ECUADOR
Amazon and Galapagos | Tour Packages | Vacation Packages

Private Deluxe Quito    6 days in Quito with deluxe hotels with private transfers and private tours

Galapagos with the Isabella II    8 days, Cruising the Galapagos Islands for 5 days and visiting Quito for 3 days. (with optional extension to Cuzco & Machu Picchu)

Galapagos with the M/V Legend (also Coral I or Coral II)    8 days.  Cruising Galapagos aboard the M/V Legend for 3 nights (also options for 4,7,11 night cruise) and visiting Quito and surroundings areas for 4 nights.

Magnificent Galapagos    Cruising around the islands for 8 days...(plus one night in Quito) Deluxe and First Class Yachts options....

Galapagos by Land + Quito  8 day program with daily excursions from your hotel in Galapagos plus Quito .....(Silberstein, Finch Bay, Royal Palm, Safari Camp, Pikaia)

Galapagos Specials  Last minute deals...

Amazon Rain Forest Programs:

Combine Programs:

Extensions:

For more information about the M/V Legend click here

For more information about the Coral I or II yacht click here

 SEE OPTIONAL TO CUZCO AND MACHU PICCHU AT THE END OF THIS PAGE

DEPOSITS:  

US$700.00 per person at the time of booking. Final payment is due 65 days before departure.

FIRST CLASS YACHTS:

Child rate under 12 years old sharing room/cabin with parents 35% discount.

Single rate: Please add 50% (of the double cost); Triple accomodations very limited -apply $200 less pp

Call for details or emial us: tara@taratours.com

Not included: National Park fees of about US$80. INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE. Insurance and any other service not specifically mentioned in the included section. Airport departure taxes for your international flight Quito US$48 (usually this amount is included in your international air ticket)

NOTE: The Manatee departs every Monday and The Anakonda every Wednesday from the port of Coca.

For an upgrade to Hotel Hilton Colon in Quito add US$90 pp to abover rates.

SAMPLE AIRFARE FROM MIAMI: US$550-650 from New York $550-750; Los Angeles $700-900; Dallas $600-800 . Airfares from any city in USA or Canada available upon request.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

DAY 01 SATURDAY  ARRIVE QUITO

After going through customs and immigration, you will be transfer to hotel Dann Carlton

DAY 02 SUNDAY QUITO

Morning sightseeing tour of Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will stroll at the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. We will visit the temple of *La Compañía de Jesús and its awesome gilded interior. We will continue on to the Monastery of San Francisco, one the of great religious buildings of the New World; its impressive façade and atrium that lead to its Baroque interior influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar. The tour ends at a lookout point with a great view of Quito (B)

DAY 03 MONDAY Quito-Coca-Manatee Amazon Explorer
Transfer to the airport for flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arriving to Coca at around 12:00. Transfer to the Napo River port then the motorized canoe ride downstream will be approximately one hour and 30 minutes. Once aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer will start navigating downstream. The courteous crew will attend to your needs and the guides will introduce you to the surprising Amazon world, its people, more than 600 species of birds, and hundreds of botanical wonders. The Manatee sails along different ecosystems and important natural reserves such as the Yasuní National Park and the Limoncocha Biological Reserve. Late afternoon briefing on next day activities. (B,L,D)

NOTE: PLEASE BE ADVISE THE ANAKONDA DEPARTS ON WEDNESDAY FROM COCA AND THE MANATEE ON MONDAYS. Your itinerary will be adjusted accordingly to the departure of each vessel.

DAY 04 TUESDAY Manatee Amazon Explorer
Terra Firmae Forest, Lakes and Gorges
Morning disembarkation for a stroll on terra firma forest, towards an internal lagoon on the Yasuní National Park, observing the different ecosystems and accompanied by the naturalist guide. The excursion includes the opportunity to swim and fish for the famous piranha, time to rest and lunch. The return to the mighty Napo River will be on board a native canoe, rowing along a small black water creek or gorge. (B,L,D)

DAY 05 WEDNESDAY Manatee Amazon Explorer
Parrots and the Limoncocha Biological Reserve
Early departure by motor canoe to visit a very special corner of the jungle, the clay banks of the river where different species of parrots gather daily to eat this clay that helps them digest the seeds they feed on, it is quite a sight, colorful and noisy! Then, back aboard the Manatee to sail upriver and reach one of the tributaries of the Napo to observe the flora and fauna, the surprising pygmy monkeys and then a trek to the facilities of what used to be South America's Summer Institute of Linguistics in Limoncocha, currently the only Biological Reserve of Ecuador.
Upon reaching the Limoncocha Lake, we will board a canoe and travel along the banks of this marshy ecosystem, where over 470 species of birds have been recorded. There is a possibility to fish for piranha, and for a short walk. At night, it is possible to observe the black caimans that inhabit the lagoon; quite an experience... Late return to the Manatee for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 06 THURSDAY Manatee Amazon Explorer
Culture / The Amazonian man / Giants of the Forest
The adventure today begins with a visit to the Museum of Pompeya, a small archaeological sample with Amazonian funeral urns that date back several centuries, as well as utensils and ways of life of the ancient denizens of the rain forest, which can still be seen today. We will also have the opportunity to see the giant trees of the Amazon, like the kapok, which rises over the forest canopy to more than 40 meters high, with huge, protruding roots. Guests can also try rowing the canoes on a tranquil tributary of the Napo River up to the house of a native family, to share a moment with them and learn their ways of life. (B,L,D)

DAY 07 FRIDAY Manatee-Coca-Quito
While the Manatee navigates upriver, the guides wrap up our knowledge of the great Amazon region. Then transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito.

Arrive in Quito and transfer to hotel selected for the night. (B)

DAY 08 SATURDAY QUITO - DEPART:  

Transfer to the airport . (B)

For information about the Manatee click here

For information about the  Anakonda  click here  

ITINERARY

Departs every Saturdays or Tuesday

Arrive Quito an after going through customs and immigration, you will be transferred to five star hotel Hilton.

MOrning sightseeing tour of Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will stroll at the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. We will visit the temple of *La Compañía de Jesús and its awesome gilded interior. We will continue on to the Monastery of San Francisco, one the of great religious buildings of the New World; its impressive façade and atrium that lead to its Baroque interior influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar. The tour ends at a lookout point with a great view of Quito. Overnight Hilton Colon (B)

DAY 03 MON or THU. QUITO-GALAPAGOS with deluxe yacht Isabella II (Northern or Western Island Itinerary)

Baltra Island

Morning arrival to Baltra Island  and immediate transfer to the dock to board the  Deluxe Yacht ISABELLA II.   Welcome introductory briefing and lunch.

Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
After WWII, US military barges were beached and abandoned here. Locals referred to the beach as the barges beach, a name that morphed to “bachas”. Today it is an important nesting area for the east Pacific green sea turtle. Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is a glorious white beach, with several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. Briefing and dinner. (B,L,D)

NOTE: Northern itinerary departs Baltra on Monday and the Western itinerary departs Thursdays

For more information on the Isabella II click here

DAY 04 TUE or FRI. GALAPAGOS
Espumilla Beach (James Island)
After breakfast, a wet landing on the large coffee-coloured sand beach, just north of the prized fresh water supply that once attracted pirates and whalers. Galápagos Islands visitors who today come to Espumilla Beach arrive in search of birds rather than water. A short walk inland takes guests through a mangrove forest. Sea Turtles also visit these mangroves to nest. Beyond the mangroves lies a brackish lagoon where flocks of pink flamingos and white cheeked pintails can be seen. Lunch on board.
Puerto Egas (James Island)

Wet landing for a mid-length walk.  Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows. This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds.  At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds and there is a colony of fur-sea lions.  Opportunity for snorkelling and swimming from the beach after the walk, or a ride on the glass-bottom boat. Briefing and dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 05 WED or SAT. GALAPAGOS

Rábida Island (Jervis)

Disembark at Rábida Island (wet landing) on a red-coloured beach, due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. A gratifying stroll along the beach of this small island (1.9 sq. mi.) allows the observation of a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where at times greater flamingos migrate. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners as well as for experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. During navigation to our next island, dolphins are often spotted. Lunch on board.

Bartolomé Island

Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. A great way to start the day! This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase with handrails; the view from the top is worth the effort. Dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, then time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and some snorkelling, possibly with Galápagos penguins, or else a ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.  Briefing and dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 06 THU or SUN. GALAPAGOS

Prince Philip's Steps (Tower/Genovesa Island)

The morning starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs and then disembark (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) up some stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, the land is flat, allowing for a stimulating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island, observing large colonies of masked boobies, frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions). Lunch on board.

Darwin Bay (Tower/Genovesa Island)

In the afternoon, a wet landing for an easy stroll observing thousands of birds, mainly frigate birds, red footed and masked boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkelling at this beautiful natural harbour. The more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs. Briefing and dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 07 FRI or MON.  GALAPAGOS-QUITO

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal (Chatham) Island)

After breakfast, departure to the port and airport to take the flight back to the mainland. Arrive in Quito and transfer to hotel Wyndham by the airport. (B)

Transfer to the airport for flight home or to continue your vacation with an optional extension to Peru and Machu Picchu (click here) or to the Amazon Rain Forest. (B)

2024-2025 LAND TOUR CRUISE COST PER PERSON  (includes local airfare Quito-Galapagos-Quito)

* Single accommodation in Standard cabin (only 1 available). Triple accomodations based on a Classic Family Cabin (only 2 available)

For more information about the deluxe yacht Isabella II  -click here

Meeting and transfer service.  Tours as noted in itinerary including entrance fees and English speaking naturalist guides.  hotel accommodations  for 3 nights in Quito with room taxes and service charges with Buffet Breakfast.  The 5 day/4 night Galapagos Cruise aboard the ISABELLA II –with 2 lower berths. Meals as noted in itinerary B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner. · Airfare to/from to Galapagos Island. Tips to airport porters.

International airfare; Services not mentioned in itinerary; Passport fees; Galapagos National Park Tax of $200; immigration card to enter Galapagos of US$20; Airport departure taxes of $2.00 to $5.00 for local flights in Ecuador; Insurance;  Tips to hotel porters and tour guides; USA/Ecuador international departure taxes (usually included in your international air ticket)

15% per person at the time of booking. Final payment is due 65 days before departure.

Short Visit to Galapagos & Machu Picchu

Visiting Quito, Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu and

Cruising the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/V Legend

RATES PER PERSON Includes local airfares Quito-Galapagos-Quito and  Lima-Cuzco-Lima

* Does not include international airfare USA-Quito, Quito-Lima and Lima-USA

Children under 12 years old –sharing room with 2 adults, 20 % discount.

Note: Upgrade to Junior Suite for $490 per person. For the Legend suites add $880 per person.

Triples available on Junior Suites only -call or email us for rates. (tara@taratours.com) 1-800-327-0080

INCLUDING:
Meeting and transfer service; Tours as mentioned in itinerary with entrance fees and English speaking naturalist guides;  Hotels (4 stars) as per itinerary with room taxes, service charges and Buffet Breakfast for 5 nights ; The 4 day/3 nights Galapagos Cruise aboard the M/V Legend –outside standard plus cabins- with 2 lower berths;  Meals as noted in itinerary B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner. Airfare Quito-Galapagos-Quito  and Lima-Cuzco-Lima. Tips to airport porters.

NOT INCLUDED:

International airfare; Services not mentioned in itinerary; Passport fees; Galapagos National Park Tax upon entry $200; $20 immigration card to enter Galapagos; Airport departure taxes of $2.00 to $5.00 for local flights in Ecuador and Peru; Insurance;  Tips to hotel porters and tour guides; USA, Ecuador & Peru departure taxes (usually included in your international airticke); fuel surcharge for all Galapagos cruises ...about $50 per person for the 3 night cruise.

SAMPLE AIRFARE FROM MIAMI : US$700-900

SAMPLE ADD-ONS: $180 from ORL, TPA, JAX, FMY; $220 from ATL;  add $250 from BDL, BOS, BWI, EWR, NYC, PHL, RDU, WAS - Add $300 from CHI, CLE, DTT; - Add $330 from DEN, DFW, HOU, MSY, SJU; Add $390 from LAX, SFO, SEA. RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME

Penalties are as follows prior to departure date:

- At any time....deposit to Galapagos cruises of $300 is not refundable.

- 120-61 days $350 penalty per passenger service charge.

- 60-31 days 50% penalty

- 30 or less -no refunds 

With private tours of Quito and Otavalo

• 5 nights at the new DELUXE Casa Gangotena (Luxury rooms).

• Hotel room taxes and service charges

• Private transfers on arrival and departure

• Private City tour of Quito

• Private full day tour to Otavalo Indian Market with lunch at La Mirage

• English speaking tour guides

• Assistance of our local representatives 24/7

• Daily Buffet Breakfast

• Daily Tea time at Casa Gangotena

 2024-2025 COST PER PERSON:

International airfare not included.

Not included:

Airfare, Travel & Health insurance , meals and any other service not specifically mentioned in the including section.

Airfare available upon request. Sample cost from Miami US$500-600; New York $600-700; Los Angeles $750-850

Special Andean cities Quito, Cuenca & Papallacta Thermal Baths

8 days-7 nights

• Transfers on arrival and departure in Quito and Cuenca.
• 3 nights hotel accommodations of your choice in Quito (see below hotel choices)
• Daily Buffet Breakfast.
• Half day tour of Quito.
• Full day excursion to Otavalo native market and lunch at local Hacienda.
• Hotel with room taxes and service charges
• Local airfare Quito-Cuenca-Quito
• 3 nights hotel accommodations in Cuenca at hotel selected.
• City tour of Cuenca.
• English speaking tour guides.
• Assistance of our local representatives 24/7
• One night at the Papallacta Spa and thermal baths

NOT INCLUDED INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE MIAMI-LIMA-MIAMI: Approximate cost US$500-650

3 stars hotels: Quito: Boutique Hotel Silbertein; Cuenca: Dorado; Papallacta: Hotel Papallacta

4 stars hotels: Quito: Go Quito; Cuenca: Santa Lucia; Papallacta: Hotel Papallacta

5 stars hotels: Quito: Hilton Colon; Cuenca: Mansion Alcazar; Papallacta: Hotel Papallacta

Not Included :
International airfare, personal expenses, Travel and Health Insurance, Alcoholic beverages, Gratuities.