Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Arequipa & Colca Canyon
Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Arequipa & Colca Canyon
Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Arequipa & Colca Canyon
15 Days Starting and ending in Lima, Peru
Visiting: Lima, Peru, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno, Puno. Excursion To Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, Arequipa
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1306-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
On this Peru tour, 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, Arequipa, and Colca Canyon. Along the way, visit ancient ruins, witness amazing scenery, and enjoy guided sightseeing of Peru's fascinating 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 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. But that's not all…you'll also spend time in Colca Canyon, an impressive geological formation more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Here, witness condors soaring majestically above the canyon walls, marvel at the canyon, and relax at La Calera hot springs. Ancient ruins, local culture, guided sightseeing, and amazing g scenery—this Peru tour designed for savvy, value-mind travelers has it all!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima,Peru
Location: 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.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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,Colca Canyon
Location: Puno, Colca Canyon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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. Please note: the Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day by day itinerary.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. (B,L)Please note: the Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day by day itinerary.
Day 11: Colca Canyon
Location: Colca Canyon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.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. (B,L)
Day 12: Colca Canyon,Arequipa
Location: Colca Canyon, Arequipa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.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. (B,L)
Day 13: Arequipa
Location: Arequipa
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.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. (B)
Day 14: Arequipa,Lima
Location: Arequipa, Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to Lima today.AREQUIPA–LIMA Fly to Lima today. (B)
Day 15: 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
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Accommodation
Stay at various hotels including Jose Antonio Lima Hotel, Sonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay, El Mapi by Inkaterra, Jose Antonio Cusco, Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel, Casa Andina Standard Colca Hotel, and Casa Andina Select Arequipa.
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Meals
14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided sightseeing tours in Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno, Colca Canyon, and Arequipa.
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Transportation
Transportation includes flights from Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Juliaca, and Arequipa to Lima, as well as the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu.
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Excursions
Excursions to various sites including Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites: City of Cusco, Historic Center of Lima, Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, and Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa.
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, laundry, and additional meals are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not listed 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, 5 dinners
UNESCO Sites
City of Cusco|Historic Center of Lima|Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu|Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa
Accommodation
Lima:Jose Antonio Lima HotelSacred Valley:Sonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - YucayMachu Picchu:El Mapi by InkaterraCusco:Jose Antonio CuscoPuno:Jose Antonio PunoColca Canyon:Casa Andina Standard Colca HotelArequipa:Casa Andina Select Arequipa
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. Guests should be in relatively good shape to visit Arequipa and Colca Canyon due to sustained high altitudes. Arequipa is approx. 7,808 feet and the road to Colca Valley has mountain passes which are approx. 16,000 ft. In Colca, where guests will overnight, the altitude is approx. 11,800 ft.Maximum elevation on this tour is approx. 16,000 ft.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect to see in Lima during the tour?
In Lima, you will explore the city's colonial heritage, including the baroque 11th-century San Francisco Monastery, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, and the cathedral where Francisco Pizarro's remains are buried. You will also have free time to explore the city on your own.
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What activities are included in the Sacred Valley portion of the tour?
In the Sacred Valley, you will visit the village of Ollantaytambo and its Inca ruins, experience life in a traditional Incan village, visit the Seminario ceramics workshop, and taste chicha, a typical Inca drink, at a local chicheria.
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What will I experience at Machu Picchu?
At Machu Picchu, you will take the Vistadome train through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes and then ascend to the Machu Picchu ruins. Your guide will provide insights into the Inca civilization as you tour the terraced ruins. You will also have free time to explore the mountain town of Aguas Calientes.
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What historical sites will I visit in Cusco?
In Cusco, you will visit the Santo Domingo Monastery, the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, and the ruins of Kenko and Puca Pucara. The tour will highlight the blend of Inca and Spanish architecture and the city's historical significance.
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What is unique about the Lake Titicaca excursion?
During the Lake Titicaca excursion, you will take a motorboat tour of the lake and visit Taquile Island and the Uros floating islands. You will learn about the local people's integration of Inca and Spanish cultures and see how the Uros Indians construct their islands and resources from tortora reed.
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What can I expect to see in Colca Canyon?
In Colca Canyon, you will visit Condors’ Cross to view the Andean condor in flight, explore the town of Yanque, and have free time for independent exploration. The canyon is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and offers impressive geological formations.
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What will I see in Arequipa?
In Arequipa, you will tour the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Jesuit church. You will also visit the residential districts of Yanahuara and Chilina for magnificent views of the countryside and Mount Misti volcano. The city is known for its buildings made of sillar, a white volcanic rock.
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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.