Our tip
This is the hop-off point to fly to Cusco and Machu Picchu, which is obviously a must-do, but schedule time in Lima too if you can, it’s a fascinating city.
From Lima (Callao) to Quito
Galápagos Islands – In Darwin’s Footsteps Plus Machu Picchu
From Lima (Callao) to Quito
Galápagos Islands – In Darwin’s Footsteps Plus Machu Picchu
Voyage Itinerary
4 September to 5 September
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.
6 September to 10 September - At sea
11 September to 14 September
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.
15 September to 10 September - At sea
11 September to 14 September
Ecuador: Mosquera Island
15 September to 11 September - At sea
12 September to 15 September
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.
16 September to 11 September - At sea
12 September to 15 September
Ecuador: Punta Pitt (San Cristóbal)
16 September to 12 September - At sea
13 September to 16 September
Ecuador: Santa Fe Island
17 September to 12 September - At sea
13 September to 16 September
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.
17 September to 13 September - At sea
14 September to 17 September
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.
18 September to 14 September - At sea
15 September to 18 September
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.
19 September to 14 September - At sea
15 September to 18 September
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.
19 September to 15 September - At sea
16 September to 19 September
Ecuador: El Eden (Santa Cruz)
20 September to 15 September - At sea
16 September to 19 September
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.
20 September to 16 September - At sea
17 September to 20 September
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.
21 September to 12 September - At sea
13 September
Ecuador: Santa Fe Island
14 September
Ecuador: Santa Cruz Island
15 September
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.
16 September
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.
17 September
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.
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.
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
Where to stay in Lima
We like the Country Club Lima Hotel for a bit of colonial style.
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.
cruise news
Latest news and travel inspiration
News, trip reports, cruising advice and industry insight brought to you from our expert team.
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.
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.
