In the Footsteps of the Incas
In the Footsteps of the Incas
$4173
In the Footsteps of the Incas
11 Days Starting and ending in Lima, Peru
Visiting: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LLILZ1N20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Peru with the "In the Footsteps of the Incas" tour. This cultural adventure takes you from the vibrant streets of Lima to the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, offering a deep dive into the rich history and traditions of the Incan civilization. Explore the bustling markets of Pisac, marvel at the ancient Sacsayhuaman ruins, and enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Titicaca. Experience the warmth of local hospitality with a Be My Guest lunch in the Sacred Valley and learn about traditional crafts on Taquile Island. Travel in comfort with luxury coaches and scenic train rides, staying in charming accommodations that reflect the local culture. This tour promises a blend of breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and historical exploration, making it a perfect choice for those seeking an enriching travel experience in Peru.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals Included: Dinner
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: Lima Sightseeing
Location: Lima
Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your city tour taking in the highlights of Lima. Visit Casona San Marcos, where you'll enjoy a snack from a local vendor and learn more about the fascinating history of this ancient building from Local Specialists. During a short workshop, learn to play the “cajón” percussion instrument and get an introduction to the basic steps of “musica negra”, a dance that originated in Chincha (near Paracas). Continue to the Main Square of Lima for more views and history. Choose to join a walking tour of Miraflores with a local expert highlighting the popular Larcomar shopping center. End at Kennedy Park for additional exploration on your own or walk back to your hotel.
Day 3: Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley (2 Nights) Dive Into Culture Stays With Stories
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We board a morning flight to Cusco, the gateway to Peru's treasured Sacred Valley, where you'll enjoy a Peruvian lunch with sweeping views of the Sacred Valley. Then we'll Dive Into Culture and meet a Shaman who will perform a special ceremony welcoming you to Peru.
Day 4: Sacred Valley Connect With Locals
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Connect With Locals over a Be My Guest experience lunch, learn about the culture surrounding the production of Giant White Corn. Our hosts will demonstrate the differences between traditional farming techniques and the newer technologies used today. Revel in the romance of the local Marinera dance and local musicians. The marinera is the best-known couple dance on the coast of Peru. It is characterized by the use of handkerchiefs, steps of great elegance and rhythmic music similar to the Aragonese jota, the zamacueca and the Chilean cueca, but with its own Peruvian identity that flaunts the Hispano-indigenous-African miscegenation. For the same reason, over the years Andean and highland versions have emerged. This evening, meet Local Specialist, Peter Frost, a writer, photographer and independent scholar who has explored the Andes and Amazon for 47 years, locating and investigating the previously unknown Inca and pre-Inca site of Qoriwayrachina. He currently resides in Peru and works as an accompanying expert for National Geographic Expeditions. Later this evening, learn how to prepare an authentic Ceviche and pour the perfect Pisco sour.
Day 5: Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu Connect With Locals
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation: SUMAQ Machu Picchu Hotel
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 6: Machu Picchu – Cusco Dive Into Culture
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: Hotel Novotel Cusco
Accommodation Name: 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 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 7: Cusco Sightseeing
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: Hotel Novotel Cusco
Accommodation Name: 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, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® by visiting 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 and Moray.
Day 8: Cusco – Juliaca – Lake Titicaca
Location: Lake Titicaca
Accommodation: GHL Hotel Lago 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 9: Lake Titicaca Excursion Connect With Locals Dive Into Culture
Location: Lake Titicaca
Accommodation: GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca
Accommodation Name: GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 10: Lake Titicaca – Juliaca – Lima Dive Into Culture
Location: Lima
Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we return to Lima, enjoying an afternoon at leisure after our flight. Enjoy time on your own to explore the capital of Peru, settled on the country's arid Pacific coast. We’ll join a Local Specialist this evening, visiting one of Lima's most renowned museums after dark - the Larco Museum. Admire the pre-Columbian artefacts that reveal insights into the cultures of ancient Peru. Then, sit down to a gourmet Farewell Dinner filled with Peruvian flavors as you overlook the museum's beautiful gardens.
Day 11: Depart Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
For now it’s time to say a fond hasta luego to Lima and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or consider extending your stay in Lima.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to ensure a smooth and informative journey.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Stay in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted for quality and comfort.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour package.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Enjoy daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals included in the package.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience must-see sightseeing and surprise extras during the tour.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing experiences.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
Tickets for a scenic train ride aboard the Vistadome to Machu Picchu are included.
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A Trafalgar bonus all Intra-Air Flights
All intra-air flights from Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Juliaca, and Juliaca to Lima are included, along with porter service at all airports.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks 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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Visa fees
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included in the tour package.
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Optional activities not listed
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included and may incur additional costs.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Dive Into Culture
- Lima: Dive into the rich history of Casona San Marcos, an ancient building in Lima now part of the property of a university. Learn to play the “cajón” (meaning “box” or drawer”) box-shaped percussion instrument played by slapping the faces with the hands, fingers, or sometimes implements. Continue your musical discovery trying the basic steps of “musica negra”, a dance that originated in Chincha (near Paracas) that is popular during over the Christmas season. Over your lesson, try a snack from a “pregonero”, a vendor who specializes in selling a typical snack through boisterous advertising in the city streets.
- Sacred Valley: We'll Dive into Culture and meet a Quechua Shaman who will perform a ceremony welcoming you to Peru.
- Sacred Valley: This evening, meet Local Specialist Peter Frost, a writer, photographer and independent scholar who has explored the Andes and Amazon for 47 years, locating and investigating the previously unknown Inca and pre-Inca site of Qoriwayrachina. He currently resides in Peru and works as an accompanying expert for National Geographic Expeditions.
- Lake Titicaca: Visit the home of Víctor Coila and his wife Mariluz, and their two daughters, Luz Mery and Carla Mercedes. Join the family to try quinoa bread, potatoes with cheese, and chaco - a sauce made with a kind of clay used in cooking and medicine.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with air-conditioned coaches, enjoy scenic train rides aboard the Vistadome to Machu Picchu, and benefit from all intra-air flights between Lima, Cusco, and Juliaca, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey through Peru's breathtaking landscapes.
Accommodation
Stay at the Iberostar Hotel Lima in the upscale Miraflores district, the charming Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay in the Sacred Valley, the cozy El MaPi near Machu Picchu, the elegant Novotel Cusco, and the scenic GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca, offering comfort and local charm throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of cultural experiences such as learning to play the 'cajón' percussion instrument and trying the 'musica negra' dance in Lima, participating in a traditional ceremony with a Quechua Shaman in the Sacred Valley, and visiting the home of a local family at Lake Titicaca to try traditional foods like quinoa bread and chaco sauce.
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How does the tour support local communities?
The tour supports local communities by visiting the Mantay project in Cusco, which provides housing and education for underage mothers, and by engaging with local artisans on Taquile Island to learn about their traditional textile art, which helps preserve their cultural heritage.
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What is the 'Be My Guest' experience in the Sacred Valley?
The 'Be My Guest' experience in the Sacred Valley involves connecting with locals over a lunch where you learn about the culture surrounding the production of Giant White Corn. Hosts demonstrate traditional farming techniques and newer technologies, and you can enjoy a performance of the Marinera dance.
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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, enjoy a guided exploration of the temples, palaces, and terraces, and have the opportunity to visit iconic sites such as the Temple of the Sun and the Sacred Plaza.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in a variety of hotels, including the Iberostar Hotel Lima in Miraflores, Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay in the Sacred Valley, El MaPi near Machu Picchu, Novotel Cusco, and GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca, each offering comfort and local charm.
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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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