Pikaia Lodge - Galapagos, Ecuador
Your eco-luxury lodge located in the Galapagos Islands, famed for superb wildlife viewings both on land and at sea, all in sustainable luxury
About this project
Main volunteering activities:
- Preparing the elephant’s vitamin balls
- Tracking their feeding patterns
- Assisting the vet on their daily checks
- Washing the elephant
- Cleaning their beds
- Maintaining the gardens
Key information:
- The typical number of days on this fulfilling project 2-3, but you can spend longer
- It involves 7-8 hours of helping each day, starting at 7:30am
- November to April is recommended, but you can help anytime
- This volunteering project blends well with activities in central Sri Lanka, including Kandy and the rest of the Cultural Triangle
Successes to date:
The foundation has cared for over 80 elephants. There are currently nine elephants being cared for at the sanctuary.
One of the resident elephants was the first in the country to be born in captivity.
The Foundation’s mahout training program is the only one to be recognized and accredited by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife.
This project is for you if:
- You are looking for a project that enables you to learn an enormous amount about elephants
- You would like an experience that has a variety of activities
- You are happy rolling up your sleeves and don’t mind getting dirty
Nearby activities:
- Exploring the fascinating Cultural Triangle
- The Tea Country hill stations
- Leopard spotting in Yala National Park
Suggested Itinerary for Sri Lanka
in Sri Lanka
Price: US$6,000 per adult, $3,800 per child under 12
This adventure enables you to bond as a family by conserving critically endangered sea turtles, plus you get to explore the wildlife highlights of Sri Lanka
Trip Highlights
- Rolling up your sleeves and caring for elephants
- Jeep safari to see elephants in the wild
- Awesome views and the engineering marvel that is Sigiriya Rock
- Bustling Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth
- Epic train ride
- The waterfalls and scenery of Horton Plains
- The beauty of the Tea stations
- A working tea factory
Price Includes
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Private transfers
- Domestic flights
- Expert local guides
- Meals as specified
- Volunteering costs
Note: Price excludes international flights
Sample Day by Day
Note: This is a sample itinerary only
- Day 1: Arrive Istanbul, you are met at the airport and transfered to your hotel, the Four Seasons Sultanhamet. Enjoy a Turkish bath experience (D)
- Day 2: Turkish dessert making lesson; private guided tour of Istanbul; Turkish dance show (B, L, D)
- Day 3: Street food tour of Istanbul. Private tour continues (B, L)
- Day 4: Fly to Cappadocia, begin private curated tour. Whirling dervish performance (B, L, D)
- Day 5: Hot air balloon ride. Resume private guided tour (B, L, D)
- Day 6-7: Fly to Antalya and transfer to Belek. Enjoy the resort. (B, D)
- Day 8: Turtle conservation volunteering: monitor and protect sea turtles (B, L, D)
- Day 9: Transfer to airport and fly home (B)
- Day 10: Transfer to airport and fly home (B)
- Day 11: Transfer to airport and fly home (B)
Note: This is a sample itinerary only, and we delight in crafting unique itineraries to meet your family’s exact requirements
Pikaia Lodge caters to environmentally conscious, physically active, and adventurous families who seek encounters with the unique natural wonders of the Galapagos. Discover wonders on land and at sea, from marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and puffed-up frigatebirds, to penguins, rays, and sea lions, and much more.
Renowned as one of the most advanced green lodges globally, Pikaia operates on alternative energy resources and upholds a robust social responsibility program.
Nestled in the Galapagos archipelago, Pikaia Lodge provides an ideal base for exploring the nearby captivating islands, with their secluded white sand beaches and remarkable wildlife. Explore other islands aboard Pikaia’s 145 ft private yacht M/Y Vision, providing swift access to multiple islands, enabling you to visit two islands daily during full-day yacht cruises.
Situated within its own private giant tortoise reserve, Pikaia Lodge offers a rare opportunity for you to witness these magnificent creatures roaming in their natural habitat. Children particularly benefit from the up-close encounters with Galapagos wildlife and nature, which provide invaluable educational experiences in both biology and conservation.
Pikaia Lodge incorporates eco-friendly design principles throughout its construction and operations. From minimizing concrete usage and employing recyclable materials to sourcing sustainable wood and harnessing solar energy, every aspect is geared towards reducing environmental impact while maintaining guest comfort. The lodge’s commitment to carbon neutrality includes a reforestation program to offset CO2 emissions, enabling a harmonious coexistence with the fragile Galapagos environment.
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