Adventure-loving couples planning a meaningful trip to the Galápagos have good news to work with. HX Expeditions has confirmed a three-year extension of its partnership with Metropolitan Touring, the archipelago’s longest-established operator, securing its carbon-neutral expeditions through 2029 and reinforcing a long-running commitment to responsible, science-led travel.
Travellers explore aboard the 50-cabin MS Santa Cruz II, a stylishly upgraded vessel with a sky deck, hot tubs, a fitness centre and a dedicated science space. While the ship includes interconnecting cabins for families, couples will appreciate the intimate scale and the sense of shared adventure as they snorkel with sea lions, kayak volcanic shores and learn from naturalists working closely with conservation projects across the islands.
The 2027–28 season features four itineraries.
Eastern Route: In Darwin’s Footsteps (9 days)
A reimagining of the first Galápagos itinerary HX introduced in 2022, centred on Santa Cruz, Española and San Cristobal, with classic wildlife encounters and island highlights.
In Darwin’s Footsteps Plus Machu Picchu (14 days)
Combines the full Eastern Route with a five-day Machu Picchu program beginning in Lima, ideal for travellers wanting to pair the Galápagos experience with one of the world’s most celebrated archaeological sites.
Northern Route: Nine of the Best Isles (11 days)
Departing from Quito, this itinerary explores nine standout islands, with regular opportunities for kayaking, snorkelling and up-close wildlife viewing.
Nine of the Best Isles Plus Machu Picchu (16 days)
Starting in Lima, this extended option blends a visit to Machu Picchu with an expedition to nine remarkable Galápagos islands, offering a balance of land discovery and time at sea.
All journeys begin and end in either Quito or Guayaquil, with bookings for the 2027 and 2028 seasons opening on 22 December 2025. The timing lines up with the release of HX’s new Galápagos brochure and a film series featuring HX ambassador Monty Halls, who also heads the Galapagos Conservation Trust.
Halls returned from the islands recently and spoke about how much conservation is happening behind the scenes. He noted the reforestation work around Mashpi Lodge and how travellers play a direct role in supporting projects that protect both land and marine environments. Every voyage offsets its carbon output, but the wider biodiversity work is what left the strongest impression on him.
For couples who want an experience that feels purposeful as well as adventurous, HX’s voyages offer a thoughtful way to explore a destination that is unlike anywhere else. More details are available on the HX Expeditions website.
For more than 30 years, Holidays for Couples has been Australia’s trusted voice in romance travel. From its beginnings as a glossy coffee-table magazine to today’s digital platform, the brand has always championed the best in honeymoons, romantic escapes and stylish getaways for two. The H4C Team curates travel news, hotel openings and destination inspiration, drawing on decades of editorial experience and a passion for helping couples plan unforgettable journeys together.
