(800) 658-08692024: Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Peru's Amazon & Galapagos Cruise (1308)
21 days from Lima to Quito
On this Peru tour-with a Galapagos Islands cruise-delve into the past, learn about the local culture, and experience beautiful scenery as you visit ancient ruins, enjoy guided sightseeing, and marvel at the flora and fauna found in the Amazon and Galapagos Islands. History comes alive on this tour through Peru. Imagine what life was like in the 15th century as you tour the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, where you'll see this famous Inca complex set in a majestic setting. More history awaits at Ollantaytambo, the archaeological site of the Incas' resistance during the Spanish conquest, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, a fortress with some of the best examples of Inca masonry. Also enjoy guided sightseeing in Cusco. On this Peru tour, you'll also learn about the local culture. On your motorboat tour of Lake Titicaca, visit Taquile Island, where you'll see how the local people integrate their Inca and Spanish past, and the Uros Floating Islands, where you'll learn how the Uros Indians construct their islands, homes, and boats from totora reed. In the Incan town of Ollantaytambo and in Sillustani, visits with locals in their homes give you insight into their way of life. Spend time at the Indian market in Pisac and in Awanakancha, learn about the importance of camelids (llama, vicuna, alpaca, and guanaco) to Inca culture. But that's not all?you'll also spend time in the Amazon, where you'll enjoy canoe rides and walks in search of the thriving flora and fauna. Accompanied by knowledgeable Naturalists, you'll appreciate the Amazon both during the day and at night. Also experience the thrill of cruising for three nights in the Galapagos Islands. Swim and snorkel in search of sea life, explore the islands, marvel at the many bird species, and enjoy seeing giant tortoises, sea lions, blue and red-footed boobies, land iguanas, and much more. History, local culture, amazing scenery, thriving flora and fauna-this Peru and Ecuador tour designed for savvy, value-minded travelers has it all!
Call (800) 658-0869 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17421484
- Tour Operator
- Cosmos
- Duration
- 21 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Lima | Welcome to Lima, where you will be met by a Cosmos representative. |
| Day 2 | Tambopata Eco Lodge | Fly to Puerto Maldonado, entry to Peru's Amazon Jungle. Take a motorboat journey up the Tambopata River to view turtles, caimans, monkeys, and birdlife. Arrive at your Amazon Jungle lodge within Tambopata National Reserve. This afternoon, head out with your Naturalist in search of saddleback tamarins, brown capuchins, agoutis, blue-morpho butterflies, trogons, toucans, and many other species commonly spotted here. As night falls, head out on foot to search for nocturnal wildlife. (B,L,D) |
| Day 3 | Tambopata Eco Lodge | Enjoy a Naturalist-guided canoe ride and walk to see the flora and fauna that thrive in the Amazon. After lunch, head back out with your Naturalist to learn about the endemic plants in this region and spot some more wildlife. This evening, venture back out by canoe with your Naturalist to appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4 | Tambopata Eco Lodge | For more insight into the Amazon, let your Naturalist know what included adventure you would like to take advantage of today-it's your choice! (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | Lima | Return to Puerto Maldonado, fly to Lima. Heralded as the 'City of Kings' by Spanish conquistadors, Lima retains vestiges of its opulent past with its colonial buildings and world-class museums. (B) |
| Day 6 | Lima | Sightseeing today focuses on Lima's colonial heritage. Founded in 1535, Lima was once capital of Spain's South American Empire. Visit the baroque 11th-century San Francisco Monastery, with Spanish and Moorish architecture throughout. Continue to Plaza Mayor, where you will see the Government Palace that houses the presidential palace and was once the home of Francisco Pizarro, founder of Lima and conqueror of Peru. Nearby, see the cathedral where Pizarro's remains are buried. The remainder of your day is free to explore. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D) |
| Day 7 | Sacred Valley | Fly to Cusco high in the Andes and upon arrival, descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop at Awanakancha and learn about the importance of camelids (llama, vicuna, alpaca, and guanaco) for Inca Fly to Cusco high in the Andes and upon arrival, descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop at Awanakancha and learn about the importance of camelids (llama, vicuna, alpaca, and guanaco) for Inca cultures. See them up close and learn how their coats are transformed into precious fibers for ancient weaving techniques still in use today. Continue to Pisac, a charming village with a famous Indian market, where you have plenty of time to browse the many colorful stalls selling handicrafts ranging from alpaca sweaters and blankets to painted vases and sterling silver. Later, arrive at your hotel in the peaceful Sacred Valley. (B,D) |
| Day 8 | Sacred Valley | Start the day with a visit to the village of Ollantaytambo and the Inca ruins of the same name. Explore the archaeological site that was the scene of the Inca resistance during the Spanish conquest-the only place ever to resist Spanish attacks. See how the temple area at the top of the terraces was the perfect defensive stronghold, then visit a local home in this Incan town to experience life in a traditional village, which has been remarkably well preserved. Next, visit the Seminario ceramics workshop to learn about Peruvian ancient and modern art. End your day at a local chicheria for a taste of a chicha, a typical Inca drink in Peru. (B) |
| Day 9 | Machu Picchu | Board the Vistadome train that cuts a path through the picturesque Urubamba Valley bound for Aguas Calientes, the quaint town closest to the 'Lost City of the Incas.' Ascend the mountainside through tropical forest to the sacred refuge of Machu Picchu. Listen as your guide recounts the many accomplishments of the Incas as you tour the terraced ruins dating back to the 15th century. Abandoned when the Inca Empire fell to the Spanish, these remarkable ruins remained undiscovered for nearly 400 years. Many mysteries surrounding Machu Picchu remain to this day. (B,D) |
| Day 10 | Cusco | Enjoy some free time this morning to explore the mountain town of Aguas Calientes; perhaps visit the local market, quaint boutiques, or take a walk along nearby trails. Later this afternoon, return to Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire. (B) |
| Day 11 | Cusco | Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Cusco that focuses on the city that was once the political, military, and cultural epicenter of the Incas until the Spanish toppled it. In fact, Inca foundations can still be found in Cusco, with the Spanish baroque structures built on top. Visit the Santo Domingo Monastery, where these two forms of architecture are melded together with the temple of both cultures atop one another. Also, see the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, housing a magnificent collection of artwork, including a depiction of The Last Supper that portrays the apostles dining on cuy (guinea pig). Continue to the hillside overlooking Cusco for a visit to the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. Some of the best examples of Inca masonry can be found at this fortress, where stones weighing up to 350 tons are pieced together to form a complex that could house up to 10,000 men. Learn about the ceremonies and battles that took place here, then see the ruins of Kenko and Puca Pucara before returning to Cusco. (B,D) |
| Day 12 | Puno | Fly to Juliaca, visit the pre-Incan burial grounds of Sillustani en route to Puno. See the above-ground tombs, chullpas, in which the Aymara Indians buried their high priests. Continue to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Legend says the first Inca, Manco Capac, arose from the waters of the lake by the power of the sun god to found the Inca Empire. (B) |
| Day 13 | Puno | Experience fascinating Lake Titicaca today as you embark on a motorboat tour of the highest navigable lake in the world and its man-made islands. On Taquile Island, see how the local people integrate their Inca and Spanish past. This is evident by the Spanish peasant dresses made of Andean textiles-the islanders make some of the finest in all of Peru. Continue to the Uros floating islands, a group of approximately 40 artificially made islands. Learn how the Uros Indians construct their islands, homes, boats, and many other resources completely of tortora reed, a centuries-old practice. Enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director this evening. (B,L,D) |
| Day 14 | Lima | Return to Juliaca, where you will be welcomed into a local home for an inside look at life here. Later, a short flight returns you to Lima, where you will transfer to your hotel. (B) |
| Day 15 | Quito | Board a flight for Quito. (B) |
| Day 16 | Galapagos Cruising | Fly to Baltra and visit the highlands of Santa Cruz, marked by extinct volcanoes, lava tubes, and astonishing plant life. Here, witness giant tortoises in a natural reserve and learn about efforts to conserve these ancient creatures. Continue to the port where you will board the Galapagos Legend. (B,L,D) |
| Day 17 | GALAPAGOS CRUISING: GENOVESA ISLAND | Wake up at Genovesa Island and encounter a small fur seal grotto before taking a walk up Prince Philip's Steps to see large nesting colonies of Nazca and red-footed boobies. Wedge-rumped Storm Petrels can be observed flying in all directions and, if you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a short-eared Owl. After lunch on board, visit Darwin Bay to observe frigate birds, red-footed boobies, herons, lava gulls, and many other bird species. (B,L,D) |
| Day 18 | Galapagos Cruising: South Plaza & Santa Fe Islands | This morning, sail to South Plaza Island and take a walk through an impressive cactus forest populated with land and marine iguanas. Due to the proximity of land iguanas and marine iguanas here, this is the only place on Earth where you will find the Galapagos hybrid iguana. From the summit, watch for tropicbirds, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. On Santa Fe, a large sea lion colony greets you on its white-sand beach. Walk through a cactus forest in search of the endemic Santa Fe land iguana, the largest in the islands and distinctively paler than its counterparts. This island is home to a number of endemic species, including the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, a variety of finches, and one of the four species of Galapagos mockingbirds. (B,L,D) |
| Day 19 | Quito | Your final visit takes you to Bachas Beach. This site offers great swimming, a lovely walk along the shore and a visit to a lagoon with wading birds, marine iguanas and sometimes even flamingos. The area is also a favorite nesting sites for green turtles. Later, disembark and fly to Quito. (B) |
| Day 20 | Quito | Included sightseeing showcases Quito's treasures: Independence Plaza, the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery, and the Jesuit's La Compania Church with its stunning golden altars. (B) |
| Day 21 | Quito | Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (B) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- US$ Price Details
Galapagos cruise price does not include the Galapagos National Park entrance fee and transit card ($120 value) and are additional and mandatory. These fees will be added to your Vacation Estimate.US$ Price Details
Gratuities for Tour Director and driver are available for pre-purchase.Travel Terms & Conditions
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