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In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route)

A 6-night cruise around the Galapagos islands of San Cristóbal Sante Fe, Santa Cruz and Española, with a 2-night stay in Quito

Cruise Only
8 nights from £5283pp

Expedition Holiday
Galapagos Sea Lions on Santa Fe Island
Galapagos Tortoises
Santa Cruz Island
Quito, Middle of the World City
Galapagos Blue Footed Boobies

Call us now on 01756 706500

Save up to 25% on 2025-26 sailings! T&Cs apply

In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route) Special Offer

Quito is one of South America's most alluring capitals and a World Heritage City of graceful Spanish-era architecture, packed with cosy restaurants and artisanal shops. With two overnights here, you’ll have time to taste delicious Ecuadorian specialities and stroll through colourful markets brimming with local handicrafts. On the second day, you’ll visit Quito's historic centre on a guided tour.

After exploring Quito's historic centre and visiting the Equator, we’ll head to the Galápagos Islands for an unforgettable sea adventure. We’ll be on the lookout for iconic animals such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas and Blue-footed Boobies. On this active cruise, and with an onboard Expedition Team of local guides, you'll get closer to the many natural wonders in our small panga boats, kayaks and glass-bottom boat.

NE629 Operated by Hurtigruten Expeditions

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In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route) Itinerary

Day 1 - UK - Quito (Ecuador)

Fly from the UK to Quito. 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. 

If you have time, why not come a few days earlier and join one of our optional Pre-Programmes.

Day 2 - Quito

Today you’ll 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 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.

Day 3 - Baltra Island

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 panga 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.

Day 4 - Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve - Punta Pitt

Your first stop today is 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.  

We’ll 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.

Day 5 - Santa Fe - South Plaza Island

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 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 Galapagos 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.

Day 6 - Santa Cruz Island

Today, you’ll explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we’ll disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. 

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, including mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.

Day 7 - Española - Gardner Bay

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.

Day 8 - Eden Islet - North Seymour

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.

Day 9 - Baltra Island

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, continue to Quito for another adventure.  

To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of our optional Post-Programmes. 

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.

For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.

Price Includes

  • 6-night expedition cruise on board MS Santa Cruz II
  • 2-night pre-cruise stay in Quito
  • Overseas transfers including internal flights
  • Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner on board ship
  • House wine and beer served with lunch and dinner on board ship. 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
  • Use of hot tubs, fitness room, lounges and more
  • Gratuities included
  • Range of included activities

Price Does Not Include

  • Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Luggage handling
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2024 Departures £ price per person based on 2 people sharing

  • November
    • Nov 22nd - Baltra Island, Galápagos and back - Sailing on: Santa Cruz II From: £5283
      EH Explorer Cabin EE Explorer Cabin EP Explorer Cabin FH Explorer Family Cabin DS Darwin Suite
      Blue Water Price from: £5283 Blue Water Price from: £5560 Blue Water Price from: £5838 Blue Water Price from: £5838 Blue Water Price from: £6627
  • December
    • Dec 6th - Baltra Island, Galápagos and back - Sailing on: Santa Cruz II From: £5560
      EE Explorer Cabin EP Explorer Cabin FH Explorer Family Cabin DS Darwin Suite
      Blue Water Price from: £5560 Blue Water Price from: £5838 Blue Water Price from: £5838 Blue Water Price from: £6627
    • Dec 20th - Baltra Island, Galápagos and back - Sailing on: Santa Cruz II From: £5768
      EH Explorer Cabin EE Explorer Cabin EP Explorer Cabin FH Explorer Family Cabin
      Blue Water Price from: £5768 Blue Water Price from: £6079 Blue Water Price from: £6391 Blue Water Price from: £6391

2025 Departures £ price per person based on 2 people sharing

  • January
    • Jan 3rd - Baltra Island, Galápagos and back - Sailing on: Santa Cruz II From: £5283
      EH Explorer Cabin EE Explorer Cabin FH Explorer Family Cabin DS Darwin Suite
      Blue Water Price from: £5283 Blue Water Price from: £5560 Blue Water Price from: £5838 Blue Water Price from: £6627
    • Jan 17th - Baltra Island, Galápagos and back - Sailing on: Santa Cruz II From: £5838
      EP Explorer Cabin FH Explorer Family Cabin DS Darwin Suite
      Blue Water Price from: £5838 Blue Water Price from: £5838 Blue Water Price from: £6627
    • Jan 31st - Baltra Island, Galápagos and back - Sailing on: Santa Cruz II From: £5283
      EH Explorer Cabin EE Explorer Cabin EP Explorer Cabin FH Explorer Family Cabin DS Darwin Suite
      Blue Water Price from: £5283 Blue Water Price from: £5560 Blue Water Price from: £5838 Blue Water Price from: £5838 Blue Water Price from: £6627
  • February
    • Feb 14th - Baltra Island, Galápagos and back - Sailing on: Santa Cruz II From: £5283
      EH Explorer Cabin EE Explorer Cabin FH Explorer Family Cabin DS Darwin Suite
      Blue Water Price from: £5283 Blue Water Price from: £5560 Blue Water Price from: £5838 Blue Water Price from: £6627
    • Feb 28th - Baltra Island, Galápagos and back - Sailing on: Santa Cruz II From: £5283
      EH Explorer Cabin EE Explorer Cabin EP Explorer Cabin FH Explorer Family Cabin DS Darwin Suite
      Blue Water Price from: £5283 Blue Water Price from: £5560 Blue Water Price from: £5838 Blue Water Price from: £5838 Blue Water Price from: £6627
  • March
    • Mar 14th - Baltra Island, Galápagos and back - Sailing on: Santa Cruz II From: £5283
      EH Explorer Cabin EE Explorer Cabin FH Explorer Family Cabin DS Darwin Suite
      Blue Water Price from: £5283 Blue Water Price from: £5560 Blue Water Price from: £5838 Blue Water Price from: £6627

Price Information

  • Please note prices are updated regularly from a third party price feed and may fluctuate from those shown. Please contact us for latest prices
  • Prices shown usually include all available discounts
Map for In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route)