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6 Night Galapagos Islands 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.

This cruise has already sailed

6 Night Galapagos Islands Cruise and Land Tour from Quito

Ship: MS Santa Cruz II

Cruise Line: Hurtigruten Cruise Line

Sailed: Saturday, Mar 11, 2023 from Quito, Ecuador

Ended: Friday, Mar 17, 2023

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Saturday, Mar 11, 2023 departure of the MS Santa Cruz II. If Hurtigruten Cruise Line 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

Day 1 - Saturday - Mar 11, 2023

Quito, Ecuador

Your journey of discovery 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. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's packed with well-preserved colonial architecture, including colorful plazas, magnificent churches, and handsome monuments. If you have enough time in the evening, make sure to visit the Calle La Ronda, an ancient pedestrianized street with links to the poets and artists who've lived here. It's lined with shops and cafes, and there are many handicrafts available to buy. Pre-Program: Arrive in Quito a few days early and join a 4-day tour to Cloud Forest Lodge in the Mashpi Reserve. The area is part of the Ecuadorian Choco rainforest, one of the world's greatest biodiversity hotspots. This optional extension is also available as a Post-Program.

Day 2 - Sunday - Mar 12, 2023

Quito, Ecuador

Bus Travel

Sangolqui, Ecuador

Bus Travel

Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

Bus Travel

Quito, Ecuador

Today, you'll visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of South America's most active volcanoes. But first, you'll stop at the photogenic Sangolqui open-air market, where you can browse colorful stalls with unique handicrafts, and sample different local specialities. Afterwards, we'll walk to Limpiopungo Lagoon, tucked in a high valley within the Cotopaxi National Park at 12,800 feet above sea level. Spot herds of llamas on the slopes and keep your eyes open for birds such as the Andean gull, several species of hummingbird and-with luck-the majestic Andean condor. You'll enjoy a tasty lunch prepared by some of the region's best chefs before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Day 3 - Monday - Mar 13, 2023

Quito, Ecuador

Air Travel

Cruise Begins

Baltra, Galapagos, Ecuador

Las Bachas, Ecuador

After breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island in the spectacular Galapagos archipelago. A transfer brings you straight to the port where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits. 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 first place to spot iconic Galapagos wildlife like flamingos and sea turtles, and it's named after some sunken barges left after WWII. Enjoy some swimming or snorkeling before heading back to the ship for a welcome cocktail and an expedition briefing about the following day.

Day 4 - Tuesday - Mar 14, 2023

Buccaneer Cove, Ecuador

Puerto Egas, Ecuador

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 fur sea lions and exotic birdlife on an excursion. Or you could just swim or snorkel along the rocky shorelines, typically, in the company of marine turtles.

Day 5 - Wednesday - Mar 15, 2023

Rabida, Ecuador

San Bartolome, El Salvador

Your day starts on tiny Rabida Island, located off the southern shore of Santiago. You can go for a thrilling dinghy ride along the coast or join an excursion exploring the island's mesmerizing, red-colored beach. Soak up the sights and sounds made by a colony of sea lions, and spot 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. You can swim or snorkel off the beach here or discover colorful marine life from the glass-bottom boat, and spot Galapagos penguins on the shore. Hike up to the summit of the island for fantastic views.

Day 6 - Thursday - Mar 16, 2023

Genovesa Island, Ecuador

Today you'll explore Genovesa Island. The morning starts with a steep but short climb - only 90 feet - up a flight of steps to reach a flat and rocky plateau. Once there, you can walk along comfortably and check out large colonies of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, and storm petrels. Afterwards or instead, hop into a kayak for some aquatic adventuring! In the afternoon, we'll land at the beautiful beach that fringes Darwin Bay for a swim. Following this refreshing dip, take a stroll and observe hundreds of island birds, or alternatively just take it easy on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking.

Day 7 - Friday - Mar 17, 2023

Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

Cruise Ends

Bus Travel

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

Bus Travel

Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

Day Boat Travel

Baltra, Galapagos, Ecuador

Bus Travel

Baltra, Galapagos, Ecuador

Air Travel

Guayaquil, Ecuador

We start our last morning on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. After breakfast, your luggage will be taken to the airport while you visit the Tortoise Reserve. A dry landing at a passenger's wharf and a bus ride to the loftier region of the island will provide the last highlight of the cruise: giant tortoises in the wild. The windward slopes of the island are home to two species of giant tortoise. These lush highlands include dense forests of Galapagos daisies, orchids and bromeliads, and several endemic land birds. After this visit, we'll transfer directly to Baltra Airport. Farewell to Galapagos. Post-Programmes: Explore more of Ecuador with one of the optional Post-Programmes. Travel to Napo River, in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Fly to Coca and spend three nights in a lodge surrounded by the beautiful rainforest and observe and learn about the flora and fauna on selected activities. Or instead, travel from Quito to the Mashpi Reserve, a unique habitat and ecosystem. Here you'll enjoy a 3-night stay in luxurious Cloud Forest Lodge and discover this breathtaking area (also available as a Pre-Programme). Both post-programmes have two nights in Quito included.

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