Into the Wild Galápagos with Trish & HX
CAA Travel Advisor Trish MacPherson discovers the magic of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands with HX Expeditions, sharing an adventure filled with wildlife encounters, active exploration, and expert travel insights.
The Galápagos Islands have long been a dream destination for nature lovers, and after experiencing them firsthand, CAA Travel Advisor Trish MacPherson understands exactly why.
In November 2025, Trish joined an HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) familiarization trip to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, sailing the Santa Cruz II expedition vessel on a wildlife‑focused Northern Route.
From close‑up wildlife encounters to active days on land and sea, this was an immersive expedition designed for travellers seeking adventure, education, and unforgettable moments in one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems.
Getting There: Halifax to the Equator
Getting to the Galápagos is part of the experience. We flew Air Canada from Halifax to Toronto, then onward to Bogotá and Quito, connecting with Avianca along the way.
Both airlines offered excellent service, and I highly recommend upgrading to preferred seats on the long-haul segments, as it made a noticeable difference in comfort.
For Aeroplan members, free onboard Wi‑Fi is a nice welcome perk.
Tip: Download and use the Air Canada app for gate changes and real‑time flight updates. It’s incredibly helpful, especially with multiple connections.
Arriving in Quito
Upon arrival, an HX representative met us at the airport and transferred us to a Marriott hotel in Quito, where two nights are included as part of the cruise package.
Although it was too early to check in, we were able to enjoy the spa and pool facilities and have lunch at the hotel’s Gourmet Bistro. The property itself was beautiful with live piano music in the lobby, very comfortable rooms, and a generous buffet breakfast each morning.
Discovering Quito & the Middle of the World
Quito is Ecuador’s capital, with a population of approximately 2.8 million, and it sits at about 2,950 meters above sea level. You really do feel the altitude, so pacing yourself and staying hydrated is important.
Our guided tour of the city took us through the historic Old Town, home to stunning churches and colonial architecture. We also visited a local chocolate shop, where we learned about the chocolate‑making process, from cocoa plant to the finished product, and sampled chocolates ranging from 80% to 40%.
Our guided tour of the city took us through the historic Old Town, home to stunning churches and colonial architecture. We also visited a local chocolate shop, where we learned about the chocolate‑making process, from cocoa plant to the finished product, and sampled chocolates ranging from 80% to 40%.
Onward to the Galápagos: Santa Cruz II
From Baltra Airport, HX staff escorted us to the pier, where we boarded zodiacs for our first ride to our ship, Santa Cruz II. The ship accommodates just 90 guests, creating a more intimate, expedition‑style experience.
From the moment we arrived, the tone was clear: this is an active adventure. Daily activities included beach walks, snorkelling, glass‑bottom boat rides, kayaking, paddleboarding, and guided coastal explorations.
Life Onboard: Explorer Cabin Experience
I stayed in Cabin 116 on the Horizon Deck, which featured twin beds, a large ocean‑view window, and a private bathroom.
A few notes if you are planning a similar cruise:
- The voltage is the same as Canada’s, so no adapter was required.
- Be aware that cabins lock from the inside only, but each cabin includes a safe for valuables.
- The ship does experience a fair amount of motion, so this itinerary is not ideal for travellers prone to motion sickness.
The Galápagos Stars: Wildlife Encounters
Every day brought new wildlife encounters, often at a surprisingly close range. We saw marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins, flamingos, blue‑footed boobies, tortoises, and so many bird species it was hard to keep count.
The guides were outstanding, offering deep knowledge of the islands’ ecosystems while ensuring we followed strict conservation guidelines. The Galápagos truly feels like nature’s classroom.
Highlights & Honest Recommendations
What stood out most:
- Exceptional food onboard
- Knowledgeable guides and attentive staff
- Constant activity and lots of adventure (I described it as summer camp on steroids)
Important to know:
- This expedition is not suitable for travellers with mobility limitations. Guests are boarding and disembarking zodiacs three to four times a day, and there are no elevators on the ship.
What I recommend packing:
- Your own snorkel mask (full‑face masks worked very well)
- Aqua shoes, walking sandals, and sturdy sneakers
- Rash guard, dry‑fit clothing
- Underwater camera and binoculars
- A journal, as you’ll want to remember everything!
Is This Trip Right for You?
This HX Galápagos expedition is ideal for active travellers who love nature, learning, and hands‑on experiences. It’s physically engaging, incredibly rewarding, and truly a once‑in‑a‑lifetime journey for the right traveller.
Ready for your adventure?
If the Galápagos has been on your wish list, a CAA Travel Advisor can help you decide if this expedition style is the right fit and guide you through every detail, from flights to packing tips!