Land of the Incas with Peruvian Amazon and Galapagos Legend East Cruise
Tour Type: Country Explorer
Brochure Type: TT Latin America 2023
Discover another world on this epic Peru tour, unearthing Incan history at Machu Picchu and marvelling at the mysterious Geoglyphs of Nazca. Lace up your boots to learn all about life in the million-year-old Peruvian Amazon from a local guide. The splendour of the Galapagos Islands will come alive before your eyes as you walk with giant tortoises and swim with turtles.
Choice Highlights
Brochure Type: TT Latin America 2023
Discover another world on this epic Peru tour, unearthing Incan history at Machu Picchu and marvelling at the mysterious Geoglyphs of Nazca. Lace up your boots to learn all about life in the million-year-old Peruvian Amazon from a local guide. The splendour of the Galapagos Islands will come alive before your eyes as you walk with giant tortoises and swim with turtles.
Choice Highlights
- Explore Lima and Cusco with a Local Specialist
- Visit the outdoor market at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, two visits to Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, the Uros Islands and Lake Titicaca
- See the other-wordly Nazca Lines from the air
- Scenic Cruise around Lake Titicaca and the Ballestas Islands
- Scenic Drive through the Sacred Valley
- Scenic Train Ride to Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train
- Sacred Valley: We'll Dive into Culture and meet a Quechua Shaman who will perform a ceremony welcoming you to Peru.
- Cusco: Visit a local chicheria for some traditional chicha tasting.
- Lake Titicaca: Arrive at Taquile Island, where we'll embark on a private tour to gain insights into the tradition of Textile Art for which the local villagers-men and women-are renowned. Learn more about the culture of the people living on the island and enjoy a traditional lunch.
- Paracas: Stop at the Regional Museum of Ica where we'll explore the centuries-old cultures of the Paracas and Nazca.
- Paracas: Visit Bodega El Catador to learn about and taste the finest pisco in the country.
- Sacred Valley: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness is built along the Vilcanota riverbank, on the lands of an old 17th-century colonial hacienda.
- Sacred Valley: Connect with Locals over a Be My Guest experience lunch, learn about the culture surrounding the production of Giant White Corn. Our hosts will demonstrate the differences between traditional farming techniques and the newer technologies used today.
- Machu Picchu: Learn how to prepare an authentic Ceviche and pour the perfect Pisco sour.
- Lake Titicaca: We cruise the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca with a Local Specialist, discovering its floating islands constructed from reeds by the Uros Indians
- Amazon Rainforest: Explore our 30 hectare Palmetum, a collection of 19 Amazonian palms in a plot reserved for rainforest restoration and conservation.
- Amazon Rainforest: Visit our organic bio-orchard to discover many of the rainforest's tropical plants up-close, with a chance to learn about their many intriguing medicinal uses by indigenous communities.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- A Trafalgar bonus all Intra-Air Flights: Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Juliaca and Juliaca to Lima, including porter service at all airports.
- Flight to see Nazca Lines
- Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
- Optional Experiences and free time
Call (540) 622-3073 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17355055
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 6/30/2023
- Duration
- 22 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Lima | Arrive Lima: Francisco Pizzaro's 'City of Kings' is your launch pad to an epic encounter with the Amazon's extraordinary biodiversity. On arrival in Lima, you'll be escorted to your airport hotel and enjoy the day to explore the sights of this colonial capital on your terms. Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport |
| Day 2 | Traverse the Inkaterra Forest | Traverse the Inkaterra Forest: This morning, we fly to Puerto Maldonado (internal flight included) and embark on a journey on the Madre de Rios River to our jungle lodge. where we meet our guides for the Inkaterra Field Station. Join a Local Specialist for insights into the forest, then keep a keen eye out for shy caiman during a pre-dinner boat expedition. Inkaterra Guides Field Station |
| Day 3 | Step Into the Mystical Amazon | Step Into the Mystical Amazon: Climb the exhilarating Inkaterra Canopy Walkway for an unforgettable opportunity to observe the rainforest from its rooftop. Deep within the rain forest, we enjoy the company of mischievous monkeys cavorting among the trees of Monkey Island. A short boat ride takes us into the Tambopata National Reserve where we'll hike through the thick jungle, admiring towering green walls of vegetation, the cacophony of birdcalls and the dappled light that filters through the canopy above. Arrive at Sandoval Lake, where you may spot a wide variety of birds, monkeys, giant river otters, black caimans and the elusive anaconda. The perfect end to our day sees us watch the sun set over the lake before heading back to our lodge for dinner. |
| Day 4 | Encounter the Biodiversity of the Amazon | Encounter the Biodiversity of the Amazon Make Travel Matter Connect with Locals: Discover the Amazon's otherworldly realm of aguajales rainforest swampland during your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience and learn how vegetation has adapted to the exotic species that are drawn here as you Connect With Locals. Here you will also get a chance to visit our organic bio-orchard to discover many of the rainforest's tropical plants up-close and learn of their healing capabilities. Boldly venture out at night to discover some of the strange species that come alive under deep darkness in the Amazon with our Local Specialist. Stroll quietly as your senses heighten to the mysterious nocturnal sounds of birds, mammals, insects and amphibians wondering close by. |
| Day 5 | Lima | Arrive Lima: The Capital of the New World extends a warm welcome on your epic voyage through the iconic and unexpected highlights of Peru. Meet your local host on arrival and transfer to your hotel in the fashionable barrio of San Isidro. This evening, you'll join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at 6 p.m. Novotel Lima San Isidro |
| Day 6 | Lima | Lima Sightseeing: Ease in to Lima life with a leisurely morning to enjoy the city. Next, you'll connect with the colonial heritage of Francisco Pizzaro's 'City of Kings', joining your Local Specialist for a city tour that reveals Lima's colonial splendour. Admire the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre and see the Church of San Francisco, delving into its hidden catacombs, religious art museum and extensive library. Novotel Lima San Isidro |
| Day 7 | Sacred Valley | Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley Dive Into Culture Stays With Stories: We'll fly to Cusco this morning, the gateway to Peru's treasured Sacred Valley, where you will enjoy a local Peruvian lunch with sweeping views of the Sacred Valley. Then we'll Dive Into Culture, meeting a Shaman who will perform a special ceremony to welcome us to Peru. Tonight, you'll stay at our Stays With Stories hotel along the banks of the Vilcanota River, on the grounds of an old 17th-century colonial hacienda. It is great for morning birders and afternoon walks in the gardens. Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness |
| Day 8 | Sacred Valley | Sacred Valley Connect with Locals: Connect With Locals over a Be My Guest experience lunch, learn about the culture surrounding the production of Giant White Corn. Our hosts will demonstrate the differences between traditional farming techniques and the newer technologies used today. Revel in the romance of the local Marinera dance and local musicans. This evening, meet Local Specialist, Peter Frost, a writer, photographer and independent scholar who has explored the Andes and Amazon for 47 years, locating and investigating the previously unknown Inca and pre-Inca site of Qoriwayrachina. He currently resides in Peru and works as an accompanying expert for National Geographic Expeditions. Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness |
| Day 9 | Machu Picchu | Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu Connect with Locals: Visit the mystical Incan stronghold of Ollantaytambo, en route to Machu Picchu, a village in the Sacred Valley, set on the Urubamba River amid majestic mountains. It's known for the Ollantaytambo ruins, a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces on a hillside. Then, ascend to the Lost City in the Clouds aboard the Vistadome train (light snack included) travelling along the Inca Trail, where you can view hikers and porters along the way. Here you will delve into the mysteries of this once-great civilisation, joining your Local Specialist for an exploration of the temples, palaces and terraces whose construction defy imagination. Visit the iconic great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the intricately carved Intihuatana, most likely used as a sundial centuries ago. We return to our hotel where we will Connect With Locals and learn how to prepare an authentic Ceviche and pour the perfect Pisco sour. SUMAQ Machu Picchu Hotel |
| Day 10 | Cusco | Machu Picchu - Cusco Dive Into Culture Stays With Stories: The ruins of Machu Picchu beckon yet again and we enjoy one final opportunity to reconnect with its story, spending some time on our own to explore the hill-top fortress. Next, we'll journey back to the Sacred Valley by train, stopping en route to Cusco to Dive Into Culture and learn about the natural dyeing techniques used by native weavers. Visit the Pisac handicraft market followed by sampling the sweet flavours of chicha as we Dive Into Culture yet again, savouring the favourite drink of the Andes. Then a Stays With Stories tonight, in what was once an old, colonial Hacienda located in the historic centre of Cusco. Hotel Novotel Cusco |
| Day 11 | Cusco | Cusco Sightseeing: Begin your day at the ruins of the UNESCO-listed Sacsayhuaman fortress overlooking Cusco. Your Local Specialist will guide you through Cusco's colonial centre. Later, you'll join another Local Specialist who will reveal insights into the nearby 13th-century Incan settlement of Qoriwayrachina. The afternoon is free. Hotel Novotel Cusco |
| Day 12 | Puno | Cusco - Juliaca - Puno: Fly to Juliaca and meet a Local Specialist to learn about daily life on the Peruvian altiplano. After an included lunch, we'll visit Sillustani, a pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo. Explore the towering chullpas (above ground tombs) before travelling to Puno along the shores of Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the sun. GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca |
| Day 13 | Lake Titicaca | Lake Titicaca Excursion Connect with Locals Dive Into Culture: Connect With Locals as you cruise the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca, passing floating islands constructed by the Uros people. Next, in the midst of South America's largest lake lies Taquile Island, where we'll Dive Into Culture and embark on a private tour to gain insights into the tradition of knitting and weaving for which the local villagers - men and women - are renowned. Enjoy a lunch here and learn more about the islanders' unique way of life upon islets make of totora reeds, which grow in the lake, and are attached to sticks driven into the bottom of the lake. Tonight, we indulge in a Regional Dinner at our favourite local restaurant in Puno. GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca |
| Day 14 | Paracas | Puno - Juliaca - Lima - Paracas: Return to Lima this morning, then continue your journey to the coastal playground of Paracas. Discover what life is like in Peru's rural countryside before arriving to Paracas for dinner at your seaside hotel and an evening at leisure. Perhaps there's even time for a stroll along the Malecon. Spa Hotel Aranwa |
| Day 15 | NAZCA LINES FLIGHT | Paracas - Nazca Lines Flight Dive Into Culture: Take to the skies, soaring above the coastal desert to see the enigmatic Nazca Lines, gigantic geometric designs viewable only from the air. Next, stop this afternoon at our Dive Into Culture, the Regional Museum of Ica, where we'll explore the centuries-old cultures of the Paracas and Nazca. Later, we will once again Dive Into Culture during a visit to Bodega El Catador to learn about and taste the finest pisco in the country. The rest of the day is free. Spa Hotel Aranwa |
| Day 16 | Lima | Paracas - Ballestas Islands - Lima: This morning, connect with nature with a Local Specialist, cruising around the uninhabited Ballestas Islands, a 'mini-Galapagos' teeming with wildlife. See the mysterious Candelabra in Pisco Bay, then return to Lima where this evening, we'll visit the Larco Museum with a Local Specialist. Our journey almost at its end, we'll indulge in a festive Farewell Dinner in the museum's garden restaurant. Novotel Lima San Isidro |
| Day 17 | Quito | Travel to Quito: Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Ecuador (flight not included in holiday price). Enjoy a warm welcome in Quito where you will be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel. Sheraton |
| Day 18 | Quito | Uncover Historic Quito: Visit the historical centre of Quito, which was the first place in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and travel to the 'Middle of the World' to stand on the Equator. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. |
| Day 19 | Bartolome Island | Bartolome Island and Galapagos penguins: Discover a land that inspired Darwin to form his Theory of Natural Selection. On arrival at Baltra airport, transfer to the M/V Galapagos Legend. Sail to Bartolome Island, hiking to its summit for soul-stirring views, then snorkel in the midst of Galapagos penguins. M/V Galapagos Legend |
| Day 20 | South Plaza Islet and the Famous Galapagos Sea Lions | South Plaza Islet and the Famous Galapagos Sea Lions: Our first destination today is South Plaza Island, home to the famed Galapagos sea lions and the unusual prickly pear cactus tree which dot the island's red landscape. Next is North Seymour Island, on whose long sandy beach and rocks, the resident sea lions and marine iguanas sun themselves. |
| Day 21 | San Cristobal Island | Uncover San Cristobal Island: We journey to Pitt Point this morning, ascending to a high point on the steep volcanic tuff hill to see if we can spot all three of the booby species simultaneously. Cerro Brujo's coral sand beach is our next destination, where we can connect with the resident sea lions or snorkel in the shadow of Witch's Hill. |
| Day 22 | San Cristobal Island | Depart San Cristobal Island: Enjoy a first-hand encounter with the giant tortoises of La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, a tortoise reserve that protects the island's tortoise population. Your Galapagos exhibition at its end, transfer to San Cristobal Airport for your return flight to Quito. Airport arrival time in Quito will be at 7 p.m.; please be aware when booking your flights. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- LLIA
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
