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 - Nine of the Best Isles
From Lima (Callao) to Quito
Galápagos Islands - Nine of the Best Isles
Voyage Itinerary
1 September to 2 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.
3 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.
3 September
Ecuador: Cerro Dragón (Santa Cruz)
The aptly named Cerro Dragón, or ‘Dragon Hill’, is known for its population of land iguanas. These creatures were very nearly wiped out by feral dogs in the 1970s, but the conservation efforts of the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park have been very successful in protecting the iguanas and growing their numbers.
4 September
Ecuador: Punta Vicente Roca
Punta Vicente Roca is one of the best snorkelling locations off the coast of Isabela, and the waters at the base of the cliffs teem with life, including sea turtles, sea lions and Galapagos penguins. There are also caves where you can see birds including brown noddies and flightless cormorants.
4 September
Ecuador: Fernandina Island
The volcanically active island of Fernandina is the youngest in the Galapagos, less than a million years old. The ecosystem is also one of the most pristine, home to a large land iguana population, and the nutrient-rich waters provide an attractive habitat for flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins.
4 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.
5 September
Ecuador: Post Office Bay (Floreana)
Flamingos, cormorants and sea turtles can all be found around Floreana, and the island also has an interesting human history. This is the site of the famous Galapagos ‘post office’, a barrel where sailors would place letters to be transported home by passing ships.
5 September
Ecuador: Isla Champion
6 September
Ecuador: Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
The name is slightly misleading, as you won't find any cormorants here! Instead you'll discover a wonderful white sand beach where turtles and stingrays swim in the shallows, and a brackish lagoon where vivid pink American flamingos nest.
7 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.
7 September
Ecuador: Las Bachas
The beautiful beaches of Las Bachas, on the north coast of Santa Cruz island, are a key nesting site for sea turtles. The name Las Bachas derives from a mispronunciation of the word ‘barges’, after the American army abandoned several barges here at the end of the Second World War.
8 September
Ecuador: Buccaneer Cove, Santiago Island, Galapagos Islands
8 September
Ecuador: Puerto Egas
9 September
Ecuador: Rábida Island
Rábida Island is known for its distinctive red sand beaches, which owe their unusual colour to the high iron content of the volcanic material found on the island. As you come ashore you are likely to encounter sea lions lounging on the beach, along with marine iguanas, brown pelicans and flamingos.
9 September
Ecuador: Bartolomé Island
The summit of Bartolomé Island offers outstanding views of some of the Galapagos archipelago’s most spectacular volcanic scenery, including the much-photographed Pinnacle Rock. The island is also home to penguins, sea lions and turtles, with some great snorkelling spots just offshore.
10 September
Ecuador: El Barranco (Genovesa Island)
At El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps after the Duke’s visit in 1964, you’ll ascend the lava rock cliffs to a plateau where Genovesa’s amazing birdlife comes to the fore. Look out for species including storm petrels, Nazca and red-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds and short-eared owls.
11 September
Ecuador: Bahia Darwin (Genovesa)
The horseshoe-shaped island of Genovesa, located in the northeast of the Galapagos archipelago, is best known for its abundant bird life. Red-footed boobies can be found in significant numbers here, along with storm petrels, frigatebirds, mockingbirds and short-eared owls.
11 September to 12 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.
13 September
Ecuador: Santiago Island
14 September
Ecuador: Rábida Island
Rábida Island is known for its distinctive red sand beaches, which owe their unusual colour to the high iron content of the volcanic material found on the island. As you come ashore you are likely to encounter sea lions lounging on the beach, along with marine iguanas, brown pelicans and flamingos.
15 September
Ecuador: Genovesa Island
The horseshoe-shaped island of Genovesa, located in the northeast of the Galapagos archipelago, is best known for its abundant bird life. Red-footed boobies can be found in significant numbers here, along with storm petrels, frigatebirds, mockingbirds and short-eared owls.
16 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
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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.
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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.
