Compare Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Galapagos Cruise by Cosmos vs Peru & Ecuador in 20 days - Sacred Incas & Tropical Galapagos - Superior by Exoticca

Day 1: LIMA, PERU

Welcome to Lima, Peru. Heralded as the “City of Kings” by Spanish conquistadors, Lima retains vestiges of its opulent past with its colonial buildings and world-class museums.

Day 2: 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. (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 3: LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY

Fly to Cusco high in the Andes and upon arrival, descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop at Awanakancha and 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 Pisac, a charming village with a famous Indian 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. (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 4: 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. (Breakfast)

Day 5: 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. (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 6: 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, return to Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire. (Breakfast)

Day 7: 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, then see the ruins of Kenko and Puca Pucara before returning to Cusco. (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 8: CUSCO–JULIACA–PUNO

Fly to Juliaca, visit the pre-Incan burial grounds of Sillustani en route to Puno. See the above-ground tombs, chullpas, in which the Aymara Indians buried their high priests. Continue 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 found the Inca Empire. (Breakfast)

Day 9: 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 Indians construct their islands, homes, boats, and many other resources completely of tortora reed, a centuries-old practice. Enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director this evening. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 10: 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. (Breakfast)

Day 11: LIMA–QUITO, ECUADOR

Board a flight for Quito. (Breakfast)

Day 12: QUITO–BALTRA (EMBARKATION)–GALÁPAGOS CRUISING

Fly to Baltra and visit the highlands of Santa Cruz, marked by extinct volcanoes, lava tubes, and astonishing plant life. Here, witness giant tortoises in a natural reserve and learn about efforts to conserve these ancient creatures. Continue to the port where you will board the Galápagos Legend. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 13: GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: GENOVESA ISLAND

Wake up at Genovesa Island and encounter a small fur seal grotto before taking a walk up Prince Philip’s Steps to see large nesting colonies of Nazca and red-footed boobies. Wedge-rumped Storm Petrels can be observed flying in all directions and, if you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a short-eared Owl. After lunch on board, visit Darwin Bay to observe frigate birds, red-footed boobies, herons, lava gulls, and many other bird species. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 14: GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: SOUTH PLAZA & SANTA FÉ ISLANDS

This morning, sail to South Plaza Island and take a walk through an impressive cactus forest populated with land and marine iguanas. Due to the proximity of land iguanas and marine iguanas here, this is the only place on Earth where you will find the Galápagos hybrid iguana. From the summit, watch for tropicbirds, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. On Santa Fé, a large sea lion colony greets you on its white-sand beach. Walk through a cactus forest in search of the endemic Santa Fe land iguana, the largest in the islands and distinctively paler than its counterparts. This island is home to a number of endemic species, including the Galápagos hawk, Galápagos snake, a variety of finches, and one of the four species of Galápagos mockingbirds. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 15: GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: BACHAS BEACH–BALTRA (DISEMBARKATION)–QUITO

Your final visit takes you to Bachas Beach. This site offers great swimming, a lovely walk along the shore and a visit to a lagoon with wading birds, marine iguanas and sometimes even flamingos. The area is also a favorite nesting sites for green turtles. Later, disembark and fly to Quito. (Breakfast)

Day 16: QUITO

Included sightseeing showcases Quito’s treasures: Independence Plaza, the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery, and the Jesuit’s La Compania Church with its stunning golden altars. (Breakfast)

Day 17: QUITO

Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Day 1: US - Lima

It's time to discover two amazing South American countries, filled with natural wonders and amazing relics of ancient cultures. Arrive at your departure airport, ready for a flight to Lima. Arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru, situated on the Pacific Coast. Transfer to the hotel, and spend the rest of the day exploring the city's colonial streets and magical plazas at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 2: Lima

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an informative and interesting city tour of Lima, including its Historic Centre and the Santo Domingo Convent. Start by exploring the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro before heading to the Historic Center. Visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo and walk to the Plaza de Armas to admire the exquisite colonial architecture that surrounds it. Stop in the Parque del Amor, from where you can take beautiful photos of the Peruvian coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 3: Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Cuzco. Arrive in Cuzco, the former Inca capital, and transfer to the Sacred Valley, on the way stop at Awanakancha and savour the opportunity to explore this living museum, where ancient customs and traditions have been preserved across the centuries. Watch local communities creating beautiful handmade textiles and soak up the beautiful views, unchanged by time. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the lively immaculate scenery of this iconic region. Overnight stay in Sacred Valley.

Day 4: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Sacred Valley

Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting visit to Machu Picchu awaits you this morning as you set off for Ollantaytambo train station to board the Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes, admiring the landscape along the way. Arrive and transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu*, a true wonder of the world. Spend some time discovering the ruins and being amazed by the terraces and enjoying a tour of the different sections of the site. At the indicated time, return to the train station to catch the train back to the Sacred Valley. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in the Sacred Valley. Note: The baggage policy on board the Expedition train is 1 bag or backpack per person weighing a maximum of max. 5kg / 11lb. * Backpacks or bags taken into Machu Picchu must not exceed 40x35x20cms or have a capacity larger than 20Lts and must not contain single-use plastic bottles or bags. Backpacks or bags that exceed the indicated measurements can be left in storage for approx. $2 per bag.

Day 5: Sacred Valley - Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Cuzco, with the opportunity to enjoy optional Sacred Valley excursions along the way, to experience the best of the region.* Arrive in Cuzco and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, enjoying the lively plazas at night. Overnight stay in Cuzco. * Optional Essence of the Sacred Valley Excursion: Visit Chinchero and the PARWA Centre, to appreciate the colourful traditional textiles. Next, visit the church of Chinchero before heading to the Racchi panoramic viewpoint for a fantastic view across the valley. Explore Ollantaytambo and its Inca fortress. Price per person with lunch and 'Boleto Turisitco' included granting entrance to the Sacred Valley and surrounding sights: $98.

Day 6: Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a fascinating half-day tour of Cuzco. Begin in the iconic Plaza de Armas, and visit the Cathedral. From here, walk to the Koricancha Temple, an impressive ancient Inca palace, in honour of the Sun God. Today, a Dominican church stands on the site. Finally, visit the lively San Blas neighbourhood, known for its artists, shops and artisan workshops. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and sampling the local cuisine. Overnight stay in Cuzco.

Day 7: Cuzco - Puno

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Cuzco bus station to catch the bus to Puno. Leave the station and start your journey on the bus to Puno and enjoy the marvellous landscapes of the South Valley of Cuzco. Discover Andahuaylas, a beautiful 17th-century church, featuring an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs. Continue on the road and visit the ruins of Racqui, also known as the ´Temple of the God Wiracocha. After lunch, discover La Raya, the highest point on the highway between Cuzco and Puno for amazing views of the landscape. Visit the historic town of Pucara, once an important centre of the Inca civilisation. Arrive in Puno, home of Lake Titicaca, and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Puno.

Day 8: Puno

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on an unforgettable excursion to the islands of Lake Titicaca. Depart by boat to Taquile island, which dates back to pre-Inca times. The Islanders are famous for their beautiful clothing, their incredible knits, and textile industry. Next, visit the community of Huayllano, on the same island, where the locals show their traditional crafts and agriculture. Enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterwards, visit the island of Uros situated in the middle of the national reserve of Lake Titicaca. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Puno.

Day 9: Puno - Lima

Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to the Andean highlands as you transfer to Juliaca airport for a flight back to Lima. Arrive in Lime and spend your last evening in Peru soaking up the ambience of the city's plazas and the cool sea breeze of its picturesque coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 10: Lima - Quito

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Quito. Arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a city famed for its high vantage point in the Andean mountains, and its ancient Incan significance. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the relaxed culture of the Ecuadorian Sierra. Overnight stay in Quito.

Day 11: Quito

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, meet a local guide who will take you on a fascinating guided tour of some most emblematic sights of Quito. Explore the Historic Center, declared a World Heritage Site for its great beauty, and also discover the city's traditional market where you can taste a great variety of tropical fruits grown in Ecuador. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight stay in Quito.

Day 12: Quito

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day in Quito at your leisure, exploring the city or simply taking some time to enjoy the beautiful climate and natural environment. We recommend enjoying our excursion to Quilotoa.* Overnight stay in Quito. * Optional Quilotoa Excursion: Set off through the Andean Mountains, passing by the snow-capped peaks of Tungurahua and Chimborazo. Stop at a local market for a taste of the local culture and visit Quilotoa Crater Lake, known for its everchanging colour, depending on the sun and clouds.

Day 13: Quito - Otavalo

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Otavalo in the Andean Highlands. On the way, visit the experiential Inti Nan Museum, to learn about the history and heritage of the different tribes of Ecuador and their relationship with the equator. Here you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere! Arrive in Otavalo and take a walking tour of the village where you can enjoy the local market, the largest in the region. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Otavalo.

Day 14: Otavalo

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure in Otavalo, relaxing at your own pace or exploring the surrounding highlands and volcanic walking trails. Overnight stay in Otavalo.

Day 15: Otavalo - Galapagos (Santa Cruz)

Early morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Baltra, in the wonderful Galapagos Islands. From Baltra, transfer to the island of Santa Cruz by crossing the Itabaca channel on a ferry. On the way to the hotel visit Finca El Chato where you can see the mighty Galapagos Tortoise in their natural habitat. Arrive in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Centre to learn more about the significance of the Galapagos Islands. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay on Santa Cruz.

Day 16: Galapagos (Santa Cruz)

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying the beautiful beaches or the wonderful wildlife. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.

Day 17: Galapagos (Santa Cruz)

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the morning with a tour of Academy Bay discover the abundance of wildlife. Take a boat across the small channel to Academy Bay, also known as La Loberia. You may even be lucky enough to sight sea turtles and the famous Blue-Footed Boobies along the way. Enjoy a guided walk along a path to 'Playa de Los Perros', known for its amazing marine iguanas who rest on the rocks on sunny days. Admire the impressive flora of the bay and enjoy a snorkelling excursion along the shoreline before walking to Las Grietas. Return to Puerto Ayora and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.

Day 18: Galapagos (Santa Cruz)

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying the beautiful beaches or the wonderful wildlife. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.

Day 19: Santa Cruz - Guayaquil

Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to the mainland, with a flight from Baltra. Arrive in Guayaquil, and transfer to your hotel in the city center Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador and is located on the coast. Later, enjoy a 2-hour walking tour, visiting the Malecon and Las Peñas neighborhood. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.

Day 20: Guayaquil - US

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.