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MS Santa Cruz II Ship Information
Itineraries

13 Night Nine of the Best Galapagos Isles Plus Machu Picchu Cruise and Land Tour

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MS Santa Cruz II

Category SSF - Seven Seas Suite Forward
Seven Seas Suite (Forward)

Photos are examples only. Actual cabin colors and features may vary.

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13 Night Nine of the Best Galapagos Isles Plus Machu Picchu Cruise and Land Tour from Lima

Ship: MS Santa Cruz II

Cruise Line: HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

Sailed: Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 from Lima, Peru

Ended: Friday, Dec 6, 2024

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 departure of the MS Santa Cruz II. If HX Hurtigruten Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

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Day 1 - Saturday - Nov 23, 2024

Lima, Peru

Start your adventure in ancient and modern Lima. Welcome to Peru, one of the most fascinating countries in South America! If you have time after your arrival in Lima before settling in at your hotel for an overnight stay, consider wandering historical center, which is packed with elegant Spanish colonial architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or why not walk along the oceanfront boardwalk in the upmarket Miraflores district. Here, you'll find many restaurants and cafes, as well as shops if you need to purchase anything ahead of your adventure. Lima is considered the food capital of Latin America, so be sure to try local dishes like ceviche, which is raw fish marinated in lime juice with onion and chili.

Day 2 - Sunday - Nov 24, 2024

Lima, Peru

Air Travel

Cusco, Peru

Explore the ancient seat of the Inca Empire. In the morning, you'll take a flight to Cusco, the ancient seat of the Inca Empire. A local guide will take you to check into your hotel, before inviting you on a guided tour of this enigmatic city. You'll see impressive Inca structures contrasted with ornate buildings from Spanish colonial times. Visit the 15th-century ceremonial compound of Sacsayhuaman, or admire the architecture of the Spanish Santo Domingo Church, a convent built on the ruins of Coricancha, the Inca Sun Temple. After your tour of the highlights of this cultural and architectural gem, we'll return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 3 - Monday - Nov 25, 2024

Cusco, Peru

Bus Travel

Ollantaytambo, Peru

Train Travel

Aguas Calientes, Peru

Bus Travel

Machu Picchu, Peru

Bus Travel

Aguas Calientes, Peru

Train Travel

Ollantaytambo, Peru

Bus Travel

Cusco, Peru

Discover the lost city of the Incas. An early morning transfer will take you to Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, from where you'll catch a train along the narrow-gauge line to Machu Picchu, passing through stunning highland scenery along the way. After around two hours, we'll stop at the small town of Aguas Calientes and take the short bus ride to Machu Picchu - the so-called Lost City of the Incas. You'll enjoy a guided tour of this once-hidden settlement, marveling at the stonewalls, terraces, and ramps that are carved into the mountain. You'll love the peaceful atmosphere of Machu Picchu as you gaze at the lowland jungle from this city in the clouds. After lunch, we'll return to Cusco where you'll enjoy your final night at the hotel.

Day 4 - Tuesday - Nov 26, 2024

Cusco, Peru

Air Travel

Lima, Peru

Air Travel

Quito, Ecuador

Discover the vibrant city of Quito. The day begins with breakfast at your hotel. We'll then drive to the airport in Cusco for a morning flight to Ecuador (via Lima). You'll arrive in Quito in the afternoon. 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-era architecture, including colorful plazas, magnificent churches, and stately monuments. If you have time in the evening, visit Calle La Ronda, an old pedestrian street where poets and other artists once lived. It's lined with cafes and shops where there are many handicrafts available to admire and purchase.

Day 5 - Wednesday - Nov 27, 2024

Quito, Ecuador

Bus Travel

Mitad del Mundo, Ecuador

Bus Travel

Quito, Ecuador

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 6 - Thursday - Nov 28, 2024

Quito, Ecuador

Air Travel

Cruise Begins

Baltra, Galapagos, Ecuador

Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

Get ready to explore the spectacular Galapagos Islands. As your South America land adventure draws to a close, it is time to embark on the next stage of your journey. After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island, a part of the spectacular Galapagos Archipelago. A transfer will take you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you. We'll begin our exploration of the Galapagos Islands in the afternoon by following the north shore of Santa Cruz to the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragon, or Dragon Hill, where we'll land. On the first part of our walk, we'll pass a brackish lagoon that is frequented by shorebirds and American flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as your first chance to encounter some land iguanas.

Day 7 - Friday - Nov 29, 2024

Punta Vicente Roca, Ecuador

Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

Scan the coastline and seas for iconic species. You'll start your day at Punta Vicente Roca on the northwestern tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we'll explore the coast on a panga boat and your naturalist guides will teach you about the dramatic geology of the area. This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you can snorkel beside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sunfish, and fur seals. In the afternoon, we'll explore Fernandina, an island with a unique ecology and a large population of marine iguanas. Watch the coastline for sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks, and penguins.

Day 8 - Saturday - Nov 30, 2024

Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

Meet the famous giant tortoises of the Galapagos. Today, you'll explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we'll disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. 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, including mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.

Day 9 - Sunday - Dec 1, 2024

Baroness Lookout, Ecuador

Bahia Post Office, Ecuador

Isla Champion, Ecuador

Cormorant Point, Floreana Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

Discover Galapagos history and underwater wildlife. After breakfast, enjoy a panga boat ride through the channels on Floreana's north shore before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. After lunch, explore the wonders around Champion Islet in a panga boat or aboard a glass-bottom boat. This is one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. From there, we head to Cormorant Point, where we'll walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon. Along the way, common sights include American flamingos, pintail ducks, and more.

Day 10 - Monday - Dec 2, 2024

Baltra, Galapagos, Ecuador

Las Bachas, Ecuador

Unwind and recharge your batteries. Relax onboard while we anchor off Baltra Island. After four days of exploring the unique natural environments of the Galapagos, have a relaxation day so you can recharge your batteries for the days ahead. Make use of the many onboard facilities, flick through the books in the library, or exercise in the gym - it's up to you. In the afternoon, we'll land at Las Bachas beach, located on the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island. This glorious white beach with turquoise waters is a great place to spot iconic Galapagos wildlife like flamingos and sea turtles. Swim or snorkel before heading back to the ship for an expedition briefing about the following day.

Day 11 - Tuesday - Dec 3, 2024

Buccaneer Cove, Ecuador

Puerto Egas, Ecuador

See iconic wildlife and spectacular landscapes. Today, you'll explore Santiago Island's pristine beaches and picturesque landscapes. Take in the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove on the northwest coast, home to a large number of marine birds and sea lions. Immerse yourself in the scenery through a range of water activities and marvel at fantastic rock formations such as 'Elephant Rock' and 'The Bishop'. In the afternoon, we'll head to Puerto Egas, one of the best visitor sites on the island. You'll have the opportunity to see a colony of Galapagos fur seals and exotic birdlife on an excursion. Or, you can swim or snorkel along the rocky shorelines, typically in the company of marine turtles.

Day 12 - Wednesday - Dec 4, 2024

Rabida, Ecuador

San Bartolome, El Salvador

Soak up the sights and sounds of the Galapagos. Your day starts on tiny Rabida Island, located off the southern shore of Santiago Island. Take a thrilling panga ride along the coast to explore the island's mesmerizing, red-colored beach. Soak up the sights and sounds of a sea lion colony and keep an eye out for marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin's finches. In the afternoon, we'll sail to the golden sands of Bartolome Island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock. Swim or snorkel at the beach here or discover colorful marine life riding in a glass-bottom boat. You may even spot some Galapagos penguins on the shore. Hike up to the summit of the island for fantastic views.

Day 13 - Thursday - Dec 5, 2024

Genovesa Island, Ecuador

Discover a birdlife haven and take a refreshing dip. Today, you explore Genovesa Island. The morning starts with a steep but short climb (only 90 feet) up Prince Philip's Steps - otherwise known as El Barranco - to reach a flat and rocky plateau. Once there, you can walk along comfortably and look out for large colonies of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, and storm petrels. Afterward, or instead, hop into a kayak for an aquatic adventure. In the afternoon, we'll land at the beautiful beach that borders Darwin Bay for a swim. After this refreshing dip, take a stroll and observe hundreds of island birds. You can also swim, snorkel, kayak, or just take relax on the beach.

Day 14 - Friday - Dec 6, 2024

Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

Cruise Ends

Bus Travel

Santa Cruz Highlands, Isla Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Ecuador

Bus Travel

Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

Day Boat Travel

Baltra, Galapagos, Ecuador

Bus Travel

Baltra, Galapagos, Ecuador

Air Travel

Quito, Ecuador

See giant tortoises in the wild. We'll start our last morning on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. After a dry landing at a passenger wharf and a bus ride to the island's higher region, you'll see a final highlight of your expedition cruise: giant tortoises in the wild. The windward slopes of the island are set aside as a reserve that is home to two species of giant tortoise. These lush highlands also feature dense forests of Galapagos daisies, orchids, and bromeliads. After this visit, we'll take a transfer directly to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito, where you'll connect to your international flight. If you prefer, you can continue to Guayaquil for another adventure. Flight to Quito must be requested at the time of booking. To explore more of Ecuador, extend your stay and join one of the optional Post-Programs.

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