Galápagos Islands – Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery (Western Route)
Cruise Overview
Galápagos Islands cruise | Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery | Western Route
Experience the incredible natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands.
See the unique wildlife of the Galápagos, such as giant tortoises and marine iguanas, as you visit the islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, and Floreana.
Learn about these incredible islands and Charles Darwin’s research from your expert expedition Team, comprised of local naturalist guides.
Explore the GalápagosIslands by kayak, glass-bottom boat, and stand-up paddleboard, and enjoy nature walks, hikes, snorkeling and swimming.
Setting out from beautiful Quito
Quito is one of South America’s most alluring capitals and a World Heritage City of graceful Spanish-era architecture, packed with cosy restaurants and artisanal shops. With two overnights here, you’ll have time to taste delicious Ecuadorian specialities and stroll through colourful markets brimming with local handicrafts. On the second day, you’ll visit Quito's historic centre on a guided tour.
Darwin’s islands of evolution
Your expedition cruise begins after a flight from Quito to Baltra Island in Galápagos. In the Galápagos Islands, you’ll visit the isles of Isabela, Floreana, Fernandina and Santa Cruz islands, each a unique illustration of evolution in action. Experience an array of ecosystems within picturesque landscapes, and see famed wildlife such as marine iguanas, giant tortoises, Nazca Boobies and Darwin’s iconic finches. Your ship, MS Santa Cruz II, is one of the few vessels operating in Galápagos that comes equipped with a full range of exploration tools, including panga boats, kayaks, snorkelling gear, stand-up paddleboards and even a glass-bottom boat.
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Practical information you need to know
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Vibrant Quito
Day 1
Vibrant Quito
Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Quito
Your journey begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its main draw is the exquisite Old Town which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s packed with well-preserved colonial architecture as evidenced in colourful plazas, magnificent churches and handsome monuments. Settle into your hotel, then head out to explore.
If you have time, why not come a few days earlier and join one of our optional Pre-Programmes.
Visit historic Quito
Day 2
Visit historic Quito
Straddle the Equator at the Middle of the World City
Today you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town – one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture – and sample some delicious chocolate made from finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way.
Next, you’ll head to the iconic ‘Middle of the World City’, located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you’ll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line of the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
Your cruise begins
Day 3
Your cruise begins
Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands
As your South America land adventure draws to a close, it’s time to embark on the next stage of your journey. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island in the spectacular Galápagos archipelago. A transfer brings you straight to the port where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits.
In the afternoon we’ll begin our exploration of the Galápagos Islands following the north shore of Santa Cruz towards the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón – Dragon Hill – where we’ll land. The first part of the walk here passes by a brackish lagoon that’s frequented by shorebirds and American Flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as a chance to get a first look at some land iguanas.
Wildlife-rich Isabela and Fernandina
Day 4
Wildlife-rich Isabela and Fernandina
Scan the coastline and seas for iconic species
You’ll start your day at Punta Vicente Roca, on the north-western tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we’ll explore the coast by panga boat, learning about the dramatic geology of the area from your naturalist guides.
This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for Flightless Cormorants, Galapagos Penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you’ll get to snorkel alongside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sun fish, and fur seals.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore Fernandina, an island with a unique ecology and a big population of marine iguanas. Scan the coast for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks and penguins.
Darwin’s Santa Cruz
Day 5
Darwin’s Santa Cruz
Meet the famous giant tortoises of Galápagos
Today, you’ll explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we’ll disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
A giant tortoise breeding centre, here you can see recently hatched tortoises and Darwin’s famous finches – the birds he used as a basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection. There’s also an impressive forest of prickly pear cacti that’s home to many land birds.
Enjoy a cooler climate over lunch in the lush highlands, where giant tortoises shuffle about munching on grass and wallowing in pools.
You'll have time for another activity, including mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.
Picturesque Floreana
Day 6
Picturesque Floreana
Discover Galápagos history and underwater wildlife
After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a panga boat ride among the channels on Floreana’s north shore, before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later on, we’ll land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries.
After lunch, you’ll explore the wonders around Champion Islet in a panga boat or aboard our glass-bottom boat. Here, you can snorkel in one of the best spots in the archipelago.
From there, it’s onwards to Cormorant Point, where we’ll take a walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon, where you can commonly see American Flamingos, Pintail Ducks and more.
Back to Baltra
Day 7
Back to Baltra
Your adventure comes to an end
As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to the wildlife and scenery of one of the world’s most incredible nature destinations. We’ll also say farewell to our wonderful crew and naturalist guides as we disembark at Baltra Island.
A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight, or if you prefer, continue to Guayaquil for another adventure.
To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of our optional Post-Programmes.
What's included
Flights
- Flights in economy class between Quito and Baltra, including all taxes
Hotel
- Two hotel nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast, and dinner on Day 2
Transfers
- A transfer from the airport to the hotel in Quito for bookings starting 1 May 2024, and departures between 1 May and 31 Dec 2024
- Note: If you arrive up to three days before the start of the tour, a transfer from the airport in Quito to the designated hotel that is a part of your package can be arranged at an extra cost
- Note: If your flights have not been booked with us, please provide us with your flight details no later than 30 days prior to travel so we can arrange your transfer (applies to all transfers from the airport to your hotel in Quito on the tour start date)
- Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Quito before the expedition cruise
- Transfers between the airport and the ship in Baltra
Excursion
- Full-day excursion: Historic Quito & Middle of the World, including lunch, before the expedition cruise
Extras
- Galápagos Islands National Park admission fee
- Transit Control Card for the Galápagos Islands
- Access to the airport lounge at the Quito (or Guayaquil) airport upon return from the Galápagos Islands for guests flying internationally on the day of disembarkation
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- House wine and beer served with lunch and dinner. From 1 October 2024 departures, wine, beer and spirits (excluding premium alcoholic drinks) available from the bar at any time (subject to Ecuadorean licensing laws)
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
- A backpack or another piece of HX kit
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
- Use of hot tubs, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Corner
- Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing Activities
- Escorted and guided landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
- Your flight from Baltra will be to Guayaquil. If you wish to end your expedition in Quito, please advise your booking agent
- Quito’s altitude is at approximately 9,350 feet above sea level and during your stay, you might experience mild altitude sickness
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)
What's not included
International flights
Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise
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