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From Lima (Callao) to Quito

Galápagos Islands – In Darwin’s Footsteps Plus Machu Picchu

Dates:
24 Jul - 6 Aug 2026
Duration:
13 Nights
Journey type:
Cruise only (please call for flight options)
No. of ports:
18
Ship:
MS Santa Cruz II
Cruise Line:
HX Expeditions
Fares:

From £9,357 pp

Sea lion on Gardner Bay, Española island, Galapagos

From Lima (Callao) to Quito

Galápagos Islands – In Darwin’s Footsteps Plus Machu Picchu

Dates:
24 Jul - 6 Aug 2026
Duration:
13 Nights
Journey type:
Cruise only (please call for flight options)
No. of ports:
18
Ship:
MS Santa Cruz II
Cruise Line:
HX Expeditions
Fares:

From £9,357 pp

Voyage Itinerary

24 July to 25 July

Setting sail from Lima (Callao)

Peru's underrated capital enjoys a fine setting on the Pacific coast, and the handsome colonial-era buildings surrounding the Plaza de Armas give clues to Lima's distinguished history; for three centuries this was the capital of the Spanish Americas, when the city grew rich on the back of plundered Inca gold. Modern Lima can be a little hectic, the roads often clogged with traffic, but the historic centre has an undeniable charm to it, and in recent years a clutch of innovative restaurants have helped to put Peruvian cuisine on the map.

Miraflores cliffs in Lima, Peru
Pachacamac ruins, Lima

Don't miss

The pre-Columbian citadel of Pachacamac is a must see, just a few miles from the city and a key Inca site.

26 July to 30 July - At sea

31 July to 3 August

Ecuador: Baltra

The flat and arid island of Baltra, also known as South Seymour, is home to the Galapagos archipelago’s main airport, formerly a US air base. The island is inhabited by wildlife including boobies and frigatebirds, but there are no sites open to visitors, so if you see anything it will only be in passing as you transfer between airport and ship.
Baltra, Galapagos

4 August to 30 July - At sea

31 July to 3 August

Ecuador: Mosquera Island

4 August to 31 July - At sea

1 August to 4 August

Ecuador: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal Island)

San Cristóbal is the most easterly of the Galapagos islands, home to the provincial capital and second largest human settlement in the archipelago, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The fantastic wildlife includes fur seals, boobies and the endangered Chatham frigatebird.
Fur seals on Punta Carola beach, San Cristóbal Island, Galapagos

5 August to 31 July - At sea

1 August to 4 August

Ecuador: Punta Pitt (San Cristóbal)

Vegetation at Punta Pitt, San Cristobal, Galapagos

5 August to 1 August - At sea

2 August to 5 August

Ecuador: Santa Fe Island

6 August to 1 August - At sea

2 August to 5 August

Ecuador: South Plaza Island

South Plaza is one of the smallest islands open to visitors in the Galapagos, dotted with prickly pear cacti and home to a wealth of wildlife, including red-billed tropic birds, land and marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and a large colony of sealions.
Vegetation on South Plaza Island, Galapagos

6 August to 2 August - At sea

3 August to 6 August

Ecuador: Puerto Ayora

Puerto Ayora is the largest town in the Galapagos, on the south coast of Santa Cruz island. From here you can visit the lush highlands where giant tortoises roam free, and you can learn more about tortoise conservation at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Galapagos giant tortoise on Santa Cruz island

7 August to 3 August - At sea

4 August to 7 August

Ecuador: Punta Suárez (Española)

Española is the most southerly island in the Galapagos, and the remote location means it’s home to several endemic species, including the Española lava lizard and the Española mockingbird. In addition, the island is the sole breeding ground for the world’s entire population of waved albatrosses, which can be seen here between April and December.
Waved albatross courting on Española island, Galapagos

8 August to 3 August - At sea

4 August to 7 August

Ecuador: Gardner Bay (Española)

The beautiful white sand beach of Gardner Bay is situated on the north coast of Española, one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos archipelago. Just offshore is Gardner Islet, a great snorkelling spot where you can see sea lions, green turtles and (if you're lucky) reef sharks and rays.
Sea lion on Gardner Bay, Española island, Galapagos

8 August to 4 August - At sea

5 August to 8 August

Ecuador: El Eden (Santa Cruz)

Magrove on Isla Eden, Santa Cruz, Galapagos

9 August to 4 August - At sea

5 August to 8 August

Ecuador: North Seymour

North Seymour island, named after the English nobleman Lord Hugh Seymour, is home to some of the biggest sea bird breeding colonies in the Galapagos. This is one of the best places to see the magnificent frigatebirds, along with blue-footed boobies and land iguanas.
Male frigate bird on North Seymour Island, Galapagos

9 August to 5 August - At sea

6 August to 9 August

Ecuador: Baltra

The flat and arid island of Baltra, also known as South Seymour, is home to the Galapagos archipelago’s main airport, formerly a US air base. The island is inhabited by wildlife including boobies and frigatebirds, but there are no sites open to visitors, so if you see anything it will only be in passing as you transfer between airport and ship.
Baltra, Galapagos

10 August to 1 August - At sea

2 August

Ecuador: Santa Fe Island

3 August

Ecuador: Santa Cruz Island

4 August

Ecuador: Española Island

Española is the most southerly island in the Galapagos, and the remote location means it’s home to several endemic species, including the Española lava lizard and the Española mockingbird. In addition, the island is the sole breeding ground for the world’s entire population of waved albatrosses, which can be seen here between April and December.
Waved albatross courting on Española island, Galapagos

5 August

Ecuador: North Seymour

North Seymour island, named after the English nobleman Lord Hugh Seymour, is home to some of the biggest sea bird breeding colonies in the Galapagos. This is one of the best places to see the magnificent frigatebirds, along with blue-footed boobies and land iguanas.
Male frigate bird on North Seymour Island, Galapagos

6 August

Arriving in Quito

Quito is Ecuador's lofty capital, a fascinating city with a dramatic setting high in the Andes. Most visitors gravitate towards the beautiful UNESCO-listed Old Town, packed full of colonial treasures such as the Monastery of San Francisco and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Basilica in Quito, Ecuador

The ship

MS Santa Cruz II

Capacity:
90 Guests
Style:
Operating solely in this region, MS Santa Cruz II offers the ultimate Galápagos Islands experience with activity-filled days and a relaxed atmosphere on board.

On this little ship you get the ideal combination of decades of experience in the region with a state of the art expedition vessel refurbished to a high standard.

What we love

MS Santa Cruz II has comfortable accommodation (163 square feet) with a few larger suites and interconnecting rooms for family groups, as well as single occupancy cabins. Excellent facilities, two outdoor hot tubs, great areas to interact with the experts on board, indoor and outdoor dining areas and a well-stocked library make the ship a great choice for exploring the Galapagos.

Learn more about MS Santa Cruz II
MS Santa Cruz II in the Galapagos

inclusions

  • All meals
    
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks throughout the day
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Loan of snorkel gear and equipment for activities
  • An expedition jacket, backpack or another piece of HX kit depending on the region
  • Selected excursions and activities
  • Gratuities

Tailor-make your trip

Ways to make it better
    • Country Club Lima Hotel

      Where to stay in Lima

      We like the Country Club Lima Hotel for a bit of colonial style.

    • Nazca Lines, Peru

      See more of Peru

      Travel south from Lima to Nazca to see the extraordinary Nazca Lines – well worth the journey, and stay on at the beach if you have time to spare.

    How can we help?

    Our frequently asked questions

    From expedition tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions.

    visit our faqs

    Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?

    Absolutely. Expedition cruises often start and end in remote destinations, and we're able to arrange everything from flights and transfers to hotels and tours. If you're keen to make the most of your time away with bespoke arrangements, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and we offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24-hour emergency contact, to give you complete peace of mind.

    Will I save by booking with Mundy Adventures?

    You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line, as well as enjoying more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.

    How much time is spent ashore?

    Itineraries are planned to deliver an unforgettable experience of the destination, so days are filled with landings ashore via the ship's fleet of Zodiacs (sturdy rubber boats) or exploration along the coastline. It will vary depending on itinerary and operators, so it's best to contact us to discuss but rest assured an expedition cruise is focused on the time you spend off the ship.

    Why Mundy?

    Who we are

    Mundy Adventures is the intrepid little brother of Mundy Cruising Ltd., the UK's very first cruise specialist, and one of the leading companies in its field.

    We specialise in travel by ship and have been doing so for over 50 years. By providing expert, personal service, insightful ideas and fascinating add-ons we aim to make your adventure holiday truly unique and special.

    More about Mundy

    We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.