Your journey of discovery begins on the equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 ft, 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.

If you have time in the evening, make sure to visit Calle La Ronda, an ancient pedestrian street with links to poets and other artists who have lived here. It’s full of shops and café and there are also plenty of handicrafts for sale.

Pre-Programs: Why not experience another highlight of South America and discover the lost civilization of the Inca people? See the breathtaking mountain stronghold of Machu Picchu. This optional four-day Pre-Program in Lima before your cruise starts and ends in Quito. Or arrive a few days earlier in Quito and join the four-day tour to a Cloudforest Lodge at the Mashpi Reserve. This area is part of the Ecuadorian Choco rainforest, known as one of the world’s greatest areas for biodiversity. This optional extension is also available as Post-Program.

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, head to the iconic ‘Middle of the World City’, located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, 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.

As your South American 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 Galápagos Archipelago. A transfer takes you straight to the port, where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you.

Begin your afternoon exploration of the Galápagos Islands by following the north shore of Santa Cruz to the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón, or Dragon Hill, where you’ll land. On the first part of our walk, pass a brackish lagoon 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.

Start your day at Punta Vicente Roca, on the north-western tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, explore the coast by dinghy and your naturalist guides will teach you about the area’s dramatic geology. This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you can snorkel beside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sunfish, and even fur seals. 

In the afternoon, explore Fernandina, an island with a unique environment and a high density of marine iguanas. Scan the coast for sea lions, Sally lightfoot crabs, hawks, and penguins.

Today, explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, 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.

After breakfast, enjoy a dinghy ride among the channels on Floreana’s north shore before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later, 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 underwater wonders around Champion Islet in a dinghy or glass-bottom boat. This is one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago.
From there, head to Cormorant Point, where you walk from an olivine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon. Along the way, see if you can spot American flamingos, pintail ducks, and other birds.

As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to the amazing wildlife and scenery of one of the world’s most incredible nature destinations. You’ll also say farewell to your wonderful crew and Expedition Team as you disembark at Baltra Island. 

A transfer takes you to the airport, where your waiting flight brings you to Guayaquil. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, a representative will assist with the international flight connection. Alternatively, continue from Guayaquil to Quito to catch your international flight from there. Flight to Quito must be requested at the time of booking. 

Post-Programs: Explore more of Ecuador with one of the optional Post-Programs. Join the travel to the 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 flora and fauna on selected activities.   
Or travel from Quito to the Mashpi Reserve, a unique habitat and ecosystem. Enjoy a  3-night stay in the luxurious Cloudforest Lodge and discover this breathtaking area (also available as a Pre-Program). Both Post-Programs include two nights in Quito.