Mysteries of the Inca Empire

Mysteries of the Inca Empire

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11 Days From

$3309

$2855

Mysteries of the Inca Empire

11 Days Starting and ending in Lima, Peru

Visiting: Lima, Peru, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno, Puno. Excursion To Lake Titicaca, Juliaca

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

1300-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Age range:

0-0

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Budget

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $3309 $2855 Operator discount: -$455 -14%

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

On this Peru tour, delve into the past as you spend time in Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca. Along the way, visit ancient ruins, see beautiful scenery, and enjoy guided sightseeing with Local Guides and a Tour Director dedicated to bringing you these destinations and to helping you learn about the local cultures. 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 of palaces, plazas, temples, and homes 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, where the Inca foundations remain under the Spanish baroque structures, 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 people construct their islands, homes, and boats from totora reed, a centuries-old practice. 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. These are just some of the many highlights of this Peru tour. Designed for savvy, value-minded travelers, it's a vacation of a lifetime!

Highlights

  • Visit the baroque 11th-century San Francisco Monastery in Lima.

  • Explore the famous Indian market in Pisac, Sacred Valley.

  • Tour the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and visit a local home in the village.

  • Ascend to Machu Picchu and explore the terraced ruins dating back to the 15th century.

  • Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Cusco, including the Temple of Sacsayhuaman.

  • Experience a motorboat tour of Lake Titicaca and visit the Uros floating islands.

  • Visit the pre-Incan burial grounds of Sillustani en route to Puno.

Places You'll See

Jose Antonio Lima Hotel

Sonesta Posadas Del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay

El Mapi By Inkaterra

Jose Antonio Cusco

Jose Antonio Puno

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Lima,Peru

Location: Lima, Peru

Accommodation: Hotel

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.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

Location: Lima

Accommodation: 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.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 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. (B,D)

Day 3: Lima,Cusco,Sacred Valley

Location: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley

Accommodation: Hotel

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.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 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. (B,D)

Day 4: Sacred Valley

Location: Sacred Valley

Accommodation: Hotel

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.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 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. (B)

Day 5: Sacred Valley,Machu Picchu

Location: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

Accommodation: Hotel

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.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 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. (B,D)

Day 6: Machu Picchu,Cusco

Location: Machu Picchu, Cusco

Accommodation: Hotel

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.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. (B)

Day 7: Cusco

Location: Cusco

Accommodation: Hotel

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.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 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. (B,D)

Day 8: Cusco,Puno

Location: Cusco, Puno

Accommodation: Hotel

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.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. (B)

Day 9: Puno. Excursion To Lake Titicaca

Location: Puno. Excursion To Lake Titicaca

Accommodation: 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 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.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 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. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Puno,Juliaca,Lima

Location: Puno, Juliaca, Lima

Accommodation: 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.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. (B)

Day 11: Lima

Location: Lima

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.LIMA Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at various hotels including Jose Antonio Lima Hotel, Sonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay, El Mapi by Inkaterra, Jose Antonio Cusco, and Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel.

  • Meals

    Enjoy 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 5 dinners during the tour.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided sightseeing tours in Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca.

  • Transportation

    Includes flights from Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Juliaca, and Juliaca to Lima, as well as the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees to various attractions including San Francisco Monastery, Machu Picchu, and Sacsayhuaman.

  • Local Experiences

    Visits to local markets, a chicheria, a ceramics workshop, and a local home in Juliaca.

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 for all travelers.

  • Personal Expenses

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

  • Optional Activities

    Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Gratuities

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

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.

Meals

10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners

UNESCO Sites

City of Cusco|Historic Center of Lima|Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

Accommodation

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

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 12,200 ft.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in a variety of hotels, including the Jose Antonio Lima Hotel in Lima, Sonesta Posadas del Inca in the Sacred Valley, El Mapi by Inkaterra in Machu Picchu Pueblo, Jose Antonio Cusco in Cusco, and Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel in Puno.

  • Will there be opportunities to interact with local culture?

    Yes, you will have several opportunities to interact with local culture, including visiting a local home in Ollantaytambo, learning about ancient and modern Peruvian art at the Seminario ceramics workshop, and experiencing life in a local home in Juliaca.

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 5 dinners.

  • Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the City of Cusco, the Historic Center of Lima, and the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

  • What kind of activities are included in the Sacred Valley?

    In the Sacred Valley, you will visit the village of Ollantaytambo and its Inca ruins, experience life in a traditional village, learn about Peruvian art at the Seminario ceramics workshop, and taste chicha, a typical Inca drink, at a local chicheria.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Machu Picchu?

    You will board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes and then ascend to Machu Picchu. A guide will provide a tour of the terraced ruins, recounting the many accomplishments of the Incas.

  • What will I experience on the Lake Titicaca excursion?

    You will embark on a motorboat tour of Lake Titicaca, visit Taquile Island to see local textiles, and explore the Uros floating islands, learning how the Uros Indians construct their islands and homes from tortora reed.

  • 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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Prices last published on 06-Nov-2024

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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.

  • 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.

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