Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Galapagos Cruise

17 days
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Small Group Tour
On this Peru tour—with a Galápagos Islands cruise—delve into the past, learn about the local culture, and experience beautiful scenery as you overnight in Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Quito, along with three nights aboard the Galápagos Legend. You'll visit ancient ruins, enjoy guided sightseeing, and marvel at the flora and...
From$4,889
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Overview

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

What's this trip about?

    On this Peru tour—with a Galápagos Islands cruise—delve into the past, learn about the local culture, and experience beautiful scenery as you overnight in Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Quito, along with three nights aboard the Galápagos Legend. You'll visit ancient ruins, enjoy guided sightseeing, and marvel at the flora and fauna found in the Galápagos 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. Guided sightseeing in Cusco features the Santo Domingo Monastery and the Cathedral, housing a magnificent collection of artwork. On this Peru tour, you'll also learn about the local culture. On your motorboat tour of 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 Indians construct their islands 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, vicuña, alpaca, and guanaco) to Inca culture. You'll also spend six nights in Ecuador, including three nights in Quito and three nights cruising the Galápagos 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, land iguanas, blue and red-footed boobies, and much more. These are just some of the many highlights of this Peru tour and Galápagos Islands cruise. Designed for savvy, value-minded travelers, it's a dream vacation!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityLIMA, PERU
End CityQUITO

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • South America
  • Ecuador
  • Peru

Attractions

  • Cusco
  • Galapagos Islands
  • Guayaquil
  • Lake Titicaca
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
  • Pacific Ocean
  • Puno
  • Quito
  • Sacred Valley
  • San Cristobal
  • Santa Cruz
  • Santa Cruz Island

Activities

  • Culture

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: LIMA, PERU

Welcome to Lima, Peru. 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 2: 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 3: LIMA–CUSCO–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, vicuña, alpaca, and guanaco) for Inca cultures. See them up close and learn how their coats are transf...

Day 4: 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 are...

Day 5: 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 6: 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, return to Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire. (Breakfast)

Day 7: 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 8: CUSCO–JULIACA–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. (Breakfast)

Day 9: 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 10: PUNO–JULIACA–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. (Breakfast)

Day 11: LIMA–QUITO, ECUADOR

Board a flight for Quito. (Breakfast)

Day 12: QUITO–BALTRA (EMBARKATION)–GALÁPAGOS 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 Galápagos Legend. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 13: GALÁPAGOS 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, yo...

Day 14: GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: SOUTH PLAZA & SANTA FÉ 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 Galápagos hybrid...

Day 15: GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: BACHAS BEACH–BALTRA (DISEMBARKATION)–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. (Breakfast)

Day 16: 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. (Breakfast)

Day 17: QUITO

Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,889
Price per day$288
Last Updated: 7/24/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
07 Nov 2024
23 Nov 2024
$4,889
21 Nov 2024
07 Dec 2024
$4,889
05 Dec 2024
21 Dec 2024
$4,889
30 Jan 2025
15 Feb 2025
$5,299
30 Jan 2025
15 Feb 2025
$5,209
13 Feb 2025
01 Mar 2025
$5,299
13 Feb 2025
01 Mar 2025
$5,209
13 Mar 2025
29 Mar 2025
$5,299
13 Mar 2025
29 Mar 2025
$5,209
24 Apr 2025
10 May 2025
$5,239

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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Since inventing the budget vacation over 50 years ago, Cosmos has offered savvy, value-minded travelers the most affordable travel packages to the world's most captivating places - from the City of Brotherly Love to the City of Light…from the Great White North to northern Africa…from tropical Hawaii to sub-tropical Lugano, Switzerland…from the rainforests of Brazil to the Lost "City of the Incas." Our incredible value helps travel buffs travel more often.

We understand that you want to get out and experience the world. And that you'd rather spend another day in London than have a chocolate on your pillow. That's why Cosmos vacation packages include comfortable, clean, and attractive pre-selected hotels; guided city sightseeing; a dynamic assortment of transportation…to make getting there half the fun; and many meals. Our clout with suppliers is concentrated…and we pass the savings on to you.

With Cosmos, you'll enjoy the benefits, security, and convenience of escorted travel, an expert Tour Director, a greater choice of activities and excursions, and longer stays in key cities so that you can truly immerse yourself in the local culture.

You can also personalize your getaway, thanks to well-designed itineraries that feature the must-see sites as well as significant free time to explore your destination the way you want.

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Value vacations for savvy travelers willing to cut back on the extras in exchange for more activities and time spent at bucket list destinations.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Jose Antonio Lima HotelSonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - YucayEl Mapi by InkaterraJose Antonio CuscoLake Titicaca Puno HotelGrand Mercure Alameda (SAT),

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
Trip ID
COSMOS-1305

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