Part of the
Hurtigruten Group

Galápagos Islands – In Darwin’s Footsteps Plus Machu Picchu (Eastern Route)

Price from
Unavailable

Departure Dates
29 departures between Jan 2025 and Mar 2026
Duration
13 days
Ship
Multiple Offers

Cruise Overview

Galápagos Islands Cruise | In Darwin’s Footsteps Plus Machu Picchu

Visit magnificent Machu Picchu andthe UNESCO-protected Galápagos Islands, discovering their unique wildlife, flora and fauna on this land and sea adventure combination.

Join us on a journey of ecological discovery as we travel in Charles Darwin's footsteps, seeing the natural wonders that so inspired him.

Explore the islands of San Cristóbal Sante Fe, Santa Cruz and Española, and spend two nights in Quito, one of South America's most charming cities.

South America land adventure 

The first part of our adventure takes place on land. Setting off from Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital, we’ll fly to Cusco, the ancient centre of the Inca empire, and discover its many cultural and architectural wonders. Next, we travel up the Sacred Valley on a luxury train to the incredible mountain citadel of Machu Picchu before heading back to Cusco and then flying to charming Quito – the ‘City of Eternal Spring’.  

Awe inspiring Galápagos Islands 

After exploring Quito´s historic centre and visiting the Equator, we’ll head to the Galápagos Islands for an unforgettable sea adventure. We’ll be on the lookout for iconic animals such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas and Blue-footed Boobies. On this active cruise, and with an onboard Expedition Team of local guides, you'll get closer to the many natural wonders in our small panga boats, kayaks and glass-bottom boat.  

Departures

Searching for

Cabin 1
Adults
2

Available Dates

2024
No available cabins

Itinerary

We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay

Your land adventure begins

Day 1

Discover the city of Lima 

Day 2

City of the Incas and a cultural gem

Day 3

Back in time to a lost world 

Day 4

Quito – city of eternal spring 

Day 5

Visit historic Quito  

Day 6

Your cruise begins 

Day 7

San Cristóbal's tortoises 

Day 8

Santa Fe and South Plaza 

Day 9

Explore Santa Cruz 

Day 10

Dramatic Española 

Day 11

Reef life on Eden Islet 

Day 12

End of your expedition 

Day 13

What's included

Flights

  • Flights in economy class from Lima to Cusco, and from Cusco to Quito (via Lima), including all taxes 
  • Flights in economy class between Quito and Baltra, and Baltra and Guayaquil, including all taxes 

Hotel

  • Two nights in Lima, two nights in Cusco, and two nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast. Dinner on Day 3-6. 

Transfers

  • Note: If your flights have not been booked with us, please provide us with your full flight details no later than 30 days prior to travel (applies to all transfers from the airport to your booked hotel via HX in Limaon the tour start date)
  • Transfers between the airport and the ship in Baltra  
  • Transfer in Lima from the airport to the hotel

Excursions

  • Lima City Tour, including lunch, before the expedition cruise 
  • Tour package: Cusco and Machu Picchu as described, including excursions with lunch, train tickets, entrance fees, transfers from the hotel to the airport in Lima and within Cusco, before the expedition cruise 
  • 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 Guayaquil (or Quito) 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
  • The land programme in Peru and Quito, Ecuador takes place at high altitudes. At 11,100 ft and 9,350 ft above sea level, respectively, you might experience mild altitude sickness. 
  • The land-based tour in Peru involves long stretches of active travel and walking over uneven terrain. Be prepared for a climate that varies from high altitude to tropical weather. 
  • 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 

Excursions & Activities

Learn more about what you can experience when going with us

Pre-post programmes

Penguins perched on the ice of Cuverville Island, Antarctica. Credit: Espen Mills / HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

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