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Best of Galapagos....cruising aboard the M/V Explorer from US$3,670 pp 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 !
On December 16th, 2011, the President of Ecuador sent an Executive Order No. 168, which decreed that the fuel subsidy will be eliminated on all air routes within Ecuador, all programs below will be subject to new fuel surcharges.
Choose one the many great programs we offer....
8 days visiting Quito, Guayaquil & cruise the Galapagos Islands aboard the deluxe M/V Explorer for 5 days. Also extension to Cuzco & Machu Picchu.
Special deluxe Quito.... 6 days US$727 pp/db; deluxe hotel with private transfers and private city tour
Galapagos & the Amazon Rain Forest New ! 12 days visiting the Amazon Rain forest aboard the Manatee, cruising Galapagos for 4 days and exploring Quito for 3 days.
Galapagos Explorer & Machu Picchu with 5 star hotels, tours & cruise for a total of 14 days visiting Quito, Otavalo, Galapagos, Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu.
Galapagos, The Legend & Machu Picchu (2012 new schedules) 14 day program Cruising Galapagos for 8 days and then visit Cuzco and Machu Picchu (The Lost City of the Inkas) for 6 more days.
Andes, Amazon & Galapagos 12 days Exploring Quito "Queen city of the Andes", Galapagos aboard The M/V Explorer and visiting the Amazon Rain Forest at La Selva Lodge
Amazon Rain Forest -Manatee River Boat 7 days exploring the Ecuadorian Amazon....best buy for the Amazon
Quick reference for Galapagos Cruises ....more than 20 boats to choose from... Explorer, Legend, Santa Cruz, Eclipse, La Pinta, Evolution (see special discounts) Alta, Eric, Flamingo, Letty, Coral I or Coral II....and more...
Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges 8 day expedition...
The New Highlands of Ecuador 8 days visiting Quito, Riobamba, Otavalo & Riobamba with La Chiva Express.
M/V Explorer Galapagos Enchanted Islands -12 days visiting Quito, Otavalo & Cruising the Galapagos Islands for 7 nights.
Short visit to Galapagos and Machu Picchu (Also 2012 new schedules) 11 days/10 nights ...for those people on the run ....Guayaquil, Galapagos, Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu
Cruise Galapagos for 7 nights aboard the deluxe yachts Eric, Letty, Flamingo & visit Quito for 2 more nights. 572 Quito and Galapagos on a Budget ....from US$1690 including local air to Galapagos
Extension to the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest...La Selva Jungle Lodge, Kapawi, The Manatee River boat.... Extension to Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu for Ecuador trips only... Extension to Salinas Beach Barcelo Colon Miramar 4 days/3 nights -Daily departures from Guayaquil -Great all inclusive... Extension to Papallacta Thermal Baths 2 days/1 night -Daily departures.
GALAPAGOS ABOARD THE M/V LEGEND
Visiting Quito, Otavalo and cruise around the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/V LEGEND
8 day/7 night Program
2012 ITINERARY
ALTERNATIVE DATES: (with Cruise A) Jan.27, Feb.10, 24: Mar. 09, 23; Apr. 6, 20; May 4, 18; Jun. 01, 15, 29; Jul.13, 27; Aug.10, 24; Sep.07, 21; Oct. 05, 19; Nov. 02, 16, 30; Dec. 14, 28
DAY 01 FRI. MIAMI-QUITO: (Add-ons available from more than 100 USA cities) 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 Augustine 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:
This
excursion goes north, to the land of the Otavalos and South America’s most
famous Indian fair along the Panamericana 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
back strap loom woven textiles. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or
haciendas of the area. DAY 04 MON. GUAYAQUIL-BALTRA-GALAPAGOS (M/V Legend -Cruise C) AM Arrive Baltra. Transfer to the M/V Legend. PM Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz) The sand at Bachas beach is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, and a favorite site for nesting sea turtles. The Sally Lightfoot crabs are abundant on the lava rocks along the water's edge. On this hike, you will see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels. (B,L,D) DAY 05 TUE. GALAPAGOS AM South Plaza (South Plaza Island) This island is full of life. There are colonies of sea lions and land iguanas. On the steep banks it is possible to see a great number of birds such as nesting tropic birds, boobies and fork-tailed seagulls, but most of all, enjoying the beautiful view from atop the steep banks or strolling along the base of the cliff is an extremely pleasurable experience. The Opuntia cacti grow here too and the vegetation changes color according to the season of the year. PM Santa Fe It is one of the oldest Islands in Galapagos, ages of its lavas range from 750,000 to nearly 3 million years. ts maximum elevation is only about 200 m.. Among the unique species that can be seen there are the Santa Fe land iguana and Galapagos snake (whose bite is mildly poisonous). Also, opportunity to see Frigate birds, Galapagos hawks, sea turtles and sea lions. (B,L,D) DAY 06 WED. GALAPAGOS AM Pitt Point (San Cristobal) Wet landing followed by a high intensity hike on rocky terrain. The trail includes an olivine beach of 90 meters long and a path that climbs to the top of a volcanic tuff, through several magnificent viewpoints. This is probably the only site where the three booby species of the Galapagos can be seen together: Nazca, Blue-footed, and Red-footed; as well as two species of frigatebirds and a sea lion colony; it is also excellent for dinghy rides and snorkeling, where a good range of sea birds can be observed. PM – Cerro Brujo (San Cristóbal) Wet landing. Cerro Brujo is an eroding tuff cone that at several locations is composed of AA lava formations, and a beautiful white sand beach, great for snorkeling and sunbathing. We visit a lagoon where migratory bird species can be seen: Black-necked Stilts, Ruddy Turnstones, Whimbrels, other sandpiper species and White-cheeked Pintails. Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal and the adjacent coast.(B,L,D) DAY 07 THU. GALAPAGOS-QUITO AM Cerro Colorado Dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Passengers visit the San Cristóbal giant tortoise Breeding Center to learn about the National Park’s conservation programs. Passengers will also have the opportunity to visit the port village, have a drink or shop for arts and crafts and other souvenirs. Then transfer to the airport for flight to Quito with transfer to hotel Dann Carlton. (B) 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: 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 –PLEASE see below different types of cabins. Meals as noted in itinerary B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner. · Round trip airfare from Quito to Baltra Island via Tame Airlines. Tips to airport porters.
NOT INCLUDED: International airfare; Services not mentioned in itinerary; Passport fees; Galapagos National Park Tax upon entry $100; $10 immigration card to enter Galapagos; Airport departure taxes of $2.00 to $5.00 for local flights in Ecuador; Insurance; Tips to hotel porters and tour guides; USA departure tax/security/fuel surcharges/airport tax of $150-300 (this is to be paid here in USA at the moment of issuing your airline tickets); Ecuador airport departure tax of $32 to $48 depending on airport; new fuel surcharge for all Galapagos cruises ...about $30 per day (we will advise you at the time of making reservations).
2012 COST LAND TOUR CRUISE RATE PER PERSON: (Includes local air Quito-Galapagos-Guayaquil
Does not include international airfare. For more information about the M/V Legend click here Sample air from Miami US$500-600; New York $700-800; Los Angeles $800-900 Have your Travel Agent call Tara Tours, we have add-ons from more than 100 USA cities. New fuel surcharge for flight to Galapagos with Tame US$70 and Aerogal $100
Same program with a 5 day/4 night Legend cruise (Thursday to Monday). Total of 9 day/8n program 2012 COST LAND TOUR CRUISE RATE PER PERSON: (Includes local air Quito-Galapagos-Guayaquil
Does not include international airfare. For questions and departure dates please call your Travel Agent or Tara Tours at 1-800-327-0080 or email us at tara@taratours.com
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$235-305. Please see information on the Insurance section..(click here)
CANCELLATIONS:
SAMPLE AIRFARE FROM MIAMI: US$400-550 plus taxes ADD-ONS VIA AMERICAN or LAN AIRLINES For same package add $180 from ORL, TPA, JAX, FMY and Zone 1; $220 from ATL; add $250 from BDL, BOS, BWI, EWR, NYC, PHL, RDU, WAS, + Zone 3 - - Add $300 from CHI, CLE, DTT; - Add $330 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.
ZONES: 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 AMAZON RAIN FOREST
Visiting Quito, Otavalo, cruise around the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/V Legend and exploring the mighty Amazon Rain Forest aboard the M/N Manatee
12 day/11 night Program
ALTERNATIVE DATES: (with Cruise A) Jan.27, Feb.10, 24: Mar. 09, 23; Apr. 6, 20; May 4, 18; Jun. 01, 15, 29; Jul.13, 27; Aug.10, 24; Sep.07, 21; Oct. 05, 19; Nov. 02, 16, 30; Dec. 14, 28
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 Mercure Alameda. 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 Augustine 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:
This
excursion goes north, to the land of the Otavalos and South America’s most
famous Indian fair along the Pan-American 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,
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 MON. GUAYAQUIL-BALTRA-GALAPAGOS (M/V Legend -Cruise C or Cruise A) AM Arrive Baltra. Transfer to the M/V Legend. PM Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz) The sand at Bachas beach is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, and a favorite site for nesting sea turtles. The Sally Lightfoot crabs are abundant on the lava rocks along the water's edge. On this hike, you will see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels. DAY 05 TUE. GALAPAGOS AM South Plaza (South Plaza Island) This island is full of life. There are colonies of sea lions and land iguanas. On the steep banks it is possible to see a great number of birds such as nesting tropic birds, boobies and fork-tailed seagulls, but most of all, enjoying the beautiful view from atop the steep banks or strolling along the base of the cliff is an extremely pleasurable experience. The Opuntia cacti grow here too and the vegetation changes color according to the season of the year. PM Santa Fe It is one of the oldest Islands in Galapagos, ages of its lavas range from 750,000 to nearly 3 million years. ts maximum elevation is only about 200 m.. Among the unique species that can be seen there are the Santa Fe land iguana and Galapagos snake (whose bite is mildly poisonous). Also, opportunity to see Frigate birds, Galapagos hawks, sea turtles and sea lions. DAY 06 WED. GALAPAGOS AM Pitt Point (San Cristobal) Wet landing followed by a high intensity hike on rocky terrain. The trail includes an olivine beach of 90 meters long and a path that climbs to the top of a volcanic tuff, through several magnificent viewpoints. This is probably the only site where the three booby species of the Galapagos can be seen together: Nazca, Blue-footed, and Red-footed; as well as two species of frigatebirds and a sea lion colony; it is also excellent for dinghy rides and snorkeling, where a good range of sea birds can be observed. PM – Cerro Brujo (San Cristóbal) Wet landing. Cerro Brujo is an eroding tuff cone that at several locations is composed of AA lava formations, and a beautiful white sand beach, great for snorkeling and sunbathing. We visit a lagoon where migratory bird species can be seen: Black-necked Stilts, Ruddy Turnstones, Whimbrels, other sandpiper species and White-cheeked Pintails. Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal and the adjacent coast. DAY 07 THU. GALAPAGOS-QUITO AM Cerro Colorado Dry landing in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Passengers visit the San Cristóbal giant tortoise Breeding Center to learn about the National Park’s conservation programs. Passengers will also have the opportunity to visit the port village, have a drink or shop for arts and crafts and other souvenirs. Then transfer to the airport for flight to Quito with transfer to hotel Dann Carlton. (B)
DAY 08 FRI.
QUITO-COCA-AMAZON-Manatee Amazon Explorer DAY 12 TUE. 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 or Lan Airlines. Meeting and transfer service. Tours as noted in itinerary including entrance fees and English speaking naturalist guides. Hotel Dann Carlton or Mercure Alameda for 5 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. 3 nights aboard the Manatee with 2 lower berths (air conditioned cabins) and all meals while on the cruise. Meals as noted in itinerary B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner. · Airfare from Quito to Baltra Island via Tame Airlines and from Quito to Coca. Tips to airport porters. US$ 25 Parrot Clay Leek fee and Yasuni National Park entrance of US$20
NOT INCLUDED: Services not mentioned in itinerary; Passport fees; Galapagos National Park Tax upon entry $100; $10 immigration card to enter Galapagos; Airport departure taxes of $2.00 to $5.00 for local flights in Ecuador; Insurance; Tips to hotel porters and tour guides; USA departure tax/security/fuel surcharges/airport tax of $340 (this is to be paid here in USA at the moment of issuing your airline tickets); Ecuador airport departure tax of $32 to 48 depending on airport; new fuel surcharge for all Galapagos cruises ...about $30 per day (we will advise you at the time of making reservations).
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$305-340. Please see information on the Insurance section..(click here) CANCELLATIONS:
RATES PER PERSON * 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. Children rate based –sharing room with 2 adults. Note: Upgrade to Junior Suite for $300 per person. For the Legend Suites add $520 per person. Upgrade to five star hotel HILTON COLON please add $323 per person/double for the five nights in Quito (SGL US$592) New fuel surcharge for flight to Galapagos with Tame US$70 and Aerogal $100, also to Coca US$50
ADD-ONS & VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES: For same package add $180 from ORL, TPA, JAX, FMY and Zone 1; $220 from ATL; add $250 from BDL, BOS, BWI, EWR, NYC, PHL, RDU, WAS, + Zone 3 - - Add $300 from CHI, CLE, DTT; - Add $330 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 7 nights and then visit Machu Picchu
14 days/13 nights DEPARTURE DATES 2012: Jan.29, Feb.12, 26: Mar. 11, 25; Apr. 08, 22; May 6, 20; Jun. 03, 17; Jul. 01,15, 29; Aug.12, 26; Sep.09, 23; Oct. 07, 21; Nov. 04, 18; Dec. 02, 16, 30.
DAY 01 SUN. Miami-Guayaquil Arrive Guayaquil with transfer to hotel HAMPTON INN. DAY 02 MON. Baltra airport-Galapagos (Legend Cruise A) Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra (2 ½ hours flight). Passengers are picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides and taken on a ten minute bus drive to the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend. PM – Highlands – Pit Craters (Santa Cruz) Dry landing. A 45-minute bus ride will take us to the Santa Cruz highlands, located to the northwest of Puerto Ayora, where we will find a natural reserve with giant tortoises. These enormous and slow-moving reptiles are responsible for the island’s name and therefore approaching them in their humid and forested abode is always an inspiring adventure. They can weigh between 250 and 300 kg and can live up to 150-200 years. Additionally, travelers can walk inside surprising lava tubes; we also visit Pit Craters created from the collapse of surface materials into chamber fissures underground. It’s a great place spot to spot Vermilion Flycatcher as we walk inside an endemic Scalesia forest. DAY 03 TUE. Egas Port / Salt Mines (Santiago) Wet landing on a beach of black volcanic sand, visited by Darwin in 1835. The first section of the trail is comprised of volcanic ash (eroded tuff) and the other half of partially uneven terrain is comprised of volcanic basaltic rock lounging the shoreline. The unique, truly striking layered terrain of Santiago’s shores is home to a variety of resident and migrant birds, including the bizarre Yellow-crowned Night Heron and astounding array of marine wildlife including lobster, starfish and marine iguanas grazing on algae beds alongside Sally Light-foot Crabs. Colonies of endemic fur seals swimming in cool water pools formed by volcanic rocks are also a highlight. Snorkeling here offers rarities such as octopus and squid. We organize optional visits to the Salt Mines where you can observe the two species of sea lions: fur and Galapagos sea lions. PM – Bartolomé Dry landing. We discover a fascinating moonscape formed by different volcanic parasitic cones —lava bombs, spatter, cinder cones —as we hike to the summit for impressive views of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone Pinnacle Rock. We also encounter marine iguanas and lava lizards. Beach time is a great opportunity to snorkel and see (perhaps swim with) Galapagos Penguins, sea turtles and White-tipped Reef Sharks among a great variety of colorful fish. For many visitors, this may turn out to be the best of snorkeling experiences; the water here is generally clear, without too much surf and full of marine life.
Due to its geographical location, the lack of vegetation is
immediately noticeable. Pioneer plants are observed, so called because they
are the first to establish roots on new ground. They include Tiquilia
nesiotica (which is endemic to the island) and Chamaesyce (known
as sand mat or spurge in English), lava cactus, and Scalesia bushes.
Behind the beach we have dunes covered by mangroves. DAY 04 WED. Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz) Dry landing. We walk by a brackish lagoon where feeding flamingos can be occasionally found. The trail leads across typical dry zone vegetation up to Dragon Hill, an important nesting ground for endemic land iguanas, offering lovely views of the anchorage and neighboring islands. The forest is home to mockingbirds, Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warblers and Galapagos Doves. PM – North Seymour Dry landing. This is perhaps one of the busiest tourist destinations on the archipelago. Off of Baltra Island (where the airport is located) and not far from Santa Cruz, North Seymour is the most accessible for day trips out of Santa Cruz’s main port, Puerto Ayora. An approximately two hour walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles and as well as sea lions. You will also encounter sea lions, land iguanas, and on a lucky day, you might even come across a Galapagos Snake. DAY 05 THU. Santa Cruz (Legend Cruise B) PM – Ballena Bay / Eden Islet (Santa Cruz) Wet landing. Ballena (Whale) Bay is a beautiful green sand cove at the base of Dragon Hill on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island. The beach contains a large amount of olivine crystals of volcanic origin. The crystals were formed when the magma was still underground. The content is magnesium, iron and silica. A small population of tortoises from Pinzón Island lived at the site, but were probably taken by whalers or previous inhabitants. Opportunity to see marine iguanas and sea birds followed by snorkeling. DAY 06 FRI. Moreno Point (Isabela) Dry landing. The main attractions at Punta Moreno are coastal lagoons amidst black lava flows where bird life is particularly interesting. It has a panoramic view of three volcanoes, the mostactive of the Galapagos: Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul on Isabela Island and La Cumbre, on Fernandina Island. Mangrove forest, lava formations, coastal and migratory birds, usually flamingos, can be seen, lava cactus, sea turtles, lagoons and tidal pools, candelabra cactus are other highlights. PM – Elizabeth Bay (Isabela) We take a dinghy ride along the coast surrounded by mangrove forest for an opportunity to admire Flightless Cormorants, Galapagos Penguins, and a resting area for sea turtles. DAY 07 SAT. Urbina Bay (Isabela) Wet landing on a volcanic “black” beach. Depending on the season, we may find giant tortoises, land iguanas and the unusual Flightless Cormorant. After a short walk inland, snorkeling time is allotted, giving you yet another chance to swim with sea turtles, sea lions and countless tropical fish. Urbina Bay features a wide variety of plant life that changes depending on the season. We can observe the beautiful colors of plants that attract different insects, birds and reptiles. We will explore the uplifted coral reef that resulted from 1954 volcanic activity, with a spectacular view of Alcedo Volcano. PM – Tagus Cove (Isabela) Dry landing on Galapagos’ largest island, where we will learn about the eruption of the five volcanoes that form it. The trail leads to Darwin’s salt-water crater lake and excellent views of lava fields and volcanic formations. We will return by the same path for a dinghy ride along a shoreline full of marine wildlife, where we will admire a variety of seabirds, such as Blue-footed Booby, Brown Noddy, terns, Flightless Cormorant and depending on the season, a large number of Galapagos Penguins which are only 35 cm. tall; the only penguin species in the world to extend its range into the northern hemisphere along the equator. They are monogamous and lay their eggs in small cracks of lava, on the lower parts of the island near the shoreline not reached by the ocean waves. The population of penguins on the islands is about 2,000 individuals, most of which live on this western portion of Isabela; others are scattered further south on the island. We will have an opportunity to snorkel in deep water. Graffiti believed to have been left by19th-century pirates is a curious reminder of an intriguing past. DAY 08 SUN. Espinosa Point (Fernandina) Dry landing. Espinosa Point is the only spot that we visit on Fernandina, and from it we can see the island of Isabela across the Bolívar Channel, an area that boasts some of the highest diversity of endemic sea fauna in the Galapagos. The largest, most primitive-looking race of marine iguanas are found mingling with sea lions and Sally Lightfoot Crabs; a wonderful opportunity to encounter Flightless Cormorants at their nesting sites, Galapagos Penguins and the “King” of predators on the Islands, the Galapagos Hawk. “Pa-hoe-hoe” and “AA” lava formations cover the majority of the terrain. Vegetation is thus scarce inland, but we encounter Brachycereus cacti and extensive mangrove beds lining the shores. PM – Vicente Roca Point (Isabela) Great deep-water snorkeling at one of the richest marine havens on Earth (Bolívar Channel). We take a dinghy ride along the coast to observe a great diversity of sea and coastal birds. The upwelling of coldwater currents in this part of the Galapagos gives rise to an abundance of marine life. DAY 09 MON. Highlands (Santa Cruz) GALAPAGOS-GUAYAQUIL-LIMA Dry landing. Dry landing. A 45-minute bus ride will take us to the Santa Cruz highlands, located to the northwest of Puerto Ayora, where we will find a natural reserve with giant tortoises. These enormous and slow-moving reptiles are responsible for the island’s name and therefore approaching them in their humid and forested abode is always an inspiring adventure. They can weigh between 250 and 300 kg and can live up to 150-200 years.
Afternoon arrive at
Baltra. Transfer to the airport for flight to Guayaquil and connect
to Lima. Arrive and overnight by Lima airport hotel Costa del Sol. (B)
Transfer to the airport for flight to Cuzco.
Reception and transfer to the HOTEL DORADO. 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) Day at leisure to explore this magnificent city on your own. Cuzco is like a walking museum, wherever you go in the old city you will find inka palaces, aqueducts, temples, colonial churches, cobble stone streets from hundreds of years ago….just fantastic. (B) DAY 13 FRI. CUZCO-LIMA Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima with transfer to HOTEL POSADA DEL INKA in the pretty district of Miraflores. Afternoon sightseeing tour of modern and colonial Lima the "City of Kings" founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1,535 and the most important city in the Americas during the Spanish Viceroy ship. You will be passing by Miraflores and San Isidro, the old district of Rimac, Main Square , the Cathedral, San Francisco Church, Torre Tagle Palace and many other landmarks as well as the modern section of the Capital of Peru. (B) DAY 14 SAT. LIMA-MIAMI Transfer to the airport. (B)
Rates per person including local airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima and Guayaquil-Galapagos-Guayaquil.
Not included International air portion Miami-Guayaquil-Lima-Miami about US$700-900 New fuel surcharge for flight to Galapagos with Tame US$70 and Aerogal $100
* Children rate based –sharing room with 2 adults.
INCLUDING:
NOTE: For Inside cabins -please deduct $400 per person. (To upgrade to Junior Suite add US$600 per person)
NOT INCLUDED: Services not mentioned in itinerary; Passport fees; Galapagos National Park Tax upon entry $100; $10 immigration card to enter Galapagos; Airport departure taxes of $2.00 to $5.00 for local flights in Ecuador; Insurance; Tips to hotel porters and tour guides; USA departure tax $90-150; Ecuador airport departure tax of $32 to 48 depending on airport; new fuel surcharge for all Galapagos cruises ...about $30 per day (we will advise you at the time of making reservations).
SAMPLE AIRFARE VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES FROM MIAMI: US$600-700 (Miami-Guayaquil-Lima-Miami)
Add-ons: add $180 from ORL, TPA, JAX, FMY and Zone 1; $220 from ATL; add $250 from BDL, BOS, BWI, EWR, NYC, PHL, RDU, WAS, + Zone 3 - - Add $300 from CHI, CLE, DTT; - Add $330 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
American Airlines Zone Chart: 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$500.00 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 (may change for 2012) Please see information on the Insurance section..(click here)
CANCELLATIONS:
AMAZON RAIN FOREST -MANATEE RIVER CRUISE
US$2158 per person including airfare, Amazon cruise and more... Departs every Sunday
Including:
2012 RATES: COST PER PERSON DOUBLE US$ 2158 (TRIPLE $2032; SINGLE US$3382)
Not included: Insurance and any other service not specifically mentioned in the included section. Airport departure taxes Guayaquil $32-38 and Quito US$48. New fuel surcharge for flight to Coca $50
NOTE: If you want to use your own airfare...please deduct US$500 to the cost of Tour Package. From Dec.09 to 31 -please add $300 per person...(high season airfare).
ADD-ONS FROM OTHER USA CITIES: For
same package add $220 from ORL, TPA, JAX, FMY and Zone 1; $250 from ATL; add
$300 from BDL, BOS, BWI, EWR, NYC, PHL, RDU, WAS, + Zone 3 - - Add $350 from
CHI, CLE, DTT; - Add $380 from DEN, DFW, HOU, MSY, SJU ZONE 2 & 4; Add $430 from
LAX, SFO + ZONE 5; Add $450 from Zone 6. RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME ITINERARY
DAY 01 SUNDAY
USA-QUITO Depart Miami for Quito, Ecuador. After going through customs and immigration, you will be transfer to hotel Dann Carlton.
DAY 02 MONDAY Quito-Coca-Manatee Amazon Explorer Arrive in Quito and transfer to hotel Dann Carlton for the night. (B)
DAY 07 SATURDAY QUITO-MIAMI: Transfer to the airport for flight to Miami and homeward bound. (B) Extra days in Quito available upon request.
Galapagos with the M/V Explorer
Visiting Quito, Guayaquil and visit Galapagos Islands aboard the Deluxe M/V Galapagos Explorer
8 day/7 night Program
2012 DEPARTURE DATES: Jan.18; Feb. 01, 15, 29; Mar.14, 28; Apr.11, 25; May 09, 23, Jun.06, 20; Jul.04, 18; Aug.01, 15, 29; Oct.10, 24; Nov.07, 21; Dec.05, 19 Alternative dates: Jan.22; Feb.05, 19; Mar.04, 18; Apr.01, 15, 29; May 13, 27; Jun.10, 24; Jul.08, 22; Aug.05, 19; Oct.14, 28; Nov.11, 25; Dec.09, 23
DAY 01 Wednesday Miami-Quito:
DAY 02 Thursday Quito: DAY 03 Friday: Quito-Galapagos (Explorer cruise B) Transfer to the airport for flight to Galapagos. Arrive and transfer by bus & boat to the M/V Explorer (cruise B) Afternoon visit Puerto Ayora town and Charles Darwin Station, Santa Cruz Island. 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. .(B,L,D) DAY 04 Saturday: Galapagos Morning at Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island where you will see Greater flamingo ,magnificent frigate bird ,lava gull, marine iguana, lava lizard, white cheeked pintail duck, brown pelican, large ground finch, medium ground finch, green sea turtle. Also, white mangrove, black mangrove, red mangrove, Galapagos carpetweed. This is Green sea Turtle’s favorite place to nest and leave their eggs. Afternoon at Puerto Egas, Santiago Island to observe Galapagos Mockingbird, Hawks, marine iguanas, Galapagos fur seals, Galapagos dove, woodpecker finch, small ground finch, cactus finch, large ground finch, medium ground finch. Also beautiful vegetation, beach morning glory, thread leafed chaff flower, castela, yellow cordial, incense tree, Galapagos lantana, gray matplan, pickly pear cactus. (B,L,D) DAY 05 Sunday: Galapagos Morning at El Barranco, Genovesa Island to see the Great frigate bird, swallow tailed gull, barn owls, Galapagos fur seals, red billed tropicbird, warbler finch, vampire finch, large ground finch, red footed boobie, nazca boobies…Afternon at Bahia Darwin, Genovesa Island to observe yellow warbler, Galapagos mockingbird, great frigate bird,yellow crowned night heron,swallow– tailed gull,barn owls,Galapagos sea lions,Galapagos dove,warbler finch, cactus large finch,large ground finch,vampire finch,red footed boobie,nazca boobies. Galapagos carpetweed, Galapagos croton, scorpion weed, red mangrove, salt bush, yellow cordia, incense tree, pickly pear cactus. (B,L,D) DAY 06 Monday: Galapagos Morning at North Seymour Island where you will see yellow warbler, Galapagos mockingbird, magnificent frigate bird ,great frigate bird, swallow tailed gull ,marine iguana, Galapagos sea lion ,red billed tropic bird, medium ground finch, small ground finch, blue footed boobie As well as some flora Maytenus octagona, Galapagos croton, thorn shrub, salt bush, yellow cordial, Galapagos incense tree, Jerusalem thorn, Galapagos carpetweed. Afternoon at Punta Carrion - El Chato, Santa Cruz Island to see the lava tunnel and Paint-billed crake, moorhen, cattled egred, Galapagos rail, white cheeked pintail duck, pied billed grebed and the giant tortoises. (B,L,D) DAY 07 Tuesday: Galapagos-Guayaquil Morning at the Interpretation Center in San Cristobal Island to learn about the history of the Islands, Noon Transfer to airport for flight to Guayaquil. Arrive and transfer to five star hotel Hilton Guayaquil DAY 08 Wednesday: Guayaquil-Miami Transfer to the airport. (B) (SEE EXTENSION TO CUZCO AND MACHU PICCHU)
2012 COST LAND TOUR CRUISE RATE PER PERSON: (Includes local air Quito-Galapagos-Guayaquil)
Does not include international airfare. Plus Galapagos Fuel Surcharge US$110 net. Sample air from Miami US$500-600; New York $700-800; Los Angeles $800-900 Have your Travel Agent call Tara Tours, we have add-ons from more than 100 USA cities. New fuel surcharge for flight to Galapagos with Tame US$70 and Aerogal $100
See extensions to the Ecuadorian Amazon Rain Forest Click here or Machu Picchu Click here (B)
INCLUDING: Private transfers in Quito and Guayaquil. Private City Tour in Quito with Private English speaking tour guide. All tours in Galapagos with a naturalist English speaking guide. Hotel Hilton for 3 nights including room taxes and service charges (2 nights in Quito and 1 in Guayaquil . The 5 day/4 night Galapagos Cruise aboard the deluxe ship M/V Explorer Classic Suites. Meals as noted in itinerary B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner. Local airfare Quito-Galapagos-Guayaquil . Tips to airport porters.
NOT INCLUDED: Services not mentioned in itinerary; Passport fees; Galapagos National Park Tax upon entry $100; $10 immigration card to enter Galapagos; Airport departure taxes of $2.00 to $5.00 for local flights in Ecuador; Insurance; Tips to hotel porters and tour guides; USA departure tax/security/fuel surcharges/airport tax of 115-220 (this is to be paid here in USA at the moment of issuing your airline tickets); Ecuador airport departure tax of $32; new fuel surcharge for all Galapagos cruises US$110 net.
DEPOSITS: US$400.00 per person at the time of booking. Final payment is due 60 days before departure. INSURANCE: Through Insure America, cost for this program starts at US$US$235-305. Please see information on back page. CANCELLATIONS:
SAMPLE AIRFARE FROM MIAMI US$550-650 ADD-ONS FROM OTHER USA CITIES: For same package add $180 from ORL,TPA, JAX, FMY and Zone 1; $220 from ATL; add $250 from BDL, BOS, BWI, EWR, NYC, PHL, RDU, WAS, + Zone 3 - - Add $300 from CHI, CLE, DTT; - Add $330 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
American Airlines Zone Chart: 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
Applicable for Renaissance Balcony and Majestic Balcony suites
categories, services included in the program are butler service (24 hour
assistance), bottle of champagne in suite upon arrival, assistance for unpacking
your luggage (upon request), luxurious bathrobes, linens and towels, room
service (available all day up to 22h00), soft beverages from the mini bar,
afternoon canapés served at your suite, exotic amenities for the bathroom, fresh
fruit and local hand made chocolates in suite, selections of a variety of
pillows, environmentally friendly beach bag, cloth drying and shoe shine service
through the cruise, personalized stationary at your suite, exclusive cruise
documents and online check in process. Each suite will be equpied with a 32"
flat TV, blu-ray disc player with a special selection of movies, new elegant
linens and special towel selection, Bose Sound Dock Series II digital music
system.
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. Puerto 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. 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: Services not mentioned in itinerary; Passport fees; Galapagos National Park Tax upon entry $100; $10 immigration card to enter Galapagos; Airport departure taxes of $2.00 to $5.00 for local flights in Ecuador; Insurance; Tips to hotel porters and tour guides; USA departure tax/security/fuel surcharges/airport tax of $340 (this is to be paid here in USA at the moment of issuing your airline tickets); Ecuador airport departure tax of $32 to 48 depending on airport; new fuel surcharge for all Galapagos cruises ...about $30 per day (we will advise you at the time of making reservations).
DEPOSITS:
Final payment is due 60 days before departure. INSURANCE: CANCELLATIONS:
Rates includes airfare from Miami via American or LAN Airlines. (if you have your international airfare-please deduct US$500 pp). * 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. New fuel surcharge for flight to Galapagos with Tame US$70 and Aerogal $100
ADD-ONS & VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES: For same package add $180 from ORL, TPA, JAX, FMY and Zone 1; $220 from ATL; add $250 from BDL, BOS, BWI, EWR, NYC, PHL, RDU, WAS, + Zone 3 - - Add $300 from CHI, CLE, DTT; - Add $330 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
American Airlines Zone Chart: 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 WITH THE M/V SANTA CRUZ
Visiting Guayaquil, Quito, Otavalo and cruise around the Galapagos Islands for 5 days...
2012 ITINERARY
Departure dates: Jan. 29; Feb.12, 26; Mar. 11, 25; Apr.08, 22; May 06, 20; Jun. 03, 17; Jul. 01, 15, 29; Aug. 12, 26; Sep.09, 23; Oct. 07, 21; Nov.04, 18; Dec. 02, 16, 30
8 day/7 night Program DAY 01 SUN. MIAMI-GUAYAQUIL: Depart Miami for Guayaquil, Ecuador. After going through customs and immigration, you will be transferred to the hotel Hampton Inn. DAY 02 MON. GUAYAQUIL-GALAPAGOS (Northern Island Itinerary) Baltra Island Morning arrival to Baltra Island by TAME flight and immediate transfer to the dock to board the M/V Santa Cruz. Welcome introductory briefing and lunch.
Las Bachas (Santa Cruz
Island)
DAY 03 TUE. GALAPAGOS Wet landing for a mid-length walk. Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows. This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds and there is a colony of fur-sea lions. Opportunity for snorkelling and swimming from the beach after the walk, or a ride on the glass-bottom boat. Briefing and dinner. DAY 04 WED. GALAPAGOS Rábida Island (Jervis) Disembark at Rábida Island (wet landing) on a red-coloured beach, due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. A gratifying stroll along the beach of this small island (1.9 sq. mi.) allows the observation of a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where at times greater flamingos migrate. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners as well as for experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. During navigation to our next island, dolphins are often spotted. Lunch on board. Bartolomé Island Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. A great way to start the day! This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase with handrails; the view from the top is worth the effort. Dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, then time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and some snorkelling, possibly with Galápagos penguins, or else a ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. Briefing and dinner. DAY 05 THU. GALAPAGOS Prince Philip's Steps (Tower/Genovesa Island) The morning starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs and then disembark (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) up some stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, the land is flat, allowing for a stimulating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island, observing large colonies of masked boobies, frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions). Lunch on board. Darwin Bay (Tower/Genovesa Island) In the afternoon, a wet landing for an easy stroll observing thousands of birds, mainly frigate birds, red footed and masked boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkelling at this beautiful natural harbour. The more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs. Briefing and dinner. DAY 06 FRI. GALAPAGOS-QUITO Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal (Chatham) Island) After breakfast, departure to the port and airport to take the flight back to the mainland. (B) DAY 07 SAT. QUITO- City Tour 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) Return to Quito and to hotel Dann Carlton or Alameda Real. (B,L) DAY 08 SUN. 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)
LAND TOUR CRUISE COST (includes local airfare Guayaquil-Galapagos-Quito)
Not include international air. Approximately from Miami US$500-600. For more information about the M/V Santa Cruz please click here New fuel surcharge for flight to Galapagos with Tame US$70 and Aerogal $100
INCLUDING: Meeting and transfer service. Tours as noted in itinerary including entrance fees and English speaking naturalist guides. hotel accommodations for 2 nights in Quito, 1 night in Guayaquil with room taxes and service charges with Buffet Breakfast. The 5 day/4 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 to/from to Galapagos Island. Tips to airport porters.
NOT INCLUDED: INTERNATIONAL AIR. Services not mentioned in itinerary; Passport fees; Galapagos National Park Tax upon entry $100; $10 immigration card to enter Galapagos; Airport departure taxes of $2.00 to $5.00 for local flights in Ecuador; Insurance; Tips to hotel porters and tour guides; USA departure tax/security/fuel surcharges/airport tax of $340 (this is to be paid here in USA at the moment of issuing your airline tickets); Ecuador airport departure tax of $32 to 48 depending on airport; new Fuel surcharge for all Galapagos cruises about $37 per night 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:
Visiting Quito "Queen City of the Andes", Cuenca Otavalo indigenous market and Riobamba
8 days/ 7nights
Day 01 MON. U.S.A-QUITO : Depart Miami, Los Angeles or New York for Quito, Ecuador. Airport reception and transfer to the Hotel Alameda or Dann Carlton for overnight. Day 02 TUE. QUITO: Combined Quito City and Equatorial Monument Tour. Drive through this beautiful city and its colonial center. Possibly visit the Cathedral, Government Palace with a visit to La Compañia Church with its ornate golden altars. Then off for a quick jaunt to the Middle of the Earth at the Equatorial Monument. This is your chance to be in two places at once! Straddle the line and you are in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres or stand directly on the equator and you are nowhere... latitude 0... Overnight at Hotel Alameda or Dann Carlton. (B) Day 03 WED. QUITO-RIOBAMBA:
The adventure starts in
Quito with a bus ride to the neighboring Valley of Sangolquí, for a visit to its
interesting market with many stalls with bright colored produce and interesting
fruit. The specialty of this market: whole roasted pigs, decorated with an
apple on their mouth and chili peppers coming out of their ears are a must-see.
Stop for a snack at a dairy hacienda with cows, horses and llamas. Then the
road advances up and down the slopes of Cotopaxi volcano on to the fertile
Valley of Latacunga for a visit to a rose plantation and a taste of the products
of the land (potatoes and broccoli picked that same morning). Continue by bus
to Urbina and at the foot of imposing Chimborazo volcano, to visit a Tagua nut
workshop and warm up with a canelazo by the fireplace. Arrive to Riobamba
for dinner and overnight. Day 04 THU. RIOBAMBA-CUENCA:
After an early breakfast,
transfer to the train station to board the "Chiva Express" a colorful one coach
train, like a bus on tracks. You will leisurely enjoy the ever-changing scenery
as the Chiva Express advances along the ancient tracks in an astonishing ride,
twisting and turning over the Andes, along bridging ravines and river gorges.
Stop at Guamote, an Indian town, for a short visit to an Educational Center for
Adults’ Development and Sustainability. Continue aboard the Chiva to Alausí,
and prepare to go down the Devil’s Nose switch backs, one of the most impressive
feats of rail engineering in the world, and back to Alausí, where a snack is
served. Continue south along the Andes by motorcar to Cuenca, visiting the
Inca Ruins of Ingapirca to arrive at dusk, with a stop for lunch.
Accommodations and all meals at the hotel in Cuenca (B,L,D) Morning sightseeing tour of this beautiful and charming city of Cuenca -which has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very special. Lunch is served at a cozy restaurant. Late afternoon transfer to the airport to take the flight to Quito. Arrive and transfer to hotel Dann Carlton. (B,L,) Day 06 SAT. OTAVALO-QUITO:
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 backs trap loom woven textiles. Lunch
is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area.
Day 07 SUN. QUITO: Day 08 MON. QUITO-USA: Transfer to the airport.
INCLUDED: * Meeting and transfer service in all destinations in Ecuador. * Tours as noted including entrance fees with English speaking guides. * Seven nights hotel accommodations room taxes and service charges. * Ground transportation to Otavalo and Riobamba * Expresso Metropolitano from Quito to Riobamba and Cuenca. * Airfare from Miami to Quito via American Airlines. (see add-ons from more than 100 USA cities at the end of page) * Tips to airport porters only. Local airfare Cuenca-Quito.
NOT INCLUDED: Services not mentioned or Passport fees.* Departure taxes: when departing USA $340 (Inc. USA airport tax/security/fuel surcharges).* Meals except as noted in itinerary, tips to porters, guides and tour bus drivers. *Insurance * international departure tax USD48 per person, Guayaquil however will remain at USD32 per person.
RATES PER PERSON FROM MIAMI (see add-ons from other cities below) *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.
ADD-ONS & VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES: For same package add $180 from ORL,TPA, JAX, FMY and Zone 1; $220 from ATL; add $250 from BDL, BOS, BWI, EWR, NYC, PHL, RDU, WAS, + Zone 3 - - Add $300 from CHI, CLE, DTT; - Add $330 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
American Airlines Zone Chart: 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
INSURANCE: Tara Tours Inc. strongly recommends that you purchased Travel Insurance. Insure America has designed a policy for Tara Tour’s client. (Please see cost, inclusions on our Insurance Page).
OPTIONAL TO THE AMAZON -LA SELVA LODGE: You can take an optional tour to discover The Amazon Rain Forest at La Selva Jungle Lodge before you start your tour "Highlands of Ecuador" .You will arrive on Tuesday in Quito and from Wednesday to Saturday you will stay at the beautiful "La Selva Jungle Lodge" which includes all your meals, jungle excursion, canoe trips, airfare from Quito to Coca and transfers to La Selva. The price, also includes your transfers in Quito and 2 extra nights at hotel Alameda (Tuesday and Saturday night).
Cost per person: Sharing double $1051.00; Sharing Triple $968.00; Single $1,393 Not Included: Meals in Quito, insurance, tips to guides & drivers, vaccinations and any other service not specifically mentioned in itinerary.
Visiting Quito "Queen City of the Andes" and cruise around the Galapagos Islands aboard deluxe yacht "Eric", "Flamingo" or "Letty" (7 nights cruise)
11 day/10 night Program
DAY 01 FRI. MIAMI-QUITO Depart Miami for Quito, Ecuador. After going through customs and immigration, you will be transferred to hotel selected. (B) 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. QUITO-GUAYAQUIL-BALTRA-GALAPAGOS Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Guayaquil and Baltra Island. Reception and transfer to the private yacht Eric (carries only 20 passengers in 10 double cabins with private bathrooms and air conditioning). This afternoon, visit Bachas Beach where we enjoy a subtle introduction to the Galapagos with a beautiful beach and opportunity to snorkel. A visit to Black Turtle Cove consists of a panga ride through a series of mangroves surrounded by coves. Here we can see sea turtles mating (September to February), white-tipped sharks, spotted eagle rays and yellow cow-nosed rays. (B, L, D) DAY
04 MON: Darwin Bay- Prince Philip’s Steps, Tower Island We spend the entire day on TOWER (Genovesa), one of the most spectacular Islands in Galapagos. After a wet landing on Darwin Bay’s coral beach, wind your way past tide pools where swallow-tailed and lava gulls gather. Enter a forest of mangroves where colonies of great frigatebirds nest. The males inflate their red-throated pouches to attract females that fly overhead. After swimming or sea kayaking, take a panga ride along the jagged shoreline. See the beautiful red-billed tropic bird. At Prince Philip’s Steps, find storm petrels and the elusive short-eared owl, and watch the famous red-footed boobies nesting in palo santo trees.(B, L, D) More info on these boats: DAY 05 TUE: Cerro Dragon-Rabida This morning explore the newsly open site called Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) on the north end of Santa Cruz. Follow a footpath to endemic land iguanas. Once part of the Darwin Station's breeding program, these repatriated iguanas display orange-yellow skin and large spines along their backs. Walk quietly to keep from startling pink flamingos that feed in the salt-water lagoon. Along the trail, keep your eyes open for Darwin Finches and Yellow Warblers. From the top of Dragon Hill, enjoy a majestic view of the bay. In the afternoon, disembark on RABIDA Island (Jervis) located off James Island. Rabida sports the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the islands and why it’s often called the geographic center of Galapagos. The dark-red beach originated from the erosion of volcanic stones. Follow a trail leads to a salt-water lagoon, and, hopefully, observe Greater Flamingos as they feed. Brown Pelicans nest in the mangroves at the far side of the lagoon. After your walk, don a mask and snorkel and slip into the ocean for some undersea excitement.(B, L, D) DAY 06 WED: Tagus Cove, Isabela - Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island This morning, we visit Tagus Cove, ISABELA. Six volcanoes flowed together and formed Isabela, the largest Island in Galapagos. On a nature walk, discover a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook, and a spectacular view of lava fields, volcanic formations and the ocean. Note graffiti dating back to the 1800's is written on the rocky cliffs. Explore Tagus Cove in pangas or sea kayaks and find Galapagos penguins and other seabirds. After lunch, we cross the Bolivar Canal and disembark at Punta Espinoza, FERNANDINA. Located in the western part of the archipelago, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine Island found in Galapagos. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory. Flightless Cormorants build their nest on the point and Galapagos Hawk fly overhead. Evidence of recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast. (B, L, D) DAY 07 THU: Puerto Egas, Santiago-Bartolome This morning, stroll along the shore at Puerto Egas, SANTIAGO (James) looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tide pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons, oystercatchers and yellow-crowned night herons. Our walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where we encounter fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction. On Bartolome, it seems like we are walking on the moon. This young Island is inhospitable to most plants and animals. After a dry landing, climb 30 minutes up a steep slope to the summit of a once active volcano. Pause along theway to marvel at lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones. From the top, gaze out across a panoramic view including the famous "Pinnacle Rock", an eroded tuff cone. Down below, crystal cleat water invites you to snorkel with schools of tropical fish. Penguins often swim in this area. On the other side of the Island encounter sea turtles and white-tipped sharks. (B, L, D) DAY 08 FRI: Highlands-Darwin Station, Santa Cruz Island This morning, climb aboard a bus and take an excursion to the highlands of SANTA CRUZ Island. Watch the scenery change as we wind our way through all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos. From June to January you can find giant tortoises on a private farm in the highlands. The rest of the year, we visit Los Gemelos "The Twins", a pair of large pit craters where we find the bright red male vermilion flycatcher. Afterwards, we head to "the tunnels", the largest lava tubes found in Galapagos. After lunch, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Scientists from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from amatomy to zoology. Get your picture taken with the giant tortoises. Observe year-old tortoises and learn about the captive-breeding program. Next, stroll through the town of Puerto Ayora (population: 10,000) –the largest town in the Galapagos. Buy souvenirs, mail postcards and absorb local charm in the social heart of the Islands.(B, L, D) DAY 09 SAT: Gardner Bay / Punta Suárez, Espanola (Hood) This morning, step onto Gardner Bay, ESPANOLA (HOOD). Walk along seemingly endless stretches of sandy beach where you’ll find colonies of sea lions. Swim and snorkel with the sea lions and enjoy the colorful diversity of sea life near Gardner Islet. This afternoon, we disembark at Punta Suarez, ESPANOLA, where we witness the highest rate of "endemicism" in the Galapagos. Sea lions noisily green us as we land on their beach. Curious mockingbirds peck at our shoelaces. From April to November waved albatross perform their wild mating rituals only on Espanola. Colonies of blue-footed boobies engage in "sky-pointing" while masked boobies busily care for their young. Stunning swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds take shelter under the cliffs. Other species endemic to Espanola include Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Doves and Galapagos Hawks. Observe a unique specie of marine iguana identified with traces of red and green colorings. Colorful sally light foot crabs crawl along the shoreline near to the famous "blow hole". (B, L, D) DAY 10 SUN: Daphne Major-Baltra-QUITO This morning, we cruise the small islets of Daphne major and minor for good views of these partially-eroded tuff formations. We arrive to Baltra in time for your early flight back to the QUITO on Tame Airlines. Transfer to your hotel (B) DAY 11 MON. QUITO-USA Transfer to the airport for flight to Miami and homeward bound. (B)
INCLUDING: Meeting and transfer service. · Tours as noted in itinerary including entrance fees and English speaking guides. · Hotel selected for 3 nights including room taxes and service charges. · The 8 day/7 night Galapagos Cruise aboard the Yacht Eric, Flamingo or Letty. · Meals as noted in itinerary B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner. · Airfare from Miami to Quito and San Cristobal Island . · Tips to airport porters.
NOT INCLUDED:
Services not mentioned in itinerary; Passport fees; Galapagos National Park Tax upon entry $100; $10 immigration card to enter Galapagos; Airport departure taxes of $2.00 to $5.00 for local flights in Ecuador; Insurance; Tips to hotel porters and tour guides; USA departure tax/security/fuel surcharges/airport tax of $340 (this is to be paid here in USA at the moment of issuing your airline tickets); Ecuador airport departure tax of $32 to 48 depending on which airport; new fuel surcharge for all Galapagos cruises ...about $37 per night/per person (we will advise you at the time of making reservations).
DEPARTURE DATES: Independent departures every Sunday. Please call for availability. DEPOSITS: US$500.00 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$305-340. Please see information on back page. CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations must be in writing and received by Tara Tours Inc. Penalties are as follows prior to departure date: - At any time....deposit to Galapagos cruises of $300 is not refundable. - 120-61 days $350 penalty per passenger service charge. - 60-31 days 50% penalty - 30 or less -no refunds
RATES PER PERSON including airfare from Miami (see add-ons from other USA cities below) NOTE: If international air is not desired...please deduct $500. New fuel surcharge for flight to Galapagos with Tame US$70 and Aerogal $100
* 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. * For upgrade to hotels Hilton or JW Marriott -please add $358 per person for Double, $313 for Triple, for Single 610 * Rates are based on Iguana Deck (lower berth). For Boobie or Dolphin Deck please add US$300.00 per person
Extension to the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest...La Selva Jungle Lodge, Kapawi, The Manatee River boat....
ADD-ONS & VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES: For same package add $180 from ORL,TPA, JAX, FMY and Zone 1; $220 from ATL; add $250 from BDL, BOS, BWI, EWR, NYC, PHL, RDU, WAS, + Zone 3 - - Add $300 from CHI, CLE, DTT; - Add $330 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
American Airlines Zone Chart: 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
Exploring the Galapagos Islands aboard the deluxe M/V Explorer II for 4 days, Cuzco and "The Lost City of the Inkas" Machu Picchu
14 Days/13 Nights Departs every Sunday from Miami, New York, Los Angeles.
DAY 01 SUN. USA-QUITO: Depart USA with American Airlines. Airport reception and transfer to the five star hotel Marriot. DAY 02 MON. QUITO: Afternoon sightseeing tour of Quito, known as "Queen of the Andes" - visiting the modern Legislative Palace, San Agustin Monastery, Independence Square, La Compania Church, the Cathedral and many other places of interest in old and new Quito. (B) 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. (B,L) 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 wil 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 Island. DAY 07 SAT. GALAPAGOS-BALTRA-GUAYAQUIL-LIMA 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. Then continue to the airport for flight to Guayaquil where you will be connecting with flight to Lima. Arrive and transfer to hotel JW Marriott located in Miraflores and facing the Pacific Ocean. (B) DAY 08 SUN. LIMA: 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 09 MON. LIMA-CUZCO: Transfer to the airport for flight to Cuzco. Reception and transfer to the Hotel Libertador. Afternoon city tour of Cuzco and the surrounding valley and ruins of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca-Pucara and the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. (B) DAY 10 TUE. CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU: Full day excursion via alpine train to Machu Picchu. Early morning transfer to the train station for your 3 1/2 hour train ride along the Urubamba river to Putucusi bridge, then by bus up to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Here your guide will explain the advanced world of the Inkas. Overnight in Machu Picchu at hotel El Pueblo Inkaterra. (B,D) DAY 11 WED. MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO: Morning at leisure to explore the magnificent archeological site on your own. Late afternoon return to Cuzco by train and to the Hotel Libertador for overnight. (B) Day 12 THU. CUZCO: At leisure to walk and experience "The Capital of the Inka Empire". Cuzco is like an open museum, full of Inka buildings, temples, palaces -and beautiful Spanish churches. Also great shopping! (sweaters, alpaca rugs, ceramics, silver & gold jewelry). (B) DAY 13 FRI. CUZCO-LIMA: Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Lima and transfer to hotel JW Marriott with great views of the Pacific Ocean. (B) DAY 14 SAT. 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 and Machu Picchu. (B)
INCLUDING: Tips to porters at airports and ports (not at hotels); tours as mentioned in itinerary including entrance fees and English speaking tour guides; Five star hotel accommodations for 10 nights including room taxes and service charges of 15% in Ecuador and 25% in Peru (including the 4 day/3 night Galapagos cruise aboard the deluxe M/V Explorer); round trip bus/train tickets to Machu Picchu; meals as noted B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner; all transfers to airport, hotel and ports; airfare via American or Lan Airlines Miami-Quito....Guayaquil-Lima-Miami . Also local airfares to Galapagos and Lima-Cuzco-Lima.
NOT INCLUDED:
Services not mentioned in itinerary; Passport fees; Galapagos National Park Tax upon entry $100; $10 immigration card to enter Galapagos; Airport departure taxes of $2.00 to $5.00 for local flights in Ecuador and Peru; Insurance; Tips to hotel porters and tour guides; USA departure tax/security/fuel surcharges/airport tax of $340 (this is to be paid here in USA at the moment of issuing your airline tickets); Ecuador airport departure tax of $32 to 48 depending on airport; new fuel surcharge for all Galapagos cruises ...about $30 per day (we will advise you at the time of making reservations). Peru airport departure taxes of $30.
DEPOSITS/PAYMENTS: US$600.00 per person at the time of booking. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure. CANCELLATIONS: Penalties are as follows prior to departure date: - At any time....deposit to Galapagos cruises of $300 is not refundable. - 120-61 days $350 penalty per passenger service charge. - 60-31 days 50% penalty - 30 or less -no refunds
INSURANCE: Through Insure America, cost for this program starts at US$445-483. Please see information on back page.
NOTE: If international air is not desired...please deduct $500. * From Jan.01 to Mar.31 and from Jun.15 to Aug.15 -please add $100 per person. From Dec.15 to 31 -please add $300 per person due to high season airfares. * Rates have been based on Classic Suite (Magellan/Columbus deck) for Premium Suite (Marco Polo deck add $145 per person). Group rates available upon request.
ADD-ONS & VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES: For same package add $180 from ORL,TPA, JAX, FMY and Zone 1; $220 from ATL; add $250 from BDL, BOS, BWI, EWR, NYC, PHL, RDU, WAS, + Zone 3 - - Add $300 from CHI, CLE, DTT; - Add $330 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
American Airlines Zone Chart: 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
Cancellations must be in writing and received by Tara Tours Inc. Penalties are as follows prior to departure date: - At any time....deposit to Galapagos cruises of $300 is not refundable. - 120-61 days $350 penalty per passenger service charge. - 60-31 days 50% penalty - 30 or less -no refunds
GALAPAGOS & MACHU PICCHU 2012
Visiting Quito, Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu and Cruising the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/V Legend
11 days/10 nights
Transfer to the airport for flight to
Cuzco. Reception and transfer to the HOTEL DORADO (4 stars). 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,L) Day at leisure to explore the area on your own or take an optional tour to visit one of the colorful indian markets held on Sundays nearby Cuzco. HOTEL DORADO (B) DAY 10 MON. CUZCO-LIMA Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima with transfer to HOTEL RADISSON MIRAFLORES.
DAY 11 TUE. LIMA-MIAMI Transfer to the airport. (B)
RATES PER PERSON Includes local airfares Quito-Galapagos-Guayaquil-Lima-Cuzco-Lima * Does not include international airfare USA-Quito and Lima-USA
Children under 12 years old –sharing room with 2 adults, 20 % discount. Note: Upgrade to Junior Suite for $300 per person. For the Legend suites add $555 per person.
NOT INCLUDED: International airfare; Services not mentioned in itinerary; Passport fees; Galapagos National Park Tax upon entry $100; $10 immigration card to enter Galapagos; Airport departure taxes of $2.00 to $5.00 for local flights in Ecuador and Peru; Insurance; Tips to hotel porters and tour guides; USA departure tax; Ecuador airport departure tax of $32 to 48 depending on airport; new fuel surcharge for all Galapagos cruises ...about $30 per day (we will advise you at the time of making reservations). Peru airport departure tax of $30 per person.
SAMPLE AIRFARE FROM MIAMI VIA LAN OR AMERICAN AIRLINES: US$600-700 ADD-ONS: $180 from ORL, TPA, JAX, FMY and Zone 1; $220 from ATL; add $250 from BDL, BOS, BWI, EWR, NYC, PHL, RDU, WAS, + Zone 3 - - Add $300 from CHI, CLE, DTT; - Add $330 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
American Airlines Zone Chart: 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
Cancellations must be in writing and received by Tara Tours Inc. Penalties are as follows prior to departure date: - At any time....deposit to Galapagos cruises of $300 is not refundable. - 120-61 days $350 penalty per passenger service charge. - 60-31 days 50% penalty - 30 or less -no refunds
Exploring Quito "Queen city of the Andes", Galapagos aboard The M/V Explorer and visiting the Amazon Rain Forest at La Selva Lodge
12 Days/ 11 nights
DAY 01 SUN. MIAMI-QUITO Afternoon sightseeing tour of Quito, known as "Queen of the Andes" - visiting the modern Legislative Palace, San Agustin Monastery, Independence Square, La Compania Church, the Cathedral and many other places of interest in old and new Quito. (B) 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 backs trap loom woven textiles. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area. (B,L) DAY 04 WED. QUITO-GALAPAGOS FLIGHT
Early morning transfer to the Quito airport on time for your
flight to San Cristobal Island which is the eastern most of the Galapagos
Islands. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of the Galapagos province and
the location of the extraordinary Interpretation Center for Galapagos National
Park. You will board ship and settle into your cabin.
RATES PER PERSON * 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. FOR UPGRADE TO FIVE STAR HOTEL HILTON PLEASE AD US$120 (per person double or triple) $240 for Single for the 5 nights in Quito.
Children under 12 years old –sharing room with 2 adults, 20 % discount. Note: Upgrades at the M/V Explorer: for Premium Suite add $170 per person/double (Triple $150 pp; Single $306) For Deluxe balcony Suite US$475 per person double (Triple $450; Single $855)
** Meeting and transfer service as per itinerary, including tips to airport
porters (up to 2 pieces of luggage per person).
ADD-ONS & VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES: For same package add $180 from ORL, TPA, JAX, FMY and Zone 1; $220 from ATL; add $250 from BDL, BOS, BWI, EWR, NYC, PHL, RDU, WAS, + Zone 3 - - Add $300 from CHI, CLE, DTT; - Add $330 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
American Airlines Zone Chart: 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
EXTENSIONS
BARCELO COLON MIRAMAR -SALINAS BEACH, ECUADOR
It is a 5 star Hotel and located right on the beach in Salinas Ecuador , 90 miles from Guayaquil city and the airport. This hotel is one of the top holiday hotels in South America, boasting first class services and facilities. Its variety of event rooms also make it a popular spot for groups, conventions and conferences. It is an ideal location for families, fishing enthusiasts, water sports and relaxing, first rate spa treatments.
Barceló All Inclusive Program
Including: Buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner A la carte evening meals are also available (Reservation required) Lunches and snacks are served at the buffet restaurant, or at the poolside snack bar (hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken breasts, salads and other assorted dishes) Local beverages with meals including soft drinks, fruit juices and local beers Drinks in bars: Local alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages Entertainment and sports: Day and nighttime entertainment programs.
4 days/3 nights program Daily departures from Guayaquil
Children rate apply when child is from 2 to 12 years old and shares room with 2 adults. All rates are subject to change at any time. Please call your Travel Agent or Tara Tours 1-800-327-0080. For more information about the Barcelo Colon Miramar please click here
Red Mangrove Galapagos Expedition
Visiting the city of Quito, Guayaquil and exploring Galapagos with the Red Mangrove Lodges
8 days/ 7 nights
Daily Departures
Including:
2012 COST PER PERSON SHARING Double US$727, Triple $691, Single $1185
Not included: Airfare, insurance (available for this program for US$74 pp), meals and any other service not specifically mentioned in the including section.
Airfare available upon request. Sample cost from Miami US$500-600; New York $600-700; Los Angeles $750-850
From US$1780 including local airfare to Galapagos 7 & 8 day programs
Daily Departures
All rates per person including local airfare
Silberstein and Sol y Mar are Superior hotels, Finch Bay is First Class hotel. * Finch Bay includes all meals and Premium rooms NOTE: On the 5 day/4 night program, there will be another full day excursion by boat. New fuel surcharge for flight to Galapagos with Tame US$70 and Aerogal $100 (for round trip)
Not Included : Boat Fuel surcharges: for Finch Bay 4 days/3 nights: US$30 pp (2 day-yacht trips) 5 days/4 nights: US$45 pp (3 day-yacht trips)
(Applies to Galapagos programs only)
DAY 01 GALAPAGOS/GUAYAQUIL/LIMA: Cruise ship arrive in Baltra or San Cristobal. Transfer to the airport for flight to Guayaquil where you will be connecting with flight to Lima. Reception and transfer to hotel Costa del Sol by Lima airport. DAY 02 LIMA-CUZCO: Walk to the domestic sector of Lima airport for flight to Cuzco. Arrive in Cuzco where you will be met and transfer to your hotel. 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). (B, L) DAY 04 CUZCO: Day at leisure to explore Cuzco on your own. Overnight at hotel selected. (B) DAY 05 CUZCO-LIMA-USA Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima where you will be connecting with your international flight. Along with the souvenirs, you will carry memories of your journey through the Galapagos and Machu Picchu (B)
2012 LAND TOUR RATES (including airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima)
Not included: International airfare Quito to Lima.
3 stars hotels: Cuzco: Royal Inca or San Agustin 4 stars hotels: Cuzco: Posada Sonesta Cuzco or Dorado International. 5 stars hotels: Cuzco: Libertador or Aranwa. (For hotel Monasterio -please add US$448 per person for double or triple, for Single add US$880)
Overnight in Machu Picchu available upon request. Add $556 per person for day excursion to Machu Picchu aboard the Orient Express service including 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 3 nights 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 Lima-Cuzco-Lima. NOT INCLUDED: Other services not mentioned in itinerary; passport, visa, tourist car fees or insurance; departure taxes: USA departure taxes, Ecuador $32-48 (depending on the airport), Peru $30.25; $6.00 each domestic flight in Peru; tips to tour guides and drivers. Airfares from USA or airfare from Guayaquil to Lima. DEPOSITS/PAYMENTS:US$250.00 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.
More
programs to Ecuador & Peru with Bolivia in
Combined Countries section
or more Galapagos boats at www.galapagos-amazoncruises.com
Coral I & II; Eric,Letty,Flamingo; M/V Explorer; La Pinta; S.Cruz, Isabela; The Eclipse SS Saguita; SS Mary Anne; MS Diamante; MY Samba; MS Beagle; Queen Galapagos; Estrella del Mar I; Evolution; Alta; Finch Bay; Hotel Finch Bay Diving and many more..!!
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DAY 11 WED CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU
Explorer Elite Program:
DAY 02 SUN. QUITO:
DAY 07 FRI. LIMA-CUZCO 
