In Darwin's Footsteps with HX Expeditions

Days 1-2  Quito
Fly to Quito. Upon arrival, head to your hotel. The following day, enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town – one of the largest and best-preserved colonial era quarters in South America. Later, head to the iconic ‘Middle of the World City’, and after lunch, visit the monument that delineates the imaginary line of the Equator.

Day 3  Cruise embarkation
After breakfast, take a short flight to Baltra Island in the spectacular Galápagos archipelago and transfer to the port where your comfortable expedition ship, MS Santa Cruz II awaits. Marvel at the incredible wildlife on Mosquera Islet, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago.

Day 4  San Cristóbal
Board a small expedition boat to Punta Pitt, the only site in the Galápagos Islands where you might see three species of boobies, before heading to the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve – a breeding centre for the endangered giant tortoise.

Day 5  Santa Fe and South Plaza
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. After lunch, head to South Plaza Island and keep an eye out for frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls and Galápagos shearwaters gliding on the breeze.

Day 6  Santa Cruz
In the morning, disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, you can see recently hatched tortoises and Darwin’s famous finches.

Day 7  Española
Española, the southernmost of the Galápagos islands, is truly extraordinary – look out for Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. After, head to the picturesque coral beach of Gardner Bay and nearby Osborn Islet to seek out sea lions, mockingbirds and finches.

Day 8  Eden Islet
At Eden Islet, you can see Galápagos green turtles, rays, and friendly reef sharks. Later, sail to North Seymour, a great site for spotting colonies of blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls.

Days 9-10  Disembark in Baltra Island and fly home
Disembark your expedition ship at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil to connect with your flight home. Perhaps, extend your adventure and venture into Mashpi Cloud Forest Reserve and stay at the incredible 4★+ Mashpi Lodge. Whilst here, explore the peaceful ecosystem, walk across glistening streams, rise at dawn for rare bird sightings, or soar above the breathtaking canopy aboard the Dragonfly gondola. Please ask your Trailfinders travel consultant for more details.

Your Ship: While exploring the Galápagos islands onboard the MS Santa Cruz II, you will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in high-quality surroundings. The ship’s small size allows for a cosy yet classy environment, meaning you’ll easily feel at home on board. With carbon neutral operations, the ship is environmentally sustainable and conscious of the local community.