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LAN AIRLINES TOUR PROGRAMS TO SOUTH AMERICA

THE NEW BOGOTA 5 days visiting the new great capital of Colombia "Bogota"

THE MACHU PICCHU EXPRESS 6 days visiting one of the Wonders of the World

EASTER ISLAND 9 days -exploring among 45 square miles of mind-boggling mystery...

TARA'S GALAPAGOS 8 days - following the steps of Charles Darwin...

THE ARGENTINA EXPRESS 8 days visiting the Paris of South America and the great falls of Iguassu

"THE NEW BOGOTA"

THE MACHU PICCHU EXPRESS

EASTER ISLAND

On the southeast side of the immense Pacific Ocean, surrounded by immeasurable distance of the sea, hides the most distant and remote inhabited island on earth. Here, 2,400 miles west of Chile, is one of the world’s great travel experiences. Get ready to explore Easter Island, 45 square miles of mind-boggling mystery that has defied explanation for centuries. In "Rapa Nui" Eye of the God- as it is known to natives, you will see great "towering stone-faced statues that stare out in eerie silence at the eternal sea. It was named Easter Island by its Dutch discoverer who found It on Easter Day in 1722.

Day 01 - Thu. U.S.A- Santiago

Depart Miami, New York or Los Angeles for Santiago, Capital of Chile. (Add-ons available from other USA cities, please see below)

Arrive in Santiago and transfer to hotel selected. Afternoon sightseeing tour of this beautiful  city visiting La Moneda Presidential Palace and Civic Center, O’Higgins Park, University of Chile, Santa Lucia Hill, Fine Arts Museum and San Cristobal Hill for a panoramic view of the city and majestic Andes. (AB)

Day 03 - Sat. Santiago: At leisure to explore Santiago on your own, visit Vina & Valparaiso or take an optional excursion to Concha y Toro vineyards. (BB)

Day 04 - Sun. Santiago-Easter Island:

Meeting and transfer to your hotel for overnight. (B)

Note. Maximun weight allow by the airline on this flight...20 kilos or 44 pounds.

A morning tour will begin with a visit to the archaeological zone of Tahai. There you will see the famous gigantic statues. From there, you will go to the local museum started by Father Sebastian Englert. The tour will proceed to Ahu Vinapu with its incredible stone walls similar to those built by the ancient Incas. The architecture of these walls is sometimes used as an argument to support the theory that the early islanders came from South America. In the afternoon, you will visit the archeological sites of Rano Kao, Orongo and Vinapu.  Return to your hotel for overnight.(B)

Our full day tour will start with a visit to the ruins of Vaihu. From there, the tour will proceed to the Ranu Raraku volcano’s quarry which is the classical symbol of the island and original factory of the moai. The statues can be admired in the different stages of production, from carving in the rock to upright position and lying face down on their intended road to the platforms. Then you will continue to Ahu Tongariki, formerly the biggest platform on the island, which was destroyed by a tidal wave in 1960, and from there past La Perouse Bay to the beautiful archaeological zone of Anakena Beach where you will be served your pic-nic lunch next to the beach and near to Ahu Nau Nau. Retun to your Hotel via Vaitea Road (B).

Day at leisure to explore more sights on your own or take an optional excursion.  (B).

Transfer to the airport for flight to Santiago. Arrive and transfer to hotel selected. (B)

Day 09 - Fri. Santiago- U.S.A :

Transfer to the airport for flight to Miami, N.York or L Angeles (see add-ons from other USA cities)

INCLUDING: Breakfast daily, tours as mentioned, hotel for 7 nights with room taxes & services charges, English speaking tour guides, all transfers and airfare via Lan Airlines from Miami (see add-ons fro New York and Los Angeles.Airport departure taxes when leaving USA /security /fuel surcharges/ taxes -from USA and CHile US$250 (subject to change)

NOT INCLUDED: Tips to tour guides and drivers. Insurance. US$130 first time entrance to Chile to be pay in cash by the passenger upon arrival at Santiago airport. Any other service not specifically mentioned in itinerary.

**2013 AIR/LAND TOUR RATES PER PERSON SHARING DOUBLE (Includes air via Lan Airlines)

For 5 Star hotels add: DBL $420; TRP $403; SGL SUPP $781.

Rates subject to air availability.

DEPOSITS:

35% percent of the total cost per person at the time of booking.

Final payment is due 60 days before departure.

Please take note airline tickets are not refundable.

HOTELS USED: 

4 stars: Fundador or Novotel in Santiago & Otai, Taha Tai or Iorana Superior rooms in Easter Island.

5 Stars: Marriot or Intercontinental in Santiago and Hanga Roa or Altiplanico Rapa Nui in Easter Island.

**SEASONS:

Valid all year...except from Jun.18 to Aug.15 add $100 pp. From Dec.12 to 31 add $280 to all rates.

ADD-ONS TO THE MIAMI RATE:

From Zone 1 & 2 add $230; Zone 3 $280; Zone 4, 5 & 6 $330

CITY ZONES  FOR LAN CHILE AIRLINES:

ZONE 1: ATL, JAX, ORL, TPA, EYW, FMY, JAX, TPA (via Miami)

ZONE 2: LIT, AUS, ABQ, DFW, ELP, HOU, MSY, OKC, SAT, TUL, ABI, ACT, FSM, FYV, GGG, LAW, SJT, SPS (via Miami)

ZONE 3: BOS, BWI, WAS, BGR, PHL, GSP (via NYC); BDL, BOS, BWI, PHL, RDU, WAS, ALB, BDL, BUF, CAE, CHS, CLT, GSO, MHT, ORF, PIT, PVD, RDU, RIC, ROC, SYR, PHL, (Via MIAMI)

ZONE 4: AZO, BNA, CLE, DTT, GRB, GRR, IND, LAN, MBS, MEM, MKC, MSN, MSP, OMA, SDF, CHI, CID, DSM, DTT, GRR, MKE, CHI, CID, CLE, DSM, DTT, GRR, ICT, MKE, MKC, MSP, OMA, STL, COS, TUS, PIA, BNA, CHA, CLE, CVG, IND, MKE, SDF, TYS, BHM, CMH, DAY (Via MIAMI) and 

PHX (via LAX)

ZONE 5: DEN LAS RNO SAN SFO SCJ FAT MRY OAK SNA; BOI DEN EUG GEG LAS RNO SAN SFO SJC SLC OAK; DEN; BOI EUG GEG SFO; LAS, PHX (Via L.ANGELES)

COS, MSO (Via MIAMI)

ZONE 6: PDX,SEA,ANC (Via L.ANGELES)

Depart Miami for Guayaquil, Ecuador. After going through customs and immigration, you will be transferred to the hotel Hilton for the night.

DAY 02 FRI. GUAYAQUIL-GALAPAGOS (Explorer Western Island Itinerary)

Transfer to the airport for flight to Baltra via LAN airlines. Arrive and transfer to the deluxe  M/V Explorer
Afternoon at SULLIVAN BAY, SANTIAGO ISLAND
Tour Duration: 2 hours
Description: The zone is covered by flows such as Pahohoe. The Sullivan lava was formed in 1897.The magma formed is flat, but the lava movement is underground ,the fast freeze and another eruptions made that it has broken in different parts . Fauna: Galapagos hawk, lava lizard, Galapagos penguins, small ground finch, medium ground finch, large ground finch, cactus finch
Flora: maytenus octogona, lava cactus, thorn shrub, White mangrove, mollugo, incense tree.
Main Attraction: lava fields. (B,L,D)
DAY 03 SUN. GALAPAGOS
Morning at BARTHOLOMEW ISLAND
Tour duration: 2 hours 30 minutes and 1 hour walk on the beach and snorkel. The groups rotate the visits.
Wildlife: brown pelican, Galapagos penguins, white tip reef sharks, green sea turtles.
Flora: Galapagos Carpetweed, maytenus octogena, thorn shrub, white mangrove, red mangrove, salt bush.
Main attraction: a panoramic view of the archipelago and Pinnacle Rock.
Afternoon at ESPUMILLA BEACH, SANTIAGO ISLAND
Tour duration: 2 hours
Fauna: Greater flamingo, galapagos hawk, tyrant flycatcher, Galapagos flycatcher, white cheeked pintail duck, vampire finch, small ground finch, cactus finch, medium ground finch, small tree finch, vegetarian finch, green sea turtle
Flora: Maytenus octogona, button mangrove, black mangrove, salt bush, incense tree.
Main Attraction: Incense tree forest, the beach and the landscape. (B,L,D)
DAY 04 MON. GALAPAGOS
Morning at PUNTA VICENTE ROCA, ISABELA ISLAND
Tour duration: 1 ½ hours.
Wildlife: Green sea Turtles, Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, frigate, flightless cormorants
Attraction: Volcanoes of Isabela swim with sea turtles, sea lions and manta rays.
Type of land: Snorkelling in deep water for all.
Afternoon at PUNTA ESPINOZA, FERNANDINA ISLAND
Tour duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes walk.
Wildlife: flightless cormorant, Galapagos snakes biserialis, Galapagos hawk, marine iguana, lava lizard, Galapagos sea lion, Galapagos penguins.
Flora: lava cactus, white mangrove, black mangrove, red mangrove, Galapagos shore petunia.
Main Attraction: pahoehoe lava. The largest colony of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants colony (unique in the world). (B,L,D)
DAY 05 TUE. TUESDAY
Morning at TAGUS COVE, ISABELA ISLAND
Tour duration: approximately 1800 meters, 2 hours.
Wildlife: yellow warbler, flightless cormorant, Galapagos mockingbird, hawks, marine iguana, land iguana, Galapagos flycatchers, large ground finch, medium ground finch,small ground finch, land-panga ride, penguins, flightless cormorants, green sea turtles, herons, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, pelicans.
Flora: Galapagos croton, heart-leafed scalesia, yellow cordia, incense tree, pickly pear cactus.
Main Attraction: A view of the saltwater lagoon which is located within a tuff cone, lava fields of Darwin volcano, cave inscriptions we find names of pirates and whaling vessels dating from the 1800s.
Afternoon at ELIZABETH BAY, ISABELA ISLAND
Tour duration: 1 hour 30 minutes by zodiac.
Wildlife : turtles pond around the islets of the bay, penguins, marine iguanas, blue footed boobies, masked boobies and sea gulls. rays, sharks, pelicans, boobies, sea lions and fish in general, sea lions, flightless cormorants, penguins. From June to September you can see some whales.
Flora: red mangrove.
Main Attraction: Formed by the union of the volcanoes Sierra Negra and Alcedo Volcano. This wide bay has a very high and colorful mangrove, which contrasts with the lava. (B,L,D)
DAY 05 WED. GALAPAGOS
Morning at POST OFFICE, FLOREANA ISLAND
Tour duration: 1 hour.
Wildlife: Yellow warbler, Galapagos sea lion, brown pelican, warbler finch.
Flora: mesquite, Galapagos cotton, thorn shrub, salt bush, incense tree, jerusalem thorn.
Main Attraction: Post Office or Post Office Bay is a historic site that recalls the days of the whalers, when they came to Galapagos tortoises and supplies of water. In Post office Bay also found remains of an effort led by Norwegian settlement in the early twentieth century.
Afternoon at Punta Cormorant
Tour duration: 2 hours trail is an approximate distance of 720 meters, it passes for a pond, gazebos and a median of sandy beach.
Wildlife: Sting rays, semi palmated plover, white cheeked pintail duck, black necked stilt, green sea turtle, whimbrel.
Flora: Galapagos weed carpet, maytenus octogena, thorn shrub, black mangrove, salt bush, incensé tree, longhaired scalesia, Curve spined Lecocarpus.
Main Attraction: population of flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) and the beach a nesting area for sea turtles (Chelonia midas).
Type of terrain: beach and normal soil
Physical Condition: Average (B,L,D)
DAY 06 THU. GALAPAGOS
Morning at GALAPAGUERA CERRO COLORADO, SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Tour Duration: 45 minutes by bus to visit the reserve, one hour in the center approximately.
Fauna:yellow warbler, Chatham mockingbird, Galapagos flycatcher, small tree finch, small ground finch, giant tortoise .
Flora: Acacia, galapagos croton, Guayabillo, heart-leafed scalesia, poision Apple, matazarno,cat´s claw.
Main Attraction: Giant tortoises from San Cristobal Islands
Afternoon at OCHOA BEACH, SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Tour duration : 2 hours
Fauna: semi terrestial hermit crab ,Chatham mockingbird, magnificent frigate bird, marine iguana, Galapagos sea lion, brown pelican..
Flora: candelabra cactus, Galapagos croton, poision Apple, matazarno, salt bush, incense tree.
Main Attraction: sea lion colonies
Type of field: beaches
Physical condition: low  (B,L,D)
DAY 07 FRI. GALAPAGOS-BALTRA-GUAYAQUIL
Morning at LOS GEMELOS, SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Tour duration: 1 hour
Fauna: Tyrant flycatcher, large tree finch, woodpecker finch, warbler finch, small ground finch, large ground finch, medium ground finch, small tree finch, vegetarian finch.
Flora: Guayabillo, heart -leafed scalesia, red bush, thin leafed Darwin’ s shrub
Main Attraction: volcanic cráter, woodpecker finch, and scalesia forest.
Transfer to the airport for flight to Guayaquil via LAN. Arrive and transfer to hotel Hilton. (B)

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)

2013 COST LAND TOUR CRUISE RATE PER PERSON:

Includes International & local airfare via LAN Airlines from Miami

From New York add US$280 and from Los Angeles US$380 per person

RATES ARE SUBJECT TO AIR AVAILABILITY. (From Dec.15 to Jan 15, please add US$350 per person to above rates)

See extension to the Ecuadorian Amazon Rain Forest Click here

INCLUDING:  

Private transfers in Guayaquil. All tours in Galapagos with a naturalist English speaking guide. Hotel Hilton for 2 nights with  room taxes and service charges. The 7 day/6 night Galapagos Cruise aboard the deluxe ship M/V Explorer. Meals as noted in itinerary B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner. Local & International airfare Miami-Guayaquil-Galapagos-Guayaquil-Miami . Tips to airport porters. Galapagos National Park Tax upon entry $100; $10 immigration card to enter Galapagos; USA departure tax/security/fuel surcharges/airport tax of 150. Ecuador international airport departure tax of $32. Fuel surcharge for the Galapagos cruises of US$110 net.

NOT INCLUDED:  

Services not mentioned in itinerary; Passport fees;  Airport departure taxes of $2.00 to $5.00 for local flights in Ecuador to be paid direct in Ecuador in cash; Insurance;  Tips to hotel porters and tour guides; (this is to be paid here in USA at the moment of issuing your airline tickets).

DEPOSITS:

25% percent of the total cost 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$407-445. Please see information: Insurance

CANCELLATIONS:  

TERMS & CONDITIONS

DEPOSITS, FINAL PAYMENTS & CANCELLATIONS 

Rates: All rates and fares are based on USA Dollars and are subject to change at any time.

Accommodations: Based on sharing twin or double bedded room. All taxes and service charges are included. Single room occupancy available at the supplement shown. Operator reserves the right to substitute other hotels of similar qualities -if hotel stated is not available.

Meals: As specifically indicated in each program.

Sightseeing: Tours will be in seated car basis, or by motor coach with English speaking tour guides.

Transfers: Round trip transfers between airport and hotels including tips and the handling of two normal sized pieces of luggage are included on all tours.

Air transportation: All arrangements for air transportation are made with any IATA carrier that may be used, such companies are not to be held responsible for any act or omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board their planes or conveyances. The passenger contract in use by the airline concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the passenger.

Reservations & Deposits: Reservation will be accepted upon receipt of US$150.00 deposit per person, due within 7 days (some other programs require different deposits...see NOTE below) . Full payment is due 60 days before departure. For reservations made 16 days or less prior to departure, there will be a charge of US$35.00 for rush handling plus any mail charges -such as overnight mail-. Payments made 21 days before departure must be in the form of cashier’s check or credit card. 

NOTE: Some deposits may vary due to the nature of the trip. For example Galapagos cruises, Amazon cruises or Patagonia cruises have a requirement of $300 to $600 deposit per person at the time of booking. Also, certain dates required full payment...Christmas, New Years, Carnival, Holy Week or certain holidays...PLEASE -contact your TRAVEL AGENT or call our booking agents to find more out about this dates. 

Cancellations Land Portion: Cancellations must be in writing and received by Tara Tours Inc. Penalties are as follows prior to departure date: 45 days or more full refund less US$150.00 administrative fee per person (plus any cancellation fees from the airlines, hotels or cruises) . 44 to 30 days a charge of US$200 per person (plus any cancellation fees from the airlines, hotels or cruises). 29 to 20 days will be subject to a charge of 60% plus any cancellation fees from the airlines, hotels or cruises 19 days or less NO REFUNDS. Galapagos, Amazon & Patagonia programs  have  special cancellations..see below. NO REFUNDS FOR CHRISTMAS, NEW YEARS, HOLY WEEK, CARNIVAL FOR ANY PROGRAM.

(PLEASE TAKE NOTE -MOST AIRLINES HAVE $100 or FULL CANCELLATION PENALTIES....AT ANY TIME....PLEASE VERIFY THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR AGENT OR TARA TOURS)

CANCELLATIONS FOR GALAPAGOS, AMAZON  & Patagonia cruises

Cancellations must be in writing and received by Tara Tours Inc.

Penalties are as follows prior to departure date: Some boats have different policies)

121 days or more...$100 per person

120-61 days $250 penalty per passenger service charge. (Santa Cruz, La Pinta, Isabella 60 days or less or less no refunds)

60-31 days 50% penalty

30 or less -no refunds 

Please take note this cancellations may change at any time. Have your travel agent call Tara Tours for an update on your particular program. NO REFUNDS FOR CHRISTMAS, NEW YEARS, HOLY WEEK, CARNIVAL FOR ANY PROGRAM.

Not Included in tour prices: Passport, tourist card, vaccination certificates. Alcoholic or other beverages, meals (unless you booked an all inclusive property) . Excess baggage charges, personal and baggage insurance. health insurance, gratuity to the tour escort, local guides, local airport taxes, services not mentioned in the tour programs and any other items of personal nature. 

Airport departure taxes: Must be paid at the airport at the time of departure. Check the amount upon arrival and save that amount in US dollars.

Passport-Visas-Tourist cards: It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to obtain necessary entry documents-last minute cancellations due to incorrect entry documents will carry substantial cancellation fees.

Responsibilities: TARA TOURS Inc. of Miami, Florida and their affiliates act only as agents for the passenger with respect to services provided by others, including but not limited to hotels, restaurants, sightseeing and transportation (such as railroad, aircraft, boat, motor coach, automobile or other conveyance). TARA TOURS, INC. and its agents shall not be liable for any injury, loss, damage, delay or inconvenience arising out of or in connection with any defect in any vehicle, train, airplane, helicopters, ships, boats, any act of God, dangerous incidents of the sea, rivers, lakes, fire, breakdown in equipment, acts of governments, assaults, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemic, quarantines, delays, sickness, omission, neglect, accident, error, or default of any company or person engaged in providing such hotel, restaurant, sightseeing, transportation or other tour services.

Insurance: TARA TOURS, INC. is not responsible or liable for loss, damage, theft or luggage and/or personal belongings or for personal injury, accidents and/or illness.

TARA TOURS INC. strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance. PLEASE VISIT OUR INSURANCE SECTION. Insure America has created an special policy for Tara Tours clients. INSURANCE

EXTENSION TO MACHU PICCHU

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)

2013  LAND TOUR RATES (including airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima)

3 stars hotels: Cuzco: Royal Inka 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 4 nights including room taxes and service charges of 25% in Peru; round trip bus/train tickets to Machu Picchu (Vistadome) ; meals as noted B=Buffet 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, Peru $30.25 (usually this dep. taxes are included in your international air ticket) ; $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.

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Last modifed: May 20, 2013