Galapagos & Machu Picchu
Exploring the Galapagos Islands aboard the deluxe M/V Explorer II for 4 days, Cuzco,and "The Lost City of the Inkas" Machu Picchu
INCLUDING:
Tips to porters at airports and ports (not at hotels); tours as mentioned in itinerary including entrance fees and English speaking tour guides; Five star hotel accommodations for 10 nights including room taxes and service charges of 15% in Ecuador and 25% in Peru (including the 4 day/3 night Galapagos cruise aboard the deluxe M/V Explorer); round trip bus/train tickets to Machu Picchu; meals as noted B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner; all transfers to airport, hotel and ports; airfare via American Airlines from Miami to Quito, and Lima. Also local airfares to Galapagos, Quito-Lima and Lima-Cuzco-Lima.
NOT INCLUDED:
Other services not mentioned in itinerary; passport, visa, tourist car fees or insurance; departure taxes:USA departure tax $232 (Inc. USA airport tax/security/fuel surcharges). . Peru $30.25, $5.00 each domestic flight in Peru; $100.00 Galapagos National Park tax and $30.00 Galapagos airport tax; tips to tour guides and drivers.
* As of Aug.01, 2007…..The new international departure tax in Quito will be USD40,80 per person, Guayaquil however will remain at USD26,00 per person.
DEPOSITS/PAYMENTS:
US$400.00 per person at the time of booking. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
CANCELLATIONS:
Before departure at any time: $100 per person; 65 to 49 days $150 penalty pp; 48 to 30 days $300; 29 to 16 days 60% penalty of total cost pp; less than 15 days -no refunds.
INSURANCE:
Through Insure America, cost for this program starts at US$445-483. Please see information on back page.
Tips to porters at airports and ports (not at hotels); tours as mentioned in itinerary including entrance fees and English speaking tour guides; Five star hotel accommodations for 10 nights including room taxes and service charges of 15% in Ecuador and 25% in Peru (including the 4 day/3 night Galapagos cruise aboard the deluxe M/V Explorer); round trip bus/train tickets to Machu Picchu; meals as noted B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner; all transfers to airport, hotel and ports; airfare via American Airlines from Miami to Quito, and Lima. Also local airfares to Galapagos, Quito-Lima and Lima-Cuzco-Lima.
NOT INCLUDED:
Other services not mentioned in itinerary; passport, visa, tourist car fees or insurance; departure taxes:USA departure tax $232 (Inc. USA airport tax/security/fuel surcharges). . Peru $30.25, $5.00 each domestic flight in Peru; $100.00 Galapagos National Park tax and $30.00 Galapagos airport tax; tips to tour guides and drivers.
* As of Aug.01, 2007…..The new international departure tax in Quito will be USD40,80 per person, Guayaquil however will remain at USD26,00 per person.
DEPOSITS/PAYMENTS:
US$400.00 per person at the time of booking. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
CANCELLATIONS:
Before departure at any time: $100 per person; 65 to 49 days $150 penalty pp; 48 to 30 days $300; 29 to 16 days 60% penalty of total cost pp; less than 15 days -no refunds.
INSURANCE:
Through Insure America, cost for this program starts at US$445-483. Please see information on back page.
Details
- Tour Operator
- Tara Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2008
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - No
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Depart USA | SUN. USA-QUITO : Depart USA with American Airlines. Airport reception and transfer to the five star hotel Marriot. |
| Day 2 | Quito | MON. QUITO : Afternoon sightseeing tour of Quito, known as "Queen of the Andes" - visiting the modern Legislative Palace, San Agustin Monastery, Independence Square, La Compania Church, the Cathedral and many other places of interest in old and new Quito. (B) |
| Day 3 | Quito | TUE. OTAVALO COUNTRY TOUR : This excursion goes north, to the land of the Otavalos and South America's most famous Indian fair along the Panamerican Highway through dramatic mountain scenery to the textile market of Otavalo, where guests will enjoy visiting the many stalls full of ponchos, scarves, blankets, wall hangings, woven belts (fajas), hats, handbags and much more. Here Otavalenos barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets; take your time to negotiate the best bargains. Then, proceed to Peguche, an Indian village very near Otavalo that is home to the artisans who do the weaving in their homes; guests can learn about their culture and everyday life and then take the cobblestone road to San Pablo, with a stop along the way at a weaving workshop specialized in fine backstrap loom woven textiles. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area. (B,L) |
| Day 4 | San Crustobal | WED-QUITO-SAN CRISTOBAL : Transfer to the airport for your flight to San Cristobal Island in Galapagos Islands to board the M/V "Galapagos Explorer II. Your first day in Galapagos you'll visit one location near San Cristobal Island. At Cerro Brujo (wet landing), you'll go to the beach for swimming and snorkeling activities. You can see: blue footed boobies, brown pelicans, coast bird (whimbrels, sander lings, etc), Darwin's finches, yellow warblers. Free time to walk on the beach. |
| Day 5 | Galapagos Islands | THU-GALAPAGOS ISLANDS : Morning at Punta Suarez (Hood Island) which is on the west end of Espanola, has a landing beach where visitors are generally greeted by a colony of sea lions. On the nearby lava rocks one of the most colorful subspecies of marine iguana can be found, along with brilliant red Sally light-foot crabs. Among the birds in the immediate area are long-billed mockingbirds, Galapagos doves, short-eared owls, an occasional lava heron, oystercatchers and swallow-tailed gulls. Behind Punta Suarez, on a cliff plateau, blue-footed and masked boobies nest. Beyond the booby colonies and farther inland, are many waived albatross colonies. Afternoon at Gardner Bay in Espanola Island About 1km long beach that is among the most magnificent in all Galapagos. It is home to many sea lion colonies and the turquoise colored water makes a beautiful contrast to the white sand that consists of shell dust. Mocking birds fight for their territory and inspect the backpacks of the tourists. About 50m of the coast there is a rock where you can encounter tropic fish and rays while snorkeling. But more spectacular is the Gardner Rock that can be reached with a panga. It is home to white-tipped reef shark, cactus finch and other colorful sea dwellers and very popular among snorkelers. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | Galapagos Islands | FRI- GALAPAGOS ISLANDS : Morning at Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Island. P. Ayora is famous because the Charles Darwin Research Station. A wildlife reserve has been set aside under the guidance of the Ecuadorian Land Commission and the Charles Darwin Station. Tortoises from different islands can also be seen in captivity at the Charles Darwin Station at Puerto Ayora. Afternoon at Rabida A small island (5 km2), covered by dry and coastal vegetation, has a central volcano of 367 m2. Rabida contains the largest variety of lava types, being red the dominant color. A salt-water lagoon provides occasional sights of Flamingos. While the beach holds a large sea lion colony, fur seals also may be seen here. Red sands and teal waters characterize this island. Sea lions cover the waterfront, and the bull is always making a show of his bravado. There's a short walk to the top of the trail where you can take fabulous photos of the clear waters and volcanic peaks. There's also great snorkeling. Keep near the rocks and keep your eye out for sharks and rays. (B,L,D). |
| Day 7 | Guayaquil | SAT. GALAPAGOS-BALTRA-GUAYAQUIL : Morning at Bachas Beach in Santa Cruz Island It is White sand beach where you can see some nesting site for sea turtles, a small lagoon, whimbrels, heron, pelican, Sally Lightfoot crab and other species. Then continue to the airport for flight to Guayaquil where you will be transferred to hotel Hilton. (B) |
| Day 8 | Lima | SUN. GUAYAQUIL-LIMA : Reception and transfer to the new Hotel JW Marriott located in Miraflores and facing the Pacific Ocean . Afternoon sightseeing tour of Lima, founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and called "City of Kings". Your guided tour will take you to see the most important sites of modern and colonial Lima. (B) |
| Day 9 | Cuzco | MON. LIMA-CUZCO : Transfer to the airport for flight to Cuzco. Reception and transfer to the Hotel Libertador. Afternoon city tour of Cuzco and the surrounding valley and ruins of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca-Pucara and the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. (B) |
| Day 10 | Machu Picchu | TUE. CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU : Full day excursion via alpine train to Machu Picchu. Early morning transfer to the train station for your 3 1/2 hour train ride along the Urubamba river to Putucusi bridge, then by bus up to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Here your guide will explain the advanced world of the Inkas. Overnight in Machu Picchu at hotel El Pueblo. (B,D) |
| Day 11 | Cuzco | WED.MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO : Morning at leisure to explore the magnificent archeological site on your own. Late afternoon return to Cuzco by train and to the Hotel Libertador for overnight. (B) |
| Day 12 | Cuzco | THU. CUZCO : At leisure to walk and experience "The Capital of the Inka Empire". Cuzco is like an open museum, full of Inka buildings, temples, palaces -and beautiful Spanish churches. Also great shopping! (sweaters, alpaca rugs, ceramics, silver & gold jewelery). (B) |
| Day 13 | Lima | FRI. CUZCO-LIMA : Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Lima and transfer to hotel JW Marriott. (B) |
| Day 14 | Return USA | SAT. LIMA-USA : Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA and homeward bound. Along with the souvenirs, you will carry memories of your journey through the Galapagos and Machu Picchu. (B) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- NOTE: Rates have been based on Classic Suite (Magellan/Columbus deck) for Premium Suite (Marco Polo deck add $145 per person).Group rates available upon request.
*From Jun.15 to Aug.16 add $80 per person and from Dec.09 to 31 add $250 per person.
ADD-ONS & VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES:
For same package add $140 from ORL,TPA, JAX, FMY and Zone 1; $190 from ATL; add $230 from BDL, BOS,BWI, EWR, NYC, PHL, RDU, WAS, + Zone 3 - - Add $290 from CHI, CLE, DTT; - Add $320 from DEN, DFW, HOU, MSY, SJU ZONE 2 & 4; Add $390 from LAX, SFO + ZONE 5; Add $410 from Zone 6. RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.
