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Peregrine Travel Centre

Galápagos Islands Expedition Cruise – In Darwin’s Footsteps Plus Machu Picchu

Galápagos Islands Expedition Cruise – In Darwin’s Footsteps Plus Machu Picchu

From AUD $7,682

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Description

South America land adventure The first part of our adventure takes place on land. Setting off from Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital, we’ll fly to Cusco, the ancient center of the Inca empire, and discover its many cultural and architectural wonders. Next, we travel up the Sacred Valley on a luxury train to the incredible mountain citadel of Machu Picchu before heading back to Cusco and then flying to charming Quito – the ‘City of Eternal Spring’. 
Awe-inspiring Galápagos Islands After exploring Quito´s historic center and visiting the Equator, we’ll head to the Galápagos Islands for an unforgettable sea adventure. We’ll be on the lookout for iconic animals such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas and Blue-footed Boobies. On this active cruise, and with an onboard Expedition Team of local guides, you’ll get closer to the many natural wonders in our small panga boats, kayaks and glass-bottom boat. 

Trip Name
Galápagos Islands Expedition Cruise – In Darwin’s Footsteps Plus Machu Picchu
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Vessel Length: 71.8 meters Passenger Capacity: 90 Built / Refurbished: 2002 / 2015 / 2018 / 2021 The Santa Cruz II is a 90-guest Galapagos expedition vessel offering four- and six-night itineraries across the Eastern, Northern, and Western islands. Designed to maximise wildlife encounters, excursions include hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, coastal exploration, and glass-bottom boat rides, all led by an onboard Expedition Leader and Naturalist Guides. Guests benefit from a 24/7 Medical Officer and small guest-to-guide ratios for safe and personalised exploration, ensuring every trip combines adventure with comfort. The ship spans five decks, featuring outdoor and indoor social spaces, lounges, bars, two hot tubs, a fitness room, and the Beagle Restaurant. Accommodations include 50 cabins—Voyager, Explorer, Explorer Family, and Darwin Suites—all with private bathrooms, large picture windows, air-conditioning, in-room safes, and ample storage. Many cabins interconnect for families or groups, while amenities such as snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, a glass-bottom boat, and low-bandwidth Wi-Fi support a comfortable, immersive, and sustainable Galapagos experience.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Your land adventure begins
  Start your adventure ancient and modern LimaWelcome 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.
Day 2 - Day 2 Discover the city of Lima
  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. 
Day 3 - Day 3 Cusco to the Sacred Valley
 Get a brief look at Cusco before heading to the Sacred ValleyIn the morning, we’ll take a flight to Cusco, the ancient seat of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking a look at Sacsayhuamán fortress – a ceremonial compound and magnificent example of Inca military power that boasts a panoramic view of the city. Marvel at the construction techniques these ancient people used – this is just a foresight of the many wonders you’ll be witnessing over the coming days.  Afterwards, we visit the Sulca Textile House Museum, which gives you an insight into the traditional fabrics created and worn by people since Pre-Columbian times. There will also be a chance to see an exhibition of South American camelids, and an opportunity to do some shopping. After this brief visit to Cusco, we’ll continue to our hotel in the Sacred Valley for an overnight stay.  
Day 4 - Day 4 Back in time to a lost world
  Discover the lost city of the IncasAn early morning transfer will take you to Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, from where you’ll catch a train along the narrow-gauge line to Machu Picchu, passing through stunning highland scenery along the way. After around two hours, we’ll stop at the small town of Aguas Calientes and take the short bus ride to Machu Picchu – the so-called Lost City of the Incas.  Enjoy a guided tour of this once-hidden settlement, marvelling at the stone walls, terraces and ramps that are carved into the mountain. You’ll love the peaceful atmosphere of Machu Picchu as you gaze at the lowland jungle from this city in the clouds. After lunch, we’ll return to our hotel where you’ll enjoy another night. 
Day 5 - Day 5 From the Sacred Valley to Cusco
 Andean Community and Cusco walking tourToday you’ll get an insight into the lives of Andean highlanders with a visit to the Misminay community, where sacred ancestral traditions live on. Learn about their ancient farming techniques, textile weaving, and folkloric traditions passed down through generations and then enjoy a delicious lunch featuring authentic Peruvian flavours. After lunch, you’ll be transferred to Cusco where you’ll set out on a guided walking tour. A compact city packed with cultural beauty, there’s no better way to discover the archaeological capital of South America than on foot.  Visit the city's most important historical monuments see the influence of different cultures. The Plaza de Armas and surrounding areas showcase architecture from after the Spanish conquest, yet just a short walk away you’ll see Inca walls, some with blocks so large and intricate it remains a mystery as to how they were ever constructed.  Meanwhile, a visit to the Santo Domingo church reveals that it was built upon the foundations of the Inca temple Koricancha, which was dedicated to worship of the sun god, Inti. After the visit you’ll walk back to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cusco. 
Day 6 - Day 6 Quito – city of eternal spring
  Discover the vibrant city of QuitoThe day begins with breakfast at your hotel. We’ll then drive to the airport in Cusco for the morning flight via Lima to Ecuador, on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. You´ll arrive in Quito in the afternoon.At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its exquisite Old Town was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s packed with well-preserved colonial architecture as evidenced in colourful plazas, magnificent churches and handsome monuments.Settle into your hotel and enjoy your overnight stay.
Day 7 - Day 7 Visit historic Quito
  Straddle the Equator at the Middle of the World City  Today you’ll 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 some delicious chocolate made from finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way. Next, you’ll head to the iconic ‘Middle of the World City’, located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you’ll visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line of the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere. 
Day 8 - Day 8 Your cruise begins
  Get ready to explore the spectacular Galápagos IslandsAfter breakfast, a short flight will take you to Baltra Island in the spectacular Galápagos archipelago. A transfer brings you straight to the port where your comfortable expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits.  You'll get your first glimpse of the islands' incredible wildlife on Mosquera Islet, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago. We'll take our small expedition boat ashore to get a closer look.As you stroll across flat and sandy dunes, look out for Blue-footed Boobies and Sally Lightfoot crabs, and learn about the marine and terrestrial ecosystems from your naturalist guides. 
Day 9 - Day 9 San Cristóbal's tortoises
  Meet the famous giant tortoisesFirst our small expedition boats will take you to Punta Pitt, the only site in the Galápagos Islands where you might see three species of boobies. Enjoy a nature walk, explore the coastline by boat, or snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear water.Then we’ll head to the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve – a breeding centre for the endangered giant tortoise. It's also home to other endemic species, including the San Cristobal Mockingbird and lava lizard.The giant tortoise is probably the most iconic of all Galápagos wildlife, with a lifespan of over 100 years. Here, they thrive, ambling around forests similar to their natural habitat.
Day 10 - Day 10 Santa Fe and South Plaza
 Spot wildlife against idyllic backdropsWe start the day with a scenic nature walk on the blissful beaches of Santa Fe, home to the endemic Barrington land iguana and a colony of sea lions.  You can swim or snorkel from our small panga boats, take a kayak for a paddle around the island, or join a trip in our glass-bottomed boat to observe the marine life below. After a delicious lunch, prepared by our onboard chefs, we head to South Plaza Island. Keep an eye out for frigatebirds, Swallow-tailed Gulls and Galapagos Shearwaters gliding on the breeze. Here, among a dazzling array of flora, land iguanas laze by the shore while marine iguanas slip in and out of the water.
Day 11 - Day 11 Explore Santa Cruz
  Learn about local conservation on Santa Cruz IslandToday we pay a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora.A giant tortoise breeding centre, here 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’s 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 have time for another activity, such as mountain biking or visiting sugar plantation. 
Day 12 - Day 12 Dramatic Española
  Lava lizards and incredible birdlifeYour Galápagos Islands cruise reaches Española, the archipelago's most southerly island. Birdlife here is truly extraordinary – look out for Nazca Boobies, Blue-footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls, and the mighty Waved Albatross on cruises April through December. It’s also a chance to spot red Española lava lizards and marine iguanas, as well as see the famous blowhole, El Soplador, blasting water 75 feet into the air.  After lunch on board the ship, we'll head to the picturesque coral beach of Gardner Bay and nearby Osborn Islet, to seek out sea lions, mockingbirds and finches. If you're feeling active, you can go snorkelling or kayaking. 
Day 13 - Day 13 Reef life on Eden Islet
 Green turtles, sharks and rare bird coloniesThe wealth of wildlife watching opportunities continues at Eden Islet, where we hope to see Galapagos green turtles, rays and friendly reef sharks. On the shore, look out for distinctive frigatebirds with their rubbery, red throats.  You can swim or snorkel to explore the reefs. Alternatively, see the reefs from our glass-bottomed boat or by kayak. After lunch, we'll sail to North Seymour.  The island is a great site for spotting colonies of Blue-footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls. Sea lions and marine iguanas also congregate here, attracted by the bountiful sea life in its waters. 
Day 14 - Day 14 End of your expedition
 From the Galápagos Islands to QuitoYour expedition cruise draws to a close as you disembark at Baltra Island. A transfer will take you 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.As you leave this fascinating region, you'll take with you incredible memories of amazing wildlife and wonderful experiences few have the privilege of seeing.  
Day 15 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $16,369Explorer Cabin
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $20,903Darwin Suite
03-04-202614-04-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
03-04-202614-04-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
17-04-202628-04-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
17-04-202628-04-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
01-05-202612-05-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
01-05-202612-05-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
15-05-202626-05-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
15-05-202626-05-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
29-05-202609-06-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
29-05-202609-06-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
12-06-202623-06-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
12-06-202623-06-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
26-06-202607-07-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
26-06-202607-07-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
10-07-202621-07-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
10-07-202621-07-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
24-07-202604-08-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
24-07-202604-08-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
07-08-202618-08-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
07-08-202618-08-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
21-08-202601-09-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
21-08-202601-09-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
04-09-202615-09-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
04-09-202615-09-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
18-09-202629-09-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
18-09-202629-09-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
02-10-202613-10-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
02-10-202613-10-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
16-10-202627-10-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
16-10-202627-10-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
30-10-202610-11-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
30-10-202610-11-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
13-11-202624-11-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
13-11-202624-11-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
27-11-202608-12-2026AUD $20,455Explorer Cabin
27-11-202608-12-2026AUD $25,577Darwin Suite
11-12-202622-12-2026AUD $21,612Explorer Cabin
11-12-202622-12-2026AUD $27,243Darwin Suite
08-01-202721-01-2027AUD $7,724Explorer Cabin
08-01-202721-01-2027AUD $13,400Darwin Suite
22-01-202704-02-2027AUD $7,724Explorer Cabin
22-01-202704-02-2027AUD $13,400Darwin Suite
05-02-202718-02-2027AUD $7,724Explorer Cabin
05-02-202718-02-2027AUD $13,400Darwin Suite
19-02-202704-03-2027AUD $7,724Explorer Cabin
19-02-202704-03-2027AUD $13,400Darwin Suite
05-03-202718-03-2027AUD $7,724Explorer Cabin
05-03-202718-03-2027AUD $13,400Darwin Suite
19-03-202701-04-2027AUD $7,724Explorer Cabin
19-03-202701-04-2027AUD $13,400Darwin Suite
02-04-202715-04-2027AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
02-04-202715-04-2027AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
16-04-202729-04-2027AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
16-04-202729-04-2027AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
30-04-202713-05-2027AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
30-04-202713-05-2027AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
14-05-202727-05-2027AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
14-05-202727-05-2027AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
28-05-202710-06-2027AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
28-05-202710-06-2027AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
11-06-202724-06-2027AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
11-06-202724-06-2027AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
25-06-202708-07-2027AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
25-06-202708-07-2027AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
09-07-202722-07-2027AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
09-07-202722-07-2027AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
23-07-202705-08-2027AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
23-07-202705-08-2027AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
06-08-202719-08-2027AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
06-08-202719-08-2027AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
20-08-202702-09-2027AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
20-08-202702-09-2027AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
03-09-202716-09-2027AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
03-09-202716-09-2027AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
17-09-202730-09-2027AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
17-09-202730-09-2027AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
12-11-202725-11-2027AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
12-11-202725-11-2027AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
26-11-202709-12-2027AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
26-11-202709-12-2027AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
10-12-202723-12-2027AUD $8,438Explorer Cabin
10-12-202723-12-2027AUD $14,639Darwin Suite
24-12-202706-01-2028AUD $8,438Explorer Cabin
24-12-202706-01-2028AUD $14,639Darwin Suite
07-01-202820-01-2028AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
07-01-202820-01-2028AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
21-01-202803-02-2028AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
21-01-202803-02-2028AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
04-02-202817-02-2028AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
04-02-202817-02-2028AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
18-02-202802-03-2028AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
18-02-202802-03-2028AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
03-03-202816-03-2028AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
03-03-202816-03-2028AUD $13,328Darwin Suite
17-03-202830-03-2028AUD $7,682Explorer Cabin
17-03-202830-03-2028AUD $13,328Darwin Suite

Inclusions

    • Travel from Cusco to the stunning ruins of Machu Picchu, experiencing the ancient Inca civilization.
    • Encounter giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and Blue-footed Boobies on an active cruise in the Galápagos Islands.
    • Explore Quito’s historic center and the Equator, enjoying the city's colonial charm and cultural richness.

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