There are bound to be questions when travelling. Information on everything from weather to internet connections can be found below.

• Inclusive Prices

  Cruise Prices

  Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel and cruise ship accommodations, motor coach transportation, port charges, land excursions, admissions, entertainment, sightseeing, special dinners, porterage, and the services of the Tauck Directors, hotel and ship staff, and local guides and drivers are included. All-day soft drinks, daily cocktail hour, and wine with dinner aboard the cruise ship are also included.  Transportation from Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima to the Miraflores Park Hotel is included regardless of the time you check in to the hotel, provided we have updated flight arrival information at least three weeks prior to the tour. Transportation from the Hilton Colon Guayaquil to Guayaquil International Airport is also included when you check out of the hotel. Transportation to and from airports may be shared with other Tauck guests.

  Hotel and Cruise Accommodations

  The tour price includes all hotel and cruise ship accommodations. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of accommodations may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. There are no triples on this tour.

  Your first class expeditionary ship accommodates fewer guests than large ocean-going vessels. Your outside stateroom with windows to the world includes a music system, safe and hair dryer. Your cabin also features adjustable air-conditioning and an en-suite bathroom with shower. Most cabins have two twin beds or one queen bed.

  Other cruise ship facilities include the following:  lounge, restaurant, sun deck, gift shop, library, Jacuzzi,  and glass bottom boat and kayaks.

  Meals

  Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary. Complimentary wine is served with dinner on board Isabela II  and complimentary soft drinks, coffee and tea service are available throughout the day. Each night you are invited to attend a complimentary cocktail hour. The legal drinking age aboard the cruise ship is 21.

  Tauck Director

  Each Peru & the Galápagos Islands tour is conducted by one Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the duration of the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.

  Gratuities Included

  All appropriate gratuities for Tauck Director, bellmen, doormen, housekeepers, dining room servers, drivers, ship staff, local guides and drivers are included.

  Luggage Handling and Restrictions

  Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour

  Due to space limitations aboard the motor coaches and local aircraft, we urge that only one piece of checked luggage be brought on this trip. Additionally, space constraints and weight limitations aboard the train to Machu Picchu require guests to carry limited personal belongings. Each passenger is restricted to no more than 44 lbs (20 kg) of luggage. Therefore, we will provide you with a duffel bag (roughly 1 ft by 1 ft by 2 ft in overall dimensions, or 30.5 cm by 30.5 cm by 60 cm) to carry your clothing and personal items for your one-night stay in Machu Picchu. Meanwhile, checked luggage will be stored, at the Hotel Monasterio in Cusco during the Machu Picchu excursion and, if desired, the Hilton Colon, in Guayaquil during the cruise. Small carry-on bags are permitted, but Ecuadorian airlines will check large wheeled carry-on’s, if desired with the larger luggage.If you reside in the Continental United States the duffel bag will be sent to your home and should arrive approximately two weeks prior to your departure for Peru. Guests residingin Alaska, Hawaii or outside of the U.S will receive their duffels upon arrival in Lima. Each guest is also restricted to one carry-on bag weighing no more than 22 lbs (10 kg).

  Checked Luggage – General

  While it is common for some airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.Recently, airlines have adopted policies enforcing strict number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.Many carriers require that checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable for the accuracy of the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers. You may wish to consult the website,luggagelimits.com, by clicking here.

  We cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.

  Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!

  Carry-on Luggage - General

  Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc. For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.
  
  

  No Options Sold

  Tauck Directors sometimes assist with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but they will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.

• On Tour Flights

  Five on-tour flights must be purchased through us as part of your tour package.

• Not Included

  Transportation

  Transportation to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.

  Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours

  To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your cruise. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the cruise cost. Airport transfers are included for these extended stays as described above under Inclusive Prices. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult Extend Your Trip in the Accommodations section above on this webpage and discuss it with your reservations sales consultant or your travel agent when you book your tour.

  Luggage Responsibility

  Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, cruise ship, airline, train and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities.  Please refer to the Tauck Travel Protection Product section below on this webpage for more information.

  Lost luggage is an unfortunate possibility in today's world of airline travel. We suggest that you:

  • Pack at least one change of clothing in your carry-on bag
  • Split your items between your suitcase and a traveling companion's suitcase
  • Do not pack any vital medications or valuables in your checked luggage
  • Confirm that your luggage is checked and tagged to your final destination at airport check-in
  • Place your luggage claim tags in a secure place for your flight
  • File a claim for any missing luggage immediately before leaving the baggage claim area
  • Secure a case number and contact information for follow-up communications
  • Make certain that the airline has your onward itinerary

  Your Tauck Director will assist you with airline and other carrier communications, but has no inside contacts to guarantee or expedite recovery of lost luggage. All recovery costs, including the communication costs, are your responsibility. Check your travel protection details for covered expenses.
  

  Personal Expenses

  Personal expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.

  Please note that there is a departure tax. This must be paid at the airport when departing from Ecuador and is not included in the price of the tour. Please visit the State Department website for further details by clicking here. 

• Preparing to Go

  Journey Start and End Times

  Journey start and end times are provided at time of booking and are subject to change due to airline schedule changes. All booking agents and guests will be advised of such changes.The tour begins upon your arrival at the Miraflores Park Hotel in Lima on the first day of the tour.  When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs. The tour ends upon your arrival at José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil on the last day of the tour.Each carrier and each airport has different rules regarding how early you must arrive for flight check in. Please contact your individual carrier for this information.

  Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility

  We pledge to make every effort to operate all cruises as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by us. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.

  Holiday and Museum Closures

  Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many state, religious and civic holidays locally observed. You may wish to log on to Wikipedia to view a list of holidays by country by clicking here.

  Photography On Tour

  Occasionally, we will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your cruise for print, Internet and other media promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.

  Membership

  Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.

  ATM and Credit Cards

  We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on this cruise to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be "suspicious" charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.

  Cell Phone Usage

  We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone while on the motor coach, during group functions, when sightseeing and when your Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There will be many opportunities to make and receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
  
  Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine if your service extends to Peru and Ecuador.

• Health and Activity

  To fully enjoy this tour’s itinerary, participants must be in good health. This is a rigorous tour and you need to be in good physical condition with good balance as the terrain varies from sandy beaches to uneven lava and rocks. Proper walking shoes with ankle support are essential. You may want to bring a walking stick – there are a few available on board Isabela II for the Galápagos section of your journey. Walks range from 1 to 2 mi (3 to 6 km) in length and last from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

  You will spend several days touring at high altitudes in Peru [especially Cusco at 11,200 ft (3,414 m)]. At these altitudes some visitors may suffer varying degrees of altitude sickness, including nausea. We have found that some guests may be more affected by the altitude than others. Medications are available to prevent altitude sickness, and we urge you to speak with your physician prior to your departure from home to discuss prophylaxis for safe travel.

  All ship-to-shore transfers use Zodiacs or Pangas (capacity 9 to 12 persons). Occasionally you will get wet with spray. Some wet landings require guests to wade through knee-high deep coastal water.

  There are three decks on Isabela II; however, there is no elevator.

  AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND MOBILITY ISSUES:  This Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks, wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Oxygen tanks are strictly prohibited in many foreign countries on regional flights aboard small aircraft, such as those intra-tour flights featured on this Tauck journey.  Likewise, the very limited cargo capacity on such flights prohibits the transport of wheelchairs or motorized scooters. 

  Guests should also bear in mind that the infrastructure in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. 

  Isabela II does not have mechanical stabilizers because the water around the Galápagos Islands is very calm. However, the ship has a rounded hull that helps minimize rocking. We travel between the various islands so the areas in which we cruise are sheltered. If you are prone to seasickness, bring a non–drowsy, over-the-counter, anti-nausea medication. Anti-nausea wristbands are also a good idea. The anti-nausea patch is NOT recommended for use in the islands as it tends to impair vision in direct sunlight.

  Bottled water is available throughout the trip, both in Peru and Ecuador, on board Isabela II and during onshore excursions.

  Guests bringing a quantity of medication with them are advised to carry a doctor’s certificate to avoid possible problems with customs officials.

  Smoking is not permitted in any interior space on board Isabela II. Smoke and open fire will activate the smoke detectors. Smoking is allowed on outside decks only, and there are ashtrays placed in specific exterior deck areas. Please do not throw your cigarettes overboard, as it is a violation of international maritime pollution laws and they can easily be blown back onto the ship. Please refrain from smoking on shore and in shore excursion vehicles and ship tenders. Smoking is also not permitted on the motor coaches.

  The only islands with bathroom facilities are San Cristobal and Baltra, where there are visitor centers. We will be returning back to the ship for lunch and dinner, and Zodiacs or Pangas will travel back and forth to the ship during shore excursions.

  The infirmary on Isabela II is staffed by a licensed Ecuadorian doctor. If you avail yourself of his services, a charge will be posted to your personal shipboard account. Isabela II is registered in Ecuador. Please check with your insurer to determine if coverage applies while you are traveling, and purchase appropriate travel insurance if necessary.

  If you are traveling as the guardian of a child or children, we strongly suggest you bring along a letter from both parents of the child authorizing any emergency treatment, as medical facilities may require permission from the child’s parent or parents.

  If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

  VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

  Some of the countries visited on this itinerary may require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases in order to enter the country.  These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is therefore crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey.

  For the most current information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here and the World Health Organization (WHO) by clicking here. You may also wish to visit the web sites for the embassies of the countries you will be visiting.  Besides providing details on vaccination requirements, these sites can also provide information on vaccinations that may be recommended (but aren’t required) and other potential health issues for which no vaccines are available.

  Any decisions relating to your health, of course, should not be based solely on information provided by a web site.  It is critically important that you consult with your personal physician prior to your journey to obtain any required vaccinations and to review any optional recommendations offered by the CDC or other sources.

  Please be sure to discuss your journey with your physician at least four to six weeks in advance of your departure, as certain vaccinations take time to become fully effective.  Also, be certain to ask your physician for proof of any vaccinations you receive, and to pack this proof along with your other travel documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked luggage).

  Researching and complying with vaccination entry requirements for the countries visited on this itinerary is the responsibility of the traveler and not Tauck. Tauck is therefore not responsible for any expenses incurred or disruptions to travel caused by improper or incomplete vaccinations, or by the failure to provide proof of required vaccinations. 

  If you do not obtain the necessary vaccinations and proper documentation, you may be denied entry into one or more countries, or temporarily quarantined until the necessary vaccinations are administered, or until proper documentation is provided.

  Airline Disinsection

  The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a guidance letter that requires airlines and travel agents to disclose to consumers countries that require the use of insecticides by airlines. Please click here for more information.

   

• Additional Information

  Travel Documents Required

  If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Peru and Ecuador. You do not need a visa for this tour provided that you do not stay in Peru or Ecuador longer than 90 days.
  
  If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact a consulate or embassy of Peru and of Ecuador to determine what travel documentation is required.

  You will be issued a boarding card, which you must present before embarking the ship in each port. This security measure also ensures that only Tauck guests are permitted onboard.
  
  We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

  Travel With Children

  Age Recommendations – Children 6 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.

  Babysitting ― Our journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. If you require babysitting services, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer on-site babysitting services; however, babysitting services may not be available at all of our hotels.
  
  There are no babysitting services available on the cruise ship. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
  
  Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety during the cruise. By traveling with us, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
  
  Special Travel Documentation for Children
  Authorization for Travel
  
  If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a notarized note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
  
  If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (parent deceased, sole custody, etc.), other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, or a death certificate, will be useful.
  
  Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, we require you to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information may be obtained from a country’s consulate or embassy.
  
  Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
  
  In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents (including other pertinent documents as cited above) authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.

  Children who are U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the journey.
  
  We are not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by the improper documentation of any guest, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
  
  The cruise line requires that children less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult over 21 years of age. They are also unable to accommodate children less than five years of age.

  Airline Security Measures

  If you are traveling from the U.S., the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, must precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith, not John Thomas Smith, Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your passport.
  
  If you make your air travel arrangements through us, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.
  
  For more information on the TSA's requirements, please visit their website by clicking here. 
  
  If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S., you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
  
  Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.

  Cruise Regulations

  International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the ship, your passport will be held by the purser until you disembark.

• What to Pack

  Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we’ve partnered with New Headings who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site.

  This is a very casual tour.  Dressy clothing is not required for the farewell dinner.  You may, however, want to bring one dressy outfit for our dinner at a private home on Night 2.  Most important are comfortable walking shoes with ankle support for walks over rocky, uneven terrain.  You will also need reef shoes, aqua shoes or old sneakers with sturdy rubber soles for beach landings. Your feet will get wet.  Bring a windbreaker, sweater or jacket for the cool nights at sea.

  Bring a bathing suit for swimming and snorkeling (snorkeling equipment is provided or you can bring your own).  If you use a prescription snorkeling mask, you will need to bring it with you.  A wetsuit is recommended for snorkeling in September and October, as the water tends to be cooler.  Shortie wet suits are  provided on the ship for your convenience.

  To assist in early morning wake-ups, we suggest bringing a compact, battery operated alarm clock. You can also arrange a wake-up call while on board. 

  A small backpack will be very useful during Galapagos shore excursions and our visit to Machu Picchu.

  IMPORTANT: Sundries and toiletries are difficult to find in the Galapagos Islands.  Provided for you in your stateroom are biodegradable shampoo, body wash and a bar of soap. 

  Consider packing a number of garment combinations you can mix and match over four or five days before needing to do laundry.  

  Beyond your normal wardrobe and personal grooming items, we suggest you also bring along:

  -Comfortable walking shoes (VERY IMPORTANT!)                                   

  -Rain gear (lightweight slicker)                                               

  -Sunglasses                                                                    

  -Sunscreen, sunhat, lip balm with SPF 15 or higher                             

  -Travel alarm clock / small flashlight                                         

  -Prescription medicines (an adequate supply to last your entire journey), and written copies of your prescriptions from your doctor.  While it may be possible to refill prescriptions during your journey, the availability of refills cannot be guaranteed.  What's more, refilling prescriptions in foreign countries can be difficult and time-consuming.                                  

  -Insect repellent                                                              

  -Swimming attire                                                               

  -Teva-style sandals or watershoes                                               

  -Binoculars                                                                    

  -Seasickness / high altitude medication                                        

  -Ziplock bags for cameras during ship-to-shore transfers

  -Antibacterial lotion                                                          

  -Small backpack                                                                

  -Camera (with extra memory cards, telephoto lens and batteries)

  We recommend that you pack any prescription medicines (an adequate supply for your entire journey) along with your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag, in order to minimize any inconvenience should your luggage be lost or delayed.  We also recommend, for your peace of mind and personal security, that all expensive jewelry and other valuables be left at home.   

• Upon Arrival...

  Air Conditioning

  Due to the altitude of the sites visited, you may actually need heaters to stay comfortable at night. The Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru, Hilton Colón Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador, and the Isabela II  are air-conditioned. The Sol & Luna Lodge & Spa, Yucay Valley, Peru, Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu, Peru, and Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru are not air-conditioned and the Machu Picchu Lodge and Hotel Monasterio provide heaters. Please note that in South America air conditioning means air cooling, with temperatures not as cool as found in a typical home in the U.S. during summer.

  Currency and Exchange Rates

  The official currency in Ecuador is the U.S. dollar (USD); the currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). The Nuevo Sol exchange rate floats in relation to the U.S. dollar. Cash and traveler's checks may be exchanged at any bank, the airport, at most hotels or at exchange houses, or casas de cambio. The airport will give you the official rate of exchange, the same as banks, and a small fee is usually charged for changing travelers’ checks. Many restaurants, hotels and shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment, so it is a good idea to bring U.S. dollars in small denominations for local shopping. Travelers’ checks are accepted in the larger cities, however, there is often a fee charged to cash them. ATMs are available in the cities, and major credit cards are accepted in tourist areas and at large hotels although a commission is often charged. Hotels are unable to exchange large amounts of currency.
  
  Shipboard accounts aboard Isabela II may be paid by U.S. dollars, Visa, MasterCard or American Express. There is no foreign exchange facility on the ship.
  
  To obtain the most current exchange rates for all national currencies, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to oanda.com by clicking here.

  Customs and Tax-Free Shopping

  Each country we visit has its own customs clearing process. You should familiarize yourself with Ecuador and Peru's specific required declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries. You may find additional information by visiting VisaHQ.com by clicking here.
  
  If you are a U.S. resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, you are entitled to a duty-free exemption based on the total value of merchandise purchase abroad, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the U.S. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.
  
  If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
  
  Many countries levy Value Added Taxes (VAT) on consumer goods and services. (The tax rate may be higher for luxury items and lower for basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union) in which the purchase is made, you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.

  Electrical Current

  The Miraflores and Monasterio hotels in Peru have equipped their guest rooms with both 110 V and 220 V, 60 Hz, AC, electrical outlets. The Sol & Luna and Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, provide 220 V, 60 Hz, AC, electrical current, but also provide converters and adapters upon request. Isabela II and the Hilton Colón Guayaquil provide 110 V, 60 Hz, AC. If you bring electric devices that are not compatible with these standards may need to bring the appropriate adapters and converters.

  Internet Access

  Complimentary basic Internet where available in hotel rooms; service levels are not guaranteed.

  Time Zones

  Lima and Cusco, Peru, and Guayaquil, Ecuador, are 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time); the Galápagos Islands are 6 hours behind. In June, Lima, Cusco and Guayaquil are 1 hour behind New York City; the Galápagos Islands are 2 hours behind. Peru and Ecuador do not have Daylight Savings Time. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to timeanddate.com by clicking here.

  Elevation

  This adventurous itinerary takes our guests from coastal city of Lima to the majestic heights of Machu Picchu to the tropical Galápagos Islands. Guests will experience great changes in land elevations throughout the tour. The principal sites visited - in the order visited - and their associated elevations are:

  Lima 512 ft (156 meters) Yucay Valley 8,500 ft (2,591 m) Aguas Calientes 7,800 ft (2,377 m) Cusco 12,200 feet (3,414 m) Guayaquil Sea Level Galápagos Islands Sea Level

  Weather

  The Peruvian coast is generally sunny and hardly ever receives any rain, but from April to November there is a heavy sea mist. The highlands have a wet season (October to April) and a dry season (May to September), when the days are clear and sunny but cold at night especially at higher altitudes.
  
  The Galápagos Islands lie almost on the equator about 650 miles (1,046 kilometers) west of the coast of Ecuador. The islands have an unusual climate in view of their proximity to the equator; rainfall is low and temperatures are lower than would be expected. There are no extremes of heat or cold, and temperatures range from 75° to 86°F (24° to 30°C) year round. The weather is hot and sunny in the islands and sea temperatures average 67° to 72°F (19° to 22°C). For guests planning on swimming, most swimming takes place at midday hours. Although there is more rain on the larger islands which are hilly (such as Seymour Island), rainfall is low at sea level and comes during the months of January to April. Light drizzle and even fog, however, are not uncommon at other times of the year.

  To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here. 

  	Average Temperature
  	Lima, Peru		Cusco, Peru
  Month	Hi/Lo ºF	Hi/Lo ºC	Hi/Lo ºF	Hi/Lo ºC
  January	79 / 68	26 / 20	64 / 43	18 / 6
  February	80 / 69	27 / 21	65 / 43	18 / 6
  March	80 / 69	27 / 21	66 / 43	19 / 6
  April	76 / 66	24 / 19	67 / 41	19 / 5
  May	72 / 63	22 / 17	67 / 36	19 / 2
  June	69 / 61	21 / 16	66 / 32	19 / 0
  July	67 / 60	19 / 16	66 / 32	19 / 0
  August	66 / 60	19 / 16	67 / 35	19 / 2
  September	67 / 59	19 / 15	68 / 39	20 / 4
  October	69 / 61	21 / 16	69 / 41	21 / 5
  November	72 / 63	22 / 17	69 / 42	21 / 6
  December	76 / 66	24 / 19	69 / 43	21 / 6
  	Guayaquil, Ecuador		Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
  Month	Hi/Lo ºF	Hi/Lo ºC	Hi/Lo ºF	Hi/Lo ºC
  January	88 / 70	31 / 21	82 / 73	28 / 23
  February	88 / 72	31 / 22	85 / 73	30 / 23
  March	88 / 72	31 / 22	87 / 74	31 / 24
  April	90 / 72	32 / 22	84 / 74	29 / 24
  May	88 / 68	31 / 20	82 / 72	28 / 22
  June	88 / 68	31 / 20	79 / 71	26 / 22
  July	84 / 66	29 / 19	77 / 69	25 / 21
  August	86 / 64	30 / 18	75 / 66	24 / 19
  September	88 / 66	31 / 19	75 / 67	24 / 20
  October	86 / 68	30 / 20	76 / 66	25 / 19
  November	88 / 68	31 / 20	78 / 68	26 / 20
  December	88 / 70	31 / 21	80 / 70	27 / 21

   

  	Average Rainfall
  	Lima, Peru		Cusco, Peru
  Month	Inches	Millimeters	Inches	Millimeters
  January	0.0	0	6.3	160
  February	0.0	0	5.2	132
  March	0.0	0	4.3	109
  April	0.0	0	1.8	46
  May	0.0	0	0.3	8
  June	0.1	3	0.1	3
  July	0.2	5	0.2	5
  August	0.1	3	0.3	8
  September	0.1	3	0.9	23
  October	0.1	3	1.9	48
  November	0.0	0	3.1	79
  December	0.0	0	4.7	119
  	Guayaquil, Ecuador		Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
  Month	Inches	Millimeters	Inches	Millimeters
  January	9.1	231	2.7	69
  February	9.5	241	3.6	91
  March	9.9	251	3.7	94
  April	6.0	152	2.8	71
  May	2.4	61	1.3	33
  June	1.3	33	0.9	23
  July	0.4	10	0.6	15
  August	0.0	0	0.2	5
  September	0.1	3	0.2	5
  October	0.1	3	0.2	5
  November	0.2	5	0.3	8
  December	1.3	33	1.2	30

  
  

• Book This Trip

  Have Information Ready

  To help expedite your booking, please have the following information ready before you call us:

  • Tour Name and Departure Date Desired
  • Traveler Name(s): Please have first and last names as they appear on the passport or driver’s license.
  • Traveler’s Address(es)
  • Traveler’s Phone Number(s)
  • Emergency Contact Information: This would be a relative or friend whom we could contact during the tour in the event of an emergency. Please provide their name and phone number(s).
  • Interest in purchasing Tauck’s Travel Protection Product (see below).
  • Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
  • Interest in our specially negotiated airfares.

  For Reservations Call

  For reservations, call 800-788-7885 or contact your travel agent to book today!
  
  Reservation Sales Center hours – North America Eastern Time Zone (New York City time):

  Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM  
  Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM  
  Sunday: 12:00 Noon – 5:00 PM  

  Deposit Date

  Upon your request, we will hold space tentatively for you and give a “Deposit Due Date,” by which a deposit must be received or space is automatically released. Your deposit is $1,100 per person.

  Special Requests

  We will be happy to advise hotels of any special requests, provided we receive them at time of booking. We regret that requests cannot be guaranteed.

  Final Payment

  Final Payment is due at Tauck’s Norwalk, CT office 60 days before departure. Any bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice.

  Final Documents

  Final documents, which may include airline tickets, when applicable, are sent by first class mail upon receipt of final payment. They include joining instructions, hotel lists, tour itinerary, clothing suggestions, luggage tags and other pertinent information. We recommend overnight mailing service for any reservation that is made within 30 days of the tour departure date to ensure timely delivery. The additional expense will be added to your tour cost.

• Tauck Travel Protection Product / If You Have To Cancel

  Tauck’s Cruise Protection and Cancellation Fee Waiver

  Guests booking a Tauck cruise have the option of purchasing cancellation protection from Tauck in the event they need to cancel their cruise after booking.

  Tauck's Travel Protection is available to all travelers, with the exception of residents of Puerto Rico. Residents of Puerto Rico are eligible for some cancellation protection by purchasing Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver (see below).

  Tauck’s Cruise Protection

  Under Tauck’s all-inclusive Cruise Protection, you can cancel your cruise for any covered reason up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the cruise cost, based on your original method of payment. The following conditions apply:

  Section I – Should you have to cancel your cruise for any reason, Tauck’s Cruise Protection reduces the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Section I is provided by Tauck.

  Section II – Travel Insurance and Services
  Cancellation for Covered Reasons – Should you have to cancel your cruise due to illness, injury or other covered reason, any cancellation or airline penalties not refunded by Tauck would be reimbursable under Section II. This Protection also provides 24-hour emergency assistance services as well as:

  • Airfare Protection – Should you need to cancel or interrupt your cruise for covered medical reasons, airfares and air penalties are covered.
  • Medical Protection – Reimbursement for covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or ill during your cruise (including pre-existing conditions if purchased at time of booking).
  • Luggage Protection – Reimbursement for lost, stolen, delayed or damaged luggage.

  The cost of Tauck’s Cruise Protection is $550.00 per person.

  The above is a summary of the plan. Please refer to the Description of Coverage pamphlet provided with written confirmation of your cruise reservation for the complete details of the policy terms, limitations and exclusions applicable to Section II of the plan.

  The coverage and services provided under Section II are underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA under policy number 9429-9500423 and administered by BerkelyCare.

  This optional Cruise Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your cruise reservation. Cruise Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Cost is not refundable under any circumstances. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

  Cancellation Fee Waiver

  Should you have to cancel your cruise en route for any reason, a non-refundable Cancellation Fee Waiver reduces cancellation fees outlined (except in Extreme Circumstances*), provided we are notified of your cancellation the day before your cruise departs. The cost for this Cancellation Fee Waiver is $400.00 per person.

  This Waiver is not insurance; it does not cover airline penalties, luggage damage, personal injury, or does not protect travel agent commissions. The advantage of this Waiver is that you may cancel for any reason. This optional Cancellation Fee Waiver must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Cost of Waiver is not refundable under any circumstances.

  *Extreme Circumstances: In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

  If You Have To Cancel

  Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. Therefore, the fees listed will apply.

  Guests choosing to purchase Tauck’s Cruise Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:

  60 days or more before departure
  Loss of cost of Tauck’s Cruise Protection ($550.00) or Cancellation Fee Waiver ($400.00) per person

  59-30 days before departure
  Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise Protection fee, per person

  29-1 days before departure
  Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise Protection fee, per person

  Guests choosing not to purchase Tauck’s Cruise Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:

  60 days or more before departure
  $1100.00 per person

  59-30 days before departure
  Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person

  29-1 days before departure
  Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person

  Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office.

  In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein.

  Cruise Interruption Fees – If you have to interrupt your cruise en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

  Partial Room Cancellation – A person canceling or leaving a cruise while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another. The price charged the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

  Click here to download our complete Description of Coverage.

• Air Services

  Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline only, even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a one of our tours. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.