Fam to Panama & Jungles (Sep 4, 2025) Fam to Machu Picchu (Oct.31, 2025)
Quito & Galapagos (Dec 8, 2025)
For Travel Advisors & Companions Only
Visiting Panama City, The Canal, The Embera Village, The Rain forest & Beaches
Day 1: Thursday- Sept 4th, 2025 – Arrive Panama
Day 5: Monday- Sept 8th, 2025 – Embera Village
Day 6: Tuesday-Sept 9th, 2025 – Rainforest to Playa
Bonita.
Day 8: Thursday- Sept 11th, 2025 – Depart Playa
Bonita
LAND TOUR RATES PER AGENT (double) US$1,499; Companion: US$1,899
Agents registering for this fam will received a credit for US$200 for future bookings. For further information email us at: famtrips@taratours.com or tara@taratours.com
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PERU & MACHU PICCHU FAM FOR TRAVEL ADVISORS & COMPANIONS
Visiting Lima, The
Urubamba Valley, Cuzco & Mighty Machu Picchu (with overnight in the Valley for 2 nights to get used to the high altitude) |
OCT 31, 2025 FRI. ARRIVE-LIMA: Arrive in Lima, Capital of Peru. After going through customs and immigration, transfer yourself to hotel CROWN PLAZA located in the pretty district of Miraflores. OVERNIGHT: CROWN PLAZA MIRAFLORES NOV 01 SAT. LIMA: This morning, enjoy a private sightseeing tour of both modern and colonial Lima the "City of Kings" founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1,535. Lima was the most important city in the Americas during the Spanish Viceroy times. Your tour includes a drive though the upscale district of Miraflores and San Isidro, as well as the historic Rimac, Main Square, the Cathedral, San Francisco Church, Torre Tagle Palace and many other notable landmarks. OVERNIGHT: CROWN PLAZA MIRAFLORES MEALS: Breakfast ![]() NOV 02 SUN. LIMA-CUZCO-URUBAMBA-SACRED VALLEY: Transfer to Lima airport. Board your flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival, you will be met and driven through the Urubamba valley to your hotel. Along the way visit the Native Caccaccollo community, renowned for its exquisite textiles and traditional weaving techniques. A quechua-speaking weaver will demonstrate their craft, showcasing the intricate designs and traditional iconography used in their work. You’ll also learn about the native plants and flowers harvested to create natural dyes. Continue to your hotel to overnight in the Sacred Valley. OVERNIGHT: CASA ANDINA Urubamba Sacred Valley MEALS: Breakfast NOV 03 MON. SACRED VALLEY- PISAC-OLLANTAYTAMBO-URUBAMBA: Enjoy a full day excursion through the stunning Sacred Valley. Begin with a visit to the picturesque town of Pisac, where you'll explore Its vibrant native market, known for colorful textiles, handcrafted goods and local produce. Continue on to Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town with original streets and buildings that date back to the Inca Empire. This town once served as a strategic military, religious and agricultural center. Towering above Ollantaytambo is a remarkable Inca fortress, built to defend against the primitive inhabitants of the valleys of the “Antis” or Indians from the Amazon Jungle. The fortress features a series of meticulously carved Stone terraces, accessed by steep staircases, with the upper terrace showcasing impressively worked stones. This site was also the scene of a battle in 1537, where Manco Inca led a fierce resistance against Spanish forces under Hernando Pizarro. The legendary “General” Ollantay continued the fight for years from the hidden strongholds of Vilcabamba. Return to your hotel. OVERNIGHT: CASA ANDINA Urubamba Sacred Valley MEALS: Breakfast and Lunch ![]() NOV 04 TUE. SACRED VALLEY TO OLLANTAYTAMBO TRAIN STATION-MACHU PICCHU: Today embark on a full day excursion by train to the most mysterious and spiritually powerful sites of the Inka civilization. In the early morning, your tour guide will pick you up and transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, enjoy a scenic 1.5 hour train journey along the Urubamba River with breathtaking views of the surrounding Andean mountain range to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you”ll Ascend to the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Pichu, where temples, palaces, towers and staircases are masterfully built into the mountainside. Here accompanied by your private guide, you’ll explore the ancient city, gaining insight into the remarkable engineering, spiritual beliefs, and cultural legacy of the Inca Empire. OVERNIGHT: EL MAPI in Machu Picchu Town MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ![]() NOV 05 WED. MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO: Enjoy a free day to explore the "Lost City of Machu Picchu” at your own pace. (Please not: re-entry fee not included. Cost is approximately $110-120 pp). For those looking to hike, consider the scenic 2 mile walk to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), the original entrance used by the Incas. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the local artisan market, relax in the thermal baths, or explore the serene Incaterra Gardens. In the early afternoon, board the Vistadome train for your return journey to Cuzco. Upon arrival at the train station, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. OVERNIGHT: ARANWA BOUTIQUE & MUSEUM HOTEL MEALS: Breakfast NOV 06 THU. CUZCO: This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Cuzco, once considered the center of the universe by the Inka civilization. Highlights include a visit to the Temple of Koricancha or Temple of Sun God, one of the most impressive and scared Inca temples, as well as the Cathedral, a stunning example of colonial architecture. You'll also explore the nearby archeological sites of Sacasayhuaman, Kenko, Puca Pucara and the ritual water baths of Tambomachay, often referred as the Inca Spa. The afternoon is yours to explore the Inka city of Cuzco at your own pace. Wander its cobblestone streets, admire the blend of Inca and Spanish architecture, or hunt for treasures in the local markets-sweaters, ponchos, rugs, and handicrafts are among the many beautiful items you’ll find. Cuzco truly feels like an open-air museum. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, a perfect way to toast your journey through Peru. OVERNIGHT: ARANWA BOUTIQUE & MUSEUM HOTEL MEALS: Breakfast and Dinner ![]() NOV 07 FRI. CUZCO-LIMA-DEPART In the early afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima and connections. MEALS: Breakfast INCLUDED: • Hotel accommodation for 7 nights including room taxes and service charges. • Daily breakfast, 2 lunches and 2 dinners• Private transfers to/from airport and train station (except for bus to M.Picchu). • Tours as mentioned including entrance fees. • VISTADOME train . • English speaking tour guide. • Tips to airport and hotel porters. • TARA TOURS representative (with a minimum of 8 agents, otherwise locally hosted) • Local airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima NOT INCLUDED: • International flights• Meals, unless specified in itinerary. • Travel & Health 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 • Re-entry fee to M. Picchu. NOTE: For your convenience, Tips for drivers, guides, waiters, bellboys will be collected 30 days before departure (charge to your CC on file $120 pp) TRAVEL ADVISOR RATE: US$ 1,999 SPOUSE or COMPANION $2,392 (SGL.SUPP. US$646 -very limited) For registration or further information email us at: tara@taratours.com or famtrips@taratours.com Agents registering for this fam will received a credit for US$200 for future bookings |
QUITO & GALAPAGOS DEC. 8-15, 2025
Visiting Quito, Otavalo, Magdalena Community & Galapagos
8 day/7 nights itinerary
DEC 8 MON: ARRIVE
QUITO
Arrive in Quito and transfer to your hotel.
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL GO QUITO
DEC 9 TUE:
QUITO-OTAVALO-PEGUCHE-KARANKI MAGDALENA COMMUNITY
Departing from Quito to the North, we drive across the
colorful valleys of Guayllabamba and Cayambe.
Guayllabamba is rich in fertile soil and through
effective irrigation systems has become an important
producer of avocado and the local cherimoya fruit.
Cayambe, traditionally dedicated to dairy cattle and
manufacturing of dairy products, has recently enjoyed an
important boom in rose farming. The breathtaking setting
offers great photo opportunities and after two hours of
traveling through the riveting Andean countryside, we
arrive to the province of Imbabura, known as the
Ecuadorian Land of Lagoons.
Visit to the famed craft market of Otavalo which is the
most famous and picturesque in South America. Markets
are meeting places for shopping, bargaining and chatter,
while people of the region exchange local produce,
animals, utensils, pots and pans or textiles. For
visitors, the markets offer the possibility of
approaching Ecuadorians at a more intimate level as you
negotiate prices of a variety of woven goods, bags,
hats, flutes or simply appreciate the skillful and
generous people responsible for the elegance and beauty
of the clothing and handicrafts.
Visit the village of Peguche, known for traditional
weaving and the handcrafted Andean musical wind
instruments. The tour also offers a range of
alternatives, including villages such as Cotacachi, an
Indian village which features leatherwork including
bags, jackets, hats, gloves and belts.
OVERNIGHT: HACIENDA MAGDALENA.
MEALS: BREAKFAST,LUNCH, DINNER
DEC 10 WED: KARANKI
MAGDALENA COMMUNITY - IBARRA – QUITO
The Magdalena Community is a group of houses located on
the slopes of the Imbabura Volcano, where they welcome
guests to be part of their families and host traditional
activities for a cross-cultural experience. There are
also outdoors mild adventure activities such as
horseback riding, mountain biking or hiking by the
Andean pastures. Guests will be taken by car to Ibarra.
Here we will make a city tour in the “Ciudad Blanca”. As
part of this journey, we will visit “Parque Condor” a
bird rescue center. Here we will learn about different
bird species that exists in Ecuador and South American
also. This refugee could operate with your ticket
contribution. Then, We will head back to the road in our
return to Quito for a panoramic view of Middle of the
World monument and City by Night Tour in the Historical
Center.
OVERNIGHT: HOTEL GO QUITO
MEALS: BREAKFAST & LUNCH
DEC 11 THU:
QUITO-GALAPAGOS (San Cristobal airport)
Early transfer to the airport for flight to Galapagos
(San Cristobal) in a 2-hour flight.
Upon arrival, passengers are picked up at the airport
and taken on a ten-minute bus drive to the pier to board
the M/V Galapagos Legend.
PM – Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill (San
Cristobal Island)
Dry landing. The interpretation center is full of
interesting information and offers the perfect overview
to the formation of Galapagos, its significance in the
world, threats and conservation efforts. Followed by a
hike to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) we will have
great looks at both species of frigatebird, with the
bonus of a beautiful view of the bay below.
(Difficulty level: easy /moderate //Type of terrain:
flat/stairs/rocky // Duration: 1-hour visit / 1-hour
walk)
OVERNIGHT: M/N GALAPAGOS LEGEND
MEALS: BREAKFAST & DINNER
DEC 12 FRI: GALAPAGOS
CRUISE
AM – Gardner Bay, Gardner & Osborn islets (Española
Island)
Wet landing. One of the most stunning beaches in all of
Galapagos. The long, white, sandy beach, lapped by
turquoise waters is home to a colony of Galapagos sea
lions, indifferent to the humans that walk amongst them.
The Hood mockingbirds, endemic to this particular
island, will be eager to inspect the visitors and
satisfy their innate curiosity. Darwin’s finches may
also join the throng including the reclusive warbler
finch. We can also snorkel here from the beach, in the
shallows of the bay. (Difficulty level: easy // Type of
terrain: sandy // Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour
snorkeling)
PM – Suarez Point (Española Island)
Dry landing. One of the highlight visits of the trip.
Punta Suarez seems to have everything – a naturalist’s
paradise. A slew of marine iguanas and sea lions greet
us at the landing site from where our walk continues
with close encounters of boobies, endemic lizards, gulls
and even a dramatic blow hole. The oldest extant island
in the archipelago it is our only opportunity to commune
with the endemic waved albatross during their breeding
season between April and December. With luck, we can
watch their complex courtship display. (Difficulty
level: demanding // Type of terrain: rocky // Duration:
2½-hour walk)
OVERNIGHT: M/N GALAPAGOS LEGEND
MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
DEC 13 SAT: GALAPAGOS
CRUISE
AM – Post Office (Floreana Island)
Wet landing. A very short walk from the beach leads us
to the famous Post Office Barrel. Claimed to have been
first setup in 1793 by Captain James Colnett it remains
the oldest functioning “post office” in the Pacific. The
system was that whalers and fur sealers would leave
addressed letters in the barrel to be picked up by
homeward bound colleagues. In the spirit of maintaining
tradition visitors today will often take letters and
hand-deliver them in their home countries.
(Difficulty level: easy // Type of terrain: sandy //
Duration: 30-minute walk / 1-hour snorkeling)
PM – Cormorant Point / Devil’s Crown / Champion
(Floreana Island)
Wet landing. On arriving, the observant visitor will
notice that olivine, a volcanic crystal, has proffered a
subtle green hue on the dark beach. Our walk takes us
past island-endemic Scalesia plants to a large, shallow,
lagoon often inhabited by a variable number of
shockingly pink greater flamingoes. We continue through
a forest of palo santo trees to arrive at a powdery
white beach, a nesting area of green turtles. As we
paddle barefoot in the shallow water we will spot
diamond stingrays and white-tipped reef sharks. This
coral-sand beach marks the end of our trail, and we head
back to the olivine beach we landed on, to swim or
snorkel amongst sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions and,
on a good day, white-tipped reef sharks. A small colony
of penguins resides on Floreana and can sometimes be
observed as well.
One of the favorite snorkeling sites in the islands.
Devil’s Crown, an eroded volcanic cone, is home to an
abundance of fish and marine animals. We will swim with
big schools of yellow-tailed surgeonfish, salemas and
creole fish and with luck may spot turtles, spotted
eagle rays, parrotfish, and even hammerhead sharks! The
jagged ëcrowní is a roosting area for boobies, noddies,
tropicbirds, and frigates.
A truly magical place to snorkel. We would expect to see
here green turtles, harmless white-tipped reef sharks,
an impressive diversity and abundance of fish as well as
some playful sea lions often approaching very close,
itching to show off their prowess in the water. Champion
Islet also happens to be the last remaining home of the
island-endemic Floreana mockingbird which we may be
lucky enough to see from our pangas.
(Difficulty level: easy // Type of terrain: sandy & flat
// Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling)
OVERNIGHT: M/N GALAPAGOS LEGEND
MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
DEC 14 SUN: GALAPAGOS
CRUISE
AM – Charles Darwin Research Station & Fausto Llerena
Breeding Center (Santa Cruz Island)
Dry landing. Once home to the famous Lonesome George,
the last tortoise of the Pinta race, the breeding and
relocation center is named in honour of his long-time
guardian. The center is set in the Galapagos National
Park Service where various interpretative buildings are
available to visit. The grounds, with large stands of
native vegetation, are one of the better places to spot
some of the seldom seen Darwin’s finches such as the
woodpecker, cactus and vegetarian finches.
(Difficulty level: easy // Type of terrain: flat //
Duration: 1½-hour walk)
Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island)
In the central highlands of Santa Cruz Island we have
our best opportunity to interact at close quarters with
totally wild, Galapagos giant tortoises. A short walk
among these huge, 600lb, reptiles will also offer the
chance for more highland species, especially several
species of the famed finches. (Difficulty level: easy //
Type of terrain: flat & sometimes muddy // Duration:
45-minute drive / 1 ½-hour walk)
PM –Ballena Bay / Eden Islet (Santa Cruz)
Wet landing. The perfect spot to enjoy our water
activities of snorkeling, kayaking or the glass-bottom
boat. Expect to see lots of fish species including king
angelfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, damsels, rays and
sharks. From the land portion of the visit there will be
sea lions and basking marine iguanas with herons and
turtles in the mangrove areas. We might even discover
some antique ceramic relics left behind by previous
settlements. (Difficulty level: moderate // Type of
terrain: rocky //Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour
snorkeling)
Eden Islet is off the western coast of Santa Cruz. It
offers opportunities to see Nazca and blue-footed
boobies, reef sharks, and banks of endemic bream fish,
either from the panga or while snorkeling.
(Difficulty level: moderate // Type of terrain: water //
Duration: 1-hour snorkeling)
OVERNIGHT: M/N GALAPAGOS LEGEND
MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
DAY 8 MONDAY
GALAPAGOS-QUITO AND CONNECTIONS
AM – Carrion Point (Santa Cruz Island)
Dinghy ride at the entry of the Itabaca channel in a
lagoon with turquoise water, where we can observe
sharks, blue footed boobies, and different kinds of
fish. (Difficulty level: easy // Type of terrain: none
// Duration: 1 hour dinghy ride)
After the visit, passengers will be transferred to
BALTRA airport for flight to Quito. END
(Flight arrives about 5.30pm and you can connect with
your international flight back to USA)
OVERNIGHT: NONE
MEALS: BREAKFAST
INCLUDING:
• Round trip airfare Quito-Galapagos-Quito
• Galapagos National Park Tax of US$200
• Galapagos Immigration Card US$20
• All transfers from airport to hotels, ports and vessel
• Tours as noted in itinerary including entrance fees
and English speaking naturalist guides.
• Hotel GO QUITO for 2 nights including room taxes and
service charges with Buffet Breakfast.
• Hacienda Magdalena for 1 night with Breakfast and
dinner
• The 5 day/4 night Galapagos Cruise aboard the M/V
Legend –
• Meals as noted in itinerary B=breakfast, L=lunch,
D=dinner.
• Tips to Tour guides, bus drivers and crew aboard the
vessel
• Escorted by Tara Tours Representative
NOT INCLUDED:
International airfare; Services not mentioned in
itinerary; Passport fees; Travel and Health Insurance;
RATES PER AGENT:
DOUBLE US$1,999 COMPANION: $2,410
Agents must have copy of ARC or IATAN or CLIA cards.
Agents registering for this fam will received a credit for US$200 for future bookings.
For further information email us at: famtrips@taratours.com or tara@taratours.com
For further information about our Fam Trips to Latin America
Please e-mail us at: famtrips@taratours.com