Galápagos Islands – In Darwin’s Footsteps Plus Machu Picchu (Eastern Route)
Cruise Overview
Galápagos Islands Cruise | In Darwin’s Footsteps Plus Machu Picchu
Visit magnificent Machu Picchu and the 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.
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Practical information you need to know
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We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Your land adventure begins
Day 1
Your land adventure begins
Start your adventure in ancient and modern Lima
Welcome to Peru, one of the most fascinating countries in South America!
If you have time after your arrival in Lima, we suggest you simply wander the streets to begin to acquaint yourself with the city and see what catches your eye.
Or why not walk along the oceanfront boardwalk in the upmarket Miraflores district. Here, you’ll find many restaurants and cafés, as well as shops if you need to purchase anything ahead of your adventure. Lima is considered the food capital of Latin America, so be sure to try local dishes like ceviche, which is raw fish marinated in lime juice with onion and chilli.
Discover the city of Lima
Day 2
Discover the city of Lima
Discover Lima´s historical centre and more
After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a Lima City Tour, including lunch, which will introduce you to Lima´s historical centre, which is packed with elegant Spanish colonial architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other interesting sites in Lima. You’ll also visit the fascinating Larco museum, which holds the best private collection of Pre-Columbian art in the country.
After this half-day excursion, you’ll have more time to take in this multifaceted city. People watch in one of the city’s grand plazas or seek out a restaurant for another dinner of regional specialities before settling in at your hotel for another overnight stay.
City of the Incas and a cultural gem
Day 3
City of the Incas and a cultural gem
Explore the ancient seat of the Inca Empire
In the morning, you’ll take a flight to Cusco, the ancient seat of the Inca Empire. A local guide will take you to check in at your hotel, before inviting you on a guided tour of this enigmatic city.
You’ll see impressive Inca structures contrasted with ornate buildings from Spanish colonial times. Visit the 15th century ceremonial compound of Sacsayhuaman, or admire the architecture of the Spanish Santo Domingo church, a convent built on the ruins of Koricancha, the Inca Sun Temple. After your tour of the highlights of this cultural and architectural gem, we’ll return to the hotel for dinner.
Back in time to a lost world
Day 4
Back in time to a lost world
Discover the lost city of the Incas
An early morning transfer will take you to Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, from where you’ll catch a train along the narrow-gauge line to Machu Picchu, passing through stunning highland scenery along the way.
After around two hours, we’ll stop at the small town of Aguas Calientes and take the short bus ride to Machu Picchu – the so-called Lost City of the Incas.
You’ll enjoy a guided tour of this once-hidden settlement, marvelling at the stonewalls, terraces and ramps that are carved into the mountain. You’ll love the peaceful atmosphere of Machu Picchu as you gaze at the lowland jungle from this city in the clouds.
After lunch, we’ll return to Cusco where you’ll enjoy your final night at the hotel.
Quito – city of eternal spring
Day 5
Quito – city of eternal spring
Discover the vibrant city of Quito
The day begins with breakfast at your hotel. We’ll then drive to the airport in Cusco for the morning flight via Lima to Ecuador. You´ll arrive in Quito in the afternoon.
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.
Visit historic Quito
Day 6
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 7
Your cruise begins
Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands
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.
You'll get your first glimpse of the islands' incredible wildlife on Mosquera Islet, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago. We'll take our small panga boats ashore to get a closer look.
As you stroll across flat and sandy dunes, look out for Blue-footed Boobies and Sally Lightfoot crabs, and learn about the marine and terrestrial ecosystems from your naturalist guides.
San Cristóbal's tortoises
Day 8
San Cristóbal's tortoises
Meet the famous giant tortoises
Your first stop today is the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve – a breeding centre for the endangered giant tortoise. It's also home to other endemic species, including the San Cristobal Mockingbird and lava lizard.
The giant tortoise is probably the most iconic of all Galápagos wildlife, with a lifespan of over 100 years. Here, they thrive, ambling around forests similar to their natural habitat.
Up to August 2024 we’ll call at Cerro Brujo, on the island’s west coast. With its white coral beaches, you’ll literally be walking in Darwin’s footsteps as the naturalist visited here in 1835. There are plenty of sea and shore birds to look out for here, as well as sea lions. After August 2024* we’ll instead likely explore Punta Pitt in our small panga boats. This is the only site in the Galápagos Islands where you might see three species of boobies. Enjoy a nature walk, explore the coastline by boat, or snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear water. *Note – this is dependent on local authority restrictions.
Santa Fe and South Plaza
Day 9
Santa Fe and South Plaza
Spot wildlife against idyllic backdrops
We start the day with a scenic nature walk on the blissful beaches of Santa Fe, home to the endemic Barrington land iguana and a colony of sea lions.
You can swim or snorkel from our small panga boats, take a kayak for a paddle around the island, or join a trip in our glass-bottomed boat to observe the marine life below. After a delicious lunch, prepared by our onboard chefs, we head to South Plaza Island.
Keep an eye out for frigatebirds, Swallow-tailed Gulls and Galapagos Shearwaters gliding on the breeze. Here, among a dazzling array of flora, land iguanas laze by the shore while marine iguanas slip in and out of the water.
Explore Santa Cruz
Day 10
Explore Santa Cruz
Learn about local conservation on Santa Cruz Island
Today we pay a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora
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, such as mountain biking or visiting sugar plantation.
Dramatic Española
Day 11
Dramatic Española
Lava lizards and incredible birdlife
Your Galápagos Islands cruise reaches Española, the archipelago's most southerly island. Birdlife here is truly extraordinary – look out for Nazca Boobies, Blue-footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls, and the mighty Waved Albatross on cruises April through December.
It’s also a chance to spot red Española lava lizards and marine iguanas, as well as see the famous blowhole, El Soplador, blasting water 75 feet into the air.
After lunch on board the ship, we'll head to the picturesque coral beach of Gardner Bay and nearby Osborn Islet, to seek out sea lions, mockingbirds and finches. If you're feeling active, you can go snorkelling or kayaking.
Reef life on Eden Islet
Day 12
Reef life on Eden Islet
Green turtles, sharks and rare bird colonies
The wealth of wildlife watching opportunities continues at Eden Islet, where we hope to see Galapagos green turtles, rays and friendly reef sharks. On the shore, look out for distinctive frigatebirds with their rubbery, red throats.
You can swim or snorkel to explore the reefs. Alternatively, see the reefs from our glass-bottomed boat or by kayak. After lunch, we'll sail to North Seymour.
The island is a great site for spotting colonies of Blue-footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls. Sea lions and marine iguanas also congregate here, attracted by the bountiful sea life in its waters.
End of your expedition
Day 13
End of your expedition
From the Galápagos Islands back to Guayaquil
Your expedition cruise draws to a close as you disembark at Baltra Island. A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Guayaquil to connect to your international flight, or if you prefer, continue to Quito for another adventure.
To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of our optional Post-Programmes.
As you leave this fascinating region, you'll take with you incredible memories of amazing wildlife and wonderful experiences few have the privilege of seeing.
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
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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