Our adventure together starts on May 9, 2024 in Quito, Ecuador. The main international airport is Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport, airport code UIO.

Flying onward or home on May 18, 2024, you can either connect in Guayaquil (GYE) or Quito (UIO). Our flight from San Cristobal departs at 10:35am on May 18 and arrives in Guayaquil at 1:21pm. This same flight continues to Quito and arrives in Quito at 2:54pm.

To avoid exorbitant mobile service charges while at sea, we recommend turning your phone to Airplane Mode when we’re not docked. If you don’t, you’ll automatically connect to “Cellular At Sea,” which has truly astounding per-MB rates for data/calls. Even if you’re not actively searching the web, most phones automatically download emails and refresh webpages in the background, and that could easily escalate to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in extra mobile charges from your provider.

The currency of Ecuador is the US dollar. 

American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are widely accepted. You’ll find that ATMs are readily available at the airport and in the city center.

All emails to our Booked Guests are available here:

January 12, 2024 – LAST CALL for Machu Picchu Post-Cruise Add-On

November 2, 2023 – Machu Picchu Post-Cruise Add-On Now On Sale

With this being a small expedition cruise, VACAYA will be bringing the fabulous Nate Buccieri and Tara Martinez with us for piano bar nights throughout the week. In addition, Cruise Director Marti will be leading the nightly hilarity. There is no theater onboard.

Most excursions on this expedition adventure are included. Any optional excursion opportunities will be detailed onboard.

You have pre-paid basic gratuities. However, if someone goes above and beyond for you, you are more than welcome to offer them a few dollars (or more if appropriate) as an extended note of appreciation and grace. Collectively, those small thank yous add up and can make all the difference in the lives of these hard-working crew members.

For those guests joining us on the Machu Picchu Post-Cruise Add-on, this information is for YOU:

Dealing with Altitude

• On arrival to any high-altitude destination (Cusco is over 11,000 feet in altitude), take it easy on day one to let your body adjust.
• Eat lightly, drink lots of water, and avoid intense exercise.
• Do not consume alcohol, cigarettes, or any kind of sedatives shortly after arrival.
• Drink coca tea and use the complimentary oxygen available at most hotels if you experience shortness of breath.

Money Matters

• The local currency is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol, or soles.
• You can exchange your local currency for soles at the airport, but you can get a better rate if you exchange once you’re in Lima or Cusco at banks or currency exchange offices (casas de cambio).
• Another option is to withdraw cash from an ATM upon arrival. Be sure to check with your bank about foreign ATM withdrawal and transaction fees.
• Local currency is best for small purchases. So, be sure to have a small stash of local currency for street vendors, small stores, and taxis.

Tipping in South America

Across South America, tipping is now standard practice, especially in the travel industry. Specifically, you should tip servers at sit-down restaurants and bars, bag handlers in hotels and airports, tour guide staff and drivers, as well as bathroom attendants. However, only tip because you want to, not because you feel obliged to.

Our tipping recommendations:

• There is no specific amount or percentage but 10-15% of the bill total is appropriate at restaurants.
• Approximately 20-25 Sol (approximately $5-7 USD) per person for a group half-day tour, and S/25 – S/30 (approximately $7-$8 USD) for a group full-day tour.
• Approximately 40-45 Sol (approximately $10-12 USD) per person for private half-day tours, and S/65 – S/75 (approximately $17-$20 USD) for a private full-day tour.
• For bag handlers 1-2 Soles per bag, and 1-2 Soles for bathroom attendants.
• You should tip the housekeeping about 3 Sol (approximately $1 USD) per day and the porters approximately 4-12 Soles (approximately $1- $3 USD) for their assistance.
• For the trekking staff, we recommend each hiker tip 35-45 (approximately $10 to $12 USD) per day.
• Tipping in dollars is common practice but we don’t recommend using $1 USD bills as they have a very low exchange rate. Local currency is always best.

Calling & Internet Access

• If you would like a local SIM card for your phone for calling and internet access you can purchase this at the “Claro” (cell phone provider company name) kiosk at the Lima baggage claim. Only pre-paid plans are available for foreigners and your passport will be required. The SIM card costs around $3 and amounts for minutes/data vary. No other locations will allow foreigners to purchase this so it will be important to get this in Lima if you would like this while traveling.
• Your cell phone provider at home may also be able to offer you international coverage. Please check with your cell phone company directly to see the rates they can offer you while traveling abroad.
• Nearly all hotels will offer WiFi access in at least the common areas. This service will be best in cities, but is inconsistent in more rural areas.

Upcoming Weather Forecast

Lima Weather

Cusco Weather

Sacred Valley Weather

Machu Picchu Weather

Good to Know

• In general, it’s best not to drink the tap water in South America. Tap water can be used in small quantities for brushing your teeth, but you must stick to drinking bottled or filtered water. Bottled water is readily available in small stores and street stands in all destinations.
• Hot water takes time. Hot water is a limited and cherished resource in Peru, and especially in the Andes. Sometimes it can take 5 minutes of running the shower before hot water comes out. If you have trouble getting hot water in your shower, let the hotel front desk know right away so that they can assist you.
• The toilet paper goes in the wastebasket, not the toilet. It’s also common that public bathrooms do not have toilet paper available (and if they do it is usually outside of the stall) so be sure to bring your own! Have hand sanitizer ready in case there is no soap, and keep small change (one sol coins) on you in case the bathrooms have a cover charge.

A MESSAGE FROM SILVERSEA AND LIMA TOURS TO GUESTS ON OUR MACHU PICCHU ADD-ON:

Dear Silversea Guests,

Silversea and Lima Tours (Silversea’s appointed agent) are very pleased to extend to you a warm

welcome to the beautiful country of Peru and the Land program – MACHU PICCHU LEGACY OF THE INCAS

Heir to ancient cultures and a rich colonial tradition, Perú is a magical spot which involves one of the richestbiodiversity of Earth and is a melting pot of different cultures that together are forging the promise of a better future.

As your hosts, we want to ensure you enjoy your stay with us. This Welcome Letter contains general information about your program. You are invited to contact us, Lima Tours, by dialing +51 997 516 250 any day of the week.

Day 1: Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Arrival Lima

Upon arrival in Guayaquil, the local Silversea representative assists with your onward flight connection to Lima. 20:40 FlightGuayaquil – Lima LA1437

22:35 Arrive at Lima Airport. Assistance checking it at the airport hotel.

• Accommodation Costa del Sol Windham hotel

Day 2: Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Travel Lima to Cusco

Breakfast at the hotel

05:30 Assistance at the airport

07:30 – 08:50 Flight Lima – Cusco LA2009

Upon arrival visit to the Cathedral, the most important building on the Main Square and one of the most splendid Spanish colonialchurches in America, which is shaped as a Latin Cross and houses about 400 colonial paintings from the Cusco art school, and impressive goldsmith, silversmith and precious stones works. Its construction lasted almost a century; it started in 1560 and endedin 1654.

Enjoy a panoramic view of Coricancha, also known as the “Temple of the Sun” (or “Premises of the Gilded One”), the construction of which was ordered by Inca Pachacutec (1438-1471) and was used as base for the construction of the Santo Domingo Convent upon the arrival of the Spaniards.

You will then go to a local restaurant for lunch.

Finally, you will be transferred to your hotel in Sacred Valley 19:30 Dinner at theHotel

• Accommodation Tambo del Inka Luxury Collection

Day 3: Monday, May 20, 2024 – Machu Picchu

Breakfast at the hotel

8:30 am Visit the fortress of Ollantaytambo, a formidable stone structure that climbs massive terraces reaching the top of a high peak, was the valley’s main defense against the Antis and was the site of the Incas’ greatest victory against the Spanish during the wars ofconquest. Constructed of rose-colored granite, this huge installation was once a thriving complex of baths, temples and military barracks. Below the fortress lies a complete Incan town, also called Ollantaytambo, still inhabited and with its original architecture andlayout preserved.

After the tour continue to Ollanta train station where the Hiram Bingham train awaits.

10:53 am. Depart aboard the Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu. Brunch will be served on board. 12:24 pm. Arrival to Aguas calientes to board the bus to Machu Picchu

Enjoy a guided tour to Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that served as a sanctuary and restingresidence for the Inca Pachacútec. According to UNESCO, Machu Picchu, which means ‘Old Mountain’, is considered a World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the modern world.

Teatime at Sanctuary lodge Shuttle bus to AguasCalientes Dinner is served at the hotel

• Accommodation Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Day 4: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 – Machu Picchu to Cusco

Breakfast at the hotel Second visit to Machu Picchu

Early lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge

After lunch board the shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes 13:37 Board the Vistadome train to Ollanta station. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.

19:00 Dinner at the Hotel

• Accommodation Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection

Day 5: Wednesday, May 22, 2024 – Cusco to Lima

Breakfast at the hotel

06:00 Transfer to the Airport for your flight to Lima 08:30 – 10:00 Flight Cusco toLima LA2036

Upon Arrival in Lima Transfer to Larco Museum for tour and lunch.

After lunch you will be transferred to Miraflores hotel

• Accommodation Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel

Day 6: Thursday, May 23, 2024 – Lima Departure

Breakfast at the hotel

Transfer to Lima airport for departing flight.

LUGGAGE INFORMATION

Luggage is restricted to a maximum of 50 pounds (23 kilograms) for domestic flights in Peru. Weight restrictions are very strict ondomestic Peruvian flights. Guests are responsible for any charges imposed by the airlines for overweight luggage.

International flights LATAM (Guayaquil/Lima):

Checked luggage: 2 pieces up to 23 kg each Hand Luggage: upto 10 kg

Domestic flights LATAM (Lima/Cusco/Lima):

Checked luggage: 2 pieces up to 23 kg each Hand Luggage: upto 10 kg

RECOMMENDATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR LUGGAGE TRANSFER ABOARD THE TRAIN TO MACHU PICCHU

• Carry the same ID card submitted to the agency, as train tickets and entrance ticket to Machu Picchu will be issued with thesame
• In all train services to Machu Picchu the passenger may only carry hand luggage (backpack, purse or briefcase), with a maximum weight of 5kg / 11lb. The suitcases for storage will be delivered to the Cusco
• Size allowance: 62 linear inches, 157cm (height + length + width)

ACCESSIBILITY

The sights visited on this program are not well-equipped for mobility-impaired guests; therefore, this tour is not recommended for guests withlimited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair.

PLEASE NOTE

This description is a general overview of the highlights of this program. The local Silversea representative will do everything possible to ensure that all of the sites described here are visited, though the tour sequence and specific sites mentioned is subject to change. Closure of some sites due to local or national holiday observances, flight schedules or other factors may affect the program, and the local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if necessary.

Gratuities to guides/drivers, meals, and alcoholic drinks other than those noted in itinerary, and other personal expenses are notincluded in the price of this tour.

HOTEL INFORMATION

TAMBO DEL INKA LUXURY COLLECTION

FERROCARRIL S/N URUBAMBA – CUSCO – PERU TELF: 084-581777

CHECK IN 14:00      CHECK OUT 12:00

BREAKFAST: Hawa restaurant located on the lower floor from 6:00 to 10:00

SUMAQ MACHU PICHU HOTEL AV HERMANOSAYAR MZ1 L3 MACHU PICCHU – PERU

TELF: 084-211114

CHECK IN 13:00      CHECK OUT 11:00

BREAKFAST: Qunuq restaurant located on the second floor from 5:00 to 10:00

PALACIO DEL INKA, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL PLAZOLETASANTO DOMINGO 259 CUSCO – PERU MACHU PICCHU – PERU

TELF: 084-231961

CHECK IN 14:00      CHECK OUT 12:00

BREAKFAST: Inti Raymi restaurant located on the lower floor from 6:00 to 10:00

SUMAQ MACHU PICHU HOTEL AV HERMANOSAYAR MZ1 L3 MACHU PICCHU – PERU

TELF: 084-211114

CHECK IN 13:00      CHECK OUT 11:00

BREAKFAST: Qunuq restaurant located on the second floor from 5:00 to 10:00

BELMOND MIRAFLORES PARK

ARMENDARIZ 480 INT. 402 LIMA – PERU TELF: (51-1)610-4000

CHECK IN 15:00  CHECK OUT 12:00

BREAKFAST: Observatory restaurant located on the 11^th floor from 6:00 to 10:00

Emergency Only After-Hours Contact Info:

• PHONE: (511) 619-6905
• MOBILE / WHATSAPP: (51) 997 516 250
• E-MAIL: hola@masi.pe

Silversea Cruises and Lima Tours wish you an enjoyable stay in Perú.

PLEASE SEE THE PRE-CRUISE CHANGES THAT ARE NOW IN EFFECT AS OF APRIL 24:

May 9 – Arrival Day

• Transfers from Quito Airport to JW Marriott (once you exit Customs and Border Patrol area, outside the doors you will see representatives with black Silversea signs)
• Once at JW Marriott, you’ll check in at the Silversea Hospitality Desk located in the Lobby (not at the JW Marriott Front Desk). Here, you’ll also complete all of Silversea’s required release forms. The Silversea Hospitality Desk will be open until 2am.
• 6pm – Informal Welcome Meet & Greet Cocktails at the Lobby Bar
• Dinner on your own

May 10 – Half Day in Quito and Fly from Quito to Guayaquil

• 6:30am-10am – Included Breakfast is available at Botanica Restaurant
• 9am – Meet in JW Marriott Lobby for the City Tour. The City Tour includes visits to the following: Basilica Church (panoramic visit), Plaza de San Francisco, San Francisco Church (inside visit), Iglesia de La Compañia (panoramic visit), Plaza Grande, and a chocolate tasting at a local store.
• Approximately 1:30pm – Return to JW Marriott
• 3:30pm – Bring your packed luggage to the Lobby
• 4pm – Depart the JW Marriott for the Quito Airport
• 6:36pm – Flight LA1359 to Guayaquil
• 7:33pm – Arrive in Guayaquil. Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel Oro Verde
• Approximately 8pm – Check-in at Hotel Oro Verde
• Dinner on your own

May 11 – Fly from Guayaquil to San Cristobal and board Silver Origin

• 6:30am-10:00am – Included Buffet Breakfast available at the Hotel Restaurant
• 8:30am – Bring your luggage down to Hotel Lobby
• 10:10am – Transfer from Oro Verde Hotel to Guayaquil Airport – Group 1
• 10:20am – Transfer from Oro Verde Hotel to Guayaquil Airport – Group 2
• 10:30am – Transfer from Oro Verde Hotel to Guayaquil Airport – Group 3
• During the transfer from the hotel to the airport, transit cards will be distributed by the Silversea staff. These will be needed to enter Galápagos. Please ensure they’re kept with your passports.
• Flight LA1419 to San Cristobal, Galápagos will be approximately 90 minutes.
• In San Cristobal, you’ll get your own luggage from the carousel and bring it to the nearby Silversea luggage vehicle outside the terminal. You’ll be met by Silver Origin’s Expedition Team. Your luggage will go from here directly to your suite onboard. Please keep all valuables (including your passport and a credit card) with you for Registration onboard. Please be sure to keep all medications in your carry-on bag.
• After dropping off your luggage, you’ll board our coaches, which will take us from the airport to the pier. This ride takes about five minutes.
• We’ll Zodiac to the ship, which is at anchor just offshore.
• 12:30pm – Anticipated arrival at Silver Origin. Please Note: Your V Team will be arriving on the ship for the first time with guests.
• Immediately Upon Boarding – Welcome Champagne and Registration
• 1:30pm – Lunch is served
• Your suite will be ready after lunch. An announcement will be made over the ship’s public address system as soon as suites are ready.
• Safety drill and the first presentation by our Expedition Team is at 4:30pm.

For each of our adventures together, VACAYA hosts an Official Facebook Group. This group is your chance to connect with other Galápagos cruisers before we meet each other in-person. You can join the group HERE.

We’re keeping this short and sweet for everyone since the great majority of you are traveling halfway around the world (or close to) to be here. Since we don’t really have big themed dance parties on our small-ship cruises (they’re always more of the cocktail variety), we’re going to feature just two themed parties on this voyage, which will keep the number of “extra outfits” you have to carry to the bare minimum:

THIS IS ME
Our signature Night 1 cocktail party brings all our guests together for the very first time. This is your chance to meet, mix, and mingle with fellow travelers. Wear a little somethin’ somethin’ to let us know where you’re from.

BATHROBE GALA NIGHT
In one of our favorite VACAYA traditions, you’ll throw on the bathrobe from your stateroom at 6pm and wear it all night long – to pre-dinner drinks, to dinner, to the piano bar, and to our after-party! Don’t be afraid to zhuzh up your robe, though. We LOVE how creative everyone is getting with their robes and accessories!

Our flight from San Cristobal departs at 10:35am on May 18 and arrives in Guayaquil at 1:21pm. This same flight continues to Quito and arrives in Quito at 2:54pm.

Your onboard magnetic card (we point out it’s magnetic to warn against placing it too close to your mobile phone, which could erase the information), which will be handed to you upon boarding is your room key. It’s also your onboard charge card and you’ll be asked for it to make onboard purchases. Whenever you leave the ship or re-board it in our ports of call, you’ll show your card to Security when leaving/returning.

When you board, you’ll want to register a credit card with Reception to cover any onboard purchases. You’ll receive a final invoice in your room on the last evening of your cruise. Assuming all of the charges are correct (and if not, be sure to speak with Reception), your card on file with Silversea will be automatically charged the morning of disembarkation. If you’d prefer to pay cash to close out your account, you will need to do that on our last night before they charge your card the following morning.

ALL GUESTS ARE NOW WELCOME, REGARDLESS OF THEIR COVID-19 VACCINATION STATUS. NO PRE-CRUISE TESTING IS REQUIRED.

These days, most safety protocols are happening behind the scenes to minimize interruptions to the experience. So know that whatever the protocols end up being on our cruise, we are going to have a great time exploring together. #AdaptToLive 

Vacationing on (or very near) the earth’s equator requires additional protection from the sun. And because the biosphere on Galápagos is so fragile, even greater care is needed when selecting just the right products to use to protect yourself. You’ll want both a Biodegradable Waterproof Sunscreen with SPF factor of 30 minimum & also Protective Lip Balm

The ideal sunscreen for exploring Galápagos would be a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating, preferably SPF 30 or higher. Here’s why:

1. Broad-spectrum protection: This type of sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can prematurely age the skin and UVB rays can cause sunburn. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors exploring the islands, it’s essential to shield your skin from both types of harmful radiation.
2. High SPF: SPF measures the level of protection against UVB rays specifically. A higher SPF indicates greater protection. Given the strong equatorial sun in the Galápagos, where the UV index can be quite high, a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher provides a good balance between protection and usability.
3. Water-resistant: Opt for a sunscreen that’s water-resistant, as you’ll likely be sweating during our hikes and you’ll obviously be wet when we’re swimming or snorkeling. Reapply sunscreen after swimming or sweating heavily to maintain its effectiveness.
4. Non-toxic to marine life: Since the Galápagos Islands are a fragile ecosystem, it’s important to choose a sunscreen that’s reef-safe and won’t harm the marine life. Look for sunscreens that are labeled as “reef-friendly” or “biodegradable” to minimize environmental impact. Chemicals commonly found in sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, can contribute to coral bleaching and harm marine life. By opting for a reef-safe sunscreen, you can enjoy the beauty of the islands without causing harm to their environment.

Wearing sunscreen is crucial when exploring the Galápagos Islands for several reasons:

• Sunburn prevention: Sunburns not only cause discomfort, but can also increase your risk of skin cancer in the long term. The equatorial sun in the Galápagos can be intense, so adequate sun protection is essential to avoid sunburn.
• Skin protection: Continuous exposure to the sun without protection can lead to premature aging, wrinkles, and sun spots. By wearing sunscreen, you can help protect your skin from these effects and maintain its health and youthfulness.
• Skin cancer prevention: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation is a major risk factor for skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen reduces this risk by blocking harmful UV rays from penetrating the skin.

Overall, wearing the proper sunscreen is not only essential for protecting your skin from sun damage, but also for minimizing your impact on the fragile ecosystem of the Galápagos Islands.

VACAYA is all about connections. To help strengthen the bonds between our guests, we’re creating a “This Is Me” Community Board where pictures and fun facts of each of our guests will be featured. We’re hoping this new board will be a welcome addition to your VACAYA Luxe experience.

While participation is certainly not compulsory, we hope each of you will choose to join us. If you’d like to be included, please send the following to us prior to Friday, April 19, 2024:

• A Photo of you as an Individual or as a Couple (the orientation of the pics will be portrait, so think about that as you choose the best pic). Be sure the photo you choose is a clear face pic and no larger than 5MB.
• Your Name (or Names if a couple. Please indicate who’s who in the pic.)
• Your Hometown
• Your Relationship Status
• Occupation
• Family Info (children, pets, etc.)
• Interest/Hobbies
• Social Media Handle

You can send your photo and the above information to V Team Member Jen at jen@myvacaya.com. Simply click on that pink link to connect with Jen.

Please note that we won’t be able to add anyone to the board after the deadline. Shortly after April 19, 2024, the information we’ve received will be laid out by a graphic designer and the boards completed. Also, each This Is Me board is independent from past boards. So even if you’ve sent in your information for a past cruise, it won’t carry forward to this one. So, you’ll need to send it in again.

This Community Board will be posted near the ship’s Lobby.

Here is an example of what your entry will look like on the board:

Silversea ships have a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant onboard, which helps preserve the pristine waters through which we sail. To assure it can properly do its job, we need your full cooperation.

• Only use the biodegradable toilet tissue provided.
• Do not flush facial tissues, sanitary wipes, feminine hygiene products, condoms, cigarettes (you shouldn’t be smoking in your bathroom anyway), or any other materials, as they can affect the entire system and may cause embarrassing backups in your room AND in your neighbors’ rooms.
• Keep the toilet lid closed when not in use, and be careful not to drop towels, wash cloths, or personal grooming articles (including floss and Q-tips) into the toilet while flushing.

In today’s ever-shifting world, it’s imperative to protect your hard-earned vacation dollars. You can do that by insuring your investment. VACAYA partners with Travel Guard.

If you ever need to make an adjustment to your Travel Guard policy (for example, if your travel dates have shifted or you’ve added to your travel plans beyond our cruise), you can submit a policy modification request via Travel Guard’s online modification form. Modification requests must be submitted prior to your travel dates. Through this form, you can also change or add any pre- or post-cruise travel days or add additional trip costs (flights, hotel, etc.). Adding coverage for other items beyond your cruise (if that’s all that was covered in your original policy) may incur additional premium costs.

If you have questions, we encourage you to visit Travel Guard’s Resource Center, where you’ll find answers to many frequently asked questions. You can also speak with a licensed Travel Guard insurance agent by calling 800.826.5248.

A NOTE ABOUT TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE
If you’ve not purchased trip interruption insurance, there’s still time to add it to your existing policy or originate a policy with most travel insurance carriers. Although we can’t consult on insurance, we are pointing out that these policies offer peace of mind for a reasonable price.

Weather in this region is typically hot and humid year-round, with occasional mid-afternoon heat-generated thunderstorms providing a bit of a cool off. Galápagos is located almost right on the equator. 

Many of our Zodiac landings on the various islands of Galápagos qualify as “wet landings,” which means that under normal conditions, your feet will go into the water and will get wet as your make your way to the beach/site. That’s one of the reasons having a great pair of waterproof shoes is so important.

With each landing, our Expedition Team will let us know if the landing will be wet or dry. Use that information to make the best footwear choice for the adventure ahead. And keep in mind, on some days, we’ll have various types of landings, so a footwear change may be in order. 

Shorts and T-shirts are ideal for exploring the islands of Galápagos. Longer shorts with cargo pockets allow you to bring important items and ensure your comfort. Moisture-wicking fabrics are important to combat our hot and sweaty hikes.

Teva-style sandals are great for exploring our many landing sites, thanks to their support and breathability. Wet or dry, they’re comfortable and sturdy enough to protect your feet from the hot volcanic rock common to many of the islands. Broken-in hiking shoes or sneakers are ideal for long walks and hikes.

Please keep in mind that the conditions in the Galápagos can be hard on clothing and footwear, with the combined effects of the hot volcanic rock, abrasive sand, and salt water.

Packing for the Galápagos requires a balance of practicality and preparedness for various outdoor activities. Here’s a comprehensive packing list for our 7-night cruise:

Clothing:

1. Lightweight, breathable shirts (long-sleeve and short-sleeve) in neutral colors. As hard as it can be for some, do your best to blend in!
2. Quick-drying hiking pants or shorts
3. Swimsuits (at least two)
4. Sun hat or baseball cap
5. Light jacket or fleece for cooler evenings
6. Waterproof or water-resistant jacket
7. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots with good traction (at least one pair should be closed-toed)
8. Sandals or water shoes for beach excursions
9. Socks (including some for hiking if needed)
10. Undergarments
11. A couple nice pairs of pants for dinner
12. A few nice shirts for dinner you can rotate over several evenings (nothing too fancy is required)

Gear and Accessories:

1. Daypack or backpack for hikes and day trips (you’ll receive one onboard!)
2. Sunglasses with UV protection
3. Binoculars for wildlife viewing (a limited number will be available onboard)
4. Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
5. Waterproof dry bags or pouches for electronics and valuables
6. Reusable water bottle (provided onboard)
7. Snorkeling gear (provided onboard)
8. Portable charger/power bank
9. Ziplock bags or waterproof cases for storing wet items
10. Insect repellent
11. Sunscreen (reef-safe)
12. Lip balm with SPF
13. Small first aid kit for minor scrapes/cuts (including any personal medications)
14. Travel-sized hand sanitizer
15. Travel towel or microfiber towel (to wipe your brow on hikes)
16. Lightweight, compact umbrella or rain poncho

Optional Items:

1. Waterproof camera or GoPro for underwater photography
2. Wet wipes or baby wipes for freshening up on hikes (please place used ones in your pack and return them to the ship for proper disposal)
3. Lightweight, packable snorkel shirt or rash guard for sun protection while snorkeling

Remember to pack lightly and bring eco-friendly and reef-safe products whenever possible.

You can find a comprehensive look at Silversea’s recommendations HERE.

FOR GUESTS ATTENDING OUR MACHU PICCHU POST-CRUISE ADD-ON: Temperatures in Cusco can fall into the upper 30s during the night. You’ll want to have a heavier coat with you for evenings. 

Complimentary WiFi is included. However, please keep in mind that the speed is more akin to old-school dial-up.