Legacy of the Incas
Legacy of the Incas
Legacy of the Incas
12 Days Starting and ending in Lima, Peru
Visiting: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Puno, Paracas
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SP-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Legacy of the Incas" tour and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Peru. Begin your journey in Lima, exploring its colonial architecture and vibrant local markets. Travel to the Sacred Valley, where you'll experience traditional ceremonies and shop for local crafts. Discover the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas," and enjoy a scenic train ride through the lush Urubamba Valley. In Cusco, delve into the city's Inca and Spanish history, visiting iconic sites like the Plaza de Armas and the Temple of the Sun. Conclude your adventure with a cruise to the Ballestas Islands and a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Lima,Peru
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers today.
Day 2: Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
LIMA Legendary LimaToday, your Local Guide focuses on the city’s colonial heritage during a walking tour. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the cathedral. From here, stroll to the venerable San Francisco Monastery with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. For a special treat, [LF] stop at a local food market to get a real taste of life for the local people. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow traveling companions at one of Lima’s finest historic homes, Casa Garcia Alvarado. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Stop for a real taste of Peru at a local market. Sample some of the local fruits and vegetable that aren’t found in other parts of the world. You can also find spices, meats, seafood, and even a souvenir or two. And you’ll definitely want to take some photos of the beautiful, brightly hued displays.
Day 3: Lima,Cusco,Sacred Valley
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY Empire of the AndesFly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas where you will enjoy a special lunch prepared exclusively for Globus guests at a private location. Here, experience an [LF] El Pago a la Tierra, or Mother Earth Ceremony, performed by a local shaman. Continue to Pisaq, an old mountain village, where you will have free time to shop for local wares, such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or Hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases at its famous market. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, with dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION Feel the earth, smell the coca leaves, and taste the chicha today as you make payment to Mother Earth. Participate in an El Pago a la Tierra, an ancient ceremony led by a shaman thanking Mother Earth and asking for good health, wealth, and safe travels. These mystical ceremonies have been practiced in Peru since before the arrival of the Incas.
Day 4: Sacred Valley,Machu Picchu
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU Mystery on the MountainThis morning, visit the Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo, followed by [LF] a visit to a local home, meet some of the area’s families, and experience their way of life in the Sacred Valley. Then, board the Vistadome train for a scenic journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival, ascend the mountainside to legendary Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Your Local Guide will introduce this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct, and will bring you closer to the mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures. Tonight, learn how to make the perfect Pisco Sour at a Peruvian cooking demonstration before your included dinner. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE TIMELESS TRADITIONS Today, you are invited into a local family’s home in the Sacred Valley. Learn about their traditions like weaving that has been passed down for centuries from ancestors. See how they cook, live, sleep, work, and maybe ask about the cuy (guinea pigs), they keep in their house. TOUR HIGHLIGHT ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT The Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, named one of South America’s best hotels and the recipient of the Rainforest Alliance sustainability certification is located at the foot of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu near the beautiful Vilcanota River, and offers impressive views of the mountains and landscapes. A hotel with a contemporary Andean style inspired by the ancient Peruvian cultures, offering personalized luxury service and innovative Peruvian cuisine. Offering regional gastronomy experiences, the Sumaq uses local ingredients in partnership with communities located high in the Andes, such as Quishuarcancha, Parcaraqui, and Huatata in Chinchero, as well as the small community of Ccorca that is home to fewer than 200 people.
Day 5: Machu Picchu,Cusco
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO Here Comes the Sun A morning at leisure in Machu Picchu allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by train and continue to Cusco. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORY & MYSTERY Staying overnight in Machu Picchu allows you to get up early and experience the ruins at their most pristine before the crowds arrive. Watch as the mist slowly burns off and the sun rays illuminate the ruins. While you are there, you may even want to try and get a selfie with one of the local llamas or alpacas!
Day 6: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
CUSCO Sun Worship & Spanish ConquestsOn your guided sightseeing tour of Cusco today, learn more about the Inca and Spanish influence. Begin at the heart of Cusco in the Plaza de Armas (main square), with a visit to the imposing Cathedral, where construction began in 1550 and was finally completed 100 years later. During your city tour, you will be greeted by an Inca king, so have your cameras ready! Continue to Koricancha and the Santo Domingo Monastery, where the two sites have become one. The Temple of the Sun at Koricancha was once the most important Inca site, dedicated to the worship of the Sun. The walls, altars, and decorations were all said to be covered in gold—until the Spaniards looted the temple and then built the contrasting Baroque Santo Domingo Monastery on top of the temple’s foundations. Also visit the semi-circular Kenko Temple with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages. See the ancient site of Puca Pucara before the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. The remainder of your day is free to explore at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDARY LIVES Built in the 15th century by the Incas, the Temple of Sacsayhuaman complex is considered to be one of the Inca’s greatest architectural creation. It is believed the site was originally constructed as a ceremonial site and later a fortress when the Spanish invaded. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons—was built. During your guided tour, learn some of the theories on how the massive stones used were carved, carried, and placed.
Day 7: Cusco,Sillustani,Juliaca,Puno (Lake Titicaca)
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: GHL Lago Titicaca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
CUSCO–SILLUSTANI–JULIACA–PUNO (LAKE TITICACA) Ruins & Real Life in Peru Board a flight to Juliaca, where you will continue to the ruins of Sillustani en route. At this pre-Incan burial ground, see where the ancient Aymaras buried their high priests in chullpas—above-ground, cylinder-shaped tombs dating back to the 1400s. While here, [LF] spend some time with the Locals at home and gain a better understanding of their lives. Continue to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at 12,500 feet and is located in both Peru and Bolivia. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION Get an authentic look at the lives of locals in Juliaca. Visit a family home where they share traditions in cooking, working, and living in the tradition of Peruvian generations. TOUR HIGHLIGHTTIMELESS TRADITIONS Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at 12,500 feet and is located in both Peru and Bolivia. The indigenous people who live here still practice ancient ways of life.
Day 8: Puno. Excursion To Lake Titicaca
Location: Lake Titicaca
Accommodation Name: GHL Lago Titicaca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
PUNO. EXCURSION TO LAKE TITICACA Life on the Lake Today, take a motorboat trip to some of the more unique islands of Lake Titicaca. Start with Taquile Island, which was once part of the Inca Empire and was one of the last areas of Peru to be conquered by Spain in the 16th century. The Spanish banned traditional dress on the island, which is why the Spanish peasant dress can still be found today. Next, travel to the fascinating Uros Islands, home to the Uros Indians, who were forced to live on the lake as the Inca Indians pushed farther into their territory. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS The manmade Uros Islands are found floating in the middle of the lake are completely made by totora reeds and are continually added to as they disintegrate to the bottom of the lake. During your visit here, see the locals' boats and homes which are also made from reed. Over 1000 Uros still live on the 100 plus islands that remain to this day.
Day 9: Puno,Juliaca,Lima
Location: Puno
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Select Miraflores
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart for Juliaca this morning for a return flight to Lima.
Day 10: Lima,Paracas. Ballestas Islands Cruise & Nazca Lines
Location: Paracas
Accommodation Name: Doubletree Resort by Hilton Paracas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
LIMA–PARACAS. BALLESTAS ISLANDS CRUISE & NAZCA LINES Islands & EnigmasEnjoy a scenic drive south along the Pan-American Highway to the Bay of Paracas. Embark on a cruise out to the Ballestas Islands, which are inhabited by a wide variety of sea mammals and exotic birds, including blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins. The huge Candelabro, a candelabra-shaped etching on the Paracas cliffside, can also be seen as you cruise back to shore. Continue to the town of Pisco, the wine capital of Peru. Have your camera handy today as you board your aircraft for flightseeing over the Nazca plains, which can only be appreciated by air. Dating back to 500 BC, these geoglyphs etched into the ground consist of over 10,000 lines depicting plants and animals. Enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE Take a flight above the plains for a bird’s-eye-view of the Nazca Lines. Your pilot will point out these mysterious markings, a series of drawings of animals and geometric figures etched into the parched soil—some up to 1,000 feet long! Theories vary, but the most accepted belongs to German mathematician Maria Reiche, who dubbed the land the “astronomical calendar” of the ancient Peruvians.
Day 11: Paracas,Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Select Miraflores
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After some free time in Paracas, return to Lima today. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a memorable farewell dinner with your travel companions at a local restaurant.
Day 12: Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at premium hotels including Casa Andina Premium Miraflores in Lima, Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas in Sacred Valley, Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel in Machu Picchu, Casa Andina Premium Cusco in Cusco, GHL Lago Titicaca in Puno, Casa Andina Select Miraflores in Lima, and Doubletree Resort by Hilton Paracas in Paracas.
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Meals
Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, and 8 dinners are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided sightseeing tours in Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca.
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Special Experiences
Special lunch prepared exclusively for guests in Sacred Valley, El Pago a la Tierra ceremony, visit to a local home in Sacred Valley, and a Peruvian cooking demonstration.
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Transportation
Vistadome train journey to Machu Picchu, motorboat trip to Lake Titicaca islands, and flightseeing over the Nazca plains.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to all included sites such as Machu Picchu, San Francisco Monastery, and the Temple of the Sun at Koricancha.
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Small Group Discoveries
Small-Group Discoveries limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the City of Cusco, Historic Center of Lima, Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, and the Lines and Geoglyphs of Nazca and Pampas de Jumana.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and phone calls are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Peru are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 3 Lunches, 8 Dinners
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. Maximum elevation on this tour is approx. 12,200 ft. For Nazca Lines flights, any guest who weighs more than 220 pounds will need to buy an additional ticket (est. $260 USD) at the time of the flight.
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on all South America tour dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
City of Cusco|Historic Center of Lima|Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu|Lines and Geoglyphs of Nazca and Pampas de Jumana
Accommodation
Lima: Casa Andina Premium Miraflores, Sacred Valley: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas, Machu Picchu: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, Cusco: Casa Andina Premium Cusco, Puno: GHL Lago Titicaca, Lima: Casa Andina Select Miraflores, Paracas: Doubletree Resort by Hilton Paracas.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities are included in the tour of Lima?
In Lima, the tour includes a walking tour focusing on the city's colonial heritage, starting at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the cathedral. You will also visit the San Francisco Monastery with its 17th-century cloister murals and stop at a local food market. In the evening, there is a welcome dinner at Casa Garcia Alvarado.
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What unique experiences are offered in the Sacred Valley?
In the Sacred Valley, you will enjoy a special lunch prepared exclusively for Globus guests and experience an El Pago a la Tierra, or Mother Earth Ceremony, performed by a local shaman. You will also visit Pisac, an old mountain village, where you can shop for local wares at its famous market.
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What can I expect during the visit to Machu Picchu?
At Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour of the intact fortress, including its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. You will also learn how to make the perfect Pisco Sour at a Peruvian cooking demonstration before dinner. The next morning, you have the option to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with a second included entrance to the ruins.
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What are the highlights of the Cusco city tour?
The Cusco city tour includes visits to the Plaza de Armas, the imposing Cathedral, Koricancha and the Santo Domingo Monastery, the semi-circular Kenko Temple, and the ancient site of Puca Pucara. You will also visit the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, which overlooks Cusco.
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What will I see during the motorboat trip on Lake Titicaca?
During the motorboat trip on Lake Titicaca, you will visit Taquile Island, which was once part of the Inca Empire, and the Uros Islands, home to the Uros Indians who live on the lake.
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What is included in the excursion to the Ballestas Islands and Nazca Lines?
The excursion includes a cruise to the Ballestas Islands to see sea mammals and exotic birds, including blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins. You will also see the Candelabro etching on the Paracas cliffside. Additionally, you will board an aircraft for flightseeing over the Nazca plains to view the geoglyphs depicting plants and animals.
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Are there any special considerations for the overnight stay in Machu Picchu?
Yes, for the overnight stay in Machu Picchu, you are only allowed to bring an overnight bag weighing no more than 11 pounds due to luggage restrictions on the train. Your main luggage will be stored at the Cusco hotel where you will return for an overnight stay the following night.
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What is the maximum elevation reached during the tour?
The maximum elevation on this tour is 13,000 feet.
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What kind of group size can I expect on this tour?
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on all South America tour dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
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.
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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.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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