Galápagos Islands with Machu Picchu

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1-2: Lima, Peru to Cusco, Peru

  Fly from selected UK airport to Lima, Peru for your pre cruise stay.

• Day 3: Machu Picchu

  Travel to Machu Picchu for your pre cruise stay

• Day 4: Cusco, Peru to Quito, Ecuador

  Travel to Quito, Ecuador for your pre cruise stay.

• Day 5-6: Quito, Ecuador

  Quito is Ecuador's capital and sits high in the Andean foothills. The city was constructed on the grounds of a former ancient Incan city and is famous for its preserved historic centre with abundant 16th and 17th-century churches and other structures showcasing centuries-old architecture. Visit Plaza Grande, Carondelet Palace where Ecuador’s president lives and works, and San Augustin which houses paintings by the 17th-century artist Miguel de Santiago. Reach the top of the towers at Basilica del Voto Nacional for breathtaking views of Quito down below or take the TelefériQo (cable car) to be transported high into the Andes for an 18-minute experience of awe-inspiring vistas. If you're an art, culture, or history lover; visit any of Quito's 50+ museums including Museo Nacional, Mindalae Museum, and Casa del Alabado.

• Day 7: Quito to Baltra

  Embark on board MS Santa Cruz II for your 6-night cruise

• Day 8: San Cristóba, Galápagos Islands

  The island of San Cristobal lies to the east of the Galapagos Islands’ archipelago. As one of the oldest islands in the group; San Cristobal is home to approximately 6,000 people. Visit Puerto Baquerizo Moreno — the capital of the Galapagos Islands — and admire the harbour-side statue of Charles Darwin; which marks where he first stepped ashore in the 1830s. Learn about island history at the Interpretation Center, before following the nearby trail to Cerro de las Tijeretas (Frigate Bird Hill). Hop on a boat to Isla Lobos with its indigenous marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions or spend some time with the sea lions on the white sandy beach at La Loberia.

• Day 9: Santa Fe and South Plaza, Galápagos Islands

  The small uplifted island of South Plaza is located off the northeast coast of Santa Cruz Island. Set off on a short hike and Zodiac ride to observe the island’s beauty and wildlife, low-lying landscape covered with colourful saltbush, scrub, and giant prickly pear cactus; and a sub-species of land iguana munching on the cactus. The steep and rocky southern cliffs are home to seabirds and a bachelor colony of sea lions and the clear blue waters below are awash with schools of surgeon fish. Later you'll visit Dragon Hill, named after its population of land iguanas, and view beautiful landscapes and two small lagoons where flamingos and other shore birds occasionally feed. Along the trail, you'll cross an amazing 'white forest' of Palo Santo (incense) trees and Galapagos cotton plants. Excursion options include: a vigorous hike with swimming and snorkelling at the beach, active snorkelling from a zodiac followed by a short walk, or a relaxed Zodiac ride along the coastline with optional dry landing ashore.

• Day 10: Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands

  Santa Cruz Island is 986km2 and located at the centre of the archipelago that spans Ecuador's Galápagos National Park. The island is best known for its sandy beaches such as El Garrapatero and Santa Cruz's capital of Puerto Ayora - which hosts the Charles Darwin Research Station with its breeding programme for endangered giant tortoises that roam freely in El Chato Reserve. Chill out on the white sands of Tortuga Bay and get up close to its abundant marine iguanas and sea turtles; experience the Pelican Bay fish market on Charles Darwin Avenue; take a hike up to the extinct El Puntado volcano and be rewarded with panoramic vistas of Santa Cruz and beyond; swim, dive, and snorkel at Las Grietas; or head inland to witness Los Gemelos volcanic calderas and lava tunnels.

• Day 11: Espanola, Galápagos Islands

  Española Island - also known as Hood Island - sits to the extreme southeast of the Galápagos Islands archipelago and is estimated to be one of the islands' oldest at four million years-old. The isolated nature and dry climate of Española means it is home to a plethora of endemic species including the Española lava lizard, Española mockingbird, and the waved albatross. Spend time at Bahia Gardner with its beautiful kilometre-long beach, sea lion colonies, and breeding site for 12,000+ pairs of waved albatross or head southeast of the island to enjoy swimming and snorkelling at Osborn Islet. Encounter the variety of birdlife such as blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies and the amazing blowhole that spurts water high in the air at Punta Suárez.

• Day 12: Eden Islet, Galápagos Islands

  Today you’ll arrive at Eden Islet, a pristine gem off the coast of Santa Cruz in the Galápagos Islands, where turquoise waters meet volcanic shores and wildlife thrives in every direction. Glide past playful sea lions and blue-footed boobies as you kayak through mangrove-lined coves, or snorkel alongside reef sharks, rays, and vibrant schools of fish in the crystal-clear shallows. Hike across lava fields dotted with marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs, or simply relax on deck and watch frigatebirds soar overhead. Whether you're exploring by land or sea, Eden Islet offers a front-row seat to nature’s raw, untouched beauty.

• Day 13: Baltra to Guayaquil to UK

  It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and start the journey home.