13 nights · Peru · Departs Callao-Lima (Peru) · Visiting Cusco-Machu Picchu, Quito, Baltra Island, Mosquera Island, San Cristobal Island, Santa Fe Island, South Plaza Island, Santa Cruz Island, Espanola Island, Eden Island, North Seymour Island · Aboard HX Expeditions on the MV Santa Cruz II Galapagos
Image courtesy of HX Expeditions ©
| Cruise line | HX Expeditions |
|---|---|
| Ship | MV Santa Cruz II Galapagos |
| Duration | 13 nights |
| Port calls | 12 |
| Departures | 31 sailings |
| From fare | $4,795 per person |
| Year built | 2002 |
| Guests | 100 |
| Cabins | 50 |
| Crew | 50 |
| Length | 71 m |
| Beam | 13 m |
| Cruising speed | 13.0 kn |
Callao is Peru’s working maritime gateway, but its appeal extends beyond the harbour. From here, Lima’s historic centre and museums are within reach. In Callao, explore the imposing Real Felipe Fortress, built to defend the port, then visit La Punta for Pacific views. Stay for ceviche and discover a city shaped by trade, naval history and the ocean.
Cusco makes an arresting start to any journey toward Machu Picchu. At 11,150 feet, this former Inca capital rewards a measured first day and unhurried walks. Churches rise above Inca foundations around the Plaza de Armas; nearby markets reveal Andean life. From the Sacred Valley, trains follow the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu. Advance entry reservations are essential.
Callao is Peru’s working maritime gateway, but its appeal extends beyond the harbour. From here, Lima’s historic centre and museums are within reach. In Callao, explore the imposing Real Felipe Fortress, built to defend the port, then visit La Punta for Pacific views. Stay for ceviche and discover a city shaped by trade, naval history and the ocean.
Quito stands 2,850 metres above sea level, framed by Andean peaks and bright equatorial light. Its UNESCO-listed historic centre rewards an unhurried walk. Ornate churches, quiet courtyards and grand plazas line its remarkably preserved colonial streets. Inside La Compañía de Jesús, gilded Baroque detail commands attention. Beyond the rooftops, volcanic horizons remind you that this is no ordinary capital. Take time to adjust to the altitude.
Baltra is less a destination than the gateway to the Galápagos—and that is precisely its appeal. From the airport or cruise pier, cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry to Santa Cruz. There, giant tortoises, volcanic terrain and Darwin’s legacy reward the first steps ashore. Baltra itself is spare and sun-baked, shaped by its airfield and wartime past. Think of it as the threshold: the wildlife-rich islands begin just beyond.
Between Baltra and North Seymour, Mosquera is a low strip of white sand set against the Pacific. With no permanent settlement, its appeal is wildlife at close range rather than built attractions. Sea lions often rest on the beach, while shorebirds patrol the waterline and marine iguanas may appear among the rocks. Give animals room and let the quiet scale of this uninhabited islet set the pace.
San Cristóbal, the easternmost of the Galápagos’ major islands, welcomes visitors at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the archipelago’s capital. Sea lions claim the harbourfront benches, while fishing boats and small cafés give the town an easy, working rhythm. At the Galápagos Interpretation Center, exhibits explain the islands’ natural history and human settlement. A short walk leads to Cerro Tijeretas, where trails overlook a sheltered bay and frigatebirds wheel above the coast.
South-east of Santa Cruz, Santa Fe is an uninhabited island reached by day boat from the central Galápagos. At Barrington Bay, a white-sand landing brings you close to sea lions and giant prickly-pear cacti. Look for the Santa Fe land iguana, found nowhere else, among the dry scrub and towering cactus groves. Clear water offers snorkelers the chance to see reef fish, rays and sea turtles.
South Plaza is a small, uninhabited island off Santa Cruz, yet its wildlife is remarkably close at hand. A guided walk crosses a vivid carpet of prickly-pear cactus and seasonal red sesuvium. Land iguanas feed nearby, while sea lions rest beside the path. At the island’s cliff edge, watch for swallow-tailed gulls and other seabirds. This compact Galápagos stop rewards careful looking at every turn.
Santa Cruz is the Galápagos’ busiest inhabited island, and Puerto Ayora is its principal town. Puerto Ayora’s waterfront has cafés, shops and a fish market frequented by sea lions and pelicans. At the Charles Darwin Research Station, exhibits introduce conservation work and the Galápagos’ giant tortoises. A guided trip into the highlands reveals lava tunnels, farms and wild tortoises grazing in pastures. Cruise ships anchor offshore; tenders bring passengers to town.
Española is the Galápagos at its wildest: a low, arid island at the archipelago’s southern edge. At Punta Suárez, a rugged trail passes nesting Nazca boobies, marine iguanas and the endemic Española mockingbird. From April to December, waved albatrosses gather here to court and raise their young. Gardner Bay offers a gentler counterpoint, with white sand, sea lions and clear water made for swimming or snorkeling.
Eden Island, also known as Eden Islet, rises off Santa Cruz in the Galápagos. Cruise vessels anchor nearby, and small boats bring visitors to its clear waters. Snorkel among sea turtles, rays and reef sharks, then look to the cliffs for seabirds overhead. There is no town to explore; Eden’s appeal is direct access to the archipelago’s wildlife and volcanic scenery.
Step ashore at Seymour, the gateway to the Galápagos, where wildlife is the main event. Baltra’s arid landscape sets a stark first impression. Nearby North Seymour brings blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and land iguanas into view on guided walks. Most visitors cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry, then travel by road to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. Reserve time for an excursion; access to many sites is carefully regulated.
Baltra is less a destination than the gateway to the Galápagos—and that is precisely its appeal. From the airport or cruise pier, cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry to Santa Cruz. There, giant tortoises, volcanic terrain and Darwin’s legacy reward the first steps ashore. Baltra itself is spare and sun-baked, shaped by its airfield and wartime past. Think of it as the threshold: the wildlife-rich islands begin just beyond.
Quito stands 2,850 metres above sea level, framed by Andean peaks and bright equatorial light. Its UNESCO-listed historic centre rewards an unhurried walk. Ornate churches, quiet courtyards and grand plazas line its remarkably preserved colonial streets. Inside La Compañía de Jesús, gilded Baroque detail commands attention. Beyond the rooftops, volcanic horizons remind you that this is no ordinary capital. Take time to adjust to the altitude.
Published August 2, 2026
Last updated October 31, 2026
Author: J. Richard
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