Hurtigruten Expeditions Galapagos Islands - In Darwin's Footsteps - Eastern Route

9-day itinerary

Day 1: Bustling Quito

This exciting and unique expedition adventure commences on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. Standing at 9,350 ft, Quito is officially the second-highest capital city in the world, with its remarkable Old Town being a significant tourist attraction in the region. Founded on an ancient Inca settlement, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is brimming with outstanding colonial-era architecture, along with eye-catching churches and monuments. Take time to settle into your hotel and nearby surroundings, then head out to explore what this vibrant city had to offer.

Why not arrive a few days earlier to experience the city in greater depth, or join one of the pre-programme packages to see more of Ecuador’s capital.

Day 2: Quito’s Old Town

As previously mentioned, the Old Town in Ecuador’s capital is a huge attraction for many tourists on an annual basis. One of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America, the Old Town is home to many unmissable sights including stunning architecture and historic monuments. While here, also be sure to indulge in some of the finest chocolate made from the best Ecuadorian cacao.

After having visited Quito, you’ll then be heading to the iconic ‘Middle of the World City’, which is located around 16 miles north of Ecuador’s capital. After lunch, visit the iconic monument which outlines the imaginary line of the equator, and why not capture the unique moment where you will able to stand with a foot in each hemisphere.

Day 3: Beginning of your cruise

Following your exploration of Ecuador’s vibrant capital, a short flight will then take you to Baltra Island, located in the breathtaking Galapagos archipelago. A bus transfer will then transport you to the port, where the state-of-the-art MS Santa Cuz II will be waiting for you.

Catch a glimpse of the rich array of wildlife on Mosquera Islet, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies on the archipelago. The onboard Expedition Team will be happy to take you ashore on small panga boats, so that you can experience the abundant wildlife first hand.

While ashore, stroll across the flat and sandy dunes and scan for different variations of crabs, whilst learning about the stunning marine life and rich ecosystems from your naturalist guides.

Day 4: San Cristóbal’s tortoises

The first stop on your fourth day is the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve, a breeding centre for the heavily endangered giant tortoise. Being arguably the most iconic of all Galapagos wildlife, the giant tortoises of San Cristobal thrive while in this environment which is similar to their natural habitat, with their lifespan staggeringly being over 100 years. San Cristóbal also boasts many other unique species including the San Cristobal Mockingbird and lava lizard.

Located on the island’s west coast, Cerro Brujo, with its pristine, white beaches will be a destination on this cruise up until August 2024. The famous naturist, Darwin, visited this region back in 1835, therefore meaning that passengers will be following in Darwin’s footsteps. After August 2024, the itinerary changes slightly and you will instead likely be exploring Punta Pitt in small panga boats. While here, enjoy a nature walk, explore the coastline by boat, or snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear water, whilst also scanning for the region’s iconic birdlife circulating the area.

(The trip to Punta Pitt will be subject to local authority restrictions)

Day 5: Santa Fe and South Plaza 

You’ll commence day five with a serene stroll on the idyllic beaches of Santa Fe. Home to a large colony of sealions and land iguanas, Santa Fe offers travellers plenty to explore. 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.

You will then be heading to the South Plaza Island following an exquisite lunch, prepared by the excellent onboard chefs. While here, make sure you keep an eye for the abundant birdlife in the area, including frigatebirds, Swallow-tailed Gulls and Galapagos Shearwaters which patrol the skies above.

Day 6: Darwin’s Santa Cruz 

Santa Cruz Island, Home to Charles Darwin’s Research Station, will be the next destination on your journey. Now a giant tortoise breeding centre, travellers will be able to witness newly hatched tortoises, as well as Darwin’s iconic finches, which were the species of bird used as basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection. The abundant forest of prickly pear cacti also provides an excellent environment for many variations of land birds.

Over lunch, enjoy the respite of a cooler climate in the lush highlands, where a great amount of giant tortoises can be seen shuffling around the landscape. There will also be enough time for an additional activity, and this may either be mountain biking or a visit to a sugar plantation.

Day 7: Dramatic Española

Espanola, the archipelago’s most southerly island, is a remarkable hive of activity, with a rich variety of extraordinary birdlife. Look out for Nazca Boobies, Blue-footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls, and the mighty Waved Albatross on cruises April through December.

As well as this, travellers will also have the opportunity to scan for red lava lizards and marine iguanas, while the famous blowhole, El Soplador, blasts water a staggering 75 feet into the air. After indulging in another outstanding lunch onboard the ship, passengers will then be visiting the scenic coral beach of Gardner Bay and the nearby Osborn Islet. While here, look out for sea lions, mockingbirds and finches, whilst also taking part in snorkelling and kayaking activities.

Day 8: Reef life on Eden Islet 

Upon reaching Eden Islet, prepare to immerse yourself in more of the abundant wildlife the region has to offer. Be on the lookout for Galapagos green turtles, rays, reef sharks, along with the distinctive frigatebirds while ashore.

Travellers will have the option of either swimming and snorkelling to explore the fascinating reefs, or simply relax and witness the reefs from the glass-bottomed boat. Following on from this, the MS Santa Cruz II will be sailing to North Seymour, with the island providing another ideal habitat for sealions and marine iguanas who are attracted to the island’s bountiful waters.

Day 9: End of your expedition 

Your expedition unfortunately has to come to its conclusion at some stage, and as you disembark at Baltra Island, this will symbolise the end of your cruise journey. You will then either be boarding a flight to Guayaquil, or continuing to Quito to explore more of Ecuador’s lively capital.

Fancy exploring more of Ecuador? Optional post-programme packages are available for you to experience this historic country in greater depth.

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 panga 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

MS Santa Cruz II