In the Footsteps of the Incas
Starting at $3,925
Destinations & Sightseeing
Itinerary and Meals
Accomodations
800.528.9300
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.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination Highlights:
Explore Lima and Cusco with a Local Specialist
Scenic Cruise on the Lake Titicaca
Scenic Drive through the Sacred Valley
Scenic Train Ride to Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train
Visit the outdoor market at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman ruins and the Uros Islands
Connect with Locals We cruise the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca with a Local Specialist, discovering its floating islands constructed from reeds by the Uros Indians
Connect with Locals Learn how to prepare an authentic Ceviche and pour the perfect Pisco sour.
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.
Dive into Culture Arrive at Taquile Island, where we'll embark on a private tour to gain insights into the tradition of Textile Art for which the local villagers-men and women-are renowned. Learn more about the culture of the people living on the island and enjoy a traditional lunch.
Dive into Culture Visit the Pisac market displaying indigeneous Quechua arts and crafts from communities from the surrounding highlands.
Dive into Culture We'll Dive into Culture and meet a Quechua Shaman who will perform a ceremony welcoming you to Peru.
Dive into Culture Guided visit to the Larco Museum, which houses the largest private collection of pre-Columbian art in the world.
Dive into Culture Visit a local chicheria for some traditional chicha tasting.
Stays with Stories Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness is built along the Vilcanota riverbank, on the lands of an old 17th-century colonial hacienda.
Stays with Stories Novotel was once an old, colonial Hacienda located in the historic centre of Cusco.
Explore Lima and Cusco with a Local Specialist
Scenic Cruise on the Lake Titicaca
Scenic Drive through the Sacred Valley
Scenic Train Ride to Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train
Visit the outdoor market at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman ruins and the Uros Islands
Connect with Locals We cruise the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca with a Local Specialist, discovering its floating islands constructed from reeds by the Uros Indians
Connect with Locals Learn how to prepare an authentic Ceviche and pour the perfect Pisco sour.
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.
Dive into Culture Arrive at Taquile Island, where we'll embark on a private tour to gain insights into the tradition of Textile Art for which the local villagers-men and women-are renowned. Learn more about the culture of the people living on the island and enjoy a traditional lunch.
Dive into Culture Visit the Pisac market displaying indigeneous Quechua arts and crafts from communities from the surrounding highlands.
Dive into Culture We'll Dive into Culture and meet a Quechua Shaman who will perform a ceremony welcoming you to Peru.
Dive into Culture Guided visit to the Larco Museum, which houses the largest private collection of pre-Columbian art in the world.
Dive into Culture Visit a local chicheria for some traditional chicha tasting.
Stays with Stories Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness is built along the Vilcanota riverbank, on the lands of an old 17th-century colonial hacienda.
Stays with Stories Novotel was once an old, colonial Hacienda located in the historic centre of Cusco.
First Class Travel Highlights:
A Trafalgar bonus all Intra-Air Flights: Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Juliaca and Juliaca to Lima, including porter service at all airports.
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Optional Experiences and free time
Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
MEALS
1 Be My Guest
MEALS1 Farewell Dinner
1 Regional Dinner
1 Welcome Reception
10 Breakfasts
2 Dinners
3 Lunches
ITINERARY
Arrive Lima
Bienvenidos a Lima, where we’ll kick-start our effortlessly delivered journey to the iconic and unexpected sights and sounds of Peru. On arrival, transfer to your hotel, Novotel Lima, where this evening you’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.
Lima Sightseeing
Take your time this morning and embrace the warm welcome of the 'City of Kings'. We’ll meet a Local Specialist who will reveal the city’s highlights including Lima’s UNESCO-listed Historic Centre and the baroque-style Church of San Francisco. Descend into the city’s underground catacombs and admire the religious paintings, sculptures and books on display in its religious art museum and extensive library. Later, we’ll join our Travel Director for a guided walk through the barrio of Miraflores, also known as the Heroic City.
Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley (2 Nights)
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. Tonight, you'll check in at your Stays With Stories along the banks of the Vilcanota River, on the grounds of an old 17th-century colonial hacienda. It is great for morning birders and afternoon walks in the gardens.
Sacred Valley
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. 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.
Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu
Visit the mystical Incan stronghold of Ollantaytambo with a Local Specialist, 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) travelling 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 civilisation, 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. After returning to our hotel we will Connect With Locals and learn how to prepare an authentic Ceviche and pour the perfect Pisco sour.
Machu Picchu – Cusco
The ruins of Machu Picchu beckon for your second visit as you 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 Dive Into Culture and learn about the natural dyeing techniques used by native weavers. Visit the Pisac handicraft market followed by sampling the sweet flavours of chicha as we Dive Into Culture yet again, savouring the favourite drink of the Andes. Our Stays With Stories tonight is a what was once an old colonial Hacienda located in the historic centre of Cusco.
Cusco Sightseeing
Begin your day at the ruins of the UNESCO-listed Sacsayhuaman fortress overlooking Cusco. Your Local Specialist will guide you through Cusco's colonial centre, including the nearby 13th-century Incan settlement of Qoriwayrachina. The afternoon is free.
Cusco – Juliaca – Puno
Fly to Juliaca and meet a Local Specialist to learn about daily life on the Peruvian altiplano. After a special lunch just for you along Lake Umayo, we’ll visit Sillustani, a pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo. Explore the towering chullpas (above ground tombs) before travelling to Puno along the shores of Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the sun.
Lake Titicaca Excursion
Connect With Locals as you cruise the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca, passing floating islands constructed by the Uros Indians. Next, in the midst of South America’s largest lake lies Taquile Island, where we’ll Dive Into Culture 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. Enjoy a lunch here and learn more about the islanders’ unique way of life. Tonight, we indulge in a Regional Dinner at our favourite local restaurant in Puno.
Puno – 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 and Dive Into Culture 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 flavours as you overlook the museum's beautiful gardens.
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 at the Novotel Lima.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
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