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Best tour package to Cuzco & Machu Picchu US$1294 pp/dbl including local airfare

 

PERU

Peru is one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Rich in history, cultural traditions, archaeological sites. Blessed with an incredible topography from her desert fringed coast dotted with ancient cities, to the towering Andes running north to south in the central region, to the Amazon basin's rain forests covering more than half the Peruvian land mass and cruising ground for nature lovers and adventurers. In almost any corner of the country, Peru offers her visitors wondrous experiences, great comforts and a warm welcome...!

Choose one of the many tour programs we have for Peru !

Machu Picchu on a Budget 7 days/5 nights Best tour package to visit Cuzco & Machu Picchu for just US$1295 per person double including local airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima and PRIVATE GUIDE IN MACHU PICCHU

Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca on a Budget:  9 days / 7 nights visiting Cuzco, Machu Picchu (with private guide) and Lake Titicaca US$1699 per person based on double occupancy.

Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca & Colca Canyon on a Budget: 11 days Visiting Arequipa, Chivay, The Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cuzco & the Lost City of the Inkas "Machu Picchu"

Deluxe Inka Program:   6 days -Private services in Lima and Cuzco plus Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu

Inkas & Rainforest   Great buy ! 9 days - Visiting the Amazon Rain forest, Sandoval Lodge, Cuzco and Machu Picchu

Cuzco & Machu Picchu Private 5 nights Exploring one of the most amazing sites in the world "Machu Picchu" with 5 star hotels and private services.

Amazon River Cruise & Machu Picchu:  10 days - Visiting Cuzco-Machu Picchu-Urubamba and cruising the mighty Amazon River aboard the M/V Delfin....

Tara’s Inka Journey:  9 days -Visiting Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu & the Amazon

The Golden Kingdom: 8 days -Visiting Cuzco, Urubamba, Pisac, Machu Picchu & Lima,

Kuelap-Sipan:   8 days -Peru's Hidden Treasures- Visiting Lima, Chiclayo, Sipan and Kuelap.

The Inka Trail 9 days - Hiking the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu - (sold out for July) PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE

The Empire Time Forgot:  15 days - Visiting Lima, Arequipa, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Cuzco, Urubamba, Machu Picchu & the mighty Amazon Rain Forest and the amazing Nazca Lines.

Absolutely Peru:  21 days Visiting Lima, Chiclayo-Sipan, Trujillo-Chan-Chan, Arequipa-Colca, Puno-Lake Titicaca, Cuzco-Machu Picchu, The Amazon and Nazca Lines...

Galapagos & Machu Picchu:  Peru & Ecuador for 14 days - Visiting Quito -Otavalo -Galapagos -Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu - 2 selections..with 5 star and 4 star hotels & cruises. Optional to Nazca.

Tara's Amazon River Journey & Machu Picchu 10 days/9 nights exploring the Amazon rain forest (3 night cruise) and the Lost City of the Inkas Machu Picchu.

More programs to Peru...

New Amazon  8 days / 7 nights Exploring the Amazon rain forest US$1780 per person/double

The Salcantay Inka Trek....10 days/8 nights trekking with comfort with Mountain Lodges....

Amazon Deluxe River Cruise Aqua 9 days -Visiting the mighty Amazon Region and Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (7 night cruise)

Inkas & Kings 12 days visiting The Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu and the city of Kings "Lima".

Peru 9 days -Visiting La Paz, Lake Titicaca, Puno, Cuzco, Machu Picchu and The Nazca Lines. 

-Extension to Kuelap and Cajamarca 

-Extension to Manu National Park

-Extension to Heath Wildlife Center (Tambopata)

For more programs to Peru in combination with other countries visit section Combine Countries

 

 

 

Cuzco & Machu Picchu Private

 

 

Visiting the Capital of the Inka Empire and the Lost City with a 

 

Private tour guide

 

7 days/5 nights

 

Daily Guarantee Departures

All private services-Locally hosted

 

DAY 01  U.S.A-LIMA 

Depart USA for Lima, Peru. (Overnight flight).

DAY 02  LIMA-CUZCO

Arrive very early morning in Lima. After going through customs and immigration, you will be met and walked to the domestic flight section of Lima airport for flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cuzco you will be taken to hotel selected (see options below). Balance of day to rest and get used to the high altitude.

DAY 03  CUZCO

In the afternoon  enjoy a private half day visit of the magical city of Cuzco as you drive through the main streets with their Inca walls. Visit the Qorikancha (Sun Temple) now referred to as Santo Domingo Church. The curved stonework of the temple is probably unequalled in the world. During the Inca period, the stones were covered with gold. The Cathedral, a real piece of art with hundreds of paintings. Then, visit the archaeological sites that surround Cusco: the Saqsayhuaman Fortress, an amazing site with huge stone constructions. The site has a great cosmic energy - that is why people think it was an astronomic observatory and an Inca oracle. Also visit Q’enqo, a place that was used for worship and ceremonial center and Tambomachay -the Inka Spa.  Overnite at hotel selected. (B)

DAY 04  CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU

Full day excursion by bus & train to the most mysterious and energetic place of the Inka civilization.

Early morning transfer to the rail station to board the train to Machu Picchu. The train journey to Machu Picchu is a highlight of any trip to the Andes.  The scenery is simply spectacular, and the recently refurbished Vistadome Trains with their panoramic windows allow you to enjoy it in comfort. The 3 hour journey takes you through a changing landscape, passing by lush, green fields and colorful villages in the foothills of the Andes.  From here on, there are wonderful vistas of the mountains and, deep in its dramatic canyon, the beautiful Urubamba River running through the Sacred Valley. For optimum views of the Andes, windows have been installed into the carriage ceilings.  Also, a newly enhanced food-and-drink service, plus individual slip-down tables have been added. And what a destination awaits you!  Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, is one of the wonders of the World !!  On arrival in Machu Picchu your private guide will be waiting for you . You will be transfer by small buses to the entrance of the ruins to commence our touring. Machu Picchu rises to an altitude of 7,900 ft. above sea level between the Huayna Picchu (young peak) and Machu Picchu (old peak). It lies within the spectacular framework provided by the exuberant vegetation of nearby jungle and the rugged landscape. The ruins are situated on the eastern slope of Machu Picchu in two different areas: the agricultural and the urban. The latter includes the civil sector (dwellings, canalizations), and the sacred sector (temples, mausoleums, squares, royal houses). Although constructions show different levels of architecture, religious buildings exhibit a high degree of perfection. The construction was with general use of stone, and the roofs were built of tree trunks and thatched with ichu straw. The walls were made with an inward inclination for protection against earthquakes. Overnight in the village of Aguas Calientes, just at bottom of Machu Picchu. (B)

DAY 05  MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO 

Day at leisure to explore Machu Picchu on your own. You can go back to the Lost City and visit this magnificent archeological site at your own pace or do some trekking...or stay in Aguas Calientes and visit the local market or the thermal baths. Afternoon return to Cuzco by train with transfer to your hotel. (B)

DAY 06  CUZCO

At leisure. The city of Cuzco is like an open museum, wherever you go you will find ancient Inka streets, palaces, colonial mansions from the Spaniards conquistadores or  just take advantage of great bargains such as sweaters, ponchos, alpaca rugs, gold and silver jewelry....plenty of things to do and see.... (B).

DAY 07  CUZCO-LIMA-USA

Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima where you will be connecting with your international flight back to USA. (B).

(Extension to Lima available upon request)

 

INCLUDED:

Hotel accommodations for 5 nights including room taxes and service charges. (4 nights in Cuzco and one night in Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu). Daily breakfast. Private transfers to/from airport, hotels and train station. Private city tour of Cuzco and private tour of Machu Picchu with an English speaking tour guide. Entrance fees, train tickets, Cuzco archaeological tax, bus tickets. Tips to airport porters. Local airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima via Lan Peru or similar.

 

NOT INCLUDED:

International airfare. Meals, unless specified in itinerary. Insurance -Cost for this program $164 to $235 per person -by Insure America. Tips to tour guide or bus driver. Any other service not mentioned in itinerary; Airport departure taxes -Lima and Cuzco $4.00 each and upon leaving Peru $30.00

 

LAND TOUR RATES PER PERSON (Minimun 2 people) Includes local flight Lima-Cuzco-Lima

 

2012

5 stars

Cuzco=Libertador or Aranwa 

Aguas Calientes=Inkaterra or Sumaq

5+ stars

Cuzco= Monasterio

M.Picchu =Sanctuary

Double (Jan-Dec,31*) US$2230 3590
Single Supplement 1015 2428
Deduction for Triple 106 n/a

International air fare not included.

Sample air cost from Miami to Lima RT US$550-750 via American or Lan Airlines (see add-ons below from more than 100 USA cities)

 

HOTELS USED:

Cuzco= Libertador Palacio del Inka (Superior rooms) or Aranwa Cuzco (Deluxe room) ; Monasterio (Deluxe rooms) includes Buffet Breakfast.

Aguas Calientes= Inkaterra El Pueblo (Superior Deluxe rooms) includes Breakfast and Dinner. Sumaq hotel (Superior Deluxe room) includes breakfast and lunch

Machu Picchu= Sanctuary (Mountain View room) includes Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

For hotel locations in Cuzco......See  City of Cuzco-Map

 

 

SAMPLE AIRFARE FROM MIAMI: US$550-750
SAMPLE ADD-ONS VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES:

Add $300 from LAX, SFO, DEN, LAS; Add $200 from ATL, ORL, SJU, TPA & ZONE 1; Add $250 from DFW, HOU & ZONE 2; Add $300 from BDL, BOS, BWI, CHI, EWR, NYC, WAS, ZONE 3;. Add $350 from JAC, PDX, SEA and ZONE 4,5,6.

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 

 

 

 

Tara’s Inka Journey

Tara's Inka Journey is one of the most popular tour programs to Peru. Visiting Lima "City of Kings" founded by Francisco Pizarro, Cuzco "Capital of the Inka Empire" and exploring the mighty Amazon Rain Forest.

 

 

9 days/8 nights - Departs every Thursday 

Day 1 THU. U.S.A-LIMA

Depart Miami, New York or Los Angeles for Lima, Capital of Peru After going through customs and immigration, you will be met and taken to the airport hotel Costa del Sol.

Day 2 FRI. LIMA-CUZCO

Board flight to Cuzco and upon arrival,  you will be taken to hotel selected. Morning best to rest and get used to the high altitude. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Cuzco, the most important city in The Inka Empire with stops at the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), main square, the Cathedral and visit to the ruins nearby such as Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Kenko, Puca-Pucara and the Inka Spa of Tambomachay. (B). See  City of Cuzco-Map

Day 3 SAT. 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. Overnight in Machu Picchu at Hotel selected. (see selection at the end of this program) (B)

Day 4 SUN. MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO

Day at leisure to explore Machu Picchu on your own, take pictures, meditate or explore the surrounding areas of Huayna Picchu or go the Sun Gate or main entrance to Machu Picchu coming from the Inka Trail , or visit the small town of Aguas Calientes and its thermal baths . Mid-afternoon return to Cuzco. Transfer to hotel selected. (B)

Day 5 MON. CUZCO-LIMA

Arrive in Lima and transfer to hotel selected. 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 Viceroyship. 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, then visit the Larco Herrera museum which holds the most important archeological collection of ancient Peru with more than 45,000 pieces carefully classified including gold, silver, textiles and the famous erotic collection from the Moches...(B)

DAY 6 TUE. LIMA-IQUITOS-EXPLORAMA LODGE

Transfer to the airport for flight to Iquitos -main port on the Amazon River. Reception at the airport and brief city orientation and transfer to the Explorama dock. Fifty mile journey down the Amazon River to Yanamono Stream where Explorama Lodge is located. Afternoon hike along the "Lake trail" through lowland rainforest which is seasonally flooded. During the high water season, this excursion is done by open boat! Night walk or open boat ride to enjoy the sounds of the rainforest and stars of the Southern sky. (B,D)

For information about theExplorama lodges click here

ABOUT EXPLORAMA: Established in 1965, 80 km. (50 mi.) down the MAIN AMAZON RIVER, the Lodge is deep in primary jungle and offers two days or longer excursions. Romantic kerosene torches and lamps illuminate palm-thatched houses with 10 to 17 sleeping rooms. Covering connecting walkways lead to the Tahuampa Bar, the Dining Room, the Sun Porch and two Hammock Houses. Private showers and toilet facilities adjoin each room. A variety of treks are offered, including the Seven Bridges Trail.

 

Day 7 WED. AMAZON JUNGLE

Morning walk along the "Bushmaster Trail", where scientific studies by the Missouri Botanical Gardens have found one of the world's highest biodiversity of trees per square hectare. Your guide will point out many plants used in medicine today and many that we may use in the future. Afternoon open boat trip along the Amazon in search of the two species of freshwater dolphin found in the river, as well as chance for an afternoon swim. (B,L,D)
Day 8 THU. AMAZON-IQUITOS- LIMA
Morning walk following a river trail, along the way to meet the "ribereños" or river people, visit a river school, see the local sugar cane rum factory, or visit our resident American medical doctor in her clinic sponsored by the Rotary Club. Transfer back to Iquitos for your departure flight to Lima. Arrive and transfer to hotel selected. (B)

Day 9 FRI. LIMA-USA

Transfer to the airport for flight to USA. Along with the souvenirs, you will carry memories of your journey to the Land of the Inkas.(B)

 

INCLUDED:

Hotel accommodations for 8 nights including room taxes and service charges. (Hotels as mentioned in itinerary).  Transfers to/from airport, hotels and train station.  Tours as mentioned including entrance fees, train tickets, Cuzco archaeological tax, bus tickets and English speaking tour guides.  Tips to airport and hotel porters.  Meals as mentioned in itinerary; B= Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner.  Local flights Lima-Cuzco-Lima-Iquitos-Lima.

 

NOT INCLUDED

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE, Meals, unless specified in itinerary. Insurance. Tips to tour guide or bus driver. Any other service not mentioned in itinerary.  Re-entry fee to Machu Picchu of US$32.00 Peru Airport departure taxes, USA departure tax/security/fuel surcharges of $88 (change daily...please call); Lima and Cuzco $5.00 each and upon leaving Peru $28.00

 

LAND TOUR RATES (include local flights)

2012 Seasons-Hotels Double Triple Single
Dorado or Sonesta, MAPI Inn, Radisson US$2,860 2,770 3,850
Libertador or Casa Andina Private, Inkaterra, Marriott 3,553 3,436 5,600
Monasterio, Sanctuary, Miraflores Park Plaza 4,121 3,967 6,198

International air fare not included.

Sample air cost from Miami to Lima RT US$550-750 via American or Lan Airlines (see add-ons below from more than 100 USA cities)

 

HOTEL LOCATIONS:

LIMA: Radisson Miraflores, Miraflores Park Plaza, Marriott are located in the pretty district of Miraflores. Swissotel, Radisson Palmeras are located in the elegant district of San Isidro.

CUZCO: Dorado, Libertador, Monasterio, Casa Andina Private Collection ....about 3-4 blocks from main square in downtown Cuzco.... Great locations.  See Map - City of Cuzco

MACHU PICCHU: Mapi Inn, Hatuchay, Inkaterra are located in Aguas Calientes (a village down Machu Picchu mountain and Archeological site). Sanctuary Machu PIcchu right by the entrance of Machu Picchu.

 

ADD-ONS VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES: For same package.....

Add $300 from LAX, SFO, DEN, LAS; Add $200 from ATL, ORL, SJU, TPA & ZONE 1; Add $250 from DFW, HOU & ZONE 2; Add $300 from BDL, BOS, BWI, CHI, EWR, NYC, WAS, ZONE 3;. Add $350 from JAC, PDX, SEA and ZONE 4,5,6.

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 

 

INSURANCE: Tara Tours Inc. strongly recommends that you purchased travel insurance. Insured America has designed a policy for Tara Tours clients. Cost for this program is $159-194 per person (see inclusions in Insurance section).

DEPOSITS: US$300.00 at the time of booking. 

FINAL PAYMENT: 60 days before departure. 

CANCELLATIONS: At any time $100 per person. Prior to departure: 45 to 30 days $150 penalty fee; 29 to 15 days 50% penalty fee; 14 days or less -No Refunds.

 

 

 

 

INKAS & RAINFOREST

Visiting Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the Amazon Rain Forest (Tambopata Wildlife Reserve)

9 days/7 nights 
Daily departures.
 

DAY 01  U.S.A-LIMA 

Depart USA for Lima, Peru. (Overnight flight).

DAY 02  LIMA-CUZCO

Arrive very early morning in Lima. After going through customs and immigration, you will be met and walked to the domestic flight section of Lima airport for flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cuzco you will be taken to hotel selected (see options below). Balance of day to rest and get used to the high altitude.

DAY 03  CUZCO

In the afternoon  enjoy a half day visit of the magical city of Cuzco as you drive through the main streets with their Inca walls. Visit the Qorikancha (Sun Temple) now referred to as Santo Domingo Church. The curved stonework of the temple is probably unequalled in the world. During the Inca period, the stones were covered with gold. The Cathedral, a real piece of art with hundreds of paintings. Then, visit the archaeological sites that surround Cusco: the Saqsayhuaman Fortress, an amazing site with huge stone constructions. The site has a great cosmic energy - that is why people think it was an astronomic observatory and an Inca oracle. Also visit Q’enqo, a place that was used for worship and ceremonial center and Tambomachay -the Inka Spa.  Overnite at hotel selected. (B)

DAY 04  CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU

Full day excursion by bus & train to the most mysterious and energetic place of the Inka civilization.

Early morning transfer to the rail station to board the train to Machu Picchu. The train journey to Machu Picchu is a highlight of any trip to the Andes.  The scenery is simply spectacular, and the recently refurbished Vistadome Trains with their panoramic windows allow you to enjoy it in comfort. The 3 hour journey takes you through a changing landscape, passing by lush, green fields and colorful villages in the foothills of the Andes.

On arrival in Machu Picchu your private guide will be waiting for you . You will be transfer by small buses to the entrance of the ruins to commence our touring. Machu Picchu rises to an altitude of 7,900 ft. above sea level between the Huayna Picchu (young peak) and Machu Picchu (old peak). It lies within the spectacular framework provided by the exuberant vegetation of nearby jungle and the rugged landscape. The ruins are situated on the eastern slope of Machu Picchu in two different areas: the agricultural and the urban. The latter includes the civil sector (dwellings, canalizations), and the sacred sector (temples, mausoleums, squares, royal houses). Although constructions show different levels of architecture, religious buildings exhibit a high degree of perfection. The construction was with general use of stone, and the roofs were built of tree trunks and thatched with ichu straw. The walls were made with an inward inclination for protection against earthquakes. Overnight in the village of Aguas Calientes, just at bottom of Machu Picchu. (B)

DAY 05  MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO 

Day at leisure to explore Machu Picchu on your own. You can go back to the Lost City and visit this magnificent archeological site at your own pace or do some trekking...or stay in Aguas Calientes and visit the local market or the thermal baths. Afternoon return to Cuzco by train with transfer to your hotel. (B)

DAY 06  CUZCO

At leisure. The city of Cuzco is like an open museum, wherever you go you will find ancient Inka streets, palaces, colonial mansions from the Spaniards conquistadores or  just take advantage of great bargains such as sweaters, ponchos, alpaca rugs, gold and silver jewelry....plenty of things to do and see.... (B).

DAY 07  CUZCO-PUERTO MALDONADO-AMAZON RAINFOREST

Transfer to the airport. Arrive and transfer from Puerto Maldonado airport to the river port on the Madre de Dios River. A 25 minutes journey down the Madre de Dios River by motor canoe brings you to the end of the trail in to Sandoval Lake Lodge. From here the trail takes you on a 2-mile walk/or rickshaw ride through secondary forest, until we reach a small canal where we board canoes and are paddled 220 yards through a flooded forest of 100-foot tall Mauritia palms. As the canal opens onto the shimmering surface of the lake, we transfer to a catamaran and are leisurely paddled across half the lake to the lodge. After lunch and a brief rest to avoid the early afternoon heat, we once again board the catamaran and set off to explore the entire west end of the lake. Here, in the flooded palm forest we drift to the sounds of hundreds of Red-Bellied Macaws as they return to the palm forest for the night. We return to the lodge around nightfall for dinner. After dinner we will return to the canoes to look for the large and extremely rare Black Caimans. If it is a clear starlit night, we will also be able to float in the middle of the lake and marvel at the brillance of the sky. (B,L,D)

DAY 08 AMAZON RAINFOREST

A pre-dawn wake-up call will enable us to be on the lake for sunrise and a hopeful encounter with the family of Giant Otters which frequent the lake and are most active at this time of day. Most of the fish-eating water birds around the lake actively fish in the early morning as well, and this outing should provide excellent views, and photographs, of the prehistoric- looking Hoatzins. After returning for a late breakfast we set off into the cool understory of the tall virgin forest near the lake to see some towering wild Brazil Nut trees and a demonstration of how our hosts collect, open and commercialize this important natural product. After lunch and an hour or so to relax we once again board the catamaran to explore the eastern part of the lake, where we might see one or more of the five species of monkeys which live in the forest near the lake, such as the Brown Capuchin Monkey. ((B,L,D)

DAY 09 AMAZON RAIN FOREST-P.MALDONADO-LIMA-USA

After a dawn breakfast we take a final, shorter paddle around the west end of the lake to try and glimpse the Giant Otters before returning to Puerto Maldonado to catch the flight to Lima. Arrive in Lima and connect with your international flight back to USA. (B)

DAY 10 ARRIVE USA

 

INCLUDED:

Hotel accommodations for 7 nights including room taxes and service charges. (4 nights in Cuzco and one night in Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu, 2 nights at Sandoval Lodge). Daily breakfast. Transfers to/from airport, hotels and train station. City tour is in seat in car basis and the tour to Machu Picchu is private. Entrance fees, train tickets, Cuzco archaeological tax, bus tickets and English speaking tour guide. Tips to airport porters. Local airfare Lima-Cuzco-Puerto Maldonado-Lima via Lan Peru or similar. All meals while at Sandoval Lodge.

 

NOT INCLUDED:

International airfare. ·Meals, unless specified in itinerary. Insurance -Cost for this program $129 to $200 per person -by Insure America. Tips to tour guide or bus driver. Any other service not mentioned in itinerary; Airport departure taxes -Lima and Cuzco $4.00 each and upon leaving Peru $30.00. USA departure tax/security/fuel surcharges of $88 (changes daily...please call your Travel Agent or Tara Tours for an update on this charges)

 

LAND TOUR RATES PER PERSON (include local flights Lima-Cuzco-Puerto Maldonado-Lima)

 

2012

3 Stars Hotels 

 

4 Stars Hotels

Cuzco= Dorado

Aguas Calientes=Mapi

Double (Jan-Dec,31*)

US$2,095

2,221

Single Supplement

601

709

Deduction for Triple

-45

-88

International air fare not included.

Sample air cost from Miami to Lima RT US$550-750 via American or Lan Airlines (see add-ons below from more than 100 USA cities)

 

HOTELS:

3 Stars Hotels: Cuzco=San Agustin;  Aguas Calientes=Inti Inn

4 Stars Hotels: Cuzco= Dorado; Aguas Calientes=Mapi

For hotel locations in Cuzco......See  City of Cuzco-Map

 

SAMPLE AIRFARE FROM MIAMI: US$550-750 per person.

ADD-ONS VIA AMERICAN or LAN AIRLINES:

Add $350 from LAX, SFO, DEN, LAS; Add $250 from ATL, ORL, SJU, TPA & ZONE 1; Add $290 from DFW, HOU & ZONE 2; Add $330 from BDL, BOS, BWI, CHI, EWR, NYC, WAS, ZONE 3;. Add $390 from JAC, PDX, SEA and ZONE 4,5,6.

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 


 

INSURANCE: Tara Tours Inc. strongly recommends that you purchased travel insurance. Insured America has designed a policy for Tara Tours clients. Cost for this program is $125-194 per person (see inclusions in our web site www.taratours.com -Insurance section).

DEPOSITS:
US$300.00 at the time of booking. 

FINAL PAYMENT: 60 days before departure. 

CANCELLATIONS:
At any time $100 per person. Prior to departure: 45 to 30 days $150 penalty fee; 29 days or less -No Refunds. 

 

Kuelap and Sipan

KUELAP-SIPAN

‘Peru's Hidden Treasures"

Come and join us to discover one of the most fascinating Pre-Inka civilizations...The Chachapoyas culture and their incredible archeological site "Kuelap"...!

 

Situated in the cloud forests around the town of Chachapoyas in Peru's northern Amazonas Department (State), these sites are dominated by the mighty fortress of Kuelap, perched majestically atop mountain-top cliffs overlooking the verdant Andean landscape

 

In Chachapoyas, remnants of the past invite you for a true discovery and adventure.

 

 

9 DAY/8 NIGHT ITINERARY-

 

Departs every Mondays and Thursdays from May to October

 

DAY 01 MON or THU : U.S.A-LIMA

Depart USA for Lima, Peru. Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to hotel Costa del Sol by Lima airport.

DAY 02 TUE or FRI : LIMA-CHICLAYO-SIPAN

Morning flight to Chiclayo, burgeoning commercial center and capital of the department of Lambayeque. Arrive and transfer to hotel Chiclayo. Afternoon visit the Bruning Museum to appreciate fascinating ceramics, metal objects and textiles from the Lambayeque region, then continue to visit the famous archaeological site of Sipan and Pampa Grande –according to National Geographic – Sipan is the greatest discovery of the last century. Return to your hotel for overnight. Hotel Chiclayo (B)

DAY 03 WED or SAT : CHICLAYO/CHACHAPOYAS

In the morning you will depart from Chiclayo by private car or bus with air conditioning. You will arrive in the late afternoon in Chachapoyas. Box lunch and dinner included. Overnight at Hostal El Chillo. (L, D).

DAY 04 THU or SUN : CHACHAPOYAS

After breakfast you will enjoy an excursion to visit the colorful funeral buildings of Revash perched on a ledge up high on a cliff. Afternoon visit the museum of Leimebamba –full with well preserved pre-Inka mummies recently discovered in the Laguna de Los Condores. Overnight at Hostal El Chillo (B, L, D)

DAY 05: FRI or MON : KUELAP

After breakfast you will visit Kuelap, a spectacular pre-Inka walled city hidden atop a precipitous mountain. Although Kuelap was discovered 60 years before Machu Picchu, it is not as well-known to the outside world. Nevertheless recent amazing discoveries in nearby areas that relate to Kuelap and to its history have captured the attention of archaeologists, international magazines and film companies. Here your tour guide will explain about The Pre-Columbian Chachapoyas culture, conquered in the 15th century by the Inkas. The mighty fortress of Kuelap, perched majestically atop mountain-top cliffs overlooking the verdant Andean landscape …….it is impressive. Dinner and overnight at Hostal El Chillo (B, Box lunch, D).

DAY 06 SAT or TUE: CHACHAPOYAS

Early morning light trek to visit Gocta considered as the world's third tallest waterfall. This remote wonder and the diverse forest and wildlife will amaze you. There is a chance to admire the Andean Cock of the Rock, Peru's national bird. Late afternoon return to Chachapoyas hotel for overnight and dinner (B,L,D)

NOTE: People intersted in more Archeology can change Gocta trek for half day tour to Karajia site.

DAY 07 SUN or WED: CHACHAPOYAS-CHICLAYO

After breakfast, morning transfer to Chiclayo arriving in Chiclayo late afternoon for overnight at hotel Chiclayo (B).

DAY 08 MON or THU. CHICLAYO-LIMA

Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima with transfer to hotel Radisson. 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 Viceroyship. 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, then visit the Larco Herrera museum which holds the most important archeological collection of ancient Peru with more than 45,000 pieces carefully classified including gold, silver, textiles and the famous erotic collection from the Moches...(B).

DAY 09 TUE or FRI. LIMA-USA

Transfer to the airport. (B)

 

INCLUDED: Hotel accommodations for 7 nights including room taxes and service charges. (Hotels as mentioned in itinerary). ·Daily breakfast. ·Transfers to/from airport, hotels and ground transportation for all tours; Tours in seat in car basis as mentioned including entrance fees and archaeological taxes, English speaking tour guide.· Tips to airport porters. Local airfare Lima-Chiclayo-Lima

 

NOT INCLUDED: ·Meals, unless specified in itinerary. Insurance (Cost for this program $200 to $235 p.p. -by Insure America). Tips to tour guide or bus driver. Any other service not mentioned in itinerary; Airport departure taxes -Lima and Chiclayo $5.00 each and upon leaving Peru $30.00. USA departure tax/security/fuel surcharges of $88 (changes daily...please call)

 

LAND TOUR RATES 2012 PER PERSON:

Double US$ 2,896 Triple US$2,806 Single $3,940

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED. Sample airfare from Miami US$550-750

Deposit: US$300 per person.

Final Payment: 60 days before departure.

 

SAMPLE AIRFARE FROM MIAMI: US$500-650

ADD-ONS VIA LAN or AMERICAN AIRLINES:  

If you already have you international air portion Miami-Lima-Miami, please deduct US$550.00 per person

Add $300 from LAX, SFO, DEN, LAS; Add $200 from ATL, ORL, SJU, TPA & ZONE 1; Add $250 from DFW, HOU & ZONE 2; Add $300 from BDL, BOS, BWI, CHI, EWR, NYC, WAS, ZONE 3;. Add $350 from JAC, PDX, SEA and ZONE 4,5,6

 

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   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Golden Kingdom

Visiting Lima, Cuzco "Capital of the Inca Empire" and the Lost City of the Inkas

"Machu Picchu" Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

 

8 days/7 nights 

DEPARTS EVERY SUNDAY

Day 01 SUN. MIAMI-LIMA:  

Depart USA for Lima, Peru. After going through customs and immigration, you will be met and taken to hotel Costa del Sol by Lima airport.

DAY 02 MON. LIMA-CUZCO

Transfer to the airport for flight to Cuzco, where you will be met and taken to your hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Cuzco -the center of the universe for the Inka civilization- visiting the Temple of Koricancha or Sun God, the Cathedral and the ruins nearby such as, Kenko, Puca-Pucara, Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman an impressive megalithic construction, strategically placed on a hill overlooking the city of Cusco, It name means "satisfied falcon" in Quechua. Formed by three successive walls of immense stones (the biggest one—28 feet high, 15 wide and 12 thick –must weigh some 360 tons.). The three walls are almost parallel. Forming a zigzag, each supporting a terrace and parapet. The mind boggles at the thought of the effort that the building of this great monument must have cost men who did not have the wheel: the out side wall alone is 650 yards long. It is said that its construction, begun by the Inca Túpac Yupanqui, took more than seventy years and required the labor of over twenty thousand men. Overnight at hotel selected. (B). See  City of Cuzco-Map

DAY 03 TUE. PISAC-OLLANTAYTAMBO

Full day excursion to visit the colorful indigenous market of Pisac where hundreds of natives come to town wearing their unique customs, to exchange or buy products. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue with your tour guide to see and learn about Ollantaytambo A typical town of Inca origin. Its design and the foundations of the majority of its buildings date from the Inca era, when it was a strategic military, religious and agricultural center. Above it stands a fortress as a defense against the primitive inhabitants of the hot valleys of the "Antis" or jungle Indians. The fortress consist of a series of superimposed terraces of carved stone accessed by long staircases. The upper terrace contains large, admirably worked stone. It was here that Manco Inka fought the troops of Hernando Pizarro in 1537, leading a fierce resistance against the Spanish at command of a "General" Ollantay who continued for many years from Inca hideouts in the jungles of Vilcabamba. You have to climb to visit the upper part, where six enormous stones (each weighing some 50 tons) stand upright. Return to Cuzco late afternoon. (B,L)

DAY 04 WED. 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 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 Incas. Overnight at Hotel selected in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu. (B) 

DAY 05 THU. MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO

Day at leisure to explore the "Lost City of Machu Picchu" on your own. You can walk for 2 miles towards the Intipunko (main entrance of M.Picchu in Inca times), or take a back trail to see the old Inca bridge carved on the side of the mountain, or just relax, take pictures and absorbe the powerful energy of the place. Mid-afternoon return to Cuzco by train and bus.(B)

DAY 06 FRI. CUZCO:  

Day at leisure to explore the Inka city of Cuzco on your own (Cuzco is like big open museum) or take advantage of great bargaings for swaeters, ponchos, rugs, handicrafts, etc. (or you can take an optional half day excursion to Chincheros, Maras or Piquillacta). (B).

Day 07 SAT. CUZCO-LIMA: Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima with transfer to hotel selected. 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 Viceroyship. 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, then visit the Larco Herrera museum which holds the most important archeological collection of ancient Peru with more than 45,000 pieces carefully classified including gold, silver, textiles and the famous erotic collection from the Moches... (B)

 (B).

DAY 08 SUN. LIMA-USA: Transfer to the airport for flight to Miami, New York or Los Angeles. (B)

 

TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Hotel accommodations for 7 nights including room taxes and service charges. (see selection of hotels & rates). • Daily breakfast.• Transfers to/from airport and train station. • Tours as mentioned including entrance fees. • English speaking tour guide. • Tips to airport and hotel porters. • Local airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima.

 

NOT INCLUDED: •Meals, unless specified in itinerary. • Insurance. • Tips to tour guide or bus driver. • Any other service not mentioned in itinerary. • USA departure tax • Lima and Cuzco airport tax $5.00 each and upon leaving Peru $28.00. • Re-entry fee to Machu Picchu. International airfare.

 

LAND TOUR RATES PER PERSON (includes local flights Lima-Cuzco-Lima)

Seasons 2012

3 stars

LIM: C.Andina Miraflor

CZO: Royal Inka

MPC: Inti Inn

4 star

LIM: Radisson

CZO: Dorado

MPC: El Mapi

5 star

Marriott

Libertador

Pueblo

5 star +

Park Plaza

Monasterio

Sanctuary

Jan.02-Dec.31 US$2158 2293 3094 3895
Deduct for Triple -52 -70 -88 -124
Single Supplement 520 592 997 1456

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED.

 

Hotel locations in Cuzco.....See  City of Cuzco-Map

 

SAMPLE AIRFARE FROM MIAMI: US$500-750

ADD-ONS VIA AMERICAN OR LAN AIRLINES:

Add $300 from LAX, SFO, DEN, LAS; Add $200 from ATL, ORL, SJU, TPA & ZONE 1; Add $250 from DFW, HOU & ZONE 2; Add $300 from BDL, BOS, BWI, CHI, EWR, NYC, WAS, ZONE 3;. Add $350 from JAC, PDX, SEA and ZONE 4,5,6.

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 

 

INSURANCE: Tara Tours Inc. strongly recommends that you purchased travel insurance. Insured America has designed a policy for Tara Tours clients. Cost for this program is $200-270 per person (see inclusions in Insurance section).

DEPOSITS: US$250.00 per person at the time of booking. 

FINAL PAYMENT: 60 days before departure. 

CANCELLATIONS: At any time $100 per person. Prior to departure: 45 to 30 days $150 penalty fee; 29 to 15 days 50% penalty fee; 14 days or less -No Refunds. 

 

FULL DAY EXCURSION TO NAZCA BY PLANE

Transfer to the airport for your 40 minute flight to Nazca. Then for about 45 minutes, fly over the Nazca plains in light aircraft. The fabulous pre-Inca lines, huge birds that resemble a landing field, geometrical lines, spirals, etc. Lunch at Hotel Las Dunas in Ica and visit the Archaeological Museum. Early in the afternoon return to Lima and transfer to your hotel. Price per person $499.00 (min. 2 people)

 

 

DELUXE INKA PROGRAM

 

Private tour program visiting Lima, Cuzco "Capital of the Inka Empire" 

and the Lost City of the Inkas "Machu Picchu"

 

6 days/5 nights

Independent daily departures, locally hosted with private tours.

 

Day 01 MIAMI-LIMA 

Depart USA for Lima, Peru. After going through customs and immigration, you will be met and taken to the five star Hotel Miraflores Park with Ocean view rooms.

 

Day 02 LIMA: 

Early 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 Viceroyship. 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, then visit the Larco Herrera museum which holds the most important archeological collection of ancient Peru with more than 45,000 pieces carefully classified including gold, silver, textiles and the famous erotic collection from the Moches...  (B).

 

DAY 03 LIMA-CUZCO

Private transfer to Lima airport for flight to Cuzco where you will be taken to the five-star Hotel Monasterio with deluxe oxygenated rooms. Morning best to rest and get used to the high altitude. Afternoon private sightseeing tour of Cuzco -the center of the universe for the Inka civilization- visiting the Temple of Koricancha or Sun God, the Cathedral and the nearby ruins such as Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca-Pucara and the Inka Spa of Tambomachay. (B) See  City of Cuzco-Map

 

DAY 04 CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO:

Be prepared to see one o the most fabulous sights in the world. "The Lost City of the Inkas", Machu Picchu. The NEW special train service Hiram Bingham will take you in luxury and comfort for an exciting three hour ride to this beautiful monument. (Train depart Poroy station by 9am) Brunch will be served on board. Arrive Machu Picchu by 12.30 noon. Temples, palaces, towers and staircases are built into the side of the mountain of Machu Picchu. Here, your tour guide will explain the advanced world of the Incas.

Once back on board the train for the  6:30 p.m. departure, pre-dinner cocktails and live entertainment will be enjoyed in the bar. After drinks, guests will enjoy a three-course a la carte dinner in the dining car. The train will pull into Poroy station in Cuzco at 10:00 p.m., then transfer to Hotel Monasterio. (B,L,D)

Overnight in Machu Picchu available upon request.

 

Day 05 CUZCO

Day at leisure to explore Cuzco on your own or take an optional excursion to see the Native Markets of Pisac or Chincheros. Take note Cuzco is like a walking museum, where ever you go in the colonial area -you will find inka palaces and beautiful Spanish buildings and churches. Take a walk around Cuzco....it is fantastic...(B,)

 

DAY 06 CUZCO-LIMA-USA

Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima, where you will be connecting with your international flight back to USA (B)

 

 

TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Five Star hotel accommodation for 5 nights including room taxes and service charge.

• Hotel Monasterio in Cuzco with deluxe oxygen rooms for 3 nights.

• Hotel Miraflores Park in Lima with Executive Suite Ocean View rooms for 2 nights.

• Daily Buffet breakfast.

• Private transfers to/from airports and train stations. 

• Private Tours in Lima and Cuzco including entrance fees. 

• Full day excursion by deluxe  Hiram Bingham train service with tour guide, lunch, dinner and local entertainment.

English speaking tour guides. 

• Tips to airport and hotel porters. 

• Airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima via Lan Peru. 

 

NOT INCLUDED:

•Meals, unless specified in itinerary.• Insurance (cost for this trip $305-483) • Tips to tour guides or bus drivers. •Any other service not mentioned in itinerary. • USA departure tax/security/fuel surcharges of $88 (changes daily...please call) and Lima and Cuzco $5.00 each and upon leaving Peru $30.00. • International airfare.

 

2012 Land Tour Rates-Per person (include flight Lima-Cuzco-Lima)

  Miraflores Park Plaza & Monasterio 
Double US$3,850
Triple 3,760
Single 5,920

International airfare not included.

See  City of Cuzco-Map

 

 COST AIRFARE FROM MIAMI TO LIMA RT:

Aproximate US$450-650 plus USA taxes.

Add-ons from other USA cities:  $300 from LAX, SFO, DEN, LAS; Add $200 from ATL, ORL, SJU, TPA & ZONE 1; Add $250 from DFW, HOU & ZONE 2; Add $300 from BDL, BOS, BWI, CHI, EWR, NYC, WAS, ZONE 3;. Add $350 from JAC, PDX, SEA and ZONE 4,5,6.

Please -have your travel agent call us for an update on international airfares or emails us at: tara@taratours.com

 

Deposit: US$350 per person at the time of booking. 

Final Payment: 60 days before departure. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Inka Trail

 

RESERVE IN ADVANCE...!!

 

 

Experience a land of natural and topographical contrasts, mountain passes, white snow peaks, wild rivers and one of the most beautiful places on earth - "Machu Picchu"-

 

 

9 days/7 nights

 

Departs every Thursday from USA from Mar. 22 to Dec.20, 2012

 

Day 01 THU. U.S.A-LIMA:

Depart USA. Overnight flight to Lima, Peru. (International air not included)

Day 02 FRI. LIMA-CUZCO :

Arrive in Lima and after going thru customs and immigration continue to the domestic flight counters to check-in for flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival you will be met and transfer to hotel  Andenes de Saphi. Balance of day to rest and get used to the high altitude. See  City of Cuzco-Map

DAY 03 SAT. CUZCO

Morning at leisure. At noon meeting with the Inca trail outfitter for last minute recommendations -do's and dont's for the next exciting days (meeting is mandatory). Get ready ! (B)

DAY 04 SUN. CUZCO-INKA TRAIL

Depart Cuzco by bus to trailhead at Picacucho, on the Vilcanota (Urubamba) River. Hike along the Vilcanota River beneath the impressive snowcapped Nevado Veronica through cactus gardens and fields of corn to the enormous Inka ruins of Llactapata (8,400 ft), then continue up a side valley to camp in the hamlet of Huayllabamba Total miles walked 7.5 (5.30 hrs.) All camp and gear is carried by our porters, leaving us free to walk with only an light pack with essentials for the day's hike (B,L,D)

DAY 05 MON. INKA TRAIL

We climb steeply up through fields and forest, then emerge above the tree line and reach Warmiwanusqa Pass (13,776 ft.). Enjoy magnificent views to the Huaynay Range snow peaks and Inka ruins. Descend to our camp in the valley bottom. Total miles walked 6.25 (5.30 hrs.) (B,L,D)

DAY 06 TUE. INKA TRAIL:

We cross a second pass (12,661 ft.) and follow a fine Inka highway down to the exquisite ridge-top ruins of Sayajmarka (11,988ft.). Further on, we pass through a tunnel amid luxuriant cloud forest vegetation. Camp at superb ruins overlooking the Vilcanota (Urubamba) river far below. 3rd. camp. Miles walked 5.6 . (B,L,D)

DAY 07 WED. INKA TRAIL

The Royal Highway descends steeply through orchid-rich cloud forest. Visit the impressive Inka site of Winay-Wayna (only seeing when you do the Inka trail) The final part of the trail on the back on Machu Picchu mountain is stunningly beautiful. Reach Machu Picchu in the afternoon, and camp by the river beneath the ruins. 4th. camp. Miles walked 7 (5.30 hrs).(B,L,D)

DAY 08 THU. INKA TRAIL-CUZCO: 

Full day excursion to the most mysterious and energetic place of the Inka civilization. Early morning visit to Machu Picchu(7,990 ft). 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. Mid-afternoon return to Cuzco by train with transfer to your hotel Andenes de Saphi.(B)

DAY 09 FRI.CUZCO-LIMA-USA:

Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima for connection with flights to USA. (B)

EXTENSION TO LIMA, THE AMAZON, NAZCA AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

 

TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:

  • 5 day/4 nights on the Inka trail with Camping equipment, cooking gear, guide porters and breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. • Hotel accommodations for 3 nights in Cuzco including room taxes, service charges and breakfast daily. (Hotels as mentioned in itinerary). • Meals as noted B= breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner.• Transfers to/from airport and train station. •Tours as mentioned in itinerary. • English speaking tour guide. • Tips to airport and hotel porters. • Round trip  local airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima.

 

NOT INCLUDED:

• International airfare • Insurance.• Tips to tour guide or bus driver. • Any other service not mentioned in itinerary. • USA departure tax  • Lima and Cuzco $5.00 each and upon leaving Peru $30.00. • Personal equipment such as backpacks and sleeping bags. • Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary fee...approximately $95, which will be collected at the Trek orientation meeting ( This fee is subject to change at any time) • Tips to guide and trek staff.

 

*Rates per person -share double (includes local airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima)

 

2012 Double
Using hotel Andenes de Saphi in Cuzco (3 stars) US$1,555
Using hotel Dorado International (4 stars) 1,681

International airfare is not included. (available upon request)

 

Single Supp. is $331.00 (Single occupancy for this program is very limited). FOR TRIPLE deduct $34 per person.  - RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME. We highly recommend to make reservations 4-6 months in advance. Due to new regulations -space is very limited by the Peruvian Government and local authorities.  

 

SAMPLE INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES: 
From Miami $500-700, Atlanta $600-800, Los Angeles & San Francisco $700-900; New York $700-950; Seattle $800-990....Call your travel agent or Tara Tours at 1-800-327-0080. Just remember -no airfare is good- until ticketed....this is only a sample air fare.

 

DEPOSITS

US$300.00 at the time of booking.

FINAL PAYMENT

60 days before departure. 

CANCELLATIONS

Prior to departure: Due to so many regulations by the Peruvian Government... -at any time- $200 it is not refundable.... ;45 to 30 days US$350.00 penalty pp; 29 to 15 days 50% of total cost; 14 or less no refunds.

INSURANCE: Tara Tours Inc. strongly recommends that you purchased travel insurance. Insure America has designed a policy for Tara Tours clients. Cost for this program is US$93.00 to 125.00. Have your Travel Agent call Tara Tours Inc. for further information.

 

CLICK FOR ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS WHEN INKA TRAIL IS FULL

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The Empire Time Forgot"

 

 

Visiting Lima, Nazca Lines, Cuzco "Capital of the Inca Empire" and the Lost City Of the Incas "Machu Picchu" Lake Tititcaca "The Highest Navigable Lake in the World", Arequipa the "White City " and the Mighty Amazon Jungle

 

 

15 DAYS/14 NIGHTS

 

Daily departures - Locally hosted

 

Day 01 U.S.A-LIMA :

Depart for Lima, Peru. Upon arrival you will be taken to hotel selected. (Dinner on board ).

Day 02 LIMA-ICA :

Leave Lima by regular schedule bus to Ica. Arrive and transfer to Hotel Las Dunas.  PM Tour of Archaeological Museum. Where you will find Mummies, Ceramics, textiles, funerary bundles and physical remains from Nazca, Paracas and Inca cultures

DAY 03 ICA-NAZCA-ICA-LIMA :

Transfer to the local Ica airport. Then -on smaller plane flight to Nazca and for about 45  minutes, fly over the enigmatic plains of the pre-inka civilization called Nazca. The fabulous pre-Inka lines, huge birds that resemble a landing field, geometrical lines, spirals, etc. Return to Ica for return to Lima via regular schedule bus. Arrive in Lima and transfer to your hotel. (B,L)

Day 04 LIMA-AREQUIPA: 

Transfer to the airport for flight to Arequipa also known as "The White City" because of the many buildings constructed of white volcanic rock. Providing a beautiful backdrop - the Volcano "El Misti" stands at 19,200 feet . Upon arrival you will be taken to hotel selected . In the afternoon tour of the city -whose restored colonial architecture gilded churches vividly illustrate Peru in the days of the Viceroys, then your tour guide will take you to visit the famous Monastery of Santa Catalina which was closed to the public for more than 300 years. (B).

Day 05 AREQUIPA-THE COLCA CANYON-CHIVAY:  

Full day excursion to see the deepest canyon in the world "Colca" and with good luck you will see one of the biggest birds on earth "The Condors". The canyon Is reached via new paved roads that both leave from Arequipa city and lead to the small town of Chivay. The shortest road is 92 miles it takes about 2 1/2 hours approx. It travels northwest from Arequipa towards Yura and then climbs to the "puna" or high plateau and desolate plains of Pampa Cañahuas and Tocra. This is the area inhabited by Vicuñas, Huanacos and Chinchillas. This rewarding area is also rich in native flora of the Andean Paramo with spectacular views of the Andean mountains and volcanos. Overnight in Chivay at hotel selected. (B,L)

Day 06 CHIVAY-PUNO

Board the tour bus that will take you from Chivay to Puno going thru Patapampa pass at 15,600 feet high. You will have great views of the Chanchani Volcano. Continue and see Vicunas on the way belonging to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca reserve. Then to Lagunillas (small lake) where you will see Andean Flamingos and others birds and finally you will get to the high pass called “Cruce Alto” at 14,500 feet high, then down to Juliaca and Puno. Overnight in Puno at hotel selected. (B)

Day 07 PUNO

In the morning, depart for Lake Titicaca " the highest navigable lake in the world", at 12,000 feet high- to visit one of the oldest races of man -The Uros- You will see them standing on their floating islands made of reeds. Afternoon free(B)

Day 08 PUNO-CUZCO: 

Early in the morning board the tour bus for picturesque ride thru the Andean mountains. Stops will be made at Pucara where you'll find an interesting small museum with some statues from the Pucaras - a Pre-Inka civilization. Continue to "La Raya Pass" at 14,500 feet high with spectacular views of the white snow peaks. Time to take some pictures. Then, buffet lunch at typical restaurant. Next stop at Raqchi, where a 6 mile Inka wall surrounds the Temple of the Inka God Wiracocha. Final stop at pretty town Andean town of Andahuaylillas, noted for its colonial chapel with beautiful Creole frescoes –also call the Sixtine Chapel of South America. Arrive in Cuzco by 4-5pm and transfer to your hotel. (B)

See  City of Cuzco-Map

Day 09 CUZCO:

In the morning, sightseeing tour of Cuzco -the center of the universe for the Inka civilization- visiting the Temple of Koricancha or Sun God, the Cathedral the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay.(B)

Day 10 PISAC-OLLANTAYTAMBO:

Full day excursion to visit the colorful indigenous market of Pisac (only Tue, Thu, Sun) where hundreds of natives come to town wearing their unique customs, to exchange or buy products. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue with your tour guide to see and learn about the impressive fortress built the Inka General Ollantaytambo. Return to Cuzco and to your hotel late afternoon. (B,L)

Day 11 CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU: 

Full day excursion by train to the most mysterious and energetic place of the Inca civilization. Early morning your tour guide will pick you up and transfer you to the train station for your 1 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 Incas. Overnight in Machu Picchu at hotel selected (B,L)

Day 12 MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO

At leisure to explore the Lost City on your own. Mid-afternoon return by train to Cuzco and your hotel. (B)

Day 13 CUZCO-IQUITOS - EXPLORAMA LODGE

Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima where you will connect with flight to Iquitos. Reception at the airport, brief city orientation and transfer to the Explorama dock. Fifty mile journey down the Amazon River to Yanamono Stream where Explorama Lodge is located. Afternoon hike along the "Lake trail" through lowland rainforest which is seasonally flooded. During the high water season, this excursion is done by canoe! Night walk or canoe ride to enjoy the sounds of the rainforest and stars of the Southern sky. (B,L,D)

Note: You will have a choice of staying at Explorama Lodge or La Ceiba Lodge.

ABOUT EXPLORAMA: Established in 1965, 80 km. (50 mi.) down the MAIN AMAZON RIVER, the Lodge is deep in primary jungle and offers two days or longer excursions. Romantic kerosene torches and lamps illuminate palm-thatched houses with 10 to 17 sleeping rooms. Covering connecting walkways lead to the Tahuampa Bar, the Dining Room, the Sun Porch and two Hammock Houses. Showers and toilet facilities adjoin each house. A variety of treks are offered, including the Seven Bridges Trail.

Day 14 EXPLORAMA LODGE

Morning walk along the "Bushmaster Trail", where scientific studies by the Missouri Botanical Gardens have found the world's highest biodiversity of trees per square hectare. Your guide will point out many plants used in medicine today and many that we may use in the future. Afternoon canoe trip along the Amazon in search of either of the two species of freshwater dolphin found in the river and a chance for an afternoon swim. (B,L,D)

Day 15 - EXPLORAMA LODGE - IQUITOS - LIMA - USA

Morning walk along a local Amazon River trail with stops along the way to visit the local "ribereños" or river people, visit a river school, see the local sugar cane rum factory and visit our resident American medical doctor in her clinic sponsored by the Rotary Club. Transfer back to Iquitos for your departure flight to Lima where you will be connecting with your international flight back to USA. (B)

EXTENSION TO LIMA, NAZCA AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

 

INCLUDED:

· Hotel accommodations for 14 nights including room taxes and service charges.· Transfers to/from airport, hotels and train station. · Tours as mentioned including entrance fees and English speaking tour guide. · Tips to airport porters. · Meals as noted in itinerary B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner.  Local airfare Lima - Arequipa-Cuzco -Lima- Iquitos -Lima.

 

NOT INCLUDED:

International airfare • Meals, unless specified in itinerary.• Insurance.• Tips to tour guide or bus driver. • Any other service not mentioned in itinerary. • USA departure tax/security/fuel surcharges of $88 (changes daily...please call) • Lima and Cuzco $5.00 each and upon leaving Peru $28.00. • Re-entry fee to Machu Picchu $32.00

 

2012 LAND TOUR RATES Includes local airfare Lima-Arequipa....Cuzco-Lima-iquitos-Lima

Rates per person-Double

3stars

4 stars

5 stars

Double (Jan-Dec,31*) US$4840 5182 6910
Single Supplement 2050 2950 3580
Deduction for Triple -205 -304 -394

International airfare not included. Approximate cost from Miami US$500-750 plus taxes.

 

3* Hotels:

Faraona-LIM; Dorado-CZO; Machu Picchu Inn-MPC; Casa Andina-PUN; Casa Andina-AQP; Chivay=Casa Andina

4* Hotels:

Las Palmeras-LIM; Dorado or Novotel-CZO; El Pueblo-MPC; Esteves-PUN; Libertador-AQP; Chivay=Colca Lodge

5*HOTELS:

Marriot-Sheraton-LIM; ; Libertador-Monasterio-CZO; Santuary M.Picchu-MPC; Esteves-PUN; Libertador-AQP; Chivay=Casitas del Colca

 

 

 

SAMPLE COST FROM MIAMI: US$550-750 plus taxes.

ADD-ONS VIA AMERICAN or LAN AIRLINES: For same package.....

Add $300 from LAX, SFO, DEN, LAS; Add $200 from ATL, ORL, SJU, TPA & ZONE 1; Add $250 from DFW, HOU & ZONE 2; Add $300 from BDL, BOS, BWI, CHI, EWR, NYC, WAS, ZONE 3;. Add $350 from JAC, PDX, SEA and ZONE 4,5,6.

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 

 

DEPOSITS: US$350.00 at the time of booking. 

FINAL PAYMENT: 45 days before departure. 

CANCELLATIONS: Prior to departure: at any time US$100.00 per person;45 to 30 days US$150.00 pp; 29 to 15 days 50% of total cost; 14 or less no refunds.

INSURANCE: Tara Tours Inc. strongly recommends that you purchased travel insurance. Insure America has designed a policy for Tara Tours clients. Cost for this program is US$340-$655. Have your Travel Agent call Tara Tours Inc. for further information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABSOLUTELY PERU..!!

 

 

Visiting Lima, Trujillo, Chan-Chan, Chiclayo-Sipan, The Nazca Lines, Cuzco "Capital of the Inca Empire" and the Lost City Of the Inkas "Machu Picchu" Lake Tititcaca "The Highest Navigable Lake in the World", Arequipa the "White City " and the Mighty Amazon Jungle

 

 

21 DAYS/20 NIGHTS

Independent departures –

Locally hosted

 

Day 01 U.S.A-LIMA :

Depart for Lima, Peru. Upon arrival you will be taken to hotel selected. (Dinner on board ).

DAY 02 LIMA:  

Morning 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 Viceroyship. 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.

Afternoon guided tour of the Larco Herrera museum which holds the most important archeological collection of ancient Peru with more than 45,000 pieces carefully classified including gold, silver, textiles and the famous erotic collection from the Moches...Return to the hotel for overnight. (B)

DAY 03 LIMA-CHICLAYO

Transfer to airport for flight to Chiclayo, which is about 550 miles north of Lima, burgeoning commercial center and capital of the department of Lambayeque. The area is known for its religious festivals and archaeological sites. This area seems it was the heart of the Moche civilization. Your tour guide will take you to visit the Bruning Museum to appreciate fascinating ceramics, metal objects and textiles from the region, then to the ruins of Tocume. (B,L)

DAY 04 CHICLAYO-TRUJILLO:

In the morning, visit the famous archaeological site of Sipan " The richest discovery of the Americas" and Pampa Grande. Return to Chiclayo and continue by bus to Trujillo. Overnight at hotel selected. (B,L)

DAY 05 TRUJILLO: 

Morning tour of Trujillo, "City of Eternal Spring", still remains in all of its colonial grandeur, built to please the reigning viceroy after Francisco Pizarro founded it in 1536. Afternoon visit "Chan-Chan"  -the imperial city of the mighty Chimu Kings who ruled an agricultural empire that extended all the way into present day Ecuador, long before the Inkas existed. Tour of the ruins and visit to Huaca del Sol (Sun) and the Huaca de La Luna (Moon). (B)

DAY 06 TRUJILLO-LIMA

Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima with transfer to hotel selected. (B)

DAY 07  LIMA-NAZCA

Transfer to the airport for your 40 minute flight to Nazca. Then for about 45  minutes, fly over the Nazca plains in light aircraft. The fabulous pre-Inca lines, huge birds that resemble a landing field, geometrical lines, spirals, etc. Lunch at Hotel Las Dunas in Ica and visit the Archaeological Museum. Early in the afternoon return to Lima and transfer to your hotel. (B,L)

DAY 08 LIMA-AREQUIPA: 

Transfer to the airport for flight to Arequipa also known as "The White City" because of the many buildings constructed of white volcanic rock. Providing a beautiful backdrop - the Volcano "El Misti" stands at 19,200 feet . Upon arrival you will be taken to hotel selected . In the afternoon tour of the city -whose restored colonial architecture gilded churches vividly illustrate Peru in the days of the Viceroys, then your tour guide will take you to visit the famous Monastery of Santa Catalina which was closed to the public for more than 300 years. (B).

DAY 09 AREQUIPA-CHIVAY:  

Full day excursion to see the deepest canyon in the world "Colca" and with good luck you will see one of the biggest birds on earth "The Condors". The canyon Is reached via new paved roads that both leave from Arequipa city and lead to the small town of Chivay. The shortest road is 92 miles it takes about 2 1/2 hours approx. It travels northwest from Arequipa towards Yura and then climbs to the "puna" or high plateau and desolate plains of Pampa Cañahuas and Tocra. This is the area inhabited by Vicuñas, Huanacos and Chinchillas. This rewarding area is also rich in native flora of the Andean Paramo with spectacular views of the Andean mountains and volcanos. Overnight in Chivay at hotel selected. (B,L)

DAY 10 CHIVAY-COLCA-PUNO

Board the tour bus that will take you from Chivay to Puno going thru Patapampa pass at 15,600 feet high. You will have great views of the Chanchani Volcano. Continue and see Vicunas on the way belonging to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca reserve. Then to Lagunillas (small lake) where you will see Andean Flamingos and others birds and finally you will get to the high pass called “Cruce Alto” at 14,500 feet high, then down to Juliaca and Puno. Overnight in Puno at hotel selected. (B)

DAY 11 PUNO

In the morning, depart for Lake Titicaca " the highest navigable lake in the world", at 12,000 feet high- to visit one of the oldest races of man -The Uros- You will see them standing on their floating islands made of reeds. Afternoon free(B)

DAY 12 PUNO-CUZCO: 

Early in the morning board the tour bus for picturesque ride thru the Andean mountains. Stops will be made at Pucara where you'll find an interesting small museum with some statues from the Pucaras - a Pre-Inka civilization. Continue to "La Raya Pass" at 14,500 feet high with spectacular views of the white snow peaks. Time to take some pictures. Then, buffet lunch at typical restaurant. Next stop at Raqchi, where a 6 mile Inka wall surrounds the Temple of the Inka God Wiracocha. Final stop at pretty town Andean town of Andahuaylillas, noted for its colonial chapel with beautiful Creole frescoes –also call the Sixtine Chapel of South America. Arrive in Cuzco by 4-5pm and transfer to your hotel. (B)

See  City of Cuzco-Map

DAY 13 CUZCO: 

In the morning, sightseeing tour of Cuzco -the center of the universe for the Inka civilization- visiting the Temple of Koricancha or Sun God, the Cathedral the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay.(B)

DAY 14 CUZCO-PISAC-OLLANTAYTAMBO

Full day excursion to visit one of the most colorful native markets of the Americas. (Only Tue, Thu and Sun). Hundreds of indigenous people come to the town of Pisac to exchange or buy products wearing their unique customes. After lunch, continue to Ollantaytambo to visit the famous fortress and the archeological site. Return to Cuzco for overnight. (B,L)

DAY 15 CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU: 

Full day excursion by train to the most mysterious and energetic place of the Inca civilization. Early morning your tour guide will pick you up and transfer you to the train station for your 1 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 Incas. Overnight in Machu Picchu at hotel selected (B)

DAY 16 MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO

At leisure to explore the Lost City on your own. Mid-afternoon return by train to Cuzco and your hotel. (B)

DAY 17 CUZCO-LIMA :

Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima and transfer to your hotel. 

DAY 18 IQUITOS - EXPLORAMA LODGE

Reception at the airport, brief city orientation and transfer to the Explorama dock. Fifty mile journey down the Amazon River to Yanamono Stream where Explorama Lodge is located. Afternoon hike along the "Lake trail" through lowland rainforest which is seasonally flooded. During the high water season, this excursion is done by canoe! Night walk or canoe ride to enjoy the sounds of the rainforest and stars of the Southern sky. (B,L,D)

ABOUT EXPLORAMA: Established in 1965, 80 km. (50 mi.) down the MAIN AMAZON RIVER, the Lodge is deep in primary jungle and offers two days or longer excursions. Romantic kerosene torches and lamps illuminate palm-thatched houses with 10 to 17 sleeping rooms. Covering connecting walkways lead to the Tahuampa Bar, the Dining Room, the Sun Porch and two Hammock Houses. Showers and toilet facilities adjoin each house. A variety of treks are offered, including the Seven Bridges Trail.

DAY 19 EXPLORAMA LODGE

Morning walk along the "Bushmaster Trail", where scientific studies by the Missouri Botanical Gardens have found the world's highest biodiversity of trees per square hectare. Your guide will point out many plants used in medicine today and many that we may use in the future. Afternoon canoe trip along the Amazon in search of either of the two species of freshwater dolphin found in the river and a chance for an afternoon swim. (B,L,D)

DAY 20 - EXPLORAMA LODGE - IQUITOS

Morning walk along a local Amazon River trail with stops along the way to visit the local "ribereños" or river people, visit a river school, see the local sugar cane rum factory and visit our resident American medical doctor in her clinic sponsored by the Rotary Club. Transfer back to Iquitos for your departure flight to Lima and to hotel selected. (B)

DAY 21 LIMA-U.S.A:  

Transfer to the airport for flight to Miami, New York or Los Angeles. Along the many souvenirs, you will carry memories of your unforgettable journey through the Land of the Incas- Peru. (B)

 

INCLUDED:

Hotel accommodations for 20 nights including room taxes and service charges.· Transfers to/from airport, hotels and train station. · Tours as mentioned including entrance fees and English speaking tour guide. · Tips to airport porters. · Meals as noted in itinerary B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner. · Round trip airfare from Miami to Lima via American Airlines. Local airfare Lima-Chiclayo...Trujilo-Lima-Arequipa-Cuzco -Lima- Iquitos -Lima and flight to Ica-Nazca.

 

NOT INCLUDED:

• International airfare. • Meals, unless specified in itinerary • Insurance.• Tips to tour guide or bus driver. • Any other service not mentioned in itinerary. • USA departure tax/security/fuel surcharges of $88 (changes daily...please call) • Lima and Cuzco $5.00 each and upon leaving Peru $30.00. • Re-entry fee to Machu Picchu $32.00

 

 

2012 LAND TOUR RATES: Includes local airfare Lima-Arequipa....Cuzco-Lima-Iquitos-Lima

Rates per person-Double

3stars

4 stars

5 stars

Double (Jan-Dec,31*) US$6280 6820 8260
Single Supplement 2680 2970 3805
Deduction for Triple -187 -277 -358

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED

 

3* Hotels: LIMA=Faraona; CHICLAYO= Garza; TRUJILLO= Gran Marquez; CUZCO= Dorado; M.PICCHU=Machu Picchu Inn; PUNO= Casa Andina; AREQUIPA= La Grutta or Jerusalem

 

4* Hotels: LIMA=Suites Las Palmeras; CHICLAYO= Gran Hotel; TRUJILLO= El Golf; CUZCO= Novotel; M.PICCHU=El Pueblo; PUNO= Esteves; AREQUIPA= Libertador

 

5*HOTELS: LIMA=Marriott; CHICLAYO= Gran Hotel; TRUJILLO= Libertador; CUZCO= Monasterio; M.PICCHU=El Pueblo; PUNO= Esteves; AREQUIPA= Libertador  (For overnight at Machu Picchu Sanctuary -please add $350 per person...Includes Breakfast, lunch and dinner.)

 

 

SAMPLE AIRFARE FROM MIAMI: US$550-750 plus taxes

ADD-ONS VIA AMERICAN or LAN AIRLINES: For same package.....

Add $300 from LAX, SFO, DEN, LAS; Add $200 from ATL, ORL, SJU, TPA & ZONE 1; Add $250 from DFW, HOU & ZONE 2; Add $300 from BDL, BOS, BWI, CHI, EWR, NYC, WAS, ZONE 3;. Add $350 from JAC, PDX, SEA and ZONE 4,5,6.

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 

 

DEPOSITS: US$500.00 at the time of booking. 

FINAL PAYMENT: 60 days before departure. 

CANCELLATIONS: Prior to departure: at any time US$150.00 per person;45 to 30 days US$200.00 pp; 29 to 15 days 50% of total cost; 14 or less no refunds.

INSURANCE: Tara Tours Inc. strongly recommends that you purchased travel insurance. Insure America has designed a policy for Tara Tours clients. Cost for this program is US$407-$805. Have your Travel Agent call Tara Tours Inc. for further information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MACHU PICCHU & AMAZON CRUISE

 

 

Visiting Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Iquitos and cruising 

the mighty Amazon River

 

10 days/ 9 nights

DAY 01 TUE. USA-LIMA:  

Depart USA for Lima, Peru. After going through customs and immigration, you will be met and taken to hotel Costa del Sol by Lima Airport.

DAY 02 WED. LIMA-CUZCO:

Transfer to the airport for flight to Cuzco, where you will be met and taken to your hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Cuzco -the center of the universe for the Inca civilization- visiting the Temple of Koricancha or Sun God, the Cathedral and the ruins nearby such as, Kenko,Puca-Pucara,Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman an impressive megalithic construction, strategically placed on a hill overlooking the city of Cusco. Overnight at Hotel Dorado.. (B).See  City of Cuzco-Map

DAY 03 THU. CUZCO-PISAC-OLLANTAYTAMBO

Full day excursion to visit the colorful indigenous market of Pisac where hundreds of natives come to town wearing their unique customs, to exchange or buy products. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue with your tour guide to see and learn about Ollantaytambo A typical town of Inka origin. Return to Cuzco late afternoon. Hotel Dorado (B,L)

DAY 04 FRI. CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO

Full day excursion by train to the most mysterious and energetic place of the Inka civilization. Early morning transfer  to the train station for your 3 1/2 hour trip -with spectacular views of the the Urubamba River and the Andean mountain range, to Machu Picchu, where your tour guide will take you from site to site explaining the advanced world of the Inkas. Return to Cuzco and transfer to Hotel Dorado. (B) 

DAY 05 SAT. CUZCO Day at leisure to explore the oldest city in the Americas, Cuzco on your own. You will find Inka Palaces with Spanish buildings on top, aqueducts and monuments. This is a great place to buy gold and silver, alpaca rugs, sweaters and more. (B)

DAY 06 SUN. LIMA-IQUITOS-DELFIN II RIVER CRUISE

Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima with further connection to Iquitos. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred by bus to Nauta in order to board the DELFIN. After settling into your comfortable cabin, you will be part of a select group who visit the remote Pacaya-Samiria Reserve.  After being served dinner in a gourmet setting, your guides will conduct a brief orientation outlining the details of your journey, and later you have time to relax and be entertained with live music. (B, D)
DAY 07 MON. Yanallpa – Dorado River
After breakfast, explore Yanallpa, Belluda Stream and go on Jungle walks.
Rainy Season (Dec – May) Belluda Stream exploration- Explore this black water stream aboard the skiffs, start learning about the rainforest in the Pacaya-Samiria national reserve, and have the chance to see its amazing wildlife.

During dry Season (Jun – Nov) Hiking at the community of Yanallpa; explore two different kinds of ecosystems, see a variety of wildlife, and visit a lovely lagoon filled with endangered and unique freshwater fish. Board the skiffs to continue upstream, have a gourmet lunch, and continue with the El Dorado River exploration, where you will experience an unforgettable encounter with gray and pink river dolphins, and enjoy a unique opportunity to swim among the dolphins. (B,L,D)

DAY 08 TUE. Pacaya River – Atun Poza Lagoon
After an early wake-up, reach our main goal, the Pacaya River, Peru’s largest protected area and the largest protected wetland reserve in the world. Enjoy magnificent views and wildlife opportunities. Breakfast served as you float amidst a favored dolphin feeding spot, and you can jump in the water for a refreshing morning swim. Navigate back down the Puinahua River towards Nauta, have lunch, and continue with the Atun Poza expedition.
Rainy Season (Dec – May) Cruise lake Atun Poza by skiff to see several species of birds, and have a chance to explore other black water lagoons linked to this huge lake.

Dry Season (Jun – Nov) Hike through the pristine and unique ecosystem at lake Atun Poza, passing through a classic tropical rainforest where you will find the giant ceiba or kapok tree, giant otters, and various species of birds. After your hike, go back to the vessel for your briefing and review. Leaving behind the wildlife, enjoy our Farewell Dinner, and some live music before you retire. (B,L,D)

DAY 09 WED Yarapa River – Puerto Miguel Village – Nauta -IQUITOS-LIMA
After breakfast, go on the Yarapa River Exploration and Puerto Miguel Village Visit. On board our skiffs, stop at the village of Puerto Miguel to meet local villagers to learn about their culture, visit one of their homes, and purchase some of the handcrafts they make. Explore the Yarapa river, where there’s a Continue sailing downstream to the confluence of the Ucayali and the Marañon, the birthplace of the Amazon River.  After lunch, disembark at the port of Nauta,and visit the Minga Perú ONG, a socially responsible non-profit organization committed to fostering social justice. A bus will take you back to Iquitos. Arrive at Iquitos Airport on time to catch your flight to Lima, and transfer to your hotel in Miraflores, Sonesta Posada del Inka. (B,)
Day 10 THU. LIMA-MIAMI
Morning 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 Viceroyship. 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, then visit the Larco Herrera museum which holds the most important archeological collection of ancient Peru with more than 45,000 pieces carefully classified including gold, silver, textiles and the famous erotic collection from the Moches...

At night transfer to the airport for flight to USA and homeward bound. (B)

 

TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Hotel accommodations for  9 nights including room taxes and service charges. (3 night cruise aboard the M/V Delfin II. All shore and boat excursions. * ). • Daily breakfast.• Transfers to/from airport and train station. • Tours as mentioned including entrance fees. • English speaking tour guide. • Tips to airport and hotel porters. • Local airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima-Iquitos-Lima and International portion Miami-Lima-Miami via Lan or American Airlines.

 

NOT INCLUDED: • Meals, unless specified in itinerary. • Insurance. • Tips to tour guide or bus driver. • Any other service not mentioned in itinerary. • Airport departure taxes when leaving USA departure tax $88-120 (Inc. USA airport tax/security/fuel surcharges....Subject to change) • Lima and Cuzco $5.00 each and upon leaving Peru $30.00.

 

2011 Air-Land Tour Rates-Per person

Double US$5470
Single Supplement $1870

See add-ons below from other USA cities

*From  Jan.02 to Apr.16 and Jun.15 to Aug.15 add $100 pp. From Dec.10 to 31 -please add $250 per person.  AIRFARES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.  See  City of Cuzco-Map

NOTE: If you already have your own airfare -please deduct $500 for the international air portion only.

 

ADD-ONS VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES: For same package.....

Add $300 from LAX, SFO, DEN, LAS; Add $200 from ATL, ORL, SJU, TPA & ZONE 1; Add $250 from DFW, HOU & ZONE 2; Add $300 from BDL, BOS, BWI, CHI, EWR, NYC, WAS, ZONE 3;. Add $350 from JAC, PDX, SEA and ZONE 4,5,6.

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 

 

INSURANCE: Tara Tours Inc. strongly recommends that you purchased travel insurance. Insured America has designed a policy for Tara Tours clients. Cost for this program is $235 per person (see inclusions in Insurance section in our web site).

 

DEPOSITS: US$300.00 at the time of booking. 

 

FINAL PAYMENT: 60 days before departure (airfare may need to be done in advance)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Machu Picchu on a Budget

 

 

 

Touring the Lost City of the Inkas "Machu Picchu with a private guide"

 

7 days/5 nights

Daily departures

 

DAY 01  U.S.A-LIMA 

Depart USA for Lima, Peru. (Overnight flight).

DAY 02  LIMA-CUZCO

Arrive very early morning in Lima. After going through customs and immigration, you will be met and walked to the domestic flight section of Lima airport for flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cuzco you will be taken to hotel selected (see options below). Balance of day to rest and get used to the high altitude.

DAY 03  CUZCO

In the afternoon  enjoy a half day visit of the magical city of Cuzco as you drive through the main streets with their Inca walls. Visit the Qorikancha (Sun Temple) now referred to as Santo Domingo Church. The curved stonework of the temple is probably unequalled in the world. During the Inca period, the stones were covered with gold. The Cathedral, a real piece of art with hundreds of paintings. Then, visit the archaeological sites that surround Cusco: the Saqsayhuaman Fortress, an amazing site with huge stone constructions. The site has a great cosmic energy - that is why people think it was an astronomic observatory and an Inca oracle. Also visit Q’enqo, a place that was used for worship and ceremonial center and Tambomachay -the Inka Spa.  Overnite at hotel selected. (B)

DAY 04  CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU

Full day excursion by bus & train to the most mysterious and energetic place of the Inka civilization.

Early morning transfer to the rail station to board the train to Machu Picchu. The train journey to Machu Picchu is a highlight of any trip to the Andes.  The scenery is simply spectacular, and the recently refurbished Vistadome Trains with their panoramic windows allow you to enjoy it in comfort. The 3 hour journey takes you through a changing landscape, passing by lush, green fields and colorful villages in the foothills of the Andes.

On arrival in Machu Picchu your private guide will be waiting for you . You will be transfer by small buses to the entrance of the ruins to commence our touring. Machu Picchu rises to an altitude of 7,900 ft. above sea level between the Huayna Picchu (young peak) and Machu Picchu (old peak). It lies within the spectacular framework provided by the exuberant vegetation of nearby jungle and the rugged landscape. The ruins are situated on the eastern slope of Machu Picchu in two different areas: the agricultural and the urban. The latter includes the civil sector (dwellings, canalizations), and the sacred sector (temples, mausoleums, squares, royal houses). Although constructions show different levels of architecture, religious buildings exhibit a high degree of perfection. The construction was with general use of stone, and the roofs were built of tree trunks and thatched with ichu straw. The walls were made with an inward inclination for protection against earthquakes. Overnight in the village of Aguas Calientes, just at bottom of Machu Picchu. (B)

DAY 05  MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO 

Day at leisure to explore Machu Picchu on your own. You can go back to the Lost City and visit this magnificent archeological site at your own pace or do some trekking...or stay in Aguas Calientes and visit the local market or the thermal baths. Afternoon return to Cuzco by train with transfer to your hotel. (B)

DAY 06  CUZCO

At leisure. The city of Cuzco is like an open museum, wherever you go you will find ancient Inka streets, palaces, colonial mansions from the Spaniards conquistadores or  just take advantage of great bargains such as sweaters, ponchos, alpaca rugs, gold and silver jewelry....plenty of things to do and see.... (B).

DAY 07  CUZCO-LIMA-USA

Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima where you will be connecting with your international flight back to USA. (B).

EXTENSION TO LIMA AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

 

INCLUDED:

Hotel accommodations for 5 nights including room taxes and service charges. (4 nights in Cuzco and one night in Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu). Daily breakfast. Transfers to/from airport, hotels and train station. City tour is in seat in car basis and the tour to Machu Picchu is private. Entrance fees, train tickets, Cuzco archaeological tax, bus tickets and English speaking tour guide. Tips to airport porters. Local airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima via Lan Peru or similar.

 

NOT INCLUDED:

International airfare. ·Meals, unless specified in itinerary. Insurance -Cost for this program $129 to $200 per person -by Insure America. Tips to tour guide or bus driver. Any other service not mentioned in itinerary; Airport departure taxes -Lima and Cuzco $4.00 each and upon leaving Peru $30.00. USA departure tax/security/fuel surcharges of $88 (changes daily...please call your Travel Agent or Tara Tours for an update on this charges)

 

LAND TOUR RATES PER PERSON  (includes local airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima)

 

2012 3 Stars 4 Stars 5 Stars
Double (Jan-Dec,31*) US$1,294 1,492 2,221
Single Supplement 646 880 988
Deduction for Triple -25 -38 -52

International air fare not included.

Sample air cost from Miami to Lima RT US$550-750 via American or Lan Airlines (see add-ons below from more than 100 USA cities)

 

HOTELS USED:

3 Stars: Andenes de Saphi in Cuzco; Inti Inn in Aguas Calientes.

4 Stars: Dorado or Sonesta Cuzco in Cuzco; El Mapi or Andina Luxury in Aguas Calientes

5 Stars: Libertador Palacio del Inka (Superior rooms) or Aranwa Cuzco (Deluxe room). Inkaterra or Sumaq in Aguas Calientes (Inkaterra and Sumaq hotels offer Breakfast and dinner)

 

 

ADD-ONS VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES:

Add $300 from LAX, SFO, DEN, LAS; Add $200 from ATL, ORL, SJU, TPA & ZONE 1; Add $250 from DFW, HOU & ZONE 2; Add $300 from BDL, BOS, BWI, CHI, EWR, NYC, WAS, ZONE 3;. Add $350 from JAC, PDX, SEA and ZONE 4,5,6.

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 

 

OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO THE AMAZON JUNGLE (TAMBOPATA or IQUITOS)

3 day/2 night program at the Explorama Lodge (Iquitos) located on the Amazon river or at the Sandoval Lodge (located in Tambopata). INCLUDING: transfers on arrival & departure by bus-boat, jungle walks, all meals while at the camps, English speaking tour guides and airfare to Iquitos(from Lima) or Tambopata (from Cuzco).

 

EXPLORAMA LODGE: DBL $736; TRP $673; SGL $925

SANDOVAL LODGE:  DBL $493; TRP $484; SGL $592 

Rates Per Person.

 

 

MACHU PICCHU AND LAKE TITICACA

ON A BUDGET

Visiting Cuzco, "Machu Picchu with a private guide"

& Lake Titicaca

 

 

9 days/7 nights

Daily departures -Locally hosted

DAY 01  U.S.A-LIMA 

Depart USA for Lima, Peru. (Overnight flight).

DAY 02  LIMA-CUZCO

Arrive very early morning in Lima. After going through customs and immigration, you will be met and walked to the domestic flight section of Lima airport for flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cuzco you will be taken to hotel selected. Balance of day to rest and get used to the high altitude.

DAY 03  CUZCO

In the afternoon  enjoy a half day visit of the magical city of Cuzco as you drive through the main streets with their Inca walls. Visit the Qorikancha (Sun Temple) now referred to as Santo Domingo Church. The curved stonework of the temple is probably unequalled in the world. During the Inca period, the stones were covered with gold. The Cathedral, a real piece of art with hundreds of paintings. Then, visit the archaeological sites that surround Cusco: the Saqsayhuaman Fortress, an amazing site with huge stone constructions. The site has a great cosmic energy - that is why people think it was an astronomic observatory and an Inca oracle. Also visit Q’enqo, a place that was used for worship and ceremonial center and Tambomachay -the Inka Spa.  Overnite at hotel selected. (B)

DAY 04  CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU

Full day excursion by bus & train to the most mysterious and energetic place of the Inka civilization.

Early morning transfer to the rail station to board the train to Machu Picchu. The train journey to Machu Picchu is a highlight of any trip to the Andes.  The scenery is simply spectacular, and the recently refurbished Vistadome Trains with their panoramic windows allow you to enjoy it in comfort. The 3 hour journey takes you through a changing landscape, passing by lush, green fields and colorful villages in the foothills of the Andes.

On arrival in Machu Picchu your private guide will be waiting for you . You will be transfer by small buses to the entrance of the ruins to commence our touring. Machu Picchu rises to an altitude of 7,900 ft. above sea level between the Huayna Picchu (young peak) and Machu Picchu (old peak). It lies within the spectacular framework provided by the exuberant vegetation of nearby jungle and the rugged landscape. The ruins are situated on the eastern slope of Machu Picchu in two different areas: the agricultural and the urban. The latter includes the civil sector (dwellings, canalizations), and the sacred sector (temples, mausoleums, squares, royal houses). Although constructions show different levels of architecture, religious buildings exhibit a high degree of perfection. The construction was with general use of stone, and the roofs were built of tree trunks and thatched with ichu straw. The walls were made with an inward inclination for protection against earthquakes. Overnight in the village of Aguas Calientes, just at bottom of Machu Picchu.(B)

DAY 05  MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO 

Day at leisure to explore Machu Picchu on your own. You can go back to the Lost City and visit this magnificent archeological site at your own pace or do some trekking...or stay in Aguas Calientes and visit the local market or the thermal baths. Afternoon return to Cuzco by train with transfer to your hotel (B)

DAY 06  CUZCO

At leisure. The city of Cuzco is like an open museum, wherever you go you will find ancient Inka streets, palaces, colonial mansions from the Spaniards conquistadores or  just take advantage of great bargains such as sweaters, ponchos, alpaca rugs, gold and silver jewelry....plenty of things to do and see.... (B).

DAY 07  CUZCO-PUNO MOTORCOACH TOUR

Depart Cuzco about 7.30am for a picturesque bus ride thru the Andean mountains. Stops will be made at Andahuaylillas, noted for its colonial chapel with beautiful Creole frescoes –also call the Sixtine Chapel of South America, then Raqchi, where a 6 mile Inka wall surrounds the Temple of the Inka God Wiracocha. Continue to "La Raya Pass" at 14,500 feet high with spectacular views of the white snow peaks. Time to take some pictures. Then, buffet lunch at typical restaurant.. Final stop will be made at Pucara where you'll find an interesting small museum with some statues from the Pucaras - a Pre-Inka civilization. Arrive in Puno and transfer to your hotel.  (B,L)

DAY 08 PUNO & LAKE TITICACA

In the morning, depart for Lake Titicaca " the highest navigable lake in the world", at 12,000 feet high- to visit one of the oldest races of man -The Uros- You will see them standing on their floating islands made of reeds. Return to your hotel and afternoon at leisure to explore Puno and surroundings. (B)

DAY 09 PUNO-LIMA-USA

Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima and connections.. (B)

EXTENSION TO LIMA, NAZCA AND THE REST OF PERU AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

 

 

RATES PER PERSON (Includes local airfare Lima-Cuzco & Juliaca-Lima)

 

2012

"ON A BUDGET"

3 Stars Hotels

4 Stars Hotels

 

5 Stars Hotels

 

Double US$1,699 2,095 2,770
Single Supplement 808 1042 1,492
Deduction for Triple -34 -43 -97

International air fare not included.

Sample air cost from Miami to Lima RT US$550-750 via American or Lan Airlines (see add-ons below from more than 100 USA cities)

 

3 Stars: Andenes de Saphi in Cuzco; Inti Inn in Aguas Calientes; Casa Andina Classic in Puno

4 Stars: Dorado or Sonesta Cuzco in Cuzco; El Mapi or Andina Luxury in Aguas Calientes; Casa Andina Private C. in Puno

5 Stars: Libertador or Aranwa in Cuzco; Inkaterra or Sumaq in Aguas Calientes; Libertador Esteves in Puno

 

INCLUDED:

Hotel accommodations for 7 nights including room taxes and service charges. (4 nights in Cuzco, 1 night in Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu, 2 nights in Puno). Daily breakfast. Transfers to/from airport, hotels and train stations. City tour is in seat in car basis and the tour to Machu Picchu is private. Entrance fees, train tickets, Cuzco archaeological tax, bus tickets and English speaking tour guide. Boat trip on Lake Titicaca. Tips to airport porters. Local airfare Lima-Cuzco and Puno-Lima via Lan Peru or similar.

 

NOT INCLUDED:

International airfare. ·Meals, unless specified in itinerary. Insurance - Tips to tour guide or bus driver. Any other service not mentioned in itinerary; Airport departure taxes -Lima and Cuzco $4.00 each and upon leaving Peru $30.00. USA departure tax.

 

HOTELS:

For hotel locations in Cuzco......See  City of Cuzco-Map

 

 

 

 

COLCA CANYON, CUZCO, MACHU PICCHU,

& LAKE TITICACA

 

Visiting Cuzco, "Machu Picchu with a private guide"

& Lake Titicaca, Chivay, The Colca Canyon & Arequipa

 

11 days/9 nights

Daily departures -Locally hosted

DAY 01  U.S.A-LIMA 

Depart USA for Lima, Peru. (Overnight flight).

DAY 02  LIMA-CUZCO

Arrive very early morning in Lima. After going through customs and immigration, you will be met and walked to the domestic flight section of Lima airport for flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cuzco you will be taken to hotel selected. Balance of day to rest and get used to the high altitude.

DAY 03  CUZCO

In the afternoon  enjoy a half day visit of the magical city of Cuzco as you drive through the main streets with their Inca walls. Visit the Qorikancha (Sun Temple) now referred to as Santo Domingo Church. The curved stonework of the temple is probably unequalled in the world. During the Inka period, the stones were covered with gold. The Cathedral, a real piece of art with hundreds of paintings. Then, visit the archaeological sites that surround Cusco: the Saqsayhuaman Fortress, an amazing site with huge stone constructions. The site has a great cosmic energy - that is why people think it was an astronomic observatory and an Inca oracle. Also visit Q’enqo, a place that was used for worship and ceremonial center and Tambomachay -the Inka Spa.  Overnite at hotel selected. (B)

DAY 04  CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU

Full day excursion by bus & train to the most mysterious and energetic place of the Inka civilization.

Early morning transfer to the rail station to board the train to Machu Picchu. The train journey to Machu Picchu is a highlight of any trip to the Andes.  The scenery is simply spectacular, and the recently refurbished Vistadome Trains with their panoramic windows allow you to enjoy it in comfort. The 3 hour journey takes you through a change  landscape, passing by lush, green fields and colorful villages in the foothills of the Andes.

On arrival in Machu Picchu your private guide will be waiting for you . You will be transfer by small buses to the entrance of the ruins to commence our touring. Machu Picchu rises to an altitude of 7,900 ft. above sea level between the Huayna Picchu (young peak) and Machu Picchu (old peak). It lies within the spectacular framework provided by the exuberant vegetation of nearby jungle and the rugged landscape. The ruins are situated on the eastern slope of Machu Picchu in two different areas: the agricultural and the urban. The latter includes the civil sector (dwellings, canalizations), and the sacred sector (temples, mausoleums, squares, royal houses). Although constructions show different levels of architecture, religious buildings exhibit a high degree of perfection. The construction was with general use of stone, and the roofs were built of tree trunks and thatched with ichu straw. The walls were made with an inward inclination for protection against earthquakes. Overnight in the village of Aguas Calientes, just at bottom of Machu Picchu. (B,L)

DAY 05  MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO 

Day at leisure to explore Machu Picchu on your own. You can go back to the Lost City and visit this magnificent archeological site at your own pace or do some trekking...or stay in Aguas Calientes and visit the local market or the thermal baths. Afternoon return to Cuzco by train with transfer to your hotel (B)

DAY 06  CUZCO

At leisure. The city of Cuzco is like an open museum, wherever you go you will find ancient Inka streets, palaces, colonial mansions from the Spaniards conquistadores or  just take advantage of great bargains such as sweaters, ponchos, alpaca rugs, gold and silver jewelry....plenty of things to do and see.... (B).

DAY 07  CUZCO-PUNO MOTORCOACH TOUR

Depart Cuzco about 7.30am for a picturesque bus ride thru the Andean mountains. Stops will be made at Andahuaylillas, noted for its colonial chapel with beautiful Creole frescoes –also call the Sixtine Chapel of South America, then Raqchi, where a 6 mile Inka wall surrounds the Temple of the Inka God Wiracocha. Continue to "La Raya Pass" at 14,500 feet high with spectacular views of the white snow peaks. Time to take some pictures. Then, buffet lunch at typical restaurant.. Final stop will be made at Pucara where you'll find an interesting small museum with some statues from the Pucaras - a Pre-Inka civilization. Arrive in Puno and transfer to your hotel.  (B,L)

DAY 08 PUNO & LAKE TITICACA

In the morning, depart for Lake Titicaca " the highest navigable lake in the world", at 12,000 feet high- to visit one of the oldest races of man -The Uros- You will see them standing on their floating islands made of reeds. Return to your hotel and afternoon at leisure to explore Puno and surroundings. (B)

DAY 09 PUNO-CHIVAY (COLCA)

Board the tour bus that will take you from Puno to Chivay. You will get to the high pass called “Cruce Alto” at 14,500 feet high, then down to Lagunillas (small lake) where you will see Andean Flamingos and others birds. Continue and see Vicunas on the way belonging to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca reserve. Along the way you’ll have spectacular views of the Volcano Chachani. After reaching the final pass Patapampa at 15,600 feet continue driving down to Chivay. In the afternoon there is an optional visit to the thermal springs & pools in La Calera with water temperatures up to 40ºC (this optional visit to the hot springs is for passengers staying at any hotel located in Chivay only). Overnight in Chivay. (B)
DAY 10 COLCA-AREQUIPA
Today, an early morning departure for a pass known as the "Mirador de los Cóndores" at a height of 15,420 ft. From this pass enjoy a panoramic view of the snowy summits of the live volcanoes Ampato 20,703 ft and Sabancaya 19,607ft. With good luck you will see Condors flying over head so close you will see their feathers ruffle. This is a breathtaking experience viewing these massive and beautiful birds. They measure 52 inches tall with wing spans exceeding 10 to 12 feet! It is truly awesome! While viewing the Condors you will have time to enjoy the view of the canyon. The deepest part of the Canyon has been calculated at 12,074 ft almost twice as deep as Colorado’s Grand Canyon. Return to Chivay for lunch and continue on for a 3 hour commute to Arequipa the “The White City”. Most of the colonial area was built with the white volcanic lava rock called sillar from El Misti. Overnight at hotel selected. (B)
DAY 11 AREQUIPA-LIMA CONNECT TO USA
Morning Tour of Arequipa whose restored Colonial architecture and glided churches vividly illustrates Peru in the days of the Viceroys. Continue on for a fully escorted tour of the famous Monastery of Santa Catalina to see architecture, art, and furnishings of a world that has stood still since 1579. In mid-afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to Lima where you will be connecting with your international flight back to USA. (B)
DAY 12 ARRIVE USA  (optional extension to Lima available upon request)

 

LAND TOUR RATES PER PERSON  (includes local airfare Lima-Cuzco & Arequipa-Lima)

 

2012

"ON A BUDGET"

3 Stars

4 Stars 5 Stars
Double (Jan-Dec,31*) US$1,996 2,509 3,382
Single Supplement 970 1,222 1,951
Deduction for Triple -54 -70 -97

International airfare not included.

Sample air cost from Miami to Lima RT US$550-750 via American or Lan Airlines (see add-ons below from more than 100 USA cities)

 

HOTELS USED:

3 Stars: Andenes de Saphi in Cuzco; Inti Inn in Aguas Calientes; Casa Andina Classic in Puno, Colca & Arequipa

4 Stars: Dorado or Sonesta Cuzco in Cuzco; El Mapi or Andina Luxury in Aguas Calientes; Casa Andina Private in Puno; Colca Lodge in Colca and Sonesta in Arequipa.

5 Stars: Libertador or Aranwa in Cuzco; Inkaterra or Sumaq in Aguas Calienter; Libertador in Puno, Casitas del Colca in Colca and Casa Andina Private Collection in Arequipa.

 

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED:

Sample air cost from Miami to Lima RT US$550-750 via American or Lan Airlines (see add-ons below from more than 100 USA cities)

 

INCLUDED:

Hotel accommodations for 9 nights including room taxes and service charges. (4 nights in Cuzco, 1 night in Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu, 2 nights in Puno, 1 in Chivay (Colca) and 1 in Arequipa). Daily breakfast. Transfers to/from airport, hotels and train stations. City tour is in seat in car basis and the tour to Machu Picchu is private. Entrance fees, train tickets, Cuzco archaeological tax, bus tickets and English speaking tour guide. Boat trip on Lake Titicaca. Tips to airport porters. Local airfare Lima-Cuzco and Arequipa-Lima via Lan Peru or similar.

 

NOT INCLUDED:

International airfare. ·Meals, unless specified in itinerary. Insurance - Tips to tour guide or bus driver. Any other service not mentioned in itinerary; Airport departure taxes -Lima and Cuzco $4.00 each and upon leaving Peru $30.00. USA departure tax.

 

HOTELS:

For hotel locations in Cuzco......See  City of Cuzco-Map

 

HOTELS USED ON A BUDGET :

3 Star Hotels:

Cuzco=Andenes de Saphi; Aguas Calientes=Inti Inn; Puno= Casa Andina Plaza; Chivay (Colca) Casa Andina; Arequipa=Casa Andina Classic

4 Stars Hotels: 

Cuzco= Dorado; Aguas Calientes=Mapi Inn; Puno= Casa Andina Private Collection; Chivay (Colca) Colca Lodge; Arequipa =Posada Sonesta

5 Stars Hotels: Cuzco= Libertador; Aguas Calientes=Inkaterra; Puno=Libertador; Chivay (Colca) Colca Lodge; Arequipa =Libertador

 

AVAILABLE upon request Monasterio, Machu Picchu Sanctuary, Casitas de Colca... email us your request. We custom made itineraries for the last 31 years.....

Puno=Casa Andina Private C.

 

 

TARA'S AMAZON RIVER JOURNEY

Aqua River Boat for 4 days & Machu Picchu

Cruising the Amazon River aboard deluxe Aqua for 3 nights

and exploring the Inka ruins of Machu Picchu

 

Day 01 Friday MIAMI-LIMA

Depart USA for Lima, Peru. Arrive and transfer to hotel COSTA DEL SOL by the Lima airport.

Day 02  Saturday : Lima-Iquitos-Amazon River
Transfer to the airport for flight to Iquitos. Arrive in Iquitos and transfer to your luxury 12-suite expedition vessel, M/V Aqua, your home for the next four or eight days. Check into your luxurious, oversized suite, and as you settle in, your ship
will start its journey toward the Yarapa River, an estuary of the Amazon. You are embarking on a spectacular
adventure, to a place visited by only a few of even the most experienced world travelers. Your days in this hidden part of the world will be a dramatic study in contrasts. Imagine seeing rare howler
monkeys and pink dolphins and harpy eagles (not to mention exotic six-foot-wide water lily pads) by day, and then returning to exquisite gourmet meals, paired with some of the finest wines from all of South America. In the evening, you may go on another expedition, or you may simply want to sit out on the top deck, sip a Pisco sour, and count the stars. The choices are yours. (B,D)
Day 03 Sunday : Yanayacu/Yarapa River
Wake up on the Yanayacu River, throw open your curtains, and you may well see a great snowy egret, white against the green of the jungle. Keep your binoculars with you on your early morning bird watching excursion, to catch sight of russet and blue tiger herons, vivid masked crimson tanagers, graceful storks, blue and yellow macaws, and black-headed parrots . . . just some of the 250 species of birds that you will spot as you glide along the river. In the afternoon, you will board the ship’s small skiffs and float to Corriente Lake, where you will have the once in- a-lifetime chance to fish for freshwater red-bellied, black, white, and purple piranha. The fishing is good year round, but is spectacular in the dry season. Amazonia is home to more than 2,700 species of fish . . . more than can be found in all of the Atlantic Ocean. After dinner, your naturalist guide will take you on a night excursion to find caimans, frogs, tarantulas, bats... (B,L,D)
Day 04 Monday: Yanayacu and Pucate Rivers, Pacaya Samiria Reserve
Today passengers have two choices:
Option 1: Full-Day Excursion - Journey from Yanayacu Creek all the way to remote Chingana, a small creek where giant river otter usually nest. These handsome animals were killed in great numbers for their pelts, and are now threatened with extinction. On this excursion, you will also see howler and capuchin monkeys, the squirrelsized monkeys called tamarins, pink and gray river dolphins, and a vast variety of birds.
Option 2: Guided Jungle Walk/Siesta/Monkey and Dolphin Expedition –

This morning your Park Ranger will tell you all about sustainable resource management projects in Amazonia. After lunch and a siesta, your naturalist guide will take you on a Monkey and Dolphin Expedition. You are likely to see all four of the most common species of freshwater dolphins—including the unusual pink ones—Later, keep your eyes directed toward the jungle canopy, where you can spot at least 10 of the 13 species of monkeys resident in the National Park, including tamarins and howler, woolly, and pigmy marmoset monkeys.  After dinner, an optional night excursion. (B,L,D)
Day 05 Tuesday : Birthplace of the Amazon/Nauta Caño/Ucayali River/IQUITOS-LIMA
Today, the M/V Aqua skirts the edges of the vast Pacaya Samiria Reserve, a flooded forest covering five million acres at the headwaters of the Amazon basin. Rise early and be on your skiffs at 5:30 a.m. to view one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere: the sun rising over the birthplace of the Amazon River.
Here—where the union of two major tributaries, the Ucayali and the Marañon, form the world’s greatest waterway—nature is at its most dramatic. Your dawn excursion will be accompanied by abundant bird song, as you glide in small boats past river banks populated by large-billed terns, laughing falcons, gray tanagers, sandpipers, five kinds of parakeets, the exotic short-tailed parrot, and dozens of other birds.
A post-breakfast excursion to Nauta Caño takes you into a wilderness populated by squirrel monkeys, saddleback and black mantle tamarins, iguanas, tagu lizards, and an abundance of tropical birds. After lunch, depart for the journey back to Iquitos Airport.  Arrive in Lima and transfer to hotel RADISSON MIRAFLORES. (B,L)

Day 06 Wednesday:  LIMA-CUZCO

Upon arrival in Cuzco you will be taken to hotel LIBERTADOR (deluxe rooms). Morning best to rest and get used to the high altitude. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Cuzco, the most important city in The Inka Empire with stops at the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), main square, the Cathedral and visit to the ruins nearby such as Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Kenko, Puca-Pucara and the Inka Spa of Tambomachay. (B) See  City of Cuzco-Map

Day 07 Thursday: 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.  Overnight in Machu Picchu at Hotel Sumaq or Inkaterra Pueblo (B,L,D)

Day 08 Friday:  MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO

Day at leisure to explore Machu Picchu on your own, take pictures, meditate or explore the surrounding areas of Huayna Picchu or go the Sun Gate or main entrance to Machu Picchu coming from the Inka Trail , or visit the small town of Aguas Calientes and its thermal baths . Mid-afternoon return to Cuzco. Transfer to hotel LIBERTADOR (deluxe rooms). (B)

Day 09 Saturday: CUZCO-LIMA

Arrive in Lima and transfer to hotel RADISSON 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 Viceroyship. 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, then visit the Larco Herrera museum which holds the most important archeological collection of ancient Peru with more than 45,000 pieces carefully classified including gold, silver, textiles and the famous erotic collection from the Moches...Return to the hotel for overnight (B)

Day 10 Sunday LIMA-USA

Transfer to the airport for flight back to USA.(B)

 

TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Hotel accommodations for  9 nights including room taxes and service charges. (3 night cruise aboard the deluxe Aqua with all meals, shore and boat excursions, Suite accommodations). • Daily breakfast.• Transfers to/from airport and train station (private transfers in Lima & Cuzco). • Tours as mentioned including entrance fees. • English speaking tour guide (private tours in Cuzco and Machu Picchu) • Tips to airport and hotel porters. • Local airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima-Iquitos-Lima.

 

NOT INCLUDED: International portion Miami-Lima-Miami via Lan or American Airlines • Meals, unless specified in itinerary. • Insurance. • Tips to tour guide or bus driver. • Any other service not mentioned in itinerary. • Airport departure taxes when leaving USA departure tax $88-120 (Inc. USA airport tax/security/fuel surcharges....Subject to change) • Lima and Cuzco $5.00 each and upon leaving Peru $30.00.

 

Land Tour Rates-Per person

2012

Double

US$5785

Single Supplement

2950

Aproximate cost airfare from Miami US$550-750 plus taxes. If you need international airfare, please call your travel agent or Tara Tours at 1-800-327-0080 or e-mail us at: tara@taratours.com

 

INSURANCE: Tara Tours Inc. strongly recommends that you purchased travel insurance. Insured America has designed a policy for Tara Tours clients. Cost for this program is $235 per person (see inclusions here Insurance).

 

DEPOSITS: US$500.00 at the time of booking. 

 

FINAL PAYMENT: 60 days before departure.

 

 

 

For questions or further information about these programs 

Have your Travel Agent call Tara Tours at 

1-800-327-0080 or e-mail us.

 

 

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