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In the Footsteps of the Incas
from $4,225 pp

  • Duration: 11 Days
  • Destinations: Peru
From the cloud forests of the Andes to the birthplace of the sun at Lake Titicaca, this journey through Peru's altiplanos and the famous floating Uros Islands traces the ancient past of the Incas. Visits with local weavers, corn farmers, and expert photographers infuse this Peru tour with captivating culture.
Call to Book 1-800-529-3222
Included With Your Trip
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted All porterage and restaurant gratuities All hotel tips, charges and local taxes Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu A Trafalgar bonus all Intra-Air Flights: Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Juliaca and Juliaca to Lima, including porter service at all airports. Optional Experiences and free time On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized. Amazon Rainforest: Discover the Amazon's otherworldly realm of aguajales rainforest swampland during your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience and learn how vegetation has adapted to the exotic species that are drawn here.
Additional Information

Arrive 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.
Hotel: Iberostar Hotel Lima

Lima Sightseeing

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 "cajon" 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.
Hotel: Iberostar Hotel Lima

Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley (2 Nights) Dive Into Culture Stays With Stories

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.
Hotel: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay

Sacred Valley Dive Into Culture Connect with Locals

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.
Hotel: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay

Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu Connect with Locals

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.
Hotel: El MaPi

Machu Picchu - Cusco

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.
Hotel: Novotel Cusco

Cusco Sightseeing Make Travel Matter

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.
Hotel: Novotel Cusco

Cusco - Juliaca - Lake Titicaca

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 Victor Coila, his wife Mariluz, and their two daughters for a meal of quinoa bread, potatoes with cheese and authentic chaco sauce.
Hotel: GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca

Lake Titicaca Excursion Make Travel Matter

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.
Hotel: GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca

Lake Titicaca - Juliaca - Lima

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.
Hotel: Iberostar Hotel Lima

Depart Lima

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.

Departure Dates
Start: May 19, 2025
End: May 29, 2025
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End: June 12, 2025
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End: September 4, 2025
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End: September 18, 2025
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End: October 2, 2025
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End: October 16, 2025
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End: November 6, 2025
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End: November 27, 2025
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Product Code: TTUSAS-LLILZ1N20

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