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

19 days
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Group Tour
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'...
From$4,209
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What's this trip about?

    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!

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transport
Start City LIMA, PERU
End CityLIMA

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus

Destinations

Attractions

  • Arequipa
  • Cusco
  • Lake Titicaca
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
  • Pacific Ocean
  • Puerto Maldonado
  • Puno
  • Sacred Valley

Activities

  • Culture

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: 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

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 Naturalis...

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. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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! (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 5: TAMBOPATA ECO LODGE–PUERTO MALDONADO–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. (Breakfast)

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 yo...

Day 7: LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY

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 fibe...

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...

Day 9: SACRED VALLEY–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...

Day 10: MACHU PICCHU–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, board the Vistadome train to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. (Breakfast)

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 b...

Day 12: CUSCO–PUNO

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. (Breakfast)

Day 13: PUNO. EXCURSION TO LAKE TITICACA

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...

Day 14: PUNO–COLCA CANYON

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. (Breakfast,Lunch)

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

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. (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 16: COLCA CANYON–AREQUIPA

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. (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 17: AREQUIPA

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. (Breakfast)

Day 18: AREQUIPA–LIMA

Fly to Lima today. (Breakfast)

Day 19: LIMA

Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,209
Price per day$222
Last Updated: 3/19/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
20 Apr 2025
08 May 2025
$4,309
Sold Out
04 May 2025
22 May 2025
$4,369
Sold Out
04 May 2025
22 May 2025
$4,209
Sold Out
18 May 2025
05 Jun 2025
$4,369
Please Call
18 May 2025
05 Jun 2025
$4,209
Sold Out
29 Jun 2025
17 Jul 2025
$4,369
Available
29 Jun 2025
17 Jul 2025
$4,209
Sold Out
27 Jul 2025
14 Aug 2025
$4,309
Sold Out
24 Aug 2025
11 Sep 2025
$4,309
Available
21 Sep 2025
09 Oct 2025
$4,389
Available

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Cosmos.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

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

Transportation & Flights

Participation in this tour requires a purchase of additional local flights. ,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
COSMOS-1309

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