Compare Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Peru's Amazon & Arequipa & Colca Canyon by Cosmos vs Peru in 15 days - Ultimate Inca Adventure - Superior by Exoticca

Day 1: ARRIVE IN LIMA, PERU

Welcome to Lima, where you will be met by a Cosmos representative.

Day 2: LIMA–PUERTO MALDONADO–TAMBOPATA ECO LODGE

Fly to Puerto Maldonado, entry to Peru’s Amazon Jungle. Take a motorboat journey up the Tambopata River to view turtles, caimans, monkeys, and birdlife. Arrive at your Amazon Jungle lodge within Tambopata National Reserve. This afternoon, head out with your Naturalist in search of saddleback tamarins, brown capuchins, agoutis, blue-morpho butterflies, trogons, toucans, and many other species commonly spotted here. As night falls, head out on foot to search for nocturnal wildlife. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 3: TAMBOPATA ECO LODGE

Enjoy a Naturalist-guided canoe ride and walk to see the flora and fauna that thrive in the Amazon. After lunch, head back out with your Naturalist to learn about the endemic plants in this region and spot some more wildlife. This evening, venture back out by canoe with your Naturalist to appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 4: TAMBOPATA ECO LODGE

For more insight into the Amazon, let your Naturalist know what included adventure you would like to take advantage of today—it’s your choice! (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 5: TAMBOPATA ECO LODGE–PUERTO MALDONADO–LIMA

Return to Puerto Maldonado, fly to Lima. Heralded as the “City of Kings” by Spanish conquistadors, Lima retains vestiges of its opulent past with its colonial buildings and world-class museums. (Breakfast)

Day 6: 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. (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 7: LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY

Fly to Cusco high in the Andes and upon arrival, descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop at Awanakancha and 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 Pisac, a charming village with a famous Indian 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. (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 8: 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. (Breakfast)

Day 9: 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. (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 10: 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, return to Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire. (Breakfast)

Day 11: 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, then see the ruins of Kenko and Puca Pucara before returning to Cusco. (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 12: CUSCO–JULIACA–PUNO

Fly to Juliaca, visit the pre-Incan burial grounds of Sillustani en route to Puno. See the above-ground tombs, chullpas, in which the Aymara Indians buried their high priests. Continue 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 found the Inca Empire. (Breakfast)

Day 13: 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 Indians construct their islands, homes, boats, and many other resources completely of tortora reed, a centuries-old practice. Enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director this evening. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 14: 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, and stop for lunch in the town of Chivay. This afternoon, arrive in Colca Canyon. (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 15: COLCA CANYON

Today, 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. (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 16: 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. (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 17: AREQUIPA

This morning, a 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. (Breakfast)

Day 18: AREQUIPA–LIMA

Fly to Lima today. (Breakfast)

Day 19: LIMA

Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Day 1: US - Lima

Arrival at US departure airport ready to check in for a flight to Lima. Arrive, transfer to the hotel, and depending on the time, spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 2: Lima

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an informative and interesting city tour of Lima, including its Historic Centre and the Santo Domingo Convent. Start by exploring the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro before heading to the Historic Center. Visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo and walk to the Plaza de Armas to admire the exquisite colonial architecture that surrounds it. Finally, stop in the Parque del Amor, from where you can take beautiful photos of the Peruvian coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 3: Lima - Paracas

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, transfer to the bus station and enjoy a scenic journey heading south along the coast to Paracas. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and get out and explore this small port town which boasts beautiful beaches and fascinating wildlife. Overnight stay in Paracas.

Day 4: Paracas - Nazca

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, take a boat to the Ballestas Islands, where you can see thousands of birds, sea lions and seals in their natural environment. From Humboldt penguins and South American sea lions to a multitude of marine birds, be in awe of the beauty of these tranquil islands. The famous Candelabra design, a figure of the Nazca culture engraved in the desert, can also be seen from the boat. In the afternoon, transfer to the bus station for a bus to Nazca. Arrive in Nazca, famous for its mysterious Nazca lines, although the city is named after the civilisation that flourished here between 100 BC and 800 AD. This region also has a strong heritage of viticulture, although today, this is one of the dryest places on earth with only 4 millimetres of rain, on average, a year. Overnight stay in Nazca.

Day 5: Nazca - Arequipa

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have the unmissable opportunity of taking an optional flight over the Nazca lines.* In the afternoon, transfer to the bus station to catch a regular night bus to Arequipa, one of the most important economic and industrial centres in Peru. Arequipa's city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to various religious monuments and historic buildings such as the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa. The city sits at the foot of the Misti volcano which provides a beautiful skyline backdrop. Overnight transfer. * Optional Nazca Lines Flight: Experience the mystery of the Nazca lines from the sky, with a flight over the ancient lines, some measuring 30 metres in width, which depict strange images, shrouded in conspiracy and speculation. See the Astronaut, the Monkey and the Condor, among other depictions and decide for yourself the meaning of these ancient messages to the Gods. Minimum 3 pax. 180$ approx per person to be paid at the destination. Please note: the transfer to Arequipa is through the night and you will arrive at the destination the following morning.

Day 6: Arequipa

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you have the opportunity to take an optional city tour of Arequipa.* Alternatively, spend the day at your leisure, exploring this historic city. Overnight stay in Arequipa. * Optional City Tour of Arequipa: Visit the sights of Arequipa such as the Plaza de Armas, the Monastery of St Catherine and the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa. The Monastery of St Catherine is the most important and impressive religious construction in Peru. Next, head to the beautiful Barrio del Solar to visit the Church of La Compañía de Jesús, a temple that constitutes the oldest and most important testimony of religious architecture made with ashlar volcanic stone.

Day 7: Arequipa - Chivay

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart this morning towards the Colca Valley, and the beautiful city of Chivay. Take in the spectacular views from the 3900-metres high Pampa Cañahuas Pass and continue your journey towards the legendary Colca Valley. Make a rest stop at a local restaurant and perhaps try a cup of coca tea (not included) whilst taking in the views at 4000-metres of altitude! Continue your journey, as you discover the wildlife-rich Pampas of Toccra. Observe llamas, alpacas and Andean birds in their natural habitat before heading to the Pata Pampa Pass, the highest point on today's journey at 4900-metres above sea level. See the so-called 'Ring of Fire', a circle of 8 volcanoes, before descending into the Colca Valley and arriving in charming Chivay. Take some time at your leisure to explore the town or have lunch (not included), before transferring to the hotel where you can get settled into your accommodation. In the afternoon, unwind after your journey at the La Calera Hot Springs (entrance not included), the perfect end to an adventurous day in the Andes! Return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Chivay.

Day 8: Chivay - Puno

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early this morning, headed for the quaint village of Yanque, home to a historic church and considered the most beautiful village in the Colca Valley. Next, take in the views as your drive towards Cruz del Condor, one of the best places in South America to view the giant Andean Condor! Arrive at the viewpoint and take some time to appreciate the incredible natural landscapes as you watch the legendary flight of the Condor, an unforgettable experience! After an action-packed morning, return to Chivay, stopping at the Huayra Punko viewpoint and the town of Maca along the way. Back in Chivay, enjoy some time at your leisure before departing towards Puno, a journey of approximately 6-hours. Make a rest stop along the way in Patahuasi and stop to observe the birdlife and landscapes in Lagunillas. After another short stop in Santa Lucia, you finally arrive in Puno, home of legendary Lake Titicaca and famed for its rich cultural heritage! Get settled at the hotel and enjoy the evening to relax at your leisure. Overnight stay in Puno.

Day 9: Puno

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day relaxing at your leisure, enjoying the views of Lake Titicaca or simply enjoying the facilities of your hotel. We recommend an optional excursion to Taquile & Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca.* Overnight stay in Puno. * Optional Excursion to Taquile & Uros island: Depart by boat to Taquile island, which dates back to pre-Inca times. The Islanders are famous for their beautiful clothing, their incredible knits, and textile industry. Next, visit the community of Huayllano, on the same island, where the locals show their traditional crafts and agriculture.Enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterwards, visit the island of Uros situated in the middle of the national reserve of Lake Titicaca.

Day 10: Puno - Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Puno station to take a bus to Cuzco. Leave the station and start your journey on the bus to Puno and enjoy the marvellous landscapes of the South Valley of Cuzco. Visit Andahuaylas, a beautiful 17th-century church, featuring an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs. Continue on the road and visit the ruins of Racqui, also known as the ´Temple of the God Wiracocha. After lunch, discover La Raya, the highest point on the highway between Cuzco and Puno for amazing views of the landscape. Arrive in Cuzco and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Cuzco.

Day 11: Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a fascinating half-day tour of Cuzco. Begin in the iconic Plaza de Armas, and visit the Cathedral. From here, walk to the Koricancha Temple, an impressive ancient Inca palace, in honour of the Sun God. Today, a Dominican church stands on the site. Finally, visit the lively San Blas neighbourhood, known for its artists, shops and artisan workshops. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and sampling the local cuisine. Overnight stay in Cuzco.

Day 12: Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting visit to Macchu Picchu awaits you this morning as you set off for the train station to board the Voyager or Expedition Train* to Aguas Calientes, admiring the landscape along the way. Arrive and transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu**, a true wonder of the world and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Spend some time discovering the ruins and being amazed by the terraces and enjoying a tour of the different sections of the site. Return by train to Cuzco. Overnight stay in Cuzco. Note: The baggage policy on board the train is 1 bag or backpack per person weighing a maximum of max. 5kg / 11lb. * You will have the option to upgrade to a different train in the next step of the booking process. ** Backpacks or bags taken into Machu Picchu must not exceed 40x35x20cms or have a capacity larger than 20Lts and must not contain single-use plastic bottles or bags. Backpacks or bags that exceed the indicated measurements can be left in storage for approx. $2 per bag.

Day 13: Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure with the opportunity to enjoy optional Sacred Valley excursion, to experience the best of the region.* Overnight stay in Cuzco. * Optional Essence of the Sacred Valley Excursion: Visit Chinchero and the PARWA Centre, to appreciate the colourful traditional textiles. Next, visit the church of Chinchero before heading to the Racchi panoramic viewpoint for a fantastic view across the valley. Explore Ollantaytambo and its Inca fortress. Lunch and 'Boleto Turisitco' included granting entrance to the Sacred Valley and surrounding sights.

Day 14: Cuzco - Lima

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day relaxing at your leisure before going to the airport to take a flight to Lima. Arrive in Lima, situated on the Pacific Coast. Transfer to the hotel, and spend the rest of the day exploring the city's colonial streets and magical plazas at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 15: Lima - Night on board

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board.

Day 16: US

Arrive in the US and end your trip.