Part of the
Hurtigruten Group

Galápagos Islands - In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route)

Price from
Unavailable

Departure Dates
48 departures between Jan 2025 and Dec 2026
Duration
9 days
Ship
Multiple Offers

Cruise Overview

Galápagos Islands cruise | In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route)

Visit the UNESCO-protected Galápagos Islands, discovering their unique wildlife, flora and fauna.

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.

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.  

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

Vibrant Quito 

Day 1

Visit historic Quito  

Day 2

Your cruise begins 

Day 3

San Cristóbal's tortoises 

Day 4

Santa Fe and South Plaza 

Day 5

Darwin’s Santa Cruz 

Day 6

Dramatic Española 

Day 7

Reef life on Eden Islet 

Day 8

End of your expedition 

Day 9

What's included

Flights

  • Flights in economy class between Quito and Baltra, and Baltra and Guayaquil, including all taxes 

Hotel

  • Two hotel nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast, and dinner on Day 2 

Transfers

  • Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Quito before the expedition cruise
  • Note: If your flights have not been booked with us, please ensure you provide full flight details 30 days prior to travel to arrange your transfer (applies to all transfers from the airport to your booked hotel via HX in Quito on the tour start date)
  • 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 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
  • 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

  • Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings

  • International flights 

  • 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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