Land of the Incas with Galápagos Legend East Cruise
Land of the Incas with Galápagos Legend East Cruise
$9225
Land of the Incas with Galápagos Legend East 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:
LLIECM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the "Land of the Incas with Galápagos Legend East Cruise," exploring the rich cultural and natural wonders of Peru and Ecuador. Begin in Lima, then traverse the Sacred Valley to the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train. Discover the ancient Incan stronghold of Ollantaytambo, the colonial charm of Cusco, and the serene beauty of Lake Titicaca. Marvel at the enigmatic Nazca Lines from the sky and cruise the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands. Experience local traditions, from weaving on Taquile Island to tasting the finest pisco in Paracas. Conclude with a visit to the Larco Museum in Lima, making this an epic voyage through history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
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 travellers 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: Cusco
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 flavours of chicha, savouring the favourite 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 centre. 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 favourite 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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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver will accompany you throughout the tour.
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Cherry-Picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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Porterage and Restaurant Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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Hotel Tips, Charges, and Local Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered.
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Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Sightseeing and Extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the package.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury Transportation
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Intra-Air Flights
All Intra-Air Flights: Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Juliaca, and Juliaca to Lima, including porter service at all airports.
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Vistadome Train Tickets
Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu are included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the starting and ending locations 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 not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and any other travel documentation costs are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with luxury air-conditioned coaches, the scenic Vistadome train 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 can I expect during the visit to Machu Picchu?
During the visit to Machu Picchu, you will travel aboard the Vistadome train, which offers panoramic views of the Inca Trail and surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival, a Local Specialist will guide you through the temples, palaces, and terraces of this ancient Incan city. You will also have the opportunity to explore the site on your own and take in the ruins at sunrise.
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What wildlife can be seen on the Ballestas Islands excursion?
On the Ballestas Islands excursion, 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 view them?
The Nazca Lines are ancient geoglyphs created between 500 B.C. and A.D. 500, featuring straight lines, geometric shapes, and pictorial designs such as animals and plants. You will take a private flight to view these massive designs from above, where you can see their full scale and learn about their historical significance.
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What activities are planned at Lake Titicaca?
At Lake Titicaca, you will cruise its deep blue waters with a Local Specialist, visit the 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 a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant in Puno.
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What historical sites will be visited in Cusco?
In Cusco, you will visit the UNESCO-listed Sacsayhuamán fortress, the colonial center of Cusco, and the 13th-century Incan settlement of Koricancha. You will also have the option to visit the Chocolate Museum, explore Cusco off the beaten track, or see the greenhouse and salt wells of Maras & Moray.
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What is included in the tour's transportation and accommodation?
The tour includes luxury air-conditioned coach transportation with Wi-Fi in most countries, all intra-air flights including porter service at all airports, and tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted, with all porterage, restaurant gratuities, hotel tips, charges, and local taxes included.
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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