Compare Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Peru's Amazon & Galapagos Cruise by Cosmos vs The Classic Inca Trail by Salkantay Trekking

Day 1: ARRIVE IN LIMA, PERU

Welcome to Lima, where you will be met by a Cosmos representative.

Day 2: LIMA–PUERTO MALDONADO–TAMBOPATA ECO LODGE

Fly to Puerto Maldonado, entry to Peru’s Amazon Jungle. Take a motorboat journey up the Tambopata River to view turtles, caimans, monkeys, and birdlife. Arrive at your Amazon Jungle lodge within Tambopata National Reserve. This afternoon, head out with your Naturalist in search of saddleback tamarins, brown capuchins, agoutis, blue-morpho butterflies, trogons, toucans, and many other species commonly spotted here. As night falls, head out on foot to search for nocturnal wildlife. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 3: TAMBOPATA ECO LODGE

Enjoy a Naturalist-guided canoe ride and walk to see the flora and fauna that thrive in the Amazon. After lunch, head back out with your Naturalist to learn about the endemic plants in this region and spot some more wildlife. This evening, venture back out by canoe with your Naturalist to appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 4: TAMBOPATA ECO LODGE

For more insight into the Amazon, let your Naturalist know what included adventure you would like to take advantage of today—it’s your choice! (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 5: TAMBOPATA ECO LODGE–PUERTO MALDONADO–LIMA

Return to Puerto Maldonado, fly to Lima. Heralded as the “City of Kings” by Spanish conquistadors, Lima retains vestiges of its opulent past with its colonial buildings and world-class museums. (Breakfast)

Day 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: 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 14: 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 15: LIMA–QUITO, ECUADOR

Board a flight for Quito. (Breakfast)

Day 16: 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 17: 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 18: 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 19: 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 20: 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 21: QUITO

Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Day 1 

Cusco - Piscacucho (KM 82) - Canabamba - Llactapata - Ayapata 

Begin with an early pick-up at your hotel in Cusco (3:40 to 4:00 am). You’ll join our Guide on a 2.5-hour drive to the famous trailhead of Km 82. We stop for breakfast at Ollantaytambo and continue to meet the trek crew at the control point. Today’s journey starts on a relatively easy 2-hour hike across the rolling hills to Wilkarakay to see the first Inca site: Llactapata, with stunning views of Veronica Mountain and the Vilcanota River valley.

As for lunch, you’ll enjoy a meal on the spot and amidst the mountains at Tarayoc. The last leg is a 3.5-hour hike to the first campsite, Ayapata, where you’ll spend the night. Sip on a drink, grab some snacks, or simply take in the tranquil atmosphere! You’ll dine at around 7:00 pm before heading to bed and preparing for tomorrow’s trek.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camp
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours
Starting Elevation: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
Highest Elevation (Campsite): 3,300 m / 10,827 ft

Day 2 

Ayapata - Dead Woman’s Pass - Pacaymayu – Runkurakay Pass – Sayacmarca - Chaquicocha

Today is the most challenging day, as you'll walk up to the trail's highest point, the Dead Woman's Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft.) The hike is about 4 hours, but you'll be rewarded with spectacular views all-around from the summit. We'll then descend to Pacaymayu on the other side of the valley for lunch. The next section is towards the second pass of Runkurakay, where you'll explore its archaeological site and admire two waterfalls on the mountain slopes. Before visiting the Sayaqmarka site, you'll take part in a small offering ceremony to thank Mother Earth for accomplishing this challenge. End the day's hike by watching the sunset on the final stretch until you arrive at Chaquicocha's campsite, where you'll have dinner or join us for happy hour as you gaze out at the Andean night sky.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camp
Difficulty: Challenging
Walking Distance: 16 km / 9.94 mi
Walking Time: 8 to 9 hours
Highest Elevation: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
Campsite Elevation: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft

Day 3

Chaquiqocha - Phuyupatamarka - Intipata - Wiñay Wayna 

After the toughest day, today is filled with mind-blowing views and Inca sites. You'll hike through the lush upper jungle while looking at the Salkantay glacier and the Vilcabamba mountain range. You'll then ascend to the final summit, Phuyupatamarca, or "the town above the clouds," and continue to the Intipata site to get panoramic sights of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River. A short stroll down will take you to the last campsite, our idyllic setting for an open-air lunch. In the afternoon, you'll continue exploring Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, which is the second most important on the trail and known for its impressive vertical terraces. Back at camp, spoil yourself with a toast with the trekking team to thank them for their efforts. You'll sleep early enough to wake before sunrise and step on Machu Picchu the next day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camp
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Distance: 9 km / 5.59 mi
Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Highest Elevation: 3,650 m / 11,975 ft
Campsite Elevation: 2,650 m / 8,694 ft

Day 4

Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco 

Today is the final journey to Machu Picchu. You'll wake at around 3:30 am to beat other hikers and reach the Inca Citadel. You'll walk for about 2 hours to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the famous gateway that links the Inca Trail to the Wonder. This is where you’ll embrace the first astonishing views over
the archeological site. After some photoshoots, we make our way down to the lost city itself for a 2-hour guided tour of all the most important and key areas, including the stunning views from the observatories. Continue with some free time to explore on your own before heading down to Aguas Calientes. If you're still up for a hike, climb the optional Huayna Picchu Mountain for epic views on top! Following a leisurely lunch in town, you'll take the train to Ollantaytambo and connect with a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Distance to Machu Picchu: 5 km / 3.11 mi
Walking Time in Machu Picchu: 2 to 3 hours
Highest Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
Machu Picchu Site Elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft