In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route)
Explore the incredible biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands on this HX – Hurtigruten Expeditions journey that truly follows in Charles Darwin’s footsteps. Starting with two nights in vibrant Quito, you’ll then fly to the archipelago to cruise among the UNESCO‑protected islands of San Cristóbal, Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, Española, Eden Islet, and North Seymour. Throughout the expedition aboard the intimate MS Santa Cruz II, you’ll encounter iconic wildlife such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue‑footed boobies, and playful sea lions in their natural habitats.
This immersive voyage blends guided shore landings, small‑boat explorations, snorkeling and kayaking opportunities, and enriching insights from knowledgeable Expedition Team members. From beach walks and deep dives into evolutionary history to visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station, every day brings new discovery and wonder. Travel in comfort on an eco‑minded expedition ship designed for up‑close encounters, then return home with stories of one of the planet’s most extraordinary ecosystems.
What’s Included:
Hotel
Two nights at a hotel in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and dinner on Day 2.
Expedition Cruise
A stay in a cabin of your choice. Click here to view itinerary.
All Inclusive
Experience delicious meals and beverages, all included for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Flights
Flights in economy class between Quito and Baltra
Transfers
Transfers between the airport and the hotel in Quito before the expedition cruise.
Excursion
Full-day excursion: Historic Quito & Middle of the World, including lunch, before the expedition cruise
Extras
Galápagos Islands National Park admission fee
Onboard Activities
In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by our knowledgeable Expedition Team
Landing Activities
Escorted and guided landings with small panga boats
Expedition Cruise Inclusions
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Wine, beer, and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws; excludes premium drinks)
- A complimentary reusable ocean water bottle to refill on board and take home
- An HX backpack
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note that 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
- Full access to the ship’s Science Corner
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Daily briefing with the Expedition Team about the plans for the next day
Landing Activities
- Necessary equipment for activities, such as walking poles and snorkeling equipment, will be provided on board on loan. Your HX travel documents will have a recommended packing list.
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Notes
- 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
- No gratuities expected
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight stay might be needed (not included)
What’s not included
- International flights
- Additional overnight stay(s) may be required due to the timing of international flights
- Travel protection
- Baggage handling
Starting from $6,843
per person
Galápagos Islands – In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route)
What’s Included:
Departure Dates & Pricing:
April 8 – 16, 2026:
- Starting at $6,843 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
April 22 – 30, 2026:
- Starting at $7,986 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
May 6 – 14, 2026:
- Starting at $7,224 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
May 20 – May 28, 2026:
- Starting at $6,843 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
June 3 – 11, 2026:
- Starting at $6,985 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
June 17 – 25, 2026:
- Starting at $6,985 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
July 1– 9, 2026:
- Starting at $7,605 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
July 15 – 23, 2026:
- Starting at $6,843 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
July 29 – August 6, 2026:
- Starting at $7,605 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
August 26 – September 3, 2026:
- Starting at $6,843 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
September 9 – 17, 2026:
- Starting at $7,224 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
September 23 – October 1, 2026:
- Starting at $7,224 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
October 7 – 15, 2026:
- Starting at $7,224 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
October 21 – 29, 2026:
- Starting at $7,224 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
November 4 – 12, 2026:
- Starting at $7,605 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
November 18 – 26, 2026:
- Starting at $7,224 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
December 2 – 10, 2026:
- Starting at $7,224 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
December 16 – 24, 2026:
- Starting at $7,754 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
December 30 – January 7, 2026:
- Starting at $7,553 per person
- MS Santa Cruz II
Expires: 2/28/2026 • Supplier Code: HX
*Pricing and availability subject to change until booked. Pricing, unless noted otherwise, is based on double occupancy. Restrictions may apply.
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Itinerary:
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Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of QuitoYour 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 and enjoy an overnight stay. If you have time, why not come a few days earlier and join one of our pre-voyage options. |
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Straddle the Equator in the Middle of the World CityToday, 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 delicious chocolate made from the 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 that is the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere. |
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Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos IslandsAfter breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you. 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 for a closer look. As you stroll across the flat, sandy dunes, look out for blue-footed boobies and Sally Lightfoot crabs, and learn about the marine and terrestrial ecosystems from your naturalist guides. |
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Meet the famous giant tortoisesYour first stop today is the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve, a breeding center for the endangered giant tortoise. It’s also home to other endemic species, including the San Cristóbal mockingbird and the lava lizard. The giant tortoise is probably the most iconic of all Galápagos wildlife, with a lifespan of over 100 years. They thrive here, 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. |
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Spot wildlife against idyllic backdropsWe 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 Galápagos 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. |
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Learn about local conservation efforts on Santa Cruz IslandToday, we pay a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. At this giant tortoise breeding center, 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 is 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 also have time for another activity, such as mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation. |
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Lava lizards and incredible birdlifeYour Galápagos Islands cruise reaches Española, the archipelago’s southernmost island. Birdlife here is truly extraordinary. On cruises from April through December, look for Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and the mighty waved albatross. This is also a great chance to spot red Española lava lizards and marine iguanas, as well as see El Soplador, the famous blowhole that blasts 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 snorkeling or kayaking. |
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Green turtles, sharks, and rare bird coloniesThe abundant wildlife-watching opportunities continue at Eden Islet, where we hope to see Galápagos green turtles, rays, and friendly reef sharks. On shore, look for distinctive frigatebirds with their rubbery, red throats. You can swim or snorkel to explore the reefs. You can also 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. |
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From the Galápagos Islands back to QuitoYour 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 Quito – or if you prefer, to Guayaquil – to to connect to your international flight. To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of our post-voyage options. 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. |
Optional Extras:
It’s a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages.
Mashpi Reserve: A Luxury Rainforest Retreat (Pre)
Day 1: Arrival in Quito
Arrive in Ecuador’s capital, be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city’s historic center. Stroll through its charming streets, visit landmarks such as Plaza Grande, or simply relax and recharge ahead of your adventure.
Day 2: Quito to the Mashpi Reserve
Travel into the Mashpi Reserve, a protected cloud forest in the Chocó hotspot. The three-hour journey from the Andes reveals dramatic shifts in altitude and scenery, descending from 9,200 to 3,300 feet above sea level. On arrival at Mashpi Lodge, enjoy lunch, a conservation briefing, and a guided walk through the flora and fauna along the dense jungle trails. In the evening, listen to fascinating lectures about the unique ecosystem.
Days 3–4: Exploring the Mashpi Reserve
Spend two days discovering the rainforest with your guide. Start at dawn with optional birdwatching, then choose from waterfall hikes, a Sky Bike canopy tour, Dragonfly canopy ride, and visits to the Observation Tower or Life Center. After dark, join a night walk or relax in the lodge’s wellness areas, followed by an Ecuadorian-inspired dinner overlooking the forest below.
Day 5: Return to Quito
Join an early birdwatching walk to see feeding flocks before breakfast. Afterwards, there’s time for a short hike or final activity before you return to Quito. You’ll spend two nights at your hotel, with a city tour scheduled for the following day, before setting off on your Galápagos expedition.
Please note that we may visit sites in a different order.
Jungle Adventure in Ecuador’s Amazon (Post)
Day 1: Arriving at Quito
Fly from the Galápagos to Quito, where your expedition cruise concludes. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your airport hotel. For the rest of the day, enjoy some time to relax and unwind before your unforgettable Amazon adventure begins.
Day 2: Rainforest Ecolodge Exploration
After a short, scenic flight over the Andes to Coca, enjoy a two-hour Napo River canoe ride, keeping an eye out for herons, kingfishers, and more wildlife. After a brief walk to Lake Pilchicocha, a canoe takes you to the lodge, where you’ll settle in before a guided night walk or canoe ride to spot nocturnal species.
Day 3-4: Rainforest Ecolodge Exploration
Spend two days exploring the rainforest: walk canopy bridges for birdwatching, visit parrot-filled clay licks, paddle through swamps in search of caiman, anaconda, and capybara, or try piranha fishing. Back at the lodge, unwind with a lake swim or relax in your hammock.
Day 5: Returning to Quito
After breakfast, take a canoe back to Coca for your flight to Quito. You’ll arrive in the early afternoon. From there, your onward journey continues, whether you’re returning home or exploring further.
Please note that we may visit sites in a different order.
Ships:
Set sail on an awe-inspiring expedition through the Galápagos Islands with Hurtigruten Expeditions. Aboard an eco-conscious expedition ship, you’ll experience the perfect blend of comfort and exploration as you get up close to the archipelago’s iconic wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and pristine shores. Below are the ships that bring this legendary journey to life.
Why Hurtigruten Expeditions?
HX offers over 130 years of adventure travel expertise, combining eco-friendly ships with immersive exploration of remote destinations. When booking through LaMacchia Travel, you’ll enjoy personalized service at no extra cost, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey.
