Around Central America  27 days -Visiting Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize....

Brazil-Argentina-Peru (Tara's Quick Visit to to South America) ...12 days -Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cuzco & Machu PIcchu.

Best of Patagonia Argentina-Chile   15 days/13 nights visiting Torres del Paine (Chile) and Perito Moreno  (Argentina) plus Bariloche, Puerto Montt, Buenos Aires and Santiago with optional extension to Peninsula Valdez.

Machu Picchu and Iguassu Falls  -8 days .....A quick visit to 2 "Wonders of the World"

CARTAGENA=Regatta; QUITO= Silberstein; LIMA=Britania; RIO=Windsor Martinique; B.AIRES=Pulitzer; CUZCO=Royal Inka; Iguassu= St. George Argentina; MANAUS= St. Paul;  BOGOTA=Excelsior; SANTIAGO=Presidente

Arrive in Quito, Ecuador. After going through customs and immigration, you will be transferred to HOTEL HILTON.

Afternoon drive along the northern residential section and see the impressive Parliament Building. Then stroll downtown to visit the colonial temple and monasteries designated by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. Visit San Agustine Convent with its colonial cloisters, coffered ceilings and vast collection of paintings. Continue to the Independence Plaza flanked by the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Municipal Building and Archbishop's Palace. Next, visit the great church and Monastery of San Francisco with the Virgin of Quito at its main altar. Your scenic tour ends at a lookout point with a great view of Quito.  HOTEL HILTON (B)

 Full day excursion going north, via the Pan-American Highway to experience the colorful Market of Otavalo for excellent buys in local handicrafts. Visit the small city of Calderon, famous for its bread dolls. Also you will visit Peguche, where the Otavalo indigenous people actually do their weaving or San Antonio de Ibarra, the woodcarving center. Stop for lunch at a local hacienda and return to Quito. HOTEL HILTON (B,L)

DAY 04 MON. QUITO-GALAPAGOS-M/V LEGEND Cruise A (or Cruise C)

Transfer to the airport for flight to Galapagos. Welcome at Baltra Airport . Briefing on ship´s facilities at lounge given by guides as well as National Park. Safety drill practice with passengers, crew and guides.
Afternoon visit North Seymour Island . After a dry landing guests will encounter Swallow Tailed Gulls and Sea Lions. This site is also known for being a major nesting colony for Blue Footed Boobies, and the largest colony of the Magnificent Frigate Bird. (a different species from the Great Frigate Bird). Travelers will also spot both endemic species of iguanas, the Marine Iguanas and Land Iguanas. Passengers will enjoy this relaxed hike around the nesting sites. (B,L,D)
 

DAY 05 TUE. GALAPAGOS 

Morning at Genovesa Island . Best known as “the island of birds.” Passengers enjoy the safe harbor of being anchored deep within the cater formed bay. A dry landing at El Barranco (Prince Philip's Steps). Passengers will walk on lava terrain observing Red Footed Boobies, Frigates, and the fragrant Palo Santo trees. Thousands of Storm Petrels can be seen hovering over the open expanses. Your second visit is a refreshing wet landing, travelers visit Darwin Bay . Visitors will enjoy observing the Red-Footed Boobies, Frigates, Sea Lions, Lava Gulls, Night Herons, and Fiddler Crabs at this site. This site also offers snorkeling in the bay to observe sharks and rays at a safe distance. Passengers never forget the beaches on this island. (B,L,D)
 

DAY 06 WED. GALAPAGOS 

Española Island . Travelers enjoy a dry landing at Suarez Point. Upon landing visitors will learn more about the lava terrain while crossing the inactive lava fields.. Aside from the Sea Lion colonies, this is one of the most important sites for bird watching. As soon as visitors step foot on this island many species can be spotted and observed up close. Among the many species, the Hooded Mocking bird and Red Billed Tropic Bird can be seen. Travelers will also spot a large colony of Marine Iguanas, Lava Lizards, and the colorful Sally Light Foot Crabs. After a short trek visitors encounter colonies of masked and blue-footed boobies. Nesting grounds sometimes overlap the trail. Visitors will also find Galapagos Doves, Hawks and Swallow-Tailed Gulls. After crossing the nesting grounds you will reach the world's largest colony of Waved Albatross (15000 approx.), Their mating rituals are a highlight. Nearing the end of this excursion passengers will visit the famous blowhole, where water shoots into the air at almost 23 mts. (75 ft.). 
Afternoon at San Cristóbal Island . Dry landing at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Here passengers visit the Interpretation Center providing travelers an opportunity to learn about the natural and human history of the islands through an hour-long interactive presentation. There is some time to shop in town. (B,L,D)
 

DAY 07 THU. GALAPAGOS-QUITO-LIMA

Morning arrival at Black Turtle Cove located near Las Bachas beach in the north of Santa Cruz Island . This excursion provides passengers with a “panga” ride though the mangrove, during which the outboard motor of the small boat is turned off. This allows for the close observation of Sea Turtles, White Tipped Reef Sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays, and Yellow Rays. Transfer to the airport for flight to Quito with a connection to Lima. Arrive in Lima and transfer to hotel JOSE ANTONIO located in the pretty district of Miraflores. (B)

DAY 08 FRI. LIMA - City Tour

Morning sightseeing tour of Lima, founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and called "City of Kings". Your guided tour will take you to see the most important sites of modern and colonial Lima. (B)

DAY 09 SAT. LIMA-CUZCO - City Tour

Transfer to the airport for flight to Cuzco. Reception and transfer to the Hotel SONESTA CUZCO. Afternoon city tour of Cuzco and the surrounding valley and ruins of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca-Pucara and the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. (B)

DAY 10 SUN. 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 at hotel Machu Picchu Inn (now called EL MAPI) (B)

DAY 11 MON. MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO: 

Morning at leisure to explore the magnificent archeological site on your own. Late afternoon return to Cuzco by train and to your hotel for overnight.  SONESTA CUZCO (B)

At leisure to walk and experience "The Capital of the Inka Empire". Cuzco is like an open museum, full of Inka buildings, temples, palaces -and beautiful Spanish churches. Also great shopping! (sweaters, alpaca rugs, ceramics, silver& gold jewelry) .(B)

DAY 13 WED. CUZCO-PUNO

Early in the morning transfer to the train station for a full day ride across the Altiplano as you pass through many villages and small towns with beautiful views of the Andean mountains and white snow peaks. Late in the afternoon arrive in Puno - and transfer to hotel CASA ANDINA Premium. (B)

Overland journey from Puno to Kasani (border Perú/Bolivia), at this point it takes place the Migration process, after this, overland transfer to Copacabana, located at the shores of Lake Titicaca. Once in Copacabana, visit to the shrine and the Dark Indian Virgin. Hydrofoil cruise to Moon Island, visit the Sun Virgins Temple “Iñak Uyu”. Continue to Sun Island. Visit the Inca “Grand Stairs” and the Sacred Fountain; taste the water believed to give eternal youth and happiness. Lunch will be served at the Uma Kollu archaeological Restaurant, next to the small handicraft market. Hydrofoil cruise to Cocotoni. Land transfer to Huatajata. Upon arrival, visit the Andean Roots Eco Village: The Altiplano Museum; Handicrafts village, the Mud Igloos and the mortuary towers of the Urus Chipayas. Meet the Limachi family, builders of the RA II and Tigris for epic expeditions across the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy our elegant vicuñas, llamas, alpacas and the mythical Suri. Audiovisual and night experience of "The Mystic World of the Kallawayas", natural healers of Bolivia. They believe that you first have to heal the soul in order to heal your body. Tata Benjo, -our Kallawaya- will bless visitors and answer questions by casting his sacred coca leaves. Welcome drink and Candlelight Dinner. By night, visit the Native Observatory Alajpacha. Learn from the Aymaras Cosmovision and watch the southern constellations. Overnight at the Inca Utama Hotel & Spa. (B,L,D)

Wake up at the sound of the "Pututu" -a native alpine horn- to see the Sunrise and experience like the local people the energy of the Sun God. Depart Lake Titicaca for a half day sightseeing tour of the ancient ruins of Tiahuanaco, capital of a great civilization that started in 1580 B.C and at the height of its splendor (700 AC) covered part of Bolivia, Argentina and Peru. Here, you will see its Aqueducts, Temples, Palaces, the Gate of the Sun and some of their mysterious monoliths, then continue to La Paz for overnight. HOTEL EUROPA. (B)

Morning city tour of the Capital of the Altiplano (13,000 feet high). You will visiting the Open Air Museum and Tiahuanaco Art collection, Casa Murillo, the local and picturesque witch Doctor street , the 16th Century San Francisco Church, the residential area of Obrajes and the unrealistic Moon Valley. HOTEL EUROPA (B)

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B)

INCLUDING:

Tips to porters at airports and ports (not at hotels); tours as mentioned in itinerary including entrance fees and English speaking tour guides; 4 star hotel accommodations for 10 nights including room taxes and service charges of 15% in Ecuador and 18% in Peru; The 4 day/3 night Galapagos Cruise aboard the M/V Legend –outside cabins-with 2 lower berths Superior cabins; 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; local airfare Quito-Galapagos-Guayaquil and Lima-Cuzco.

NOT INCLUDED:

International airfare from USA to Quito-Guayaquil-Lima-La Paz-USA; Other services not mentioned in itinerary; passport, visa, tourist car fees or insurance; departure taxes: Ecuador $25.00, Peru $25.00, $5.00 each domestic flight in Peru; $200.00 Galapagos National Park tax and $30.00 Galapagos airport tax; tips to tour guides and drivers. USA departure tax.

DEPOSITS/PAYMENTS: 15% 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$179. Please see information on back page.

CHILE-ARGENTINA-BRAZIL 

Day 01 Arrive in Santiago, CHILE

Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to Santiago de Chile. (Dinner on board).

Arrive in Santiago and transfer to you Hotel. Afternoon tour of Santiago -Capital of Chile, City tour begins at Santa Hill and continues with drive through residential areas of Pedro de Valdivia Norte, El Golf and Vitacura. Returning to town, take in such famous landmarks as Fine Arts Museum, National Congress Building and Moneda. Chile’s Presidential Palace. (B)

 Day 03 Santiago Visit Winery  -half day

Discover Concha y Toro Vineyard, the main exporter of wine in Latin America and one of the most important wine brands in the world, with presence in more than 135 countries. At the end of the 19th century, in 1883, when the wine industry was just taking off in Chile, the renowned Chilean politician, entrepreneur and visionary Don Melchor Concha y Toro brought noble French varietals from the Bordeaux region and planted them in Pirque, Maipo Valley. It took place more than 130 years ago.

The Wine Tour: A walk through the gardens, park, and exterior of the summer residence of the Concha y Toro family in the late years of the 19th century. A visit to the garden of grape varietals, with 26 varietals of wine grapes, to know where the Concha y Toro wines comes from.  Visit to Old Pirque vineyard. Visit to the Cellars and Casillero del Diablo. Among these, the centennial Casillero del Diablo, where it began the famous legend of that wine. Wine tasting plus a souvenir glass. Return to your hotel. Afternooon at leisure. (B)

Day 04 Santiago –at leisure   At leisure to explore the city on your own or take an optional tour to Visit Vina & Valparaiso. (B)

Transfer to the airport for flight to Buenos Aires with transfer to your hotel. (B)

Morning sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires, The Argentina capital boasts a population of 9 million. City tour takes you to the Plaza de Mayo for view of Cathedral and Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace). Then along 9 de Julio Avenue, widest street in the world, with its much-photographed Obelisk and Colon Theater and finally, to the colorful Boca District . (B)

Day 07 Buenos Aires

At leisure to visit famous Florida Street for leather buys. (B)

Day 08 Buenos Aires - Iguassu:  

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguassu Falls (Argentinean side). Arrive and transfer to hotel selected on the Argentinean side for 2 nights (B)

Day 09 Iguassu:  

Morning tour of the Argentinean side of Iguassu Falls . Upon arrival to the Visitors Center and the Iguazu National Park Entrance, you will board a gas-propelled train, that will take you to the upper falls circuit and the Devil’s Throat. Once you are at the Devil’s Throat Station you will walk for about one kilometer on a flat catwalk built over the Upper Iguassu River. This catwalk crosses several islands where there are snack bars. Once you get to the end of the catwalks, on the side of the gorgeous Devil’s Throat. The tour to Devil’s Throat has an approximate duration of 1 ½ hour. (Each station and catwalks have snack bars and toilets to cater to the visitor) During this visit the Falls will be seen from up close allowing for the detailed appreciation of both flora and fauna as well the Falls who are literally at the reach of one’s hands. Overnight on the Argentinian side. (B)

Day 10 Iguassu - Rio de Janeiro

Morning departure. Transfer from the Argentinean side, to the Brazilian side of the falls (immigration formalities at the border) then tour of the Brazilian side of the falls with spectacular views. Continue to the airport (on the Brazil side) for flight to Rio de Janeiro "The Carnival City of the World".  Upon arrival in Rio, transfer to your hotel . (B)

Day 11 Rio de Janeiro

Morning sightseeing tour of Corcovado-Cascatinha-Bosque de Tijuca, your tour guide will drive you up Corcovado peak, where imposing Statue of Christ The Redeemer over-looks Guanabara Bay, Rio and fabulous beaches. From Corcovado, proceed to Cascatinha, Tijuca Forest and beaches of Ipanema and Leblon. (B)

Day 12/13 Rio de Janeiro

Days at leisure to enjoy the beaches, the sidewalk or the Rio night life. (B)

Day 14 Rio de Janeiro - Depart

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Daily buffet breakfast; hotel accommodations for 12 nights with room taxes and service charge; private transfers on arrival and departure in every city visited including baggage handling and tips to airport porters in Santiago, Rio, Buenos Aires and Iguassu; English speaking tour guides and entrance fees where necessary. Private city tour in Santiago, Share city tour in B.Aires, Rio and Iguassu.

NOT INCLUDED:

International or local airfare;  Travel & Health Insurance; Airport departure taxes in Santiago, Buenos Aires, Rio  and $18 to 32 (usually included in your international air ticket) ;  Iguassu Falls $2.00-5.00; visas; passports and any other service not specifically mentioned in itinerary.

HOTELS USED:

Journey Around South America

PERU-CHILE-ARGENTINA-BRAZIL

Visiting Lima "City of Kings", Santiago de Chile, Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls

and the Marvelous City "Rio de Janeiro"

DAY 14 RIO DE JANEIRO - USA:

Transfer to the airport for your flight to USA. (BB)

INCLUDING:

Daily Buffet breakfast; sightseeing tours as mention in itinerary; hotel accommodations of your choice for 3 nights in Lima, 3 nights in Santiago, 3 nights in Buenos Aires, 3 nights in Rio de Janeiro and 1 night in Iguassu Falls with room taxes and service charge; transfers on arrival and departure including baggage handling and tips to airport porters in Lima, Santiago, Rio, Buenos Aires and Iguassu; English speaking tour guides & entrance fees

NOT INCLUDED:

International or local aifares. Insurance (available with Insure America, cost for this program US$150-250); airport departure taxes (usually included in your international air ticket).

DEPOSIT: 15% of the cost per person at the time of booking. 

FINAL PAYMENT: 60 days before departure.

HOTELS USED:

3 Days/2 nights: Including two nights hotel accommodations at hotel Costa del Sol Cuzco with Buffet breakfast, city tour of Cuzco with visit to ruins nearby, full day excursion to Machu Picchu with VISTADOME train- bus tickets, entrance fees, English speaking tour guides, transfers on arrival and departure and local AIRFARE LIMA-CUZCO-LIMA. Asistance of our local representatives 24/7. 

Sharing double $1,690.00; Sharing triple $1,618.00; Single $2,320.00

Wonders of South America

DAY 01 Arrive in Lima, Peru:

Arrive and transfer to hotel selected.

DAY 02 Lima:

Morning sightseeing tour of Lima founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and called "City of Kings". Your tour guide will take you to visit the most important sites of modern of colonial Lima. In the afternoon you will visit the famous Gold museum with more than 10,000 gold pieces from pre-Inca and Inca culture. (B)

DAY 03/04 Lima:

Days at leisure to explore Lima on your own or take an optional tour to Cuzco-Machu Picchu (see optional cost at bottom of this page) or to the Amazon Jungle. (B)

DAY 05 Lima-Santiago:

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

DAY 06 Santiago:

Afternoon tour of Santiago -Capital of Chile, City tour begins at Santa Hill and continues with drive through residential areas of Pedro de Valdivia Norte, El Golf and Vitacura. Returning to town, take in such famous landmarks as Fine Arts Museum, National Congress Building and Moneda. Chile’s Presidential Palace.(B).

DAY 07 Santiago:

Day at leisure to explore Santiago on your own or take an optional tour. (B)

DAY 08  Santiago-Puerto Montt:

Transfer to the airport for flight to Puerto Montt. Arrive and transfer to hotel selected. Orientation tour of Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas. (B)

DAY 09  Puerto Montt-Peulla-Bariloche

Passing impressive Llanquihue, largest of Chile’s lakes, drive to Ensenada, pausing to view cascading Rio Petrohue. From Petrohue, cross Lake Todos Los Santos, beautiful work of nature bordered by mountains, whose virgin forests reach the water’s edge.

Continue by bus to Puerto Frias and cross into Argentina at La Cumbre. (Border immigration formalities). Proceed by motor-launch to Puerto Alegre and board motorcoach to Puerto Blest at eastern end of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Afternoon crossing of this beautiful lake ends today’s journey and on arrival at Puerto Pañuelo, you will be met and driven to hotel in San Carlos de Bariloche. Overnight at hotel selected. (B)

DAY 10  Bariloche-

Day at leisure to explore this beautiful andean town on your own. Overnight at hotel selected. (B)

DAY 11 Bariloche-Buenos Aires:

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

DAY 12 Buenos Aires:

Morning sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires, The Argentina capital boasts a population of 9 million. City tour takes you to the Plaza de Mayo for view of Cathedral and Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace).Then along 9 de Julio Avenue, widest street in the world, with its much-photographed Obelisk and Colon Theater and finally, to the colorful Boca District . (B)

DAY 13 Buenos Aires:

At leisure to visit famous Florida Street for leather buys. (B)

DAY 14 Buenos Aires - Iguassu:

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguassu Falls. Afternoon tour of the Falls. Upon arrival to the Visitors Center and the Iguazu National Park Entrance, you will board a gas-propelled train, that will take you to the upper falls circuit and the Devil’s Throat. Once you are at the Devil’s Throat Station you will walk for about one kilometer on a flat catwalk built over the Upper Iguassu River. This catwalk crosses several islands where there are snack bars. Once you get to the end of the catwalks, on the side of the gorgeous Devil’s Throat. The tour to Devil’s Throat has an approximate duration of 1 ½ hour. (Each station and catwalks have snack bars and toilets to cater to the visitor) During this visit the Falls will be seen from up close allowing for the detailed appreciation of both flora and fauna as well the Falls who are literally at the reach of one’s hands. . . Overnight hotel selected. (B)

DAY 15 Iguassu - Rio de Janeiro:

Transfer to the airport for departure flight. Upon arrival in Rio, transfer to your hotel. (B)

DAY 16 Rio de Janeiro:

Morning sightseeing tour of Corcovado-Cascatinha-Bosque de Tijuca, your tour guide will drive you up Corcovado peak, where imposing Statue of Christ The Redeemer over-looks Guanabara Bay, Rio and fabulous beaches. From Corcovado, proceed to the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon. (B)

DAY 17 Rio de Janeiro:

Day at leisure to enjoy the beaches, the sidewalk or the Rio night life. (B)

DAY 18 Rio de Janeiro - Depart:

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

INCLUDING:

Daily buffet breakfast; sightseeing tours as mention in itinerary; hotel accommodations of your choice for 17 nights with room taxes and service charge; all transfers on arrival and departure including baggage handling and tips to airport porters; Daily buffet breakfast;  English speaking tour guides & entrance fees when necessary.

NOT INCLUDED:

International or loca airfares; Travel and Helath Insurance ; airport departure taxes; passports and any other service not mentioned in itinerary.

3 Days/2 nights: Including two nights hotel accommodations at hotel Dorado with American breakfast, city tour of Cuzco with visit to ruins nearby, full day excursion to Machu Picchu with train- bus tickets, entrance fees, English speaking tour guides, transfers on arrival and departure and local AIRFARE LIMA-CUZCO-LIMA. Sharing double $1690.00; Sharing triple $1,654.00; Single $2,340.00

Tara's quick visit to South America

Brazil-Argentina-Peru

Visiting Rio De Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires,

Lima and mighty Machu Picchu

11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS

Daily independent departures -

Locally hosted

DAY 1. ARRIVE-RIO DE JANEIRO:  

Upon arrival in Rio, transfer to hotel selected. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Sugar Loaf. Drive along Rio's famous beaches to the Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) cable car station where you will be taken to the Urca Mountain (mid-way station) with its gardens and look-out points. Then, the second part of the ride will take you to the peak of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, 1300 ft above sea level to photograph the awe-inspiring views. (BB)

DAY 2 RIO DE JANEIRO:  

A quick drive from your hotel to the Cosme Velho Train Station. The cog wheel train will climb up through the Tijuca Rain Forest and will bring you to the steps of the Christ Statue. At 2.300 ft above sea level, a breathtaking view of the city of Rio de Janeiro, the Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the 9 mile Rio-Niteroi Bridge, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean (3-4 hours)

DAY 3 RIO DE JANEIRO - IGUASSU:  

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguassu Falls. Arrive and transfer to hotel selected. (B)

DAY 4 IGUASSU:  

Morning tour of the falls (Brazilian side)  -a never-to-be forgotten spectacle of 275 cataracts, literally miles of water hurtling over precipices higher than a 30-story building. Afternoon at leisure (B)

DAY 5 IGUASSU- BUENOS AIRES:  

Morning depart Brazil for the Argentinian side of Iguassu Falls (Immigration formalities at the border).  Upon arrival to the Visitors Center and the Iguazu National Park Entrance, you will board a gas-propelled train, that will take you to the upper falls circuit and the Devil’s Throat. Once you are at the Devil’s Throat Station you will walk for about one kilometer on a flat catwalk built over the Upper Iguassu River. This catwalk crosses several islands where there are snack bars. Once you get to the end of the catwalks, on the side of the gorgeous Devil’s Throat. The tour to Devil’s Throat has an approximate duration of 1 ½ hour. (Each station and catwalks have snack bars and toilets to cater to the visitor) During this visit the Falls will be seen from up close allowing for the detailed appreciation of both flora and fauna as well the Falls who are literally at the reach of one’s hands. . Then, transfer to the airport for flight to Buenos Aires, where you will met and accompanied to your hotel.  (B)

DAY 6 BUENOS AIRES

Morning half-day tour around South America’s most elegant capital. On the way we will see Plaza de Mayo and the buildings that surround it: Casa Rosada (Government House), Cabildo (Old City Hall), The City Hall. Then, on to see the monumental Congress Building and its Square and along 9 de Julio Ave., the widest in the world, to see the Colon Theater, famous Opera House that stages the most important artists and musicians from all over the world. We will also visit San Telmo, Puerto Madero, Palermo Park with jacaranda and palo borracho trees which flower in spring and late summer, the polo field and the race track and the historical Recoleta Cemetery with its ornate memorials. (B)

DAY 7 BUENOS AIRES - LIMA: 

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima where you will be met and transfer to hotel selected. (BB)

DAY 8 LIMA

Afternoon sightseeing tour of modern and colonial Lima the "City of Kings" founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1,535 and the most important city in the Americas during the Spanish Viceroy times. You will be passing by Miraflores and San Isidro, the old district of Rimac, Main Square , the Cathedral, San Francisco Church, Torre Tagle Palace and many other landmarks as well as the modern section of the Capital of Peru. (B)

DAY 9 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).

DAY 10 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. Mid-afternoon return to Cuzco. Transfer to hotel selected. (B)

DAY 11  CUZCO-LIMA-DEPART

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

LAND TOUR RATE (includes local airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima)

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED.

Sample airfare: from Miami US$1600-1800; New York $1800-1950; Los Angeles US$1950-2150 plus taxes

HOTELS USED:

3 Star Hotels: Lima=Britania; Cuzco=Dorado; B.Aires=Pulitzer; Iguassu=St. George; Rio=Martinique

4 Star Hotels: Lima=Radisson Miraflores; Cuzco=Aranwa; B.Aires=Loi Suites Recoleta; Iguassu=Loi Suites; Rio=Leme Palace

5 Star Hotels: Lima=Westin; Cuzco=Palacio del Inka; B.Aires=Sofitel; Iguassu=Melia; Rio=Hilton Copacabana

8 Day/7 night Program 

Independent departures any day of the week.

Locally hosted

DAY 01 ARRIVE IN SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to hotel IRAZU.

DAY 05  SAN JOSE-PANAMA BY AIR

Arrive in Panama. Upon arrival meeting and transfer to hotel Crown Plaza (B)

DAY  06  PANAMA CITY TOUR

Our day will start at the Miraflores locks, located at the Pacific entrance to the Canal where our expert guide will let you in on the secrets and histories surrounding the building of the Canal while you experience this magnificent architectural masterpiece and have a breathtaking view of the ships transiting through the 8^th wonder of the world. The trip then takes to the city, where you will be able to experience not only the banking capital of Central America but also the beauty of the colonial city of Panama. We will visit the "Cause Way, a leisure paradise with shopping, restaurants and bars that offers spectacular views of the modern city and its skyscrapers. In contrast, the oldest sector of the modern Panama City founded in 1673, has a charming mixture of colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and ethnic diversity. UNESCO recently named this area "World Heritage Site". Crown Plaza. (B)

DAY 07  PANAMA-GAMBOA RAINFOREST

Depart in the morning by car and then by boat going thru a fascinating and dense jungle of Gamboa.. This beautiful resort is located on the Chagras River and only a mile away from the Canal. This morning, you will start your excursion visiting  the Aerial Tram and ending at the Ecological Exhibits. The tram takes you from the shadowy rainforest floor through the under growth and into the sun drenched canopy. There you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of a thousand acres of green forest interspersed with flora and fauna. You will also visit the Orchid Gardens, the Serpentarium, the butterfly exhibit, the reptile and fish exhibit. Hotel Crown Plaza.(B)

DAY 08 -PANAMA-DEPART

Transfer to the airport. (B)

INCLUDING:

All transfers (private) , tours with English speaking tour guides (shared), entrance fees, hotel acc. for 7 nights , room taxes, daily buffet breakfast. Assistant of our local representatives 24/7.

2024 LAND TOUR COST PER PERSON DBL USS$2,680  (TRP PP US$2,500)

COST AIRFARE FROM MIAMI:  US$750-850 plus taxes (MIA-SJO-PTY-MIA) Add-ons available from more than 100 USA cities, please call or emails us for furthther information (tara@taratours.com)

NOT INCLUDED: International airfare.  Travel & Health Insurance, USA airport tax,  airport tax from Panama $40 and any other service not specifically mentioned here

Around Central America

Visiting Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, 

El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras & Belize

27 Days/26 nights

Departs every Saturday

DAY 01 SAT. ARRIVE-PANAMA 
Arrive and transfer to hotel Crown Plaza in Panama city. 

DAY 02 SUN. PANAMA CITY TOUR
AM Panama City is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and beautiful city, Capital of the Republic of Panama, and located at the pacific side of the American Continent. Built in 1519 by Pedro Arias Davila, a Spanish Governor, it has been considered as on of the most important cities of the Americas. 
You will visit the oldest sector of modern Panama, known as the Casco Viejo. Other points of interest are the famed flat arch or Santo Domingo Church, the beautiful gold- plated altar of the San Jose Church, the Panama Canal Museum, the National Theater, the National Cathedral, the Presidential Palace and other numerous colonial churches and monuments. Then your tour will continue to see modern Panama and The Banking District and its beautiful Skyscrapers .The city is and important center of international finance and is home to more than 120 banks. Continue to visit Miraflores Locks & Panama Canal: 
Participants will be able to witness the magnificent Miraflores Locks and most probably, its operation. An expert canal guide will take us back in time to be part of it. What a way to experience this magnificent architectural masterpiece and to have a breathtaking view of the 8th wonder of the World. Overnight hotel CROWN PLAZA (B)

DAY 03 MON. PANAMA-COSTA RICA 
Transfer to the airport. Arrive in San Jose and transfer to hotel IRAZU. (B)

DAY 04 TUE. SAN JOSE CITY TOUR
AM Get a taste of San José City and its surrounding areas!
San Jose is the Capital City of Costa Rica and economic center of the nation.  It is currently undergoing a renaissance, with modern high rise buildings emerging, a brand new national stadium, and a new Chinatown section being built.  Yet it still retains much of its past multicultural heritage in restored elegant old buildings, museums, historic statues and parks.  The Walking City Tour is an intimate and authentic perspective of our capital city and contemporary Costa Rica.  You will also visit our National Museum for an absorbing lesson of our history and a hill top view overlooking the city. Return to your hotel Irazu. (B)

DAY 05 WED. SAN JOSE- MONTEVERDE
Morning drive to Monteverde with your driver/guide, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the most diverse and richest tropical cloud forests in the New World is best known as home to the Resplendent Quetzal but has hundreds of other birds, mammals and plant species. Overnight in Monteverde at FONDA VELA LODGE (B, D.)

DAY 06 THU. MONTEVERDE
Morning visit to the Monteverde Canopy walkway composed of hanging bridges and nature trails that lets you observe Nature from a different perspective. In the afternoon hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve viewing the misty forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees. Overnight in Monteverde at FONDA VELA LODGE. (B, D)

DAY 07 FRI. MONTEVERDE- SAN JOSE
Depart Monteverde for San Jose. Arrive San Jose mid-afternoon. Overnight hotel IRAZU (B)

DAY 08 SAT. COSTA RICA-NICARAGUA  
Transfer to the airport for flight to Managua. Arrive and transfer to new hotel HOLIDAY INN. (B)

 DAY 09 SUN. MANAGUA CITY TOUR
Managua is the capital of Nicaragua since 1852. Managua is a very warm and sunny city.  Among the places to visit are: “National Historic Park Loma de Tiscapa”. We will know in much detail, the story behind national hero Augusto Cesar Sandino and the Somoza dictatorship. We will see the ruins of old presidential palace, destroyed by the earthquake that leveled the city. Then we will drive down to the old city center to visit the “Park of Peace”. We will also visit “El Malecon”, for a closer look at Lake Managua and surrounding areas. We will see the monument to Simon Bolivar, in the avenue of the same name. National Theater Ruben Dario, New Presidential House, Palace of culture and other buildings. The tour will take us to see the enigmatic human footprints of Acahualinca, (6000 years). We will also see the future center of the city with its modern and new metropolitan cathedral. Completing with a visit to the arts and craft market for souvenirs, and the Coffee House. Hotel HOLIDAY INN (B)

DAY 10 MON. MANAGUA-GRANADA
Full day excursion to Granada. The colonial city of Granada was founded by Captain Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba in the year 1524. It was founded next to the Mombacho volcano and the great lake of Nicaragua. Named after the city of Granada in Spain, this city has plenty of colonial churches, narrow streets and large homes with beautiful indoor patios, tiled roofs and pretty colonial colors. Upon arrival, we will have a sightseeing tour to arrive later to the main plaza for our walking tour of the surrounding area. We will see “La Merced” church, the house of the Zamora family, the famous “Casa de Los Tres Mundos” and the San Francisco convent. Here, we will have the opportunity to see and take pictures of mysterious idols made by our ancestors. This is an impressive collection of genuine pre-Columbian sculptures in human and animal shapes. During the tour we will learn the history of the city, and about the adventures of filibuster William Walker, who invaded the city in the year 1855.  Then, we will continue to Lake Nicaragua for a relaxing boat ride around some of the islands. Formed by the impressive Mombacho volcano. See the volcanic evidence and influence of the area. Enjoy great landscape views and wildlife and of course have a chance to take pictures. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Managua. Hotel HOLIDAY INN (B, L) 

DAY 11 TUE. MANAGUA-SALVADOR 
Transfer to the airport. Arrive in San Salvador and transfer to hotel EL SALVADOR. (B)

DAY 12 WED. SAN SALVADOR 
AM we will drive through the streets and avenues of the city until we arrive at Santa Elena; a beautiful residential area. After this we will visit the National Anthropological Museum Dr. David J. Guzman, where we will be able to have a guided tour in this interesting historical location. We will continue our tour through La Zona Rosa where you will be able to find everything to satisfy your nightlife; then to the Paseo General Escalon, until we arrive to the monument of the Divino Salvador del Mundo, located in the Plaza Las Americas. Then, we will continue the tour until we arrive at the monument of the Fallen Victims; then our tour shall continue through Los Heroes Boulevard, Alameda Juan Pablo II and Centro de Gobierno until we arrive to National Historical Center which will bring us very close to the Metropolitan Cathedral and to the National Palace; when we finish we will visit the monument of Central American Independence, then we shall go to a view-point located in Planes de Renderos,  for a magnificent view of the city and also access to a gallery of hand crafted artifacts. Hotel EL SALVADOR. (B)

DAY 13 THU. SAN SALVADOR -La Palma and San Ignacio. 
Today we will take you to La Palma, one of the most re-known cities for its art. Here interesting crafts are painted on wood and Copinol seeds with a singular artistic expression and beautiful colors. Also because we will be on an altitude of 1200 Mts. above sea level you are going to find a very pleasant climate. In La Palma, we will visit local craftsman’s workshops; so we can have the opportunity to learn about their art and above all, you will be able to participate in the elaboration of one of these beautiful pieces and take it home as a souvenir of your unforgettable stay. After lunch we re-take our journey to the town of San Ignacio, a gorgeous and quiet place located on the roots of the Petal Mountain, the highest mountain of El Salvador. Hotel EL SALVADOR (B)

DAY 14 FRI. SAN SALVADOR -Joyas del Ceren
Joya de Ceren is considered to be the most important archeological site ever discovered in El Salvador, which was declared world heritage by UNESCO in 1993 for being the only location in the whole Mayan culture where you can appreciate the day to day living styles of the popular pre-Columbian inhabitants. All was well preserved thanks to the ashes of the volcano’s eruption. We will return to the city through the Pan-American Highway going up and through the mountains that belong to El Balsamo´s mountain range, and to finish our tour, we will stop at a restaurant to enjoy a good local lunch. Hotel EL SALVADOR. (B)

DAY 15 SAT. EL SALVADOR-HONDURAS 
Depart San Salvador for San Pedro de Sula. Arrive and transfer to Hotel CLARION. (B)

DAY 16 SUN. SAN PEDRO DE SULA -Full day Copan
Visit the most beautiful Mayan site where you will observe archaeologists at work excavating and marking new discoveries. Visit the archaeological park, museum and the quaint village of Copan. Late afternoon return to San Pedro Sula. Hotel CLARION.
ABOUT COPAN
Since it was discovered by John Stephens in 1839, Copan has become the highest artistic and cultural achievement of the ancient Maya civilization. Often referred to as the Athens of the Maya world, the great works and peaceful surrounding of the forested Copan valley seldom fail to touch the hearts of most modern visitors. Today Copan has been named an UNESCO World Heritage site and a Honduran national monument. Also, it holds the new sculpture museum-an architectural landmark. 

DAY 17 MON. SAN PEDRO DE SULA
Depart from your hotel to visit one of the many banana plantations in the area. Here you will receive a brief history about bananas, how they are planted, harvested, transported and packed for shipping. You will visit the headquarters village of La Lima, home of the Chiquita Banana. Upon returning to San Pedro Sula visit the museum, the residential areas, and the Guamilito artisan market to do your souvenir shopping. Hotel CLARION. (B)

DAY 18 TUE. HONDURAS-GUATEMALA 
Transfer to the airport. Depart San Pedro de Sula for Guatemala via San Salvador. Overnight hotel BARCELO GUATEMALA.

DAY 19 WED. GUATEMALA 

Morning sightseeing tour of the Capital city, visiting the most important sites of old and new Guatemala City. Afternoon at leisure for some shopping. Guatemala has beautiful handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs. Hotel BARCELO. (B)

DAY 20 THU. GUATEMALA-CHICHICASTENANGO
Early morning depart Chichicastenango. One of the Guatemala’s most popular tourist destinations. Chichicastenango allows a glimpse of centuries-old-Indian ceremonies in the setting of a bustling, colorful marketplace. Travelers make a point of visiting this village, located some 90 miles from Guatemala City, on Thursdays and Sundays, when Indians from 60 surrounding villages bring handicrafts, produce and livestock to a lively open-air market in the town square.
On arrival visit the colorful open-air market and Church of Santo Tomas. The afternoon is at leisure for further shopping or to see the town on your own. Overnight at the MAYAN INN. (B)

DAY 21 FRI. CHICHICASTENANGO-ATITLAN
In the morning, transfer to Lake Atitlan - Guatemala’s most majestic natural wonder, framed by three volcanoes and towering mountains...Arrive in Atitlan and join the launch excursion to the picturesque lakeside village of Santiago Atitlan. The afternoon is at leisure for further shopping or to see the town on your own. Overnight at hotel ATITLAN (B)

DAY 22 SAT. ATITLAN-ANTIGUA-GUATEMALA
In morning you will depart for Antigua, the former Spanish Colonial Capital of the country and today a national monument of the Americas. Sightseeing tour of this charming town. A very pleasant city of cobble stones streets, houses and mansions with colonial-style facades and tile roofs. Your tour guide will take you to visit churches, convents, monasteries and other colonial buildings and explain the history of all these places. After lunch, continue to Guatemala City. Overnight Hotel BARCELO GUATEMALA. (B)

DAY 23 SUN. GUATEMALA-TIKAL
Today, you will go back more than 2,000 years in time when you visit Tikal. Early morning transfer to the airport for flight to the city of Flores. Arrive and transfer by car or bus to the National Park of Tikal for a visit of the many pyramids, stelaes, temples and buildings of one of the major archaeological finds of the Americas "Tikal", the Capital of the Mayan Empire. After lunch you will visit the local museum to learn more about this great civilization. Overnight Hotel CAMINO REAL TIKAL on the shores of Lake Peten. (B, L)

DAY 24 MON. GUATEMALA-BELIZE 
Transfer to the airport in Flores for flight to Belize City where you will be connecting with local flight to Ambergrys Caye. Arrive and transfer to hotel Sunbreeze –just a block away from the local airport and great location facing the Caribbean Ocean. Overnight hotel SUNBREEZE. (B)

DAY 25-26  TUE-WED. AMBERGRYS
Days at leisure to explore the island or just relax and stay by the beach. Great snorkeling and diving. Overnight hotel SUNBREEZE

DAY 27 THU. AMBERGRYS-BELIZE-DEPART
Walk across the street to the local airport in Ambergrys for flight to Belize City where you will be connecting with flight back home (international flights are not included).

*2024 LAND TOUR COST: per person  including local airfare Flores(Guatemala) - Belize City & Belize to Ambergrys RT.

Double: US$8,800; Triple $8,620; Single $14,840

AIR COST: per person

From Miami $1,600/1,750; New York $1,750/1,950; Los Angeles $1,800/1,990

(This cost of airfare includes portion from Panama-S.Jose-Managua-Salvador-San Pedro-Guatemala)

Airfare subject to change at any time. USA airport tax/fuel surcharges/security not included, about $250.
*From Jan.1 to Mar.31 and from Jul.01 to Aug.15, add $190 pp. From Dec.09 to 31 add $350 to all rates.

INCLUDING:
26 nights hotel accommodations with room taxes and service charges. Meals as marked in itinerary (B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner). Transfers on arrival and departure (airport/hotel/airport). English speaking tour guides and entrance fees when necessary. All ground transportation for the different tours mentioned in this itinerary. Local airfare from Flores (Guatemala) to Belize City (Belize) and to Ambergris Caye. Entrance fees when necessary.

NOT INCLUDED:
U.S.A airport departure taxes (usually included in your airline ticket). Travel & Health Insurance. Passports or entry documents. Tips to tour guides or bus drivers. Meals unless mentioned in you day by day itinerary.

LAND TOUR DEPOSIT: 15%  per person

LAND TOUR FINAL PAYMENT: 60 days before departure