Land of the Incas with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise
Land of the Incas with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise
Land of the Incas with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise
9 Days Starting in Lima, Peru and ending in Quito, Ecuador
Visiting: Lima, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Paracas, Nazca
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LLINCN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Peru and Ecuador with the "Land of the Incas with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise" tour. Begin in Lima, exploring the vibrant city before heading to the Sacred Valley and the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu. Discover the ancient Incan stronghold of Ollantaytambo, the colonial charm of Cusco, and the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Titicaca. Fly over the enigmatic Nazca Lines, cruise the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands, and savor the finest pisco in Paracas. This adventure is enriched with cultural encounters, scenic train rides, and luxurious accommodations, culminating in a visit to the Galápagos Islands, where nature's wonders await.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel 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 upscale shopping district of Miraflores. This evening, you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception at 6 p.m.
Day 2: Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: El MaPi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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) traveling 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 civilization, 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.
Day 3: Machu Picchu – Cusco Dive Into Culture Stays With Stories
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Hotel Novotel Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® and learn about the natural dyeing techniques used by native weavers. Visit the Pisac handicraft market followed by sampling the sweet flavors of chicha, savoring the favorite drink of the Andes.
Day 4: Cusco Sightseeing
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Hotel Novotel Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day at the ruins of the UNESCO-listed Incan Sacsayhuaman fortress overlooking Cusco. Admire the massive, sacred stonework before your Local Specialist guides you through Cusco’s colonial center. During your city tour, visit the shop of the social project Mantay, a housing and education project for underage mothers to live here and learn a craft or trade. Later, you’ll join another Local Specialist who will reveal insights into the nearby 13th-century Incan settlement of Qoriwayrachina. The afternoon is free to join an optional experience including a visit to the Chocolate Museum, Cusco off the beaten track or the greenhouse and salt wells of Maras & Moray.
Day 5: Cusco – Juliaca – Lake Titicaca
Location: Lake Titicaca
Accommodation Name: GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Fly to Juliaca and meet a Local Specialist to learn about daily life on the Peruvian altiplano. After an included al fresco lunch, visit Sillustani, a pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo where striking chullpas (stone tombs) are scattered across the landscape, inviting you to step back in time. Then travel via Puno along the shores to Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the sun. Here you’ll Dive Into Culture visiting the home of Víctor Coila, his wife Mariluz, and their two daughters for a meal of quinoa bread, potatoes with cheese and authentic chaco sauce.
Day 6: Lake Titicaca Excursion Connect With Locals Dive Into Culture
Location: Lake Titicaca
Accommodation Name: GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 Make Travel Matter 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. Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO. This experience aligns with UN's Global goal 10, reduced inequalities. 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 favorite local restaurant in Puno.
Day 7: Lake Titicaca – Juliaca – Lima – Paracas
Location: Paracas
Accommodation Name: Spa Hotel Aranwa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 8: Paracas – Nazca Lines Flight Dive Into Culture
Location: Nazca
Accommodation Name: Spa Hotel Aranwa
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 9: Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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A Trafalgar bonus all Intra-Air Flights: Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Juliaca and Juliaca to Lima, including porter service at all airports.
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Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with luxury air-conditioned coaches, scenic train rides aboard the Vistadome to Machu Picchu, and intra-air flights between Lima, Cusco, and Juliaca, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Iberostar Hotel Lima, El MaPi in Machu Picchu, Hotel Novotel Cusco, GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca, and Spa Hotel Aranwa in Paracas, offering a blend of luxury and local charm.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique cultural experiences such as visiting the home of Víctor Coila and his family at Lake Titicaca to try local foods like quinoa bread and chaco sauce, learning about natural dyeing techniques from native weavers in the Sacred Valley, and sampling chicha, a traditional Peruvian corn beer. Additionally, you will visit the shop of the social project Mantay in Cusco, which supports underage mothers.
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the Ballestas Islands?
On the Ballestas Islands, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including guanay cormorants, Peruvian boobies, Peruvian pelicans, sea lions, South American fur seals, and Humboldt penguins. The islands are often referred to as a 'mini-Galapagos' due to their rich biodiversity.
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What is the significance of the Nazca Lines and how will we experience them?
The Nazca Lines are ancient geoglyphs created between 500 B.C. and A.D. 500, depicting various shapes and animals. They are best viewed from the air, and the tour includes a private flight over the Nazca Lines, where you will see many of these massive designs and learn about their history and significance.
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What activities are planned at Machu Picchu?
At Machu Picchu, you will take a shuttle to the top of the mountain for a guided hike with a local specialist who will explain the history and significance of various sections of the site. You will also have the opportunity to explore the ruins on your own and take in the views at sunrise.
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What can I expect during the visit to Lake Titicaca?
During the visit to Lake Titicaca, you will cruise its deep blue waters with a local specialist, visit floating islands constructed by the Uros people, and take a private tour of Taquile Island to learn about the local tradition of knitting and weaving. You will also enjoy a traditional lunch and have the opportunity to learn about the unique way of life of the islanders.
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What is included in the visit to the Paracas National Reserve?
In the Paracas National Reserve, you will explore the pristine desert landscape, which is home to colonies of sea lions and sea birds. You will also have free time to explore Paracas Bay, where you can visit local restaurants and shops along the boardwalk.
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What historical sites will we visit in Cusco?
In Cusco, you will visit the UNESCO-listed Sacsayhuamán fortress, the 13th-century Incan settlement of Koricancha, and Cusco's colonial center. You will also have the option to visit the Chocolate Museum, explore Cusco off the beaten track, or visit the greenhouse and salt wells of Maras & Moray.
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What is the significance of the Ollantaytambo ruins?
The Ollantaytambo ruins are a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces stretching across a hillside. The site includes the sun temple of six monoliths and the Princess Baths fountain. It is an important archaeological site that provides insights into Inca engineering and architecture.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD 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 trafalgar 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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Terms and Conditions