Galápagos Islands - Nine of the Best Isles

Welcome to Peru, one of the most fascinating countries in South America!  Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital, offers a rich fusion of history, culture, and coastal beauty. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features stunning colonial architecture. Along the Pacific coastline, districts like Miraflores and Barranco captivate with ocean views, bohemian charm, street art, and lively nightlife. With its mix of ancient ruins, such as Huaca Pucllana, and modern urban energy, Lima is a compelling gateway to Peru’s diverse identity. Settle into your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay.

Discover Lima´s historical centre and moreAfter breakfast, you’ll enjoy a Lima City Tour, including lunch, which will introduce you to Lima´s historical centre, which is packed with elegant Spanish colonial architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other interesting sites in Lima. You’ll also visit the fascinating Larco museum, which holds the best private collection of Pre-Columbian art in the country. After this half-day excursion, you’ll have more time to take in this multifaceted city. People watch in one of the city’s grand plazas or seek out a restaurant for another dinner of regional specialities before settling in at your hotel for another overnight stay. 

Unwind and recharge your batteriesRelax on board while we anchor off Baltra Island. After four days of exploring the unique nature and environments of Galápagos, it is the moment to pause for a while and 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 Galápagos wildlife like flamingos and sea turtles. Enjoy swimming or snorkelling before heading back to the ship for an expedition briefing about the following day.  

See iconic wildlife and spectacular landscapesToday 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 Galápagos fur seals and exotic birdlife on an excursion. Or you could just swim or snorkel along the rocky shorelines, sometimes in the company of marine turtles.  

Soak up the sights and sounds of the GalápagosYour day starts on tiny Rábida Island, located off the southern shore of Santiago. You can go for a thrilling panga ride along the coast explore the island’s mesmerising, red-coloured beach. Soak up the sights and sounds made by a colony of sea lions, and watch for marine iguanas, mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers and several species of Darwin’s Finches.  In the afternoon, we’ll sail to the golden sands of Bartolomé Island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock. You can swim or snorkel off the beach here, discover colourful marine life from our glass-bottom boat, or watch for Galápagos Penguins on the shore. Hike up to the summit of the island for fantastic views.  

Discover a birdlife haven and take a refreshing dipToday you’ll explore Genovesa Island. The morning starts with a steep but short climb – only 90 feet – up Prince Philip’s Steps – El Barranco – to reach 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. Afterwards or instead, hop into a kayak for some aquatic adventuring.  In the afternoon, we’ll land and swim at the beautiful beach that fringes Darwin Bay for a swim. Following this refreshing dip, take a stroll and observe hundreds of the island’s birds, or alternatively just take it easy on the beach, swimming, snorkelling or kayaking.  

See giant tortoises in the wildWe start our last morning on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. A dry landing at a passenger wharf and a bus ride to the loftier region of the island will provide 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’s home to two species of giant tortoise. These lush highlands also feature dense forests of Galápagos daisies, orchids and bromeliads. After this visit we’ll transfer directly to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Quito to connect to your international flight, or if you prefer, to Guayaquil. To explore more of Ecuador, why not extend your stay and join one of our post-voyage options.