8-night South America cruise: Quito to Baltra, Galapagos Islands on MS Santa Cruz II
The Galápagos Islands - In Darwin’s Footsteps (Eastern Route) is a 8-night South America cruise aboard MS Santa Cruz II, operated by HX Expeditions. Departing Quito on September 23, 2026 and arriving in Baltra, Galapagos Islands on October 1, 2026, the voyage visits 7 ports including San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands, Santa Fe Island, Galapagos, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands. CruiseCaptain has fare history for this sailing.
Fixed editorial images from the places on this itinerary. They stay stable each time you return to this sailing.
Quito
Quito, Ecuador's capital, sits high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 2,850m. Constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, it’s known for its well-preserved colonial center, rich with 16th- and 17th-century churches and other structures blending European, Moorish and indigenous styles. These include the cathedral, in the Plaza Grande square, and ultra-ornate Compañia de Jesús Jesuit church.
Baltra, Galapagos Islands
During World War II, Baltra served as a U.S. military base protecting the Panama Canal from enemy attack. Now the cactus-strewn landscapes of Baltra are home to the region's main airport and where you will meet the ship. After just a short bus and zodiac ride you will be aboard. Your luggage will be delivered straight to your stateroom, giving you the opportunity to explore the Celebrity Xpedition, a 296-foot mega-yacht and your home for the week.
Galapagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands is a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. It's considered one of the world's foremost destinations for wildlife-viewing. A province of Ecuador, it lies about 1,000km off its coast. Its isolated terrain shelters a diversity of plant and animal species, many found nowhere else. Charles Darwin visited in 1835, and his observation of Galápagos' species later inspired his theory of evolution.
With carbon-neutral operations, MS Santa Cruz II is environmentally-sustainable and socially conscious with the local community.
This sleek, spacious ship has a layout that allows you to enjoy your cruise from start to finish. Enjoy delicious food in the elegant restaurant, increase your knowledge of the Galápagos Islands with your fellow travellers in the Science Center or maybe mingle out on the multiple decks.
While exploring the Galápagos, you'll have the ability to actively engage in activities and encounters. After a day in Darwin's footsteps, you will enjoy coming home to a casual atmosphere with the best service there is. MS Santa Cruz II's amenities easily appeal to all world explorers.
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