Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Arequipa & Colca Canyon

15 days from Lima to Lima
On this Peru tour, delve into the past, learn about the local culture, and experience beautiful scenery as you overnight in Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, and Colca Canyon. Along the way, visit ancient ruins, witness amazing scenery, and enjoy guided sightseeing of Peru's fascinating cities. History comes alive on this tour through Peru. Imagine what life was like in the 15th century as you tour the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, where you'll see this famous Inca complex of palaces, plazas, temples, and homes set in a majestic setting. More history awaits at Ollantaytambo, the archaeological site of the Incas’ resistance during the Spanish conquest, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, a fortress with some of the best examples of Inca masonry. Guided sightseeing in Cusco features the Santo Domingo Monastery, where the Inca foundations remain under the Spanish baroque structures, and the Cathedral, housing a magnificent collection of artwork. On this Peru tour, you'll also learn about the local culture. On your motorboat tour of Lake Titicaca, you'll visit Taquile Island, where you'll see how the local people integrate their Inca and Spanish past, and the Uros Floating Islands, where you'll learn how the Uros people construct their islands, homes, and boats from totora reed, a centuries-old practice. In the Incan town of Ollantaytambo and visit with locals in their homes for insight into their way of life. Spend time at the famous market in Pisaq and learn about the importance of camelids (llama, vicuña, alpaca, and guanaco) to Inca culture.

But that's not all…you'll also spend time in Colca Canyon, an impressive geological formation more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Here, witness condors soaring majestically above the canyon walls, marvel at the canyon, and relax at La Calera hot springs. Ancient ruins, local culture, guided sightseeing, and amazing g scenery—this Peru tour designed for savvy, value-mind travel lovers has it all!
All This. Included
The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, and air-conditioned motorcoach. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!

Your Tour Includes:
• All internal flights
• Guided city sightseeing of Lima
• Guided city sightseeing of the Sacred Valley includes a visit to Pisaq village market, Ollantaytambo ruins, a visit to a local Incan’s home, Seminario Ceramics Workshop, and a refreshing chicha tasting.
• Tickets for Vistadome train to and from Machu Picchu
• Guided walk of Machu Picchu
• Guided city sightseeing of Cusco includes a guided walk of the Temple of Sacsayhuaman and a tree-planting experience with the local community
• Scenic drive to Puno with visits including the Sistine Chapel of America, the Temple of Wiracocha, and more
• Guided visit to Taquile and Uros Islands
• Guided sightseeing in Colca Canyon
• Guided city sightseeing of Arequipa