Hurtigruten Expeditions Galapagos Islands - Nine of the Best Isles (Western & Northern Route)

11-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.

You’ll begin your Galapagos Islands exploration by following the north shore of Santa Cruz towards the intriguing landscapes of Cerro Dragon. Upon landing on Cerro Dragon, also known as ‘Dragon Hill’, you will take part in a guided walk to discover more of the region’s natural beauty, Passing a brackish lagoon that’s frequented by shorebirds and American Flamingos. As you head further inland, the walking trail offers breathtaking views of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, while beautiful land iguanas can be found on different areas of the landscape.

Day 4: Wildlife-rich Isabela and Fernandina 

Starting the day at Punta Vicente Roca, you’ll be exploring the scenic coastline on the north-western tip of Isabela Island. Learn about the dramatic geology of the area from your naturalist guides, while scanning for the region’s abundant birdlife.

This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for Flightless Cormorants, Galapagos Penguins, and boobies. Depending on suitable weather conditions, you may have the unique opportunity to snorkel alongside the cliffs, searching for green sea turtles, oceanic sun fish, and fur seals along the way.

Fernandina will be your destination in the afternoon, an island with captivating ecology as well as a substantial population of marine iguanas.

Day 5: 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 6: Picturesque Floreana 

Following your breakfast in the early morning, you will then be enjoying a panga boast ride, prior to immersing yourself in the captivating views of Baroness Cove. Post Office Bay, which served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries, will be the next destination after your visit to Baroness Cove.

Explore the wonders of Champion Islet in either a panga boat or back onboard the glass-bottomed boat, with this being one of the most ideal spots on the entire archipelago for snorkelling trips.

The cruise will then be heading to Cormorant Point, where you can take a leisurely stroll from a pristine beach to a stunning lagoon.

Day 7: Relax in Baltra 

Following your four exhilarating  days exploring the sheer beauty of the Galapagos archipelago, take a moment to disconnect and relax before the rest of your adventure. Take advantage of the excellent facilities aboard the MS Santa Cruz II including the spa and wellness centre, sauna and gym areas – recharging your batteries before your journey to Santiago Island.

You’ll be landing at the glorious Las Bachas beach in the afternoon. Located on the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island, this pristine beach is an optimal place to scan for the rich Galapagos wildlife, such as flamingos and sea turtles. Before heading back to the ship, why not join the swimming and snorkelling activities to explore more of the turquoise waters.

Day 8: Pristine Santiago Island

Take in the island’s pristine beaches and picturesque landscapes while visiting on day nine. The looming cliffs of Buccaneer Cove on the northwest coast provide the perfect environment for a bustling hub of wildlife including a number of marine birds and sea lions. Explore the unique rock formations such as ‘Elephant rock’ and ‘The Bishop’, while drinking in the immersive scenery.

You’ll head to Puerto Egas in the afternoon, regarded as one of the best visitor sites on the island due to its ecosystem including Galapagos fur seals and exotic birdlife.

Day 9: Stunning Rábida & Bartolomé 

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Galapagos as you visit Rabida island, located off the southern shore of Santiago. Experience the island’s captivating red beach whilst listening in to the unique sounds popping up across the archipelago, which could be made by a colony of sea lions, and watch for marine iguanas, mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers and several species of Darwin’s Finches.

Next will be the golden sands of Bartolomé Island, where you can choose to swim or snorkel off the beach. Be sure to also keep an eye out for the native Galapagos penguins on the shore, and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the landscape after hiking to the island’s summit.

Day 10: Genovesa, a bird paradise

A utopia for an abundant variety of birdlife, Genovesa is the ideal destination for bird enthusiasts. To begin with, you’ll be taking a short, but steep hike up Prince Phillip’s Steps, El Barranco, to reach the flat and rocky plateau. Once here, marvel at the sheer range of bird colonies such as, Nazca Boobies, Red-footed Boobies, Great Frigatebirds and Storm Petrels. Prefer something a little different? If so, be sure to jump in one of the ship’s kayaks for some aquatic adventuring.

Following on from this, the next activity on the itinerary will be landing and swimming at the stunning beach around Darwin Bay, before taking a short stroll to observe the plethora of island birds.

Day 11: One last adventure 

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

• 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 (1): 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 (2): If your flights have not been booked with us, please provide 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

Excursions

• 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

• International flights
• Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
• Travel insurance
• Luggage handling

MS Santa Cruz II