Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Peru's Amazon & Arequipa & Colca Canyon

Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Peru's Amazon & Arequipa & Colca Canyon

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19 Days From

$5720

$5343

Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Peru's Amazon & Arequipa & Colca Canyon

19 Days Starting and ending in Lima, Peru

Visiting: Arrive In Lima, Peru, Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Tambopata Eco Lodge, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno, Puno. Excursion To Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, Arequipa

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

1309-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $5720 $5343 Barrhead discount: -$377

NB: Prices correct on 24-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

On this Peru tour, delve into the past, learn about the local culture, and experience beautiful scenery as you overnight in Peru's Amazon, Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, and Colca Canyon. Along the way, visit ancient ruins, witness amazing scenery, experience the fascinating Amazon, and enjoy guided sightseeing of Peru's interesting cities. 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, also learn about the local culture. At Lake Titicaca, you'll 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 people construct their islands from totora reed. In the Incan town of Ollantaytambo and visit with locals in their homes for insight into their way of life. Spend time at the famous market in Pisaq and learn about the importance of camelids (llama, vicuña, 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. Time at the Colca Canyon, an impressive geological formation more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, lets you witness condors soaring majestically above the canyon walls, marvel at the canyon, and relax at La Calera hot springs. All of this—and more—await you on this Peru tour designed for value-minded, savvy travelers!

Highlights

  • Explore the Amazon Jungle in Tambopata National Reserve, spotting wildlife like monkeys, toucans, and caimans.

  • Visit the colonial heritage sites in Lima, including the San Francisco Monastery and Plaza Mayor.

  • Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including the village of Ollantaytambo and its Inca ruins.

  • Tour the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas."

  • Experience the floating islands of Lake Titicaca and learn about the Uros Indians' traditional reed constructions.

  • Marvel at the geological wonders of Colca Canyon and observe the Andean condor in flight.

  • Explore the "white city" of Arequipa, surrounded by snowcapped volcanoes and featuring sillar stone architecture.

  • Visit the pre-Incan burial grounds of Sillustani and see the chullpas tombs.

Places You'll See

Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport

Tambopata Eco Lodge

Jose Antonio Lima Hotel

Sonesta Posadas Del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay

El Mapi By Inkaterra

Jose Antonio Cusco

Jose Antonio Puno

Casa Andina Standard Colca Hotel

Casa Andina Select Arequipa

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Lima,Peru

Location: Arrive In Lima, Peru

Welcome to Lima, where you will be met by a Cosmos representative.Please note: You will meet your Tour Director on day 5 in Lima.

Day 2: Lima,Puerto Maldonado,Tambopata Eco Lodge

Location: Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Tambopata Eco Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 3: Tambopata Eco Lodge

Location: Tambopata Eco Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 4: Tambopata Eco Lodge

Location: Tambopata Eco Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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!

Day 5: Tambopata Eco Lodge,Puerto Maldonado,Lima

Location: Tambopata Eco Lodge, Puerto Maldonado, Lima

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 6: Lima

Location: Lima

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 7: Lima,Cusco,Sacred Valley

Location: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Fly to Cusco high in the Andes and upon arrival, descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Learn about the importance of camelids (llama, vicuña, 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 Pisaq, a charming village with a famous 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.

Day 8: Sacred Valley

Location: Sacred Valley

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 9: Sacred Valley,Machu Picchu

Location: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 10: Machu Picchu,Cusco

Location: Machu Picchu, Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

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, board the Vistadome train to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire.

Day 11: Cusco

Location: Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 on your tour. Roll up your sleeves to participate in a tree-planting project supporting the local community. Return to Cusco for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 12: Cusco,Puno

Location: Cusco, Puno

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, drive south 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 create the Inca Empire.

Day 13: Puno. Excursion To Lake Titicaca

Location: Puno. Excursion To Lake Titicaca

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 people construct their islands, homes, boats, and many other resources completely of tortora reed, a centuries-old practice. Enjoy dinner hosted by your Tour Director this evening.

Day 14: Puno,Colca Canyon

Location: Puno, Colca Canyon

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, depart Puno for a scenic drive to Colca Canyon. Enjoy scenery of Pre-Columbian terraces populated with vicuñas and a variety of birds before stopping for lunch in the town of Chivay. This afternoon, arrive in Colca Canyon. Please note: the Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day by day itinerary.

Day 15: Colca Canyon

Location: Colca Canyon

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, join your Local Guide to spend time in the Colca Canyon, an impressive geological formation more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Visit Condors’ Cross, an observation point, where you can view the Andean condor in flight at eye level, followed by a visit to the town of Yanque. This afternoon is free for independent exploration.

Day 16: Colca Canyon,Arequipa

Location: Colca Canyon, Arequipa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive to Arequipa located in the Chili River Valley and flanked by three snowcapped volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. Known as the “white city,” Arequipa definitely does justice to its nickname, as its buildings are made of sillar, a white volcanic rock found throughout the area. The stone embellishes the facades of the city’s homes and churches.

Day 17: Arequipa

Location: Arequipa

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, a guided city tour of Arequipa shows off the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral before visiting the Jesuit church, considered the best example of the mestizo baroque style. Continue to the residential districts of Yanahuara and Chilina, where you enjoy a magnificent view of Arequipa’s countryside and the Mount Misti volcano.

Day 18: Arequipa,Lima

Location: Arequipa, Lima

Meals Included: Breakfast

Fly to Lima today.

Day 19: Lima

Location: Lima

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at various hotels including Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport, Tambopata Eco Lodge, Jose Antonio Lima Hotel, Sonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay, El Mapi by Inkaterra, Jose Antonio Cusco, Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel, Casa Andina Standard Colca Hotel, and Casa Andina Select Arequipa.

  • Meals

    18 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners are included.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided sightseeing tours in Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno, Colca Canyon, and Arequipa.

  • Naturalist-Guided Activities

    Naturalist-guided canoe rides, walks, and wildlife spotting in the Amazon Jungle.

  • Transportation

    Flights between Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Cusco, Juliaca, and Arequipa. Vistadome train to Machu Picchu.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the City of Cusco, Historic Center of Lima, Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, and Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Lima are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Meals

18 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners

UNESCO Sites

City of Cusco|Historic Center of Lima|Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu|Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa

Accommodation

Lima:Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
Puerto Maldonado:Tambopata Eco Lodge
Lima:Jose Antonio Lima Hotel
Sacred Valley:Sonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay
Machu Picchu:El Mapi by Inkaterra
Cusco:Jose Antonio Cusco
Puno:Jose Antonio Puno
Colca Canyon:Casa Andina Standard Colca Hotel
Arequipa:Casa Andina Select Arequipa

Notes

Maximum enjoyment of this vacation requires walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. Guests should be in relatively good shape to visit Arequipa and Colca Canyon due to sustained high altitudes. Arequipa is approx. 7,808 feet and the road to Colca Valley has mountain passes which are approx. 16,000 ft. In Colca, where guests will overnight, the altitude is approx. 11,800 ft.

Maximum elevation on this tour is approx. 16,000 ft.

For the Amazon adventure, guests should be prepared for eco-lodging due to their remote nature in the rainforest. Further, guests should be prepared for sustained walking, possibly muddy conditions, and have the ability to jump in/out of small water crafts such as canoes and small fishing boats. Itinerary is subject to change in low or high water situations.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Amazon Jungle?

    In the Amazon Jungle, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including turtles, caimans, monkeys, birdlife, saddleback tamarins, brown capuchins, agoutis, blue-morpho butterflies, trogons, and toucans. You will also have the opportunity to search for nocturnal wildlife.

  • What activities are included during the stay at Tambopata Eco Lodge?

    During your stay at Tambopata Eco Lodge, you will enjoy a Naturalist-guided canoe ride and walk to see the flora and fauna of the Amazon. You can also learn about endemic plants and spot more wildlife. Additionally, you can venture out by canoe at night to appreciate the sounds of the jungle. There are also optional included adventures that you can choose from.

  • What historical sites will I visit in Lima?

    In Lima, you will visit the baroque 11th-century San Francisco Monastery, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, and the cathedral where Francisco Pizarro's remains are buried. The sightseeing focuses on Lima's colonial heritage.

  • What can I expect to see in the Sacred Valley?

    In the Sacred Valley, you will visit the village of Ollantaytambo and its Inca ruins, a local home to experience traditional village life, and the Seminario ceramics workshop. You will also visit a local chicheria to taste chicha, a typical Inca drink.

  • What will I experience at Machu Picchu?

    At Machu Picchu, you will tour the terraced ruins dating back to the 15th century and learn about the accomplishments of the Incas. You will also have some free time to explore the mountain town of Aguas Calientes, visit the local market, quaint boutiques, or take a walk along nearby trails.

  • What are the highlights of the guided tour in Cusco?

    The guided tour in Cusco includes visits to the Santo Domingo Monastery, the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. You will also see the ruins of Kenko and Puca Pucara and learn about the ceremonies and battles that took place there.

  • What will I see during the excursion to Lake Titicaca?

    During the excursion to Lake Titicaca, you will visit Taquile Island to see how the local people integrate their Inca and Spanish past. You will also visit the Uros floating islands and learn how the Uros Indians construct their islands, homes, boats, and other resources completely of tortora reed.

  • What can I expect to see in Colca Canyon?

    In Colca Canyon, you will visit Condors’ Cross to view the Andean condor in flight at eye level and visit the town of Yanque. You will also have free time for independent exploration.

  • What will I see on the city tour of Arequipa?

    The city tour of Arequipa includes visits to the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Jesuit church. You will also visit the residential districts of Yanahuara and Chilina for a magnificent view of Arequipa’s countryside and the Mount Misti volcano.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

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Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

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John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

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Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

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Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

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    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

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