Galápagos Islands – Nine of the Best Isles Plus Machu Picchu
Galápagos Islands – Nine of the Best Isles Plus Machu Picchu
11-day Galápagos Islands expedition cruise plus Machu Picchu land adventure
South America land adventure
The first part of our adventure takes place on land. Setting off from Peru’s vibrant capital, Lima, we’ll fly to Cusco. At the ancient center of the Inca empire, we will discover a range of cultural and architectural wonders. Next, we travel up the Sacred Valley on a luxury train to the incredible mountain citadel of Machu Picchu before heading back to Cusco. We then fly to charming Quito, the ‘City of Eternal Spring’.
Awe-inspiring Galápagos Islands
After exploring Quito’s historic center and visiting the Equator, we’ll head to the Galápagos Islands for an unforgettable sea adventure. This itinerary calls at nine incredible islands in the Galápagos: Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, Santiago, Rábida, Bartolomé, and Genovesa. Here, you’ll visit picturesque landscapes containing an array of ecosystems and see many of the species that made these islands so famous. With an onboard Expedition Team made up of local guides on this active cruise, you’ll get closer to many natural wonders in our small panga boats, kayaks, and glass-bottom boat.
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Day 1Arrival to Lima
Your land adventure begins
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Day 2Flight to Cusco
City of the Incas and a cultural gem
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Day 3Machu Picchu
Back to a lost world
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Day 4Flight to Quito
Quito – city of eternal spring
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Day 5Quito
Visit historic Quito
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Day 6Galápagos
Your cruise begins
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Day 7Isabela and Fernandina Islands
Wildlife-rich Isabela and Fernandina
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Day 8Santa Cruz Island
Darwin’s Santa Cruz
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Day 9Floreana Island
Picturesque Floreana
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Day 10Baltra Island
Relax in Baltra
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Day 11Santiago Island
Pristine Santiago Island
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Day 12Rábida and Bartolomé Islands
Stunning Rábida and Bartolomé
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Day 13Genovesa Island
Genovesa, a bird paradise
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Day 14Santa Cruz and Baltra Island to Quito
One last adventure
Departures
2024
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January
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February
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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December
2025
What’s included
Hotel
- One night in Lima, two nights in Cusco, and two nights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast. Dinner on Days 2–5.
Flights
- Flights in economy class from Lima to Cusco and from Cusco to Quito (via Lima), all taxes included
- Flights in economy class between Quito and Baltra, all taxes included
Transfers
- Transfers between the airport and the hotel in Quito before the expedition cruise
- Transfers between the airport and the ship in Baltra
Excursions
- Tour package: Cusco and Machu Picchu, as described, including excursions with lunch, train tickets, entrance fees, and transfers from the hotel to the airport in Lima and within Cusco before the expedition cruise
- Full-day excursion: Historic Quito and 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 Quito (or Guayaquil) airport upon return from the Galápagos Islands for guests flying internationally on the day of disembarkation
Expedition Cruise
- Stay in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages*
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
- Complimentary wetsuit rental
- Welcome and farewell cocktails
*House beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water
†Please note that Wi-Fi and phone reception are very limited in the remote areas where we travel, and streaming is not supported.
Onboard activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Use of our Science Center, which features a small library and microscope
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to contribute to ongoing scientific research projects.
- Our onboard professional photographer will give photography tips and teach techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife photos.
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs and gym
- Join informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings.
Landing activities
- Escorted landings with panga boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
- Expedition photographers will be on hand to assist you.
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
- Your flight from Baltra will go to Quito. If you wish to end your expedition in Guayaquil, please advise your booking agent.
- The land program in Peru and Quito, Ecuador takes place at high altitudes. At 11,100 feet and 9,350 feet above sea level, respectively, you might experience mild altitude sickness.
- The land-based tour in Peru involves long stretches of active travel and walking over uneven terrain. Be prepared for climates varying from high altitude to tropical.
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities are expected
Not included in your voyage
- International flights
- Travel protection
- Baggage handling
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
MS Santa Cruz II
Year built | 2002 |
Year of refurbishment | 2021 |
Shipyard | ASENAV Shipyard (CHL) |
Passenger capacity | 90 |
Gross tonnage | 2,664 T |
Length | 236 ft |
Beam | 44 ft |
Speed | 10.5 knots |
When you are exploring the Galápagos Islands with us aboard the Santa Cruz II, you’ll enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in premium surroundings. The ship’s small size (with a maximum guest capacity of 90) offers a cozy yet sophisticated environment. It’s easy to feel at home on board.
Practical Information
Related Cruises
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- Join us on a journey of ecological discovery as we travel in Charles Darwin’s footsteps and see the natural wonders that inspired him.
- Explore the islands of San Cristóbal, Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, and Española and spend two nights in Quito, one of South America’s most charming cities.