Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Peru's Amazon
Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Peru's Amazon
$4786
Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Peru's Amazon
15 Days Starting and ending in Lima, Peru
Visiting: Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Tambopata, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Puno
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1302-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Peru's Amazon" tour, exploring the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Peru. Begin your journey in Lima, the "City of Kings," before delving into the heart of the Amazon at Tambopata Eco Lodge, where you'll encounter diverse wildlife and lush flora. Discover the ancient Inca ruins of the Sacred Valley, the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, and the vibrant city of Cusco. Experience the unique floating islands of Lake Titicaca and immerse yourself in the local culture. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty, ensuring a truly memorable experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Lima,Peru
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
Welcome to Lima, where you will be met by a Cosmos representative.
Day 2: Lima,Puerto Maldonado,Tambopata Eco Lodge
Location: Puerto Maldonado
Accommodation Name: 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
Accommodation Name: 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
Accommodation Name: 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: Lima
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Lima Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Lima Hotel
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: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 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.
Day 8: Sacred Valley
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay
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: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: El Mapi by Inkaterra
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: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio 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, return to Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire.
Day 11: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio 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, then see the ruins of Kenko and Puca Pucara before returning to Cusco.
Day 12: Cusco,Juliaca,Puno
Location: Puno
Accommodation Name: Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 13: Puno. Excursion To Lake Titicaca
Location: Puno
Accommodation Name: Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel
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 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.
Day 14: Puno,Juliaca,Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Lima Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 15: Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Lima Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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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, and Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel.
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Meals
14 breakfasts, 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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Transportation
Transportation includes flights within Peru, motorboat journeys, and the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu.
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Naturalist Guides
Naturalist-guided tours and activities in the Amazon Jungle.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the City of Cusco, Historic Center of Lima, and Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from Peru 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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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Meals
14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinners
UNESCO Sites
City of Cusco|Historic Center of Lima|Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Accommodation
Connected by pedestrian bridge to the Jorge Chavez International Airport, the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport is ideally located for guests overnighting in Lima before continuing on to another Peruvian city. The hotel features an on-site restaurant, 24-hour fitness facilities, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Situated perfectly along the river, this smaller lodge in the Amazon provides a more intimate experience, creating a more fulfilling visit and reducing the impact on the many species of fauna that abound in the surrounding forest. The lodge employs mostly residents of Puerto Maldonado, experts in the area. In addition, there are a number of naturalist guides, both from Peru and abroad, who are at your service throughout your stay. The lodge is rustic, no doubt, but comfortable, safe, and a perfect haven to explore the wild territory of the Peruvian jungle. Located in the exciting Miraflores district, the Jose Antonio Hotel features comfortable guestrooms, a business center, souvenir shop, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Bursting with character, the Sonesta Posadas del Inca hotel is the leader in boutique hotels in the Sacred Valley. Featuring a rustic ambiance with modern comforts, dynamite local cuisine, and friendly service, it makes for a memorable stay in one of the most remarkable places in the world. The colonial-style former monastery is surrounded by views of the Andes and beautiful gardens - a leisurely and soothing escape. Smart and contemporary are the defining elements of this hotel, amidst the commercial village of Machu Picchu Pueblo. The hotel welcomes a wide range of guests expecting an uncomplicated visit. Hotel amenities include a restaurant, bar, hot-water pond, gift shop, Internet, and laundry service. Located in the heart of the archaeological center of America's oldest city. A few minutes from the Plaza de Armas, this hotel has modern architecture with fine colonial details. Just five minutes from the town of Puno and in front of Lake Titicaca, Lake Titicaca Puno hotel provides an ideal base for discovering Peruvian culture and exploring the surrounding areas. With a restaurant that is open from early morning to late night and a lounge with a grand fireplace, the hotel has a constant feeling of comfort and a welcoming atmosphere. Not to mention the beautiful grounds you'll enjoy every day!
Mode of Transport
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. Return to Puerto Maldonado, fly to Lima. Board the Vistadome train that cuts a path through the picturesque Urubamba Valley bound for Aguas Calientes.
Check out our Q&As
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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. There are also opportunities to spot nocturnal wildlife during night excursions.
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What activities are included at the Tambopata Eco Lodge?
At the 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, there are night excursions by canoe to appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night. You can choose from various included adventures with the guidance of your Naturalist.
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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. These sites highlight Lima's colonial heritage and its significance during the Spanish conquest.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Sacred Valley?
During the visit to the Sacred Valley, you will stop at Awanakancha to learn about camelids and their importance to Inca cultures. You will also visit the village of Pisac and its famous Indian market. Additionally, you will explore the village of Ollantaytambo and its Inca ruins, visit a local home, and learn about Peruvian ceramics at the Seminario workshop. The day ends with a visit to a local chicheria to taste chicha, a typical Inca drink.
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What will I experience at Machu Picchu?
At Machu Picchu, you will board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes and ascend the mountainside to the sacred refuge of Machu Picchu. Your guide will recount the accomplishments of the Incas as you tour the terraced ruins dating back to the 15th century. You will have some free time to explore the mountain town of Aguas Calientes, visit local markets, and take walks along nearby trails.
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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 learn about the Inca and Spanish architectural meld, see a depiction of The Last Supper with cuy (guinea pig), and explore the ruins of Kenko and Puca Pucara.
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What will I see during the excursion to Lake Titicaca?
During the excursion to Lake Titicaca, you will embark on a motorboat tour of the highest navigable lake in the world. You will visit Taquile Island to see how locals integrate their Inca and Spanish past, and the Uros floating islands to learn about the construction of islands, homes, and boats from tortora reed. The day concludes with a farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director.
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What is the significance of the visit to Sillustani en route to Puno?
The visit to Sillustani en route to Puno includes seeing the pre-Incan burial grounds and the above-ground tombs, chullpas, where the Aymara Indians buried their high priests. This site provides insight into the ancient burial practices and the cultural heritage of the region.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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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.
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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 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.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
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