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Galapagos cruises from US$2,770 per person including airfare from Miami ECUADOR
One of the most magnificent countries in Latin America....Ecuador has everything, history, culture, archaeological sites, nature, beautiful people and something very unique....Galapagos Islands.....
Come -Join us to discover Ecuador !
Choose one the many programs we offer....
Galapagos with the M/V Explorer -8 days- Visiting Quito, Otavalo & the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/V Explorer for 3 nights plus extension to the Amazon Rain Forest (KAPAWI)
M/V Explorer -12 days- Visiting Quito, Otavalo & Cruising the Galapagos Islands for 7 nights.
Galapagos with the M/V Legend -8 days- Cruising Galapagos aboard the M/V Legend and visiting Quito and surroundings areas.
Galapagos with the M/V Santa Cruz -8 days- Cruising the Islands, Quito and Otavalo.
Galapagos Explorer & Machu Picchu - 2 programs- with 5 & 4 star hotels, tours & cruise (4 days) -14 & 10 days with Quito, Otavalo, Galapagos, Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu.
Galapagos, The Legend & Machu Picchu -14 days. Cruise Galapagos for 8 days and then visit the "The Lost City of the Inkas"
Highlands of Ecuador - 8 days- Visiting Quito, Otavalo & Riobamba.
Short
visit to Galapagos and Machu Picchu
Ecuadorian Journey (ALL ECUADOR)- 17 days- Visiting Quito, the Amazon, Cuenca, Riobamba & Kapawi
Ecuador & Galapagos - 11 days- Cruising Galapagos for 7 nights aboard the deluxe yachts Eric, Letty, Flamingo & visiting Quito for 2 nights.
Extension to Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu for Ecuador trips only
PLEASE BE ADVISE - The USA airport departure taxes, fuel surcharges and security...are going up every day.....some airlines are charging right now about $340 per person....we will advise you the exact cost at the time of placing reservations....
GALAPAGOS ABOARD THE M/V LEGEND
 Visiting Quito, Otavalo and cruise around the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/V LEGEND US$3,094 including air from Miami (Add-ons available from more than 100 USA cities)
8 day/7 night Program DAY 01 FRI. MIAMI-QUITO: Depart Miami for Quito, Ecuador. After going through customs and immigration, you will be transferred to the new hotel Dann Carlton or Alameda Real. DAY 02 SAT.QUITO: Afternoon drive along the northern residential section and see the impressive Parliament Building. Then stroll downtown to visit the colonial temple and monasteries designated by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. Visit San Agustine Convent with its colonial cloisters, coffered ceilings and vast collection of paintings. Continue to the Independence Plaza flanked by the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Municipal Building and Archbishop's Palace. Next, visit the great church and Monastery of San Francisco with the Virgin of Quito at its main altar. Your scenic tour ends at a lookout point with a great view of Quito (B) DAY 03 SUN. OTAVALO COUNTRY TOUR & MARKET: DAY 04 MON. QUITO-GALAPAGOS-M/V LEGEND Transfer to the airport for flight to Galapagos. Welcome at Baltra Airport . Briefing on
ship's facilities at lounge given by guides as well as National Park. Safety drill practice with passengers, crew and guides. Morning at Genovesa Island . Best known as “the island of birds.” Passengers enjoy the safe harbor of being anchored deep within the cater formed bay. A dry landing at El Barranco (Prince Philip's Steps). Passengers will walk on lava terrain observing Red Footed Boobies, Frigates, and the fragrant Palo Santo trees. Thousands of Storm Petrels can be seen hovering over the open expanses. Your second visit is a refreshing wet landing, travelers visit Darwin Bay . Visitors will enjoy observing the Red-Footed Boobies, Frigates, Sea Lions, Lava Gulls, Night Herons, and Fiddler Crabs at this site. This site also offers snorkeling in the bay to observe sharks and rays at a safe distance. Passengers never forget the beaches on this island. (B,L,D) Española Island . Travelers enjoy a dry landing at Suarez Point. Upon landing visitors will learn more about the lava terrain while crossing the inactive lava fields.. Aside from the Sea Lion colonies, this is one of the most important sites for bird watching. As soon as visitors step foot on this island many species can be spotted and observed up close. Among the many species, the Hooded Mocking bird and Red Billed Tropic Bird can be seen. Travelers will also spot a large colony of Marine Iguanas, Lava Lizards, and the colorful Sally Light Foot Crabs. After a short trek visitors encounter colonies of masked and blue-footed boobies. Nesting grounds sometimes overlap the trail. Visitors will also find Galapagos Doves, Hawks and Swallow-Tailed Gulls. After crossing the nesting grounds you will reach the world's largest colony of Waved Albatross (15000 approx.), Their mating rituals are a highlight. Nearing the end of this excursion passengers will visit the famous blowhole, where water shoots into the air at almost 23 mts. (75 ft.). DAY 08 FRI. QUITO-MIAMI: Transfer to the airport for flight to Miami and homeward bound. (B) (SEE OPTIONAL TO CUZCO AND MACHU PICCHU AT THE END OF THIS PAGE)
INCLUDING: Round trip airfare from Miami to Quito via American Airlines. Meeting and transfer service. Tours as noted in itinerary including entrance fees and English speaking naturalist guides. Hotel Dann Carlton or Alameda for 4 nights including room taxes and service charges with Buffet Breakfast. The 4 day/3 night Galapagos Cruise aboard the M/V Legend –outside SUPERIOR cabins-with 2 lower berths. Meals as noted in itinerary B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner. · Airfare from Quito to Baltra Island via Tame Airlines. Tips to airport porters. NOT INCLUDED: Services not mentioned in itinerary. Passport fees. Departure taxes: Galapagos National Park Tax upon entry $100.00: Airport departure tax of $2.00 in Quito · Insurance. Tips to hotel porters and naturalist guide in Galapagos . USA $232 (Inc. departure tax/security/fuel surcharges/tax)
* As of Jun.01, 2008 new fuel surcharge for
all Galapagos cruises of $90 per person. US$250.00 per person at the time of booking. Final payment is due 65 days before departure. INSURANCE: Through Insure America, cost for this program starts at US$235-305. Please see information on the Insurance section..(click here) CANCELLATIONS:
From Jan.01 to Mar.31 and from Jun.15 to Aug.15 -please add $100 per person (high season for the air portion). From Dec.09 to 31 -please add $300 per person. Rates includes airfare from Quito to Galapagos. *Children rate based –sharing room with 2 adults. Note: Upgrade to Junior Suite for $196 per person. For the Legend suites add $520 per person.
ADD-ONS & VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES: For same package add $140 from ORL,TPA, JAX, FMY and Zone 1; $190 from ATL; add $230 from BDL, BOS,BWI, EWR, NYC, PHL, RDU, WAS, + Zone 3 - - Add $290 from CHI, CLE, DTT; - Add $320 from DEN, DFW, HOU, MSY, SJU ZONE 2 & 4; Add $390 from LAX, SFO + ZONE 5; Add $410 from Zone 6. RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.
Zone 1: FL; Zone 2: AR, LA, MS, NM, OK, TX; Zone 3: CT, GA, MA, MD, NC, NH, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT; Zone 4: AL, AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, WI; Zone 5: CA, ID, NV, UT; Zone 6: OR, WA
GALAPAGOS, THE M/V LEGEND
& MACHU PICCHU
Cruising Galapagos for 8 days and then visit Machu Picchu 14 days/13 nights
DAY 01 SUN. MIAMI-GUAYAQUIL Arrive Guayaquil with transfer to hotel HAMPTON INN. Transfer to the airport for flight to Galapagos. Welcome at Baltra Airport . Briefing on ship´s facilities at lounge given by guides as well as National Park. Safety drill practice with passengers, crew and guides.Afternoon visit North Seymour Island . After a dry landing guests will encounter Swallow Tailed Gulls and Sea Lions. This site is also known for being a major nesting colony for Blue Footed Boobies, and the largest colony of the Magnificent Frigate Bird. (a different species from the Great Frigate Bird). Travelers will also spot both endemic species of iguanas, the Marine Iguanas and Land Iguanas. Passengers will enjoy this relaxed hike around the nesting sites. (B,L,D) Morning at Genovesa Island . Best known as "the island of birds." Passengers enjoy the safe harbor of being anchored deep
within the cater formed bay. A dry landing at El Barranco (Prince Philip's Steps). Passengers will walk on lava terrain observing Red Footed Boobies, Frigates, and the fragrant Palo Santo trees. Thousands of Storm Petrels can be seen hovering over the open expanses. Your second visit is a refreshing wet landing, travelers visit Darwin Bay . Visitors will enjoy observing the Red-Footed Boobies, Frigates, Sea Lions, Lava Gulls, Night Herons, and Fiddler Crabs at this site. This site also offers snorkeling in the bay to observe sharks and rays at a safe distance. Passengers never forget the beaches on this island. (B,L,D) AM Española Island . Travelers enjoy a dry landing at Suarez Point. Upon landing visitors will learn more about the lava terrain while crossing the inactive lava fields.. Aside from the Sea Lion colonies, this is one of the most important sites for bird watching. As soon as visitors step foot on this island many species can be spotted and observed up close. Among the many species, the Hooded Mocking bird and Red Billed Tropic Bird can be seen. Travelers will also spot a large colony of Marine Iguanas, Lava Lizards, and the colorful Sally Light Foot Crabs. After a short trek visitors encounter colonies of masked and blue-footed boobies. Nesting grounds sometimes overlap the trail. Visitors will also find Galapagos Doves, Hawks and Swallow-Tailed Gulls. After crossing the nesting grounds you will reach the world's largest colony of Waved Albatross (15000 approx.), Their mating rituals are a highlight. Nearing the end of this excursion passengers will visit the famous blowhole, where water shoots into the air at almost 23 mts. (75 ft.).Afternoon at San Cristóbal Island . Dry landing at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Here passengers visit the Interpretation Center providing travelers an opportunity to learn about the natural and human history of the islands through an hour-long interactive presentation. There is some time to shop in town. (B,L,D) AM Santa Cruz Island . Arrive at Black Turtle Cove located near Las Bachas beach in the north of Santa Cruz Island . This excursion provides passengers with a "panga" ride though the mangrove, during which the outboard motor of the small boat is turned off. This allows for the close observation of Sea Turtles, White Tipped Reef Sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays, and Yellow Rays.PM Bartolomé Island . Dry landing. Arriving on this island, passengers will see volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. After a hike to the summit visitors have an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. During the ascent travelers will often see a large colony of Marine Iguanas and Lava Lizards. Red Mangroves, Tiquilla, and various cacti all add to the experience. Visitors also enjoy a chance to cool off while snorkeling. Here travelers often see the Galapagos Penguin, Sea Turtles, and White Tipped Sharks from a safe distance. (B,L,D) Fernandina Island . After a dry landing at Espinosa Point, passengers will see the largest colony of Marine Iguanas mingling with Sally-light Foot Crabs. Also enjoyed are the Flightless Cormorants nesting sites, the Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Hawks, and Sea lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will note Brachycereus Cactus, "pa-hoe-hoe" lava, and other unusual lava formations. Travelers will view recent lava flows from a safe distance. Also numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea, depicting a healthy and thriving eco-system.PM Isabela Island . Is the largest island in the Galapagos. At Tagus Cove, passengers enjoy a dry landing. Visitors learn more about the eruption of five volcanoes that flowed together to form this land mass. During the walk passengers will see the largest population of Giant Tortoises.(about 4000, but difficult to spot) the marked trail leads to Darwin 's salt water lagoon and an excellent view of the lava fields, scoured with unique volcanic formations,. Time is allowed for viewing marine life from the dinghy. Frequently visitors see Galapagos Penguins at this site. A view of graffiti dating back to the 1800's can help passengers better appreciate the relationship between the islands and tourism today. Most of the graffiti is believed to be done by pirates and buccaneers. (B,L,D) Santiago Island . Visit the dark sand beach at Puerto Egas during a wet landing. Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows, the surrounding area is prime for spotting and observing Hunting Herons, Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, Oyster Catchers, and the Yellow Crowned Night Heron. Passengers enjoy the sight of Marine Iguanas grazing upon algae beds at low tide sharing space with Red Sally Light-Foot Crabs. There is a colony of Fur-Seal swimming in deep pools of cool water called "grottos". This is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling in search of Octopuses, Sea Horses, Star Fish and other sea life caught in the small tidal pools. >From a safe distance travelers can admire Moray Eels, Hammerhead Sharks, White Tip and Galapagos Sharks, Golden and White Spotted Eagle Rays, Jacks, Wahoo, Tuna, Groupers, Red-Tailed and Dog Snappers, Sea Lions, and Sea Turtles. All located in the back drop of cold water and warm water corals, fans, and sponge.Rábida Island . Dry landing at the dark red colored beach of volcanic origin, frequented by sea lions. It is often considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic rocks in all of the Islands . Here a short trail leads to a salt water lagoon, where we find small colonies of Flamingos feeding. The brown pelican nests in the mangroves found at the far side of the lagoon. Also to be found are boobies and 9 species of Darwin 's finches. Dinghie ride by the reefs and an excellent opportunity for snorkeling. (B,L,D) Santa Cruz Island . On another visit, travelers have the chance to investigate the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, staffed with international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects. Here you can also admire Giant Tortoises, part of the breeding program. Also travelers can admire the impressive Giant Prickly-Pear Cactus forest and many land birds. The visit to the station takes around 40 minutes. After this visit passengers have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs.The trail then leads up to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay. This area is a nesting site for a big number of reintroduced Land Iguanas, again thanks to the Charles Darwin Research Station. There is also a bizarre Scalesia tree forest. (B,L,D) Transfer to the airport for flight to Quito with transfer to hotel HAMPTON INN. Transfer to the airport for flight to Cuzco. Reception and transfer to the HOTEL DON CARLOS. Afternoon city tour of Cuzco and the surrounding valley and ruins of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca-Pucara and the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. (B) Full day excursion by train to the most mysterious and energetic place of the Inka civilization. Early morning your tour guide will pick you up and transfer you to the train station for your 3 1/2 hour trip with spectacular views of the Urubamba River and the Andean mountain range to Machu Picchu. Temples, palaces, towers and staircases are built into the side of the mountain. Here your tour guide will take you from site to site explaining the advanced world of the Inkas.(B) Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima with transfer to HOTEL FARAONA. (B) DAY 14 SAT. LIMA-MIAMI Transfer to the airport. (B)
From Jan.01 to Mar.31 and from Jun.15 to Aug.15 -please add $100 per person. From Dec.09 to 31 -please add $300 per person. Rates includes airfare from Quito to Galapagos. *Children rate based –sharing room with 2 adults. Note: Upgrade to Junior Suite for $196 per person. For the Legend suites add $520 per person.
INCLUDING:
NOTE: For outside cabins -please add $250 per person.
NOT INCLUDED: * As of Jun.01, 2008 new fuel surcharge for all Galapagos cruises of $180 per person.
ADD-ONS & VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES: For same package add $140 from ORL,TPA, JAX, FMY and Zone 1; $190 from ATL; add $230 from BDL, BOS,BWI, EWR, NYC, PHL, RDU, WAS, + Zone 3 - - Add $290 from CHI, CLE, DTT; - Add $320 from DEN, DFW, HOU, MSY, SJU ZONE 2 & 4; Add $390 from LAX, SFO + ZONE 5; Add $410 from Zone 6. RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.
Zone 1: FL; Zone 2: AR, LA, MS, NM, OK, TX; Zone 3: CT, GA, MA, MD, NC, NH, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT; Zone 4: AL, AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, WI; Zone 5: CA, ID, NV, UT; Zone 6: OR, WA
DEPOSITS: US$350.00 per person at the time of booking. Final payment is due 65 days before departure. INSURANCE: Through Insure America, cost for this program starts at US$305. Please see information on the Insurance section..(click here) CANCELLATIONS:
Galapagos with the M/V Explorer
Visiting Quito "Queen City of the Andes", Otavalo market and cruise around the Galapagos Islands aboard the Deluxe M/V Galapagos Explorer
From US$ 3,094 including airfare from Miami (Add-ons available from more than 100 USA cities -see below)
8 day/7 night Program DAY 01 SUN. USA-QUITO Depart Miami for Quito, Ecuador. After going through customs and immigration, you will be transfer to hotel selected. DAY 02 MON. QUITO Afternoon combined tour of colonial and modern Quito. Drive through this beautiful city and its colonial center visiting the Cathedral, Government Palace, the La Compania Church with its ornate golden altars, then a drive through modern Quito. DAY 03 TUE. OTAVALO COUNTRY TOUR
This excursion goes north, to the land of the
Otavalos and South America’s most famous Indian fair along the Panamerican
Highway through dramatic mountain scenery to the textile market of Otavalo,
where guests will enjoy visiting the many stalls full of ponchos, scarves,
blankets, wall hangings, woven belts (fajas), hats, handbags and much more. Here
Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other
markets; take your time to negotiate the best bargains. Then, proceed to Peguche,
an Indian village very near Otavalo that is home to the artisans who do the
weaving in their homes; guests can learn about their culture and everyday life
and then take the cobblestone road to San Pablo, with a stop along the way at a
weaving workshop specialized in fine backstrap loom woven textiles. Lunch is at
one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area. Transfer to the airport for your flight to San Cristobal Island in Galapagos Islands to board the M/V "Galapagos Explorer II. Your
first day in Galapagos you'll visit one location near San Cristobal Island. At Cerro
Brujo (wet landing), you`ll go to the beach for swimming and snorkeling
activities. You can see: blue footed boobies, brown pelicans, coast bird (whimbrels,
sander lings, etc), Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers. Free time to walk on
the beach. Morning at Punta Suarez (Hood Island) which is on the west end of Española, has a landing beach where visitors are generally greeted by a colony of sea lions. On the nearby lava rocks one of the most colorful subspecies of marine iguana can be found, along with brilliant red Sally light-foot crabs. Among the birds in the immediate area are long-billed mockingbirds, Galapagos doves, short-eared owls, an occasional lava heron, oystercatchers and swallow-tailed gulls. Behind Punta Suarez, on a cliff plateau, blue-footed and masked boobies nest. Beyond the booby colonies and farther inland, are many waived albatross colonies. Afternoon
at Gardner Bay in Española Island Morning at Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Island. P. Ayora is famous because the Charles Darwin Research Station. A wildlife reserve has been set aside under the guidance of the Ecuadorian Land Commission and the Charles Darwin Station. Tortoises from different islands can also be seen in captivity at the Charles Darwin Station at Puerto Ayora. Afternoon
at Rábida DAY 07 SAT. GALAPAGOS-BALTRA-QUITO Morning at Bachas Beach in Santa Cruz Island It is White sand beach where you can see some nesting site for sea turtles, a small lagoon, whimbrels, heron, pelican, Sally Lightfoot crab and other species. Early then transfer to the airport for flight to Quito with short stopover in Guayaquil. Overnight at hotel selected. (B) DAY 08 SUN. QUITO-USA Transfer to the airport for flight to Miami and homeward bound.
INCLUDING: Meeting and transfer service. Tours as noted in itinerary including entrance fees and English speaking guides. Hotel selected for 4 nights including room taxes and service charges. The 4 day/3 night Galapagos Cruise aboard the deluxe ship M/V Explorer. Meals as noted in itinerary B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner. Airfare from Miami to Quito and from Quito to San Cristobal Island via Tame or similar. Tips to airport porters.
NOT INCLUDED: Services not mentioned in itinerary. Passport fees. Departure taxes: Galapagos National Park Tax upon entry $100.00: Airport departure tax of $3.00 in Quito. Insurance. Tips to hotel porters, and naturalist guide in Galapagos. USA departure tax $232 (Inc. USA airport tax/security/fuel surcharge. International departure tax in Quito will be USD40,80.
* As of Jun.01, 2008 new fuel surcharge for all Galapagos cruises of $90 per person.
DEPOSITS: US$300.00 per person at the time of booking. Final payment is due 60 days before departure. INSURANCE: Through Insure America, cost for this program starts at US$US$235-305. Please see information on back page. CANCELLATIONS:
RATES VALID from Jan.02 to Jun.17 & Aug.16. From Jun.18 to Aug.15 -please add $100 per person. Also, from Dec.09 to 31 add $250 pp.
NOTE: Rates are based on Magellan or Columbus deck-Classic Suite (all cabins are suites at the M/V Explorer). For Premiun Suite-Marco Polo deck add $145 pp; for Deluxe Suite Erickson Deck add $300 pp; for Renaissance Suite add $500 pp. UPGRADE TO HOTEL MARRIOTT or HILTON : Please add $376 for Dbl/Trp and $484 for SGL
ADD-ONS & VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES: For same package add $140 from ORL,TPA, JAX, FMY and Zone 1; $190 from ATL; add $230 from BDL, BOS,BWI, EWR, NYC, PHL, RDU, WAS, + Zone 3 - - Add $290 from CHI, CLE, DTT; - Add $320 from DEN, DFW, HOU, MSY, SJU ZONE 2 & 4; Add $390 from LAX, SFO + ZONE 5; Add $410 from Zone 6. RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.
Zone 1: FL; Zone 2: AR, LA, MS, NM, OK, TX; Zone 3: CT, GA, MA, MD, NC, NH, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT; Zone 4: AL, AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, WI; Zone 5: CA, ID, NV, UT; Zone 6: OR, WA
EXTENSION TO THE AMAZON RAIN FOREST Kapawi Ecolodge and Reserve Same as your Galapagos Explorer Program with small variations as follows: Day 01 THU. USA-ECUADOR: Arrive Quito.Transfer to hotel selected. Day 02 FRI. QUITO- KAPAWI: By plane to Kapawi. (B,L,D) Day 03-04 SAT-SUN. AT KAPAWI: Daily excursions and exploration of the Amazon Rain Forest. (B,L,D). About Kapawi: Kapawi Ecolodge and Reserve is located in the most remote area of the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin. From Quito you will fly to Montalvo, the short slight to Kapawi from where wooden canoes will take you to the Lodge.( 10 minute ride). The lodge accommodates up to 40 passengers and was built in accordance to the Achuar concept of Architecture (not a single nail was used). Environmentally friendly methods such as solar energy and trash recycling are also being utilized. Kapawi is a placed of multiple choices and is characterized by its flexibility, you can design with your guide and your group the most suitable one to meet your interest and physical condition. Nevertheless, most itineraries will include visits to the Achuar communities, hikes in the rain forest, canoeing in rivers and lakes as well as close observation of the flora and fauna. This is a true experience of the Amazon Rain Forest. You will Macaws, Parrots, King Vultures, Yellow crowned parrot, Hoatzins Howler Monkeys, Pink Dolphins, Capibaras, Caymans and much more....it is heaven in this part of the Amazon !. The tour package to Kapawi includes all your meals, daily excursions with a naturalist English speaking guide, accommodations, airfare Quito-Kapawi-Quito. Not included: Achuar community fee of $10.00 (per passenger), soft beverages, alcoholic drinks, Government taxes. DAY 05 MON: KAPAWI-QUITO: (CONTINUE WITH YOUR ORIGINAL PROGRAM) Return to Quito and transfer to hotel selected. Afternoon city tour of Quito. (B,) DAY 06 TUE: QUITO-OTAVALO: (As your original program) DAY 07 WED: QUITO-GALAPAGOS: (As your original program) DAY 08 THU: GALAPAGOS: (As your original program) DAY 09 FRI: GALAPAGOS: (As your original program) DAY 10 SAT: GALAPAGOS-QUITO: (As your original program) DAY 11 SUN: QUITO-USA: (As your original program)
Rates subject to change at any time. Include local airfare Quito-Kapawi-Quito, all meals at the Kapawi, all transfers, all excursions and English naturalist tour guide. Yellow fever shots and Malaria pills are required.
Visiting Quito "Queen City of the Andes", Otavalo -the Indigenous colorful market and Galapagos Islands for 8 days aboard the M/V EXPLORER
12 day/11 night Program DAY 01 SUN MIAMI-QUITO:
DAY 03 TUE. OTAVALO NATIVE MARKET:
DAY 04 WED-QUITO-SAN CRISTOBAL Transfer to the airport for your flight to San Cristobal Island in Galapagos Islands to board the M/V "Galapagos Explorer II. Your
first day in Galapagos you'll visit one location near San Cristobal Island. At Cerro
Brujo (wet landing), you`ll go to the beach for swimming and snorkeling
activities. You can see: blue footed boobies, brown pelicans, coast bird (whimbrels,
sander lings, etc), Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers. Free time to walk on
the beach. Morning at Punta Suarez (Hood Island) which is on the west end of Española, has a landing beach where visitors are generally greeted by a colony of sea lions. On the nearby lava rocks one of the most colorful subspecies of marine iguana can be found, along with brilliant red Sally light-foot crabs. Among the birds in the immediate area are long-billed mockingbirds, Galapagos doves, short-eared owls, an occasional lava heron, oystercatchers and swallow-tailed gulls. Behind Punta Suarez, on a cliff plateau, blue-footed and masked boobies nest. Beyond the booby colonies and farther inland, are many waived albatross colonies. Afternoon
at Gardner Bay in Española Island Morning at Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Island. P. Ayora is famous because the Charles Darwin Research Station. A wildlife reserve has been set aside under the guidance of the Ecuadorian Land Commission and the Charles Darwin Station. Tortoises from different islands can also be seen in captivity at the Charles Darwin Station at Puerto Ayora. Afternoon
at Rábida
DAY 07 SAT. SANTA CRUZ ISLAND Transfer to the airport for flight to Miami and homeward bound. (B)
(SEE OPTIONAL TO CUZCO AND MACHU PICCHU AT THE END OF THIS PAGE) NOT INCLUDED: * As of Jun.01, 2008 new fuel surcharge for all Galapagos cruises of $210 per person.
DEPOSITS:
Final payment is due 60 days before departure. INSURANCE: CANCELLATIONS:
Rates includes airfare from Miami via American Airlines. *From Dec.10 to 31 -please add $300 per person.
ADD-ONS & VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES: For same package add $140 from ORL,TPA, JAX, FMY and Zone 1; $190 from ATL; add $230 from BDL, BOS,BWI, EWR, NYC, PHL, RDU, WAS, + Zone 3 - - Add $290 from CHI, CLE, DTT; - Add $320 from DEN, DFW, HOU, MSY, SJU ZONE 2 & 4; Add $390 from LAX, SFO + ZONE 5; Add $410 from Zone 6. RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.
Zone 1: FL; Zone 2: AR, LA, MS, NM, OK, TX; Zone 3: CT, GA, MA, MD, NC, NH, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT; Zone 4: AL, AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, WI; Zone 5: CA, ID, NV, UT; Zone 6: OR, WA
(Applies to Galapagos programs only)
DAY 01 GUAYAQUIL/LIMA: Morning arrival in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island. Transfer to the airport for flight to Guayaquil to connect with flight to Lima. Reception and transfer to Hotel selected DAY 02 LIMA-CUZCO: Transfer to the airport for flight to Cuzco. Reception and transfer to HOTEL selected. Afternoon city tour of Cuzco and the surrounding valley and ruins of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca-Pucara and the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. (B) DAY 03 CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU: Full day excursion by train to the most mysterious and energetic place of the Inka civilization. Early morning your tour guide will pick you up and transfer you to the train station for your 3 1/2 hour trip with spectacular views of the Urubamba River and the Andean mountain range to Machu Picchu. Temples, palaces, towers and staircases are built into the side of the mountain. Here your tour guide will take you from site to site explaining the advanced world of the Inkas. (Optional overnight in Machu Picchu upon request) . HOTEL selected (B) DAY 04 CUZCO: Day at leisure to explore Cuzco on your own. HOTEL selected. (B) DAY 05 CUZCO-LIMA: Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima with transfer to the Hotel selected. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Lima, founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and called "City of Kings". Your guided tour will take you to see the most important sites of modern and colonial Lima. (B) DAY 06 LIMA-USA: Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA and homeward bound. Along with the souvenirs, you will carry memories of your journey through the Galapagos, Machu Picchu and the Amazon. (B) 2008 RATES including airfare from Guayaquil to Lima
3 stars hotels: Lima: Faraona -Cuzco: Dorado 4 stars hotels: Lima: Sofitel - Cuzco: Novotel 5 stars hotels: Lima: Marriott - Cuzco: Monasterio Overnight in Machu Picchu available upon request. Add $380 per person for day excursion to M.Picchu aboard the Orient Express service inc. 3 meals and drinks.
INCLUDING: Tips to porters at airports and ports (not at hotels); tours as mentioned in itinerary including entrance fees and English speaking tour guides; Hotel accommodations for 05 including room taxes and service charges of 25% in Peru; round trip bus/train tickets to Machu Picchu (vistadome) ; meals as noted B=American Breakfast; all transfers to airport, hotel and ports; airfare Quito or Guayaquil to Lima and Lima-Cuzco-Lima. NOT INCLUDED: Other services not mentioned in itinerary; passport, visa, tourist car fees or insurance; departure taxes: USA departure tax $196 (Inc. USA airport tax/security/fuel surcharges). , Ecuador $31.60, Peru $30.25, $6.00 each domestic flight in Peru; tips to tour guides and drivers. DEPOSITS/PAYMENTS:US$100.00 per person at the time of booking. Full payment is due 45 days prior to departure (for the extension) CANCELLATIONS: Please refer to General Conditions and Information. click here INSURANCE: Not included. Available through Insure America, cost for this program starts at US$90-125. For further information, please have your Travel Agent call Tara Tours Inc.
GALAPAGOS WITH THE M/V SANTA CRUZ
Visiting Quito, Otavalo and cruise around the Galapagos Islands
8 day/7 night Program DAY 01 THU. MIAMI-GUAYAQUIL: Depart Miami for Guayaquil, Ecuador. After going through customs and immigration, you will be transferred to the hotel Hampton Inn. DAY 02 FRI. GUAYAQUIL-GALAPAGOS Transfer
to the airport for flight to San Cristóbal Island and transfer to the MV SANTA CRUZ, which will be anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galápagos Islands. Cabin assignment and lunch. After lunch, introductory welcome talk and boat drill. DAY
03 SAT. GALAPAGOS DAY 06 TUE. QUITO: Afternoon drive along the northern residential section and see the impressive Parliament Building. Then stroll downtown to visit the colonial temple and monasteries designated by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. Visit San Agustine Convent with its colonial cloisters, coffered ceilings and vast collection of paintings. Continue to the Independence Plaza flanked by the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Municipal Building and Archbishop's Palace. Next, visit the great church and Monastery of San Francisco with the Virgin of Quito at its main altar. Your scenic tour ends at a lookout point with a great view of Quito (B) DAY 07 WED. OTAVALO COUNTRY TOUR:
This excursion goes north, to the land of the Otavalos
and South America’s most famous Indian fair along the Panamerican Highway
through dramatic mountain scenery to the textile market of Otavalo, where guests
will enjoy visiting the many stalls full of ponchos, scarves, blankets, wall
hangings, woven belts (fajas), hats, handbags and much more. Here Otavaleños
barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets;
take your time to negotiate the best bargains. Then, proceed to Peguche, an
Indian village very near Otavalo that is home to the artisans who do the weaving
in their homes; guests can learn about their culture and everyday life and then
take the cobblestone road to San Pablo, with a stop along the way at a weaving
workshop specialized in fine backstrap loom woven textiles. Lunch is at one of
the charming country inns or haciendas of the area. DAY 08 THU. QUITO-MIAMI: Transfer to the airport for flight to Miami and homeward bound. (B) (SEE OPTIONAL TO CUZCO AND MACHU PICCHU AT THE END OF THIS PAGE)
INCLUDING: Round trip airfare from Miami to Quito via American Airlines. Meeting and transfer service. Tours as noted in itinerary including entrance fees and English speaking naturalist guides. Hotel Dann Carlton or Alameda for 3 nights, 1 night in Guayaquil at Hampton Inn with room taxes and service charges with Buffet Breakfast. The 4 day/3 night Galapagos Cruise aboard the M/V SANTA CRUZ –outside main deck twin cabins-with 2 lower berths. Meals as noted in itinerary B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner. · Airfare from Quito to Galapagos Island. Tips to airport porters.
NOT INCLUDED: Services not mentioned in itinerary. Passport fees. Departure taxes: Galapagos National Park Tax upon entry $100.00: Airport departure tax of $2.00 in Quito · Insurance. Tips to hotel porters and naturalist guide in Galapagos . USA departure tax $232 (Inc. USA airport tax/security/fuel surcharges). * As of Aug.01, 2007.....The new international departure tax in Quito will be USD40,80 per person, Guayaquil however will remain at USD26,00 per person.
DEPOSITS: US$300.00 per person at the time of booking. Final payment is due 65 days before departure. INSURANCE: Through Insure America, cost for this program starts at US$235-305. Please see information on the Insurance section..(click here) CANCELLATIONS:
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...10
days/9 nights ...for those people on the run ....Guayaquil, Galapagos, Lima,
Cuzco, Machu Picchu
This
excursion goes north, to the land of the Otavalos and South America’s most
famous Indian fair along the Panamerican Highway through dramatic mountain
scenery to the textile market of Otavalo, where guests will enjoy visiting the
many stalls full of ponchos, scarves, blankets, wall hangings, woven belts (fajas),
hats, handbags and much more. Here Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked
contrast to the raucous noise of other markets; take your time to negotiate the
best bargains. Then, proceed to Peguche, an Indian village very near Otavalo
that is home to the artisans who do the weaving in their homes; guests can learn
about their culture and everyday life and then take the cobblestone road to San
Pablo, with a stop along the way at a weaving workshop specialized in fine
backstrap loom woven textiles. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or
haciendas of the area.
DAY 04
WED-QUITO-SAN CRISTOBAL
