Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Peru's Amazon
Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Peru's Amazon
Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Peru's Amazon
15 Days Starting and ending in Lima, Peru
Visiting: Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Tambopata, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Puno
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1302-2026
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Peru with the "Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Peru's Amazon" tour. Begin your adventure in Lima, the "City of Kings," before delving into the heart of the Amazon Jungle at Tambopata Eco Lodge. Experience the rich biodiversity with guided canoe rides and nature walks. Explore the Sacred Valley, visit the ancient ruins of Ollantaytambo, and marvel at the majestic Machu Picchu. Discover Cusco's blend of Inca and Spanish heritage, and enjoy a motorboat tour of Lake Titicaca's unique floating islands. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and historical treasures, providing an immersive experience of Peru's diverse landscapes and cultures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Lima,Peru
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
Welcome to Lima, where you will be met by a Cosmos representative.Please note: You will meet your Tour Director on day 5 in Lima.ARRIVE IN LIMA, PERU Welcome to Lima, where you will be met by a Cosmos representative.Please note: You will meet your Tour Director on day 5 in Lima.
Day 2: Lima,Puerto Maldonado,Tambopata Eco Lodge
Location: Puerto Maldonado
Accommodation Name: Tambopata Eco Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.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. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Tambopata Eco Lodge
Location: Tambopata
Accommodation Name: Tambopata Eco Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.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. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Tambopata Eco Lodge
Location: Tambopata
Accommodation Name: Tambopata Eco Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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!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! (B,L,D)
Day 5: Tambopata Eco Lodge,Puerto Maldonado,Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Lima Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.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. (B)
Day 6: Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Lima Hotel
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 7: Lima,Cusco,Sacred Valley
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay
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 8: Sacred Valley
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay
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 9: Sacred Valley,Machu Picchu
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: El Mapi by Inkaterra
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 10: Machu Picchu,Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio 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 11: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio 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 12: Cusco,Puno
Location: Puno
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio 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 13: Puno. Excursion To Lake Titicaca
Location: Puno
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Puno
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 14: Puno,Juliaca,Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Jose Antonio Lima Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return to Juliaca, where you will be welcomed into a local home for an inside look at life here. Later, a short flight returns you to Lima, where you will transfer to your hotel.PUNO–JULIACA–LIMA Return to Juliaca, where you will be welcomed into a local home for an inside look at life here. Later, a short flight returns you to Lima, where you will transfer to your hotel. (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
Accommodation in various hotels including Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport, Tambopata Eco Lodge, Jose Antonio Lima Hotel, Sonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay, El Mapi by Inkaterra, Jose Antonio Cusco, and Jose Antonio Puno.
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Meals
14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 8 dinners are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours and excursions with a Naturalist in the Amazon, sightseeing in Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.
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Transportation
Transportation including flights within Peru, motorboat journeys, and the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to various attractions and sites including Machu Picchu, San Francisco Monastery, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman.
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Local Experiences
Local experiences such as visiting a local home in Juliaca, participating in a tree-planting project in Cusco, and tasting chicha in a local chicheria.
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, additional meals, and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned 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, 8 dinners
UNESCO Sites
City of Cusco|Historic Center of Lima|Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Accommodation
Lima: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport, Puerto Maldonado: Tambopata Eco Lodge, Lima: Jose Antonio Lima Hotel, Sacred Valley: Sonesta Posadas del Inca - Sacred Valley - Yucay, Machu Picchu: El Mapi by Inkaterra, Cusco: Jose Antonio Cusco, Puno: Jose Antonio Puno
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. Maximum elevation on this tour is 12,200 ft. For the Amazon adventure, guests should be prepared for eco-lodging due to their remote nature in the rainforest. Further, guests should be prepared for sustained walking, possibly muddy conditions, and have the ability to jump in/out of small water crafts such as canoes and small fishing boats. Itinerary is subject to change in low or high water situations.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Amazon Jungle?
In the Amazon Jungle, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including turtles, caimans, monkeys, birdlife, saddleback tamarins, brown capuchins, agoutis, blue-morpho butterflies, trogons, and toucans. At night, you may also encounter nocturnal wildlife.
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What activities are included during the stay at Tambopata Eco Lodge?
During your stay at Tambopata Eco Lodge, you will enjoy a Naturalist-guided canoe ride and walk to see the flora and fauna of the Amazon. You will also have the opportunity to learn about endemic plants and spot more wildlife. In the evening, you can venture out by canoe to appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night. Additionally, you can choose from various included adventures with the guidance of your Naturalist.
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What historical sites will I visit in Lima?
In Lima, you will visit the baroque 11th-century San Francisco Monastery, the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, and the cathedral where Francisco Pizarro’s remains are buried. These sites highlight Lima's colonial heritage and its significance during the Spanish conquest.
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What can I expect to see and do in the Sacred Valley?
In the Sacred Valley, you will visit the village of Ollantaytambo and its Inca ruins, explore the archaeological site that resisted Spanish attacks, and visit a local home to experience traditional village life. You will also visit the Seminario ceramics workshop to learn about Peruvian art and end your day at a local chicheria to taste chicha, a typical Inca drink.
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What will I experience at Machu Picchu?
At Machu Picchu, you will board the Vistadome train through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. You will then ascend the mountainside to the sacred refuge of Machu Picchu, where your guide will recount the accomplishments of the Incas as you tour the terraced ruins. You will have some free time to explore the mountain town of Aguas Calientes before returning to Cusco.
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What is included in the excursion to Lake Titicaca?
The excursion to Lake Titicaca includes a motorboat tour of the lake and its man-made islands. You will visit Taquile Island to see how locals integrate their Inca and Spanish past, and the Uros floating islands to learn about the construction of islands, homes, and boats from tortora reed. The day concludes with a dinner hosted by your Tour Director.
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
Unique cultural experiences include visiting a local home in Juliaca for an inside look at life there, participating in a tree-planting project in Cusco, and tasting chicha, a typical Inca drink, at a local chicheria in the Sacred Valley. You will also visit the Seminario ceramics workshop to learn about Peruvian art and explore traditional village life in Ollantaytambo.
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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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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.
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