Explorer Cabin
Enjoy elegant comfort in these bright cabins with large windows and scenic views. Each features a single bed, private bathroom with shower and toiletries, plus a safe and…
12D11N Galápagos Islands – In Darwin’s Footsteps Plus Machu Picchu
12 Days / 11 Nights
Ecuador, South America
HX Expedition
Expedition Cruise
Departs from
Peru
Returns to
Peru
Ship
MS Santa Cruz II
Minimum travellers
1
Voyage code
WTE-4841
Voyage highlights
- Discover Peru’s wonders, from Lima and Cusco to the legendary Machu Picchu.
- Explore Quito and stand on the Equator line.
- Cruise through the Galápagos Islands aboard MS Santa Cruz II, following Darwin’s footsteps.
- Encounter unique wildlife like giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies.
- Enjoy guided landings, kayaking, and wildlife excursions led by expert naturalists.
- Enjoy guided landings, kayaking, and wildlife excursions led by expert naturalists.
- Spot iconic wildlife – giant tortoises, blue footed boobies, marine iguanas, and the Big 15
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 01 Your land adventure begins
Arrive in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital blending ancient heritage with modern style. Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre or stroll along Miraflores. Don’t miss sampling Peru’s famed cuisine—especially the iconic ceviche.
Day 02 City of the Incas
Fly to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, for a guided tour of its Inca ruins and colonial landmarks, including Sacsayhuaman fortress and Santo Domingo church, before returning to your hotel for dinner.
Day 03 Cusco to the Sacred Valley
Travel to Machu Picchu via the Sacred Valley, enjoying a scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Explore the ancient site with a guided tour, then return to Cusco for your final night after lunch.
Day 04 Quito
Explore Quito's Old Town, a UNESCO site known for colonial architecture and lively streets. Savor Ecuadorian chocolate before visiting the Equator monument, where you can stand in both hemispheres.
Day 05 Visit historic Quito
Today, a guided tour of Quito's Old Town, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Enjoy Ecuadorian chocolate, and after lunch, visit the Equator monument at the ‘Middle of the World City,’ located 16 miles north of Quito.
Day 06 Your cruise begins
Fly to Baltra Island and board the MS Santa Cruz II. Start your journey at Mosquera Islet, home to a sea lion colony. Explore sandy shores, observe Blue-footed Boobies and Sally Lightfoot crabs, and learn about the islands' unique ecosystems with expert guides.
Day 07 San Cristóbal's tortoises
We'll start at the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve Instead of Cerro Brujo, we'll likely go to Punta Pitt. This is the only Galápagos site to see three species of boobies, offering nature walks, boat tours, and snorkeling.
Day 08 Santa Fe and South Plaza
We walk on Santa Fe to see the Barrington land iguana and sea lions, then choose to swim, kayak, or use the glass-bottomed boat. After lunch, we visit South Plaza to spot many seabirds and both land and marine iguanas.
Day 09 Explore Santa Cruz
We'll begin at the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to giant tortoise breeding, Darwin's finches, and a prickly pear cactus forest. After lunch in the lush highlands with wild giant tortoises, we can either go mountain biking or visit a sugar plantation.
Day 10 Darwin’s Santa Cruz
Your cruise explores Española Island, focusing on birdwatching in the morning, including Waved Albatross and Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies, along with the El Soplador blowhole. In the afternoon, visit Gardner Bay coral beach to see sea lions and participate in optional snorkeling or kayaking.
Day 11 Reef life on Eden Islet
The day starts at Eden Islet with swimming among turtles, rays, and reef sharks while observing frigatebirds. It continues with a sail to North Seymour Island to see colonies of Blue-footed Boobies, Swallow-tailed Gulls, sea lions, and marine iguanas.
Day 12 End of your expedition
Disembark at Baltra Island for your flight back to Quito, or continue on to Guayaquil for more adventures.
Ports of call
What's included
Price includes
- 5-nights pre-cruise accommodation and 6-Nights Onboard cruise
- Flights in economy class between Lima - Cusco - Quito and Quito - Baltra
- Airport Transfer
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in restaurants
- Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine throughout your cruise
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Onboard gratuities & port taxes
- Full-day excursion
Price does not include
- International flights
- Optional shore excursions & Optional small-group adventures
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling other than those specified
- Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
- Optional Excursion
Cabins & suites
Darwin Suite
Experience elevated comfort in our Darwin Suites, featuring panoramic windows, a convertible double bed, a private bathroom, and thoughtful touches like daily turn-down service and a Galápagos wildlife…
About the ship & cruise line
Experience the best of South America in one journey. Explore Lima, Cusco, and the legendary Machu Picchu before flying to Quito and the Galápagos Islands. Cruise aboard the MS Santa Cruz II to discover stunning landscapes and iconic wildlife like giant tortoises and marine iguanas. A perfect blend of ancient culture and natural wonder.
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