox, hors d’oeuvres, dinner
      • Cruise days: all meals & snacks
      • Departure day: breakfast, lunchbox

Exclusions

  • Pikaia Lodge Exclusions
    • Transport to and from the Galapagos Islands
    • International departure airport taxes (if not included in the airfare)
    • In-room service charges
    • Spa treatments
    • Laundry services
    • Telephone calls
    • Boutique and spa boutique items
    • Tips and gratuities
    • Optional additional activities
    • Additional private tours or transport services
    • Alcoholic beverages other than house wines and local bottled beer
    • Galapagos National Park fees (subject to change)
  • Aboard Delphin II
    • Gratuities
    • Spa treatments
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Calls made onboard using Delphin’s satellite phone