South America – Galapagos

Galapagos Islands

 The islands that time forgot

The best trip to the Galapagos Islands depends on your preferences, but generally Spring offers the most pleasant weather for exploration, with warm temperatures and calmer seas. A small ship cruise is often recommended for maximizing wildlife viewing and access to remote areas.

You’ll always remember the islands that time forgot. In the Galapagos, modern explorers come eye to eye with ancient tortoises, comical birds, and other amazing beasts—plus landscapes as fantastical as the animals—for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

For seven glorious days, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Darwin, viewing this realm through the eyes of certified naturalists, making discoveries on shore excursions

Few destinations are more iconic than the Galápagos Islands. Sail among the varied landscapes of this magical archipelago to encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, playful penguins, and charismatic sea lions, all unfazed by your presence. With multiple ways to explore on land and at sea, including hikes, photo walks, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling, every day reveals new discoveries interpreted by a team of expert local guides.  When you are exploring the Galapagos islands with us onboard the MS Santa Cruz II, you will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in high quality surroundings. The small size – with a guest capacity of maximum of 90 allows for a cozy yet classy environment.

April 8-16, 2026

Included Highlights

• • Two nights at a hotel in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and dinner on Day 2
  • Flights in economy class between Quito and Baltra, including all taxesTransfer from the hotel to the airport in Quito before the expedition cruise
  • Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Quito before the expedition cruise
  • Transfers between the airport and the ship in Baltra  
  • Full-day excursion: Historic Quito & Middle of the World, including lunch, before the expedition cruise 

• During Your Cruise
  • A stay in a cabin of your choice

Other Inclusions:

• • A backpack or another piece of HX kit
  • Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
  • Use of hot tubs, fitness room, lounges and more  
  • Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
  • Range of included activities

  Landing Activities

  • Escorted and guided landings with small panga boats
  • Loan of all equipment for activities
  • Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

  Onboard Activities

  • In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
  • Full access to the ship’s Science Corner
  • The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research 
  • An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
  • Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Culinary Inclusions:

• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
• House wine and beer served with lunch and dinner. Wine, beer and spirits (excluding premium alcoholic drinks) available from the bar at any time (subject to Ecuadorean licensing laws)
• All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
• A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home

Vibrant Quito 

Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Quito

Your journey begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its main draw is the exquisite Old Town, which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with well-preserved colonial architecture, including colorful plazas, magnificent churches, and stately monuments. Settle into your hotel, then head out to explore.

If you have time, we recommend coming a few days earlier and joining one of our optional Pre-Programs.

Day 2

Visit historic Quito  

Straddle the Equator in the Middle of the World City

Today, enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town, one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture and sample delicious chocolate made from the finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way.

Next, you’ll head to the iconic ‘Middle of the World City’, located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you’ll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line that is the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

Day 3

Your cruise begins 

Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands

After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galápagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you.

Get your first glimpse of the islands’ incredible wildlife on Mosquera Islet, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago. We’ll take our small panga boats ashore for a closer look.

As you stroll across the flat, sandy dunes, look out for blue-footed boobies and Sally Lightfoot crabs, and learn about the marine and terrestrial ecosystems from your naturalist guides.

Day 4

Tortoises of San Cristóbal 

Meet the famous giant tortoises

Your first stop today is the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve, a breeding center for the endangered giant tortoise. It’s also home to other endemic species, including the San Cristóbal mockingbird and the lava lizard.

The giant tortoise is probably the most iconic of all Galápagos wildlife, with a lifespan of over 100 years. They thrive here, ambling around forests similar to their natural habitat.

We will likely explore Punta Pitt in our small panga boats. This is the only site in the Galápagos Islands where you might see three species of boobies. Enjoy a nature walk, explore the coastline by boat, or snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear water.    *Note – this is dependent on local authority restrictions.

Day 5

Santa Fe and South Plaza 

Spot wildlife against idyllic backdrops

We 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.

You can swim or snorkel from our small panga boats, take a kayak for a paddle around the island, or join a trip in our glass-bottomed boat to observe the marine life below. After a delicious lunch prepared by our onboard chefs, we head to South Plaza Island.

Keep an eye out for frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and Galápagos shearwaters gliding on the breeze. Here, among a dazzling array of flora, land iguanas laze by the shore while marine iguanas slip in and out of the water.

Day 6

Explore Santa Cruz

Learn about local conservation efforts on Santa Cruz Island

Today, we pay a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora.

At this giant tortoise breeding center, you can see recently hatched tortoises and Darwin’s famous finches – the birds he used as a basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection. There’s also an impressive forest of prickly pear cacti that is home to many land birds.

Enjoy a cooler climate over lunch in the lush highlands, where giant tortoises shuffle about munching on grass and wallowing in pools.

You’ll also have time for another activity, such as mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.

Day 7

Dramatic Española 

Lava lizards and incredible birdlife

Your Galápagos Islands cruise reaches Española, the archipelago’s southernmost island. Birdlife here is truly extraordinary. On cruises from April through December, look for Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and the mighty waved albatross.

This is also a great chance to spot red Española lava lizards and marine iguanas, as well as see El Soplador, the famous blowhole that blasts water 75 feet into the air.

After lunch on board the ship, we’ll head to the picturesque coral beach of Gardner Bay and nearby Osborn Islet to seek out sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches. If you’re feeling active, you can go snorkeling or kayaking.

Day 8

Reef life on Eden Islet 

Green turtles, sharks, and rare bird colonies

The abundant wildlife-watching opportunities continue at Eden Islet, where we hope to see Galápagos green turtles, rays, and friendly reef sharks. On shore, look for distinctive frigatebirds with their rubbery, red throats.

You can swim or snorkel to explore the reefs. You can also see the reefs from our glass-bottomed boat or by kayak. After lunch, we’ll sail to North Seymour.

The island is a great site for spotting colonies of blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. Sea lions and marine iguanas also congregate here, attracted by the bountiful sea life in its waters.

Day 9

End of an expedition 

From the Galápagos Islands back to Quito

Your expedition cruise draws to a close as you disembark at Baltra Island. A transfer will take you to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight. Flight to Quito must be requested at the time of booking. Please contact us at the time of booking to continue on to Quito at the end of your tour. If you prefer, you can continue to Guayaquil for another adventure.

To explore more of Ecuador, we recommend extending your stay and joining one of our optional Post-Programs.

As you leave this fascinating region, you’ll take incredible memories of amazing wildlife with you and wonderful experiences few have the privilege of enjoying.

*Prices are per person based on double occupancy

Includes taxes & fees

Single from $10,595

 How to book:  Call 516.248.3496 or email wisewomentravelellen@gmail.com  Airfare can be priced and booked 11 months in advance.  Deposit required.  We can hold a booking for 7 days with an initial non-refundable 25% payment if booking more than 90 days before departure.  Full payment due 95 days in advance.  Travel insurance is recommended and paid for with your deposit for complete coverage.

Extras

• Galápagos Islands National Park admission fee 
• Transit control card for the Galápagos Islands 
• Access to the airport lounge at the Quito (or Guayaquil) airport upon return from the Galápagos Islands for guests flying internationally on the day of disembarkation
• Notes
  • All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
  • Your flight from Baltra will be to Quito. If you wish to end your expedition in Guayaquil, please advise us
  • Quito’s altitude is at approximately 9,350 feet above sea level and during your stay, you might experience mild altitude sickness
  • Excursions and activities are subject to change
  • Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
  • Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)

  What’s not included

  • International flights
  • Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings 
  • Travel protection
  • Baggage handling

Call 516 248 3496 or email wisewomentravelellen@gmail.com for more info.