How We Work - Our Policies and Procedures

These trips are not only our business, they are our personal vacations as well.  With this in mind, we only go to places which we ourselves have dreamed of visiting.  We have a personal stake in our tours being special because they are part of OUR special dreams and lifetime plans.  We work diligently in planning our tours.  Extensive research, first hand accounts, and chats with previous travelers aide us in planning our activities and excursions.  We use only certified vendors who are registered with the Ecuador and Peruvian Bureaus of Tourism.  The fact that we join all of our groups shows our customers how sincere we are in making sure everything goes as planned.

Pricing:  This package is fully inclusive of roundtrip airfare from Miami and includes all transfers and all transportation during the itinerary--inter-country air, rail, motorcoach, tour busses, taxis, and shuttles.  Additionally included are tourist class accommodations in hotels, bed & breakfasts, and inns.  Accommodations are based on double occupancy.  To keep our costs down and make our trips as affordable as possible, we use the best advice available in selecting moderately priced quality accommodations.  On board our custom Galapagos cruise, accommodations will be in private cabins with twin beds, upper and lower bunks, or double beds.  This tour includes all meals as described in the itinerary and labeled as (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, and (D) Dinner.  Meals include non-alcoholic beverages.  Meals onboard will be buffet style.  Meals during the land portion of our tour will be in local restaurants and hotels, B&Bs, and inns.  Most meals on land will be ordered directly from the menu allowing each traveler to enjoy a wide variety of both local, ethnic, and more traditional fare.  Park admission and fees, tours, guides, attractions, luggage handling, taxes and gratuities are additionally part of this package.  Snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities will be made available during the cruise portion of our tour and are at your own expense.  All free time expense is of course on your own account. 

The cost of your airfare from your domicile to Miami is NOT included.  This package does NOT include the cost of the Galapagos Entry Permit ($100), travel document preparation, immunizations, or travel insurance.  There is NO single supplement offered for this trip and single passengers must agree to share a room with a traveling companion of the same sex.  In the event of an odd number of passengers, the single traveler will occupy a double room and the opportunity will be shared by other single travelers throughout the course of the tour as we relocate and visit different cities. 

NOTE:  Travelers should be in good health and capable of handling 24+ days of mild activity.  There is no strenuous walking, hiking, or stair climbing (other than on one island), however guests should receive a full clearance from their personal physicians before committing to this journey.  When in Peru, we will be visiting and staying at elevations up to 11,000 feet about sea level.  The chance of altitude sickness is a possibility.  Please consult with your family physician if you think this may be a problem for you personally. 

All lodging is designed along western hygienic and service element guidelines.  Medical services are limited and of course questionable in third world nations and passengers should be aware of the inherent risks associated with foreign travel.  There will be plenty of rest stops and bathroom breaks scheduled roughly every two hours while on the road trip portions of our tour.

Weather:  This is the off season affording the traveler un-crowded accommodations and beautiful, mild, sunny days.  Our entire tour will take place on or near the equator so days are in the mid 60’s to low 70’s and evenings in the mid 50’s to low 60's.  In the Galapagos Islands days can be a bit warmer with days in the 90's, and in the high altitudes of Peru the evenings can be a bit cooler.  A suggested packing list will accompany your confirmed package.  Due to the number of transfers and various forms of transportation we must insist that all travelers be limited to ONE piece of moderately sized luggage and ONE SMALL hand carried item.  Please plan accordingly.  There will be daily opportunities for personal laundry.  Size limitations will be included in your confirmation package.

Shopping:  Your tour manager is a skilled negotiator and speaks both Spanish and Portuguese fluently.  He will assist you in obtaining wonderful gifts, souvenirs, and objects of art at great prices.  We receive no commissions on sales so it is in our best interest to get you the best price.  All of our tours will feature local markets and bazaars.  Since will be staying a great deal of time in two capitol cities, shopping will be easy, readily accessible, and affordable.

Information:  Your group package will include various valuable items of information such as packing lists, immunization information, health warnings, weather links, currency exchange rates, and visa information. 

Additional Expenses:  Immunizations, personal expenses, shopping, beverages other than non-alcoholic served at meals, Galapagos Entry Permit ($100), and individual tips as deemed appropriate to the service received.  Many accommodations will offer spa services to include massage, pedicures, manicures, and facials. 

Gratuities:  All basic gratuities are included in this package price and cover all transfer, luggage handling, wait staff serving at group meals, tour guides, and drivers.  An individual tip for service as deemed appropriate to the individual service received may be paid to bartenders, spa service employees, room and bathroom attendants.  Your tour manager is a paid member of our staff and should you feel their effort merits a personal consideration, your generosity will be greatly appreciated. 

Deposit and Final Payment:  A fully refundable deposit of $800 is required to reserve your space today.  An additional deposit amount to equal 30% of your total itinerary price is required and must be paid no later than March 31, 2008.  At this point your deposit is non-refundable as it will be used to secure included airfare and the cruise ship.  Your final balance is due no later than June 30, 2008.  You may pay by personal check or credit card.  Please note that all credit card charges are subject to a 3% service charge. 

Cancellation:  You may cancel with a full refund of all money paid anytime prior to March 31, 2008.  After March 31, 2008 no refund will be issued for cancellations as all airfare and the yacht will have been confirmed and are non-refundable or transferable.  On April 1, 2008 you can move forward with your airline reservations to and from Miami. 

Travel Insurance:  We strongly recommend the purchase of TRAVEL INSURANCE.  Be careful here as most travel insurance must be purchased within 30 days of having made your reservations and paying your initial deposit.  Travel insurance is reasonable and a good investment.  Read all of the policy requirements and restrictions.  We recommend two companies: Travelex Insurance Services -- http://www.travelex-insurance.com -or-   InsureMyTrip -- http://www.insuremytrip.com/.  We are not an agent of these firms and receive no commission; however we have had many clients use their service with complete satisfaction. 

References:  The following individuals enjoyed our 14 Day Luxury and Camping Safari in January 2007 and are open and willing to chat with you regarding their unique experience and the quality of our service and product line.. 

Susann Thompson:  (907) 770-5853 

Rita Gittins:  (907) 345-6556 

Andrea Woods:  (434) 977-5324 

Carol Ross:  (907) 277-8189) 

Marge Quick:  (907) 344-3111 

Marie Jennings:  (907) 337-8821

We are available to discuss every aspect of our special group tours.  References from previous clients are available on request.  When you are completely satisfied with our response, we will send you a sign up packet that will contain our agreement along with other useful information.  Reservations are made on a first come, first served, and deposit paid basis.  Space available is only guaranteed upon receipt of your deposit.