HX Expeditions

Daily Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Quito

   Ecuador

   

   Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colonial architecture and rich history. Visitors must savor local dishes like locro de papa and hornado while exploring vibrant markets. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to September, when the weather is ideal for discovering nearby attractions like Isabela Island and Cajas National Park.

2. Day 2

   Quito

   Ecuador

   

   Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colonial architecture and rich history. Visitors must savor local dishes like locro de papa and hornado while exploring vibrant markets. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to September, when the weather is ideal for discovering nearby attractions like Isabela Island and Cajas National Park.

3. Day 3

   Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island

   Ecuador

   

   Baltra Island is a pivotal port in the Galápagos, historically rooted and now a gateway to adventure. Must-do experiences include sampling fresh ceviche de mero and exploring the nearby Isabela Island and Las Tintoreras Islet. The best season to visit is during the warmer months from December to May.

4. Day 4

   Fernandina Island

   Ecuador

   

   Fernandina Island is the youngest and most volcanically active island in the Galápagos archipelago, accessible only by expedition cruise, offering visitors an unparalleled encounter with marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and pristine lava landscapes at Punta Espinoza. The essential experience is a wet landing onto the black lava shore to observe wildlife that exists nowhere else on Earth, best paired with Zodiac excursions along the Cromwell Current upwelling zone. The Galápagos enjoys relatively stable conditions year-round, though the warm season from January to June brings calmer seas and optimal snorkelling visibility in the western islands.

5. Day 5

   Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands

   United States

   

   Santa Cruz Island is the hub of the Galápagos Archipelago, home to the Darwin Research Station's giant tortoise breeding programs and wild tortoise populations grazing in misty highland meadows alongside pristine Tortuga Bay. Must-do experiences include encountering wild giant tortoises in the highlands, snorkeling with sea turtles at Tortuga Bay, and visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station. Year-round pleasant conditions, with January-May best for nesting wildlife and June-December offering the clearest snorkeling.

6. Day 6

   Floreana Island

   Ecuador

   

   Floreana Island, part of the Galápagos archipelago, is a historically rich destination known for its intimate port and stunning landscapes. Must-do experiences include savoring local dishes like ceviche de mero and exploring nearby attractions such as Isabela Island and Cajas National Park. The best season to visit is during the dry season from June to December, offering ideal conditions for exploration and wildlife viewing.

7. Day 7

   Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island

   Ecuador

   

   Baltra Island is a pivotal port in the Galápagos, historically rooted and now a gateway to adventure. Must-do experiences include sampling fresh ceviche de mero and exploring the nearby Isabela Island and Las Tintoreras Islet. The best season to visit is during the warmer months from December to May.

8. Day 8

   Sullivan Bay, Santiago

   Ecuador

   

   Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island is a pristine volcanic landscape in the Galápagos archipelago, where nineteenth-century pahoehoe lava flows create an otherworldly terrain of rope basalt, hornitos, and pioneer cacti framed by brilliant Sally Lightfoot crabs. The essential experience is a guided geological walk across the lava fields, complemented by Zodiac wildlife encounters along the shoreline. The Galápagos enjoys relatively stable weather year-round, though the warm season from January to May brings calmer seas and better snorkelling visibility, while the cooler garúa season from June to December offers more dynamic wildlife activity and nutrient-rich waters.

9. Day 9

   Rabida Island, Galapagos Islands

   Ecuador

   

   Rábida Island is the Galápagos' most colorful landing site, with a striking red-sand beach created by oxidized volcanic iron, sea lions lounging on the crimson shore, and a palo santo forest sheltering nesting pelicans and flamingos. Must-dos include walking the red beach, snorkeling with sea lions, and checking the salt lagoon for flamingos. Warm season (Jan–May) offers the best snorkeling conditions.

10. Day 10

    Darwin Bay (Genovesa)

    Ecuador

    

    Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island is a remarkable port known for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Must-do experiences include hiking the cliffs for breathtaking views and observing unique seabird colonies. The best season to visit is from June to November, when the weather is cooler and wildlife is particularly active.

11. Day 11

    Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island

    Ecuador

    

    Baltra Island is a pivotal port in the Galápagos, historically rooted and now a gateway to adventure. Must-do experiences include sampling fresh ceviche de mero and exploring the nearby Isabela Island and Las Tintoreras Islet. The best season to visit is during the warmer months from December to May.

Cabin Categories

Explorer Cabin

Outside

164 sq ftMax 2EE

With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant relaxation areas after a day of active exploring. There are 17 Explorer cabins located as on the Expedition deck.

Double or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedSafeHair DryerDesk

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Explorer Cabin

Outside

151–161 sq ftMax 2EH

With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant relaxation areas after a day of active exploring. There are 23 Explorer cabins located as on the Horizon deck.

ShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableSafeHair DryerDesk+1

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Explorer Cabin

Outside

164 sq ftMax 1EP

With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant relaxation areas after a day of active exploring. There are 3 Explorer cabins located as on the Panorama deck.

One Single BedShowerRoom Service AvailableTVSafeTelephone+1

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Explorer Family Cabin

Outside

185 sq ftMax 3FH

With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant relaxation areas after a day of active exploring. There are 2 Explorer family cabins located on the Horizon deck. Cabins are equipped with twin beds and a sofa bed (ideal for children under 12).

Double or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedSafeHair Dryer+3

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Voyager Single Cabin

outside

VH

With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer single bed, and plenty of space for solo travelers. There are 2 Voyager cabins located on the Horizon deck.

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Darwin Suite

Suite

326 sq ftMax 3DS

Our three Darwin suites on the Panorama deck, featuring double picture windows, will provide superb comfort and deluxe amenities for more discerning guests. Available in twin or double bed and if more space is desired, they can be interconnected with an Explorer cabin.

Double or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedSuite BenefitsSafe+3

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