Cruise · HX Expeditions · 13 nights

Galápagos Islands – In Darwin’s Footsteps Plus Machu Picchu

Economy flights between Lima, Cusco, Quito, Baltra and Guayaquil, taxes included
Hotel nights in Lima, Sacred Valley, Cusco and Quito, with breakfast
Airport and ship transfers arranged in Quito, Baltra and Lima

$15,145 pp twin share

$20,205 pp solo share

13 nights

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1/ 20

Galápagos Islands – In Darwin’s Footsteps plus Machu Picchu

Galápagos Islands – In Darwin’s Footsteps Plus Machu Picchu – route map

Your land adventure begins

Discover the city of Lima

Cusco to the Sacred Valley

Back in time to a lost world

From the Sacred Valley to Cusco

Quito – city of eternal spring

Visit historic Quito

Your cruise begins

San Cristóbal's tortoises

Santa Fe and South Plaza

Explore Santa Cruz

Dramatic Española

Reef life on Eden Islet

End of your expedition

MS Santa Cruz II

When & how much

Choose your departure

60 departures

Cruise Snapshot

13 Nights

Beyond the Galapagos cruise, this package adds Machu Picchu, Inca sites in the Sacred Valley, flights and transfers, all included

Six-night Galapagos expedition cruise aboard MS Santa Cruz II
Following in Charles Darwin's footsteps through UNESCO-protected Galapagos Islands
Guided Machu Picchu tour with train tickets and entrance fees included

Trip Details

Departs: Fri 13 Nov 2026
Returns: Thu 26 Nov 2026
Embarks: Lima
Disembarks: Baltra
Ship: MS Santa Cruz II
Operator: HX Expeditions

14-day all-inclusive Galápagos expedition cruise from Lima to Guayaquil

The 6-night Galapagos voyage aboard MS Santa Cruz II sails round trip from Seymour, calling at Mosquera, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Punta Pitt, San Cristobal Island, Santa Fe, South Plaza Island, Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz Island, Punta Suarez, Espanola Island, Gardner Bay, Espanola Island, Eden Islet, San Cristobal Island and Seymour Norte.

Beyond the expedition cruise itself, this package includes:

Flights in economy class from Lima to Cusco, and from Cusco to Quito (via Lima), including all taxes
Flights in economy class from Quito to Baltra, and from Baltra to Guayaquil, including all taxes
Two nights in Lima, two nights in the Sacred Valley, one night in Cusco, and two nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast. Dinner on Day 3-7
For expeditions starting after April 2026, transfer in Lima from the airport to the hotel.
Transfer from the airport to the hotel, and the hotel to the airport, in Quito before the expedition cruise
Transfers between the airport and the ship in Baltra
Tour package: Machu Picchu as described, including excursions with lunch, train tickets, entrance fees, transfers in Lima and within the Sacred Valley and Cusco, before the expedition cruise
Full-day excursion: Historic Quito & Middle of the World, including lunch, before the expedition cruise

Visit magnificent Machu Picchu and 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 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

You sail aboard MS Santa Cruz II. When exploring the Galápagos islands with us onboard the MS Santa Cruz II, guests will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in high quality surroundings. The relatively small size - with a guest capacity of maximum of 90 allows for a cozy yet classy environment. You will easily feel at home onboard. On board: 50 cabins and suites and space for maximum 90 guests; Science Center; Library; Observation decks; Restaurant; Lounge & bar; Two hot tubs; Fitness room.

$15,145

pp twin share

$20,205

pp solo share

Enquire

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Life in transit

MS Santa Cruz II

Details · HX Expeditions

MS Santa Cruz II

When exploring the Galápagos islands with us onboard the MS Santa Cruz II, guests will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in high quality surroundings. The relatively small size - with a guest capacity of maximum of 90 allows for a cozy yet classy environment. You will easily feel at home onboard.

Guests: 90
Gross tonnage: 2,664
Speed: 10.5 knots
Length: 71.8 m
Launched: 2002
Beam: 13.4 m
Deck plans: 5

MS Santa Cruz II · Deck plans

Deck 4 — Sky Deck

Source: HX Expeditions, captured 16 September 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Your land adventure begins
Fri 13 Nov
Start your adventure ancient and modern Lima Welcome to Peru, one of the most fascinating countries in South America! Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital, offers a rich fusion of history, culture, and coastal beauty. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features stunning colonial architecture. Along the Pacific coastline, districts like Miraflores and Barranco captivate with ocean views, bohemian charm, street art, and lively nightlife. With its mix of ancient ruins, such as Huaca Pucllana, and modern urban energy, Lima is a compelling gateway to Peru’s diverse identity. Settle into your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay.
2
Discover the city of Lima
Sat 14 Nov
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.
3
Cusco to the Sacred Valley
Sun 15 Nov
Get a brief look at Cusco before heading to the Sacred Valley In the morning, we’ll take a flight to Cusco, the ancient seat of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking a look at Sacsayhuamán fortress, a ceremonial compound and magnificent example of Inca military power that boasts a panoramic view of the city. Marvel at the construction techniques these ancient people used; this is just a foresight of the many wonders you’ll be witnessing over the coming days. Afterwards, we visit the Sulca Textile House Museum, which gives you an insight into the traditional fabrics created and worn by people since Pre-Columbian times. There will also be a chance to see an exhibition of South American camelids, and an opportunity to do some shopping. After this brief visit to Cusco, we’ll continue to our hotel in the Sacred Valley for an overnight stay.
4
Back in time to a lost world
Mon 16 Nov
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. Enjoy a guided tour of this once-hidden settlement, marvelling at the stone walls, 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 our hotel where you’ll enjoy another night.
5
From the Sacred Valley to Cusco
Tue 17 Nov
Andean Com munity and Cusco walking tour Today you’ll get an insight into the lives of Andean highlanders with a visit to the Misminay community, where sacred ancestral traditions live on. Learn about their ancient farming techniques, textile weaving, and folkloric traditions passed down through generations and then enjoy a delicious lunch featuring authentic Peruvian flavours. After lunch, you’ll be transferred to Cusco where you’ll set out on a guided walking tour. A compact city packed with cultural beauty, there’s no better way to discover the archaeological capital of South America than on foot. Visit the city's most important historical monuments see the influence of different cultures. The Plaza de Armas and surrounding areas showcase architecture from after the Spanish conquest, yet just a short walk away you’ll see Inca walls, some with blocks so large and intricate it remains a mystery as to how they were ever constructed. Meanwhile, a visit to the Santo Domingo church reveals that it was built upon the foundations of the Inca temple Koricancha, which was dedicated to worship of the sun god, Inti. After the visit you’ll walk back to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cusco.
6
Quito – city of eternal spring
Wed 18 Nov
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. Settle into your hotel and enjoy your overnight stay.
7
Visit historic Quito
Thu 19 Nov
Straddle the Equator at the Middle of the World City Today you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town. It's 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.
8
Your cruise begins
Fri 20 Nov
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 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.
9
San Cristóbal's tortoises
Sat 21 Nov
Meet the famous giant tortoises First our small boats will take you to Punta Pitt, 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. Then we’ll head to 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.
10
Santa Fe and South Plaza
Sun 22 Nov
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 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.
11
Explore Santa Cruz
Mon 23 Nov
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.
12
Dramatic Española
Tue 24 Nov
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.
13
Reef life on Eden Islet
Wed 25 Nov
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.
14
From the Galápagos Islands to Guayaquil
Thu 26 Nov
From the Galápagos Islands 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, to Quito, to connect to your international airport. 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.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Flights in economy class from Lima to Cusco, and from Cusco to Quito (via Lima), including all taxes.
Flights in economy class from Quito to Baltra, and from Baltra to Guayaquil, including all taxes.
Two nights in Lima, two nights in the Sacred Valley, one night in Cusco, and two nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast.
For expeditions starting after April 2026, transfer in Lima from the airport to the hotel.
Transfer from the airport to the hotel, and the hotel to the airport, in Quito before the expedition cruise.
Transfers between the airport and the ship in Baltra.

Not included

Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Gratuities for pre and post-voyage options

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Hotels

Two nights in Lima, two nights in the Sacred Valley, one night in Cusco, and two nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast. Dinner on Day 3-7

Day 1 – Ac Hotel By Marriott Lima Miraflores
Days 3-4 – Hotel Tambo Del Inka
Day 5 – Palacio Del Inka
Day 6 – Jw Marriott Quito

MS Santa Cruz II

On board: 50 cabins and suites and space for maximum 90 guests; Science Center; Library; Observation decks; Restaurant; Lounge & bar; Two hot tubs; Fitness room; Sun deck; Expedition boats; Stand Up Paddle boards; Snorkeling Gear; Glass bottom boat; Kayaks.

Unspesific cabin

Unspecified cabin for 2 people.

VH – Voyager cabin: large windows, one single bed and one couch, 12 m².

Explorer Cabins

With a large window that illuminates the interior and allows you to take in the views as we cruise, these cabins offer an elegant and comfortable space to relax in after a day of active exploring.
They feature a single bed, and all have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, as well as a safe and USA two-pin plug sockets.

EP – Explorer cabin: large windows, double bed, optional twin, 15 m².
EE – Explorer cabin: large windows, double bed, optional twin, 15 m².
EH – Explorer cabin: large windows, double bed, optional twin, 14–15 m².
FH – Explorer family cabin: large windows, double bed, optional twin, 17 m².
VH – Voyager cabin: large windows, one single bed and one couch, 12 m².

Darwin Suites

Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Santa Cruz II and reserve one of our Darwin Suites.

With two large windows, you’ll enjoy superb views in premium comfort.
These spacious suites feature double beds that can be divided into two single beds on request at the time of booking, as well as a sofa bed suitable for a child under the age of 12. If more space is needed, these rooms can be interconnected with an Explorer cabin.
All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a safe, and USA two-pin plug sockets. There’s a daily turn-down service, and you’ll also get a welcome gift in the form of a Galápagos wildlife book.

DS – Darwin Suite: large windows, double bed, optional twin, sofa bed, 30 m².

From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 14 days and 13 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 13 Nov 2026 and 29 Mar 2029, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

Can I travel solo?

Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

Ready to lock in?

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Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

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