Flying United Airlines from Australia to Los Angeles for a Hollywood stopover, American Airlines to Miami for a few relaxing days before the LATAM flight to Quito, Ecuador and Baltra - Galapagos, these airlines did not disappoint. They offered reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable seats, friendly crews, and all ran to schedule. Staying exclusively at Marriott properties, expectations were exceeded at every stop.
The JW Marriott Quito concierge welcomed us in top hat and tails, with a glass of champagne and a lovely welcome letter from Hurtigruten. Gathering after breakfast at the HX check-in desk, we met our fellow travellers before boarding the bus for a captivating day of Quito sightseeing.
The HX ground staff were fantastic from start to finish. All transfers, baggage, connections, and check-in were taken care of, so we just had to sit back and soak in the sights and delights of clear blue skies, fresh air and Ecuadorian hospitality.
Our cultural tour took us through the historic Iglesia De la Compañía De Jesús, the stunning Convent of St. Francis, and the delightful Chocolate Artisanal Pacari workshop. Wandering the charming undulating cobblestone streets, soaking in the atmosphere of the picturesque town square and standing on the equator certainly provided Instagram-worthy moments and memories.
The next day, we returned to Quito airport for a short flight to Baltra - gateway to the Galápagos Islands - where we began our western route adventure, exploring the incredible island diversity of Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, and Floreana.
Transferring to the pier, after our bags had been vetted by the local canine authorities, their purpose, ensuring that prohibited or restricted items are not introduced to the unique environment of the Galapagos Islands. We donned our life vests, steadied our sea legs and boarded the Panga (zodiac) for the short ride to the Santa Cruz II - waiting ever so patiently in the harbour, for her next intake of travellers.
Upon boarding the ship we checked in and were escorted to our spacious ocean-view room on deck 2 at the rear. This positioning was perfect, as we were close to the hot tub, the outdoor washer and driers, with easy access to the Observation deck and Panorama Lounge. King bed, vanity, functional bathroom, Wi-Fi access, TV and all the comforts you would expect. This 15.2m2 Explorer cabin with a large window was just perfect.
MS Santa Cruz II accommodates up to 90 guests and there's something wonderfully cosy yet elegant about this small ship. After morning and afternoon excursions, we relished the chance to enjoy snacks, coffee, fine dining in the restaurant with menus changing daily, cocktails in the Explorers lounge, relaxing in the hot tub, and enhancing our knowledge in the Science Centre. We didn't spend much time in our cabin, as our days were full of wondrous activities, lectures, science corners, or presentations by the expedition team. Our bellies full of sumptuous food, we sank into a deep, restful, comfortable sleep, dreaming about our next day's adventures.
Each day presented a new island with its own character and opportunities to tick off our BIG 15 list. Stepping off Santa Cruz II with a "Galapagos Handshake" onto the Panga, we were transported around the archipelago without disturbing the wildlife, and revelled in the sights of blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, flightless cormorants, sea lions, fur seals, and more. The HX expedition team is made up of local Galapagos experts, whose knowledge, passion and care for this spectacular region shine through in their dedication to education and preservation.
When landing on the islands, you are met with a sense of calm, awe and quiet. Could I be the first person to step here, the pristine beaches, untouched by human ravage, the animals curious and unafraid, I certainly could be forgiven for thinking as such.
On land, we visited the Charles Darwin Foundation, established in 1959 to preserve the Galápagos Islands and their unique wildlife. Learning about "Lonesome George," the last Pinta Island giant tortoise - was truly extraordinary. Lunch at Rancho El Manzanillo was unforgettable. This converted tortoise sanctuary has giant tortoises roaming freely. The food was spectacular, but wandering among these ancient creatures was the real bucket list experience. The island inhabitants' respect for nature shows in the animals' remarkable trust. Sea lions casually lounge on piers or in dinghies, like carefree sailors without a worry in the world.
Six days felt like a lifetime. In our society of busyness, it was truly remarkable and exhilarating to feel connected to nature, new experiences, and each other. Experiencing the Galápagos Islands is one that should definitely be added to your travel bucket list. Slow and steady, savour the memories.
