12-Nights Highlights of Peru with Galapagos Legend North and Central Cruise from $7,067

Trafalgar

OFFER ID 1508162

Highlights Of Peru With Galápagos Legend North And Central Cruise
You’re in for a treat traveling on this Peru and Amazon tour, uncovering local culture at Machu Picchu, browsing local markets in Lima, marvelling at Quechua textile art and sampling a classic pisco sour. Gain a unique perspective into Galápagos Islands and swim with turtles, sea lions and manta rays.Please note that the flight between Lima and Quito is not included.

Dining Summary

1 Welcome Reception (WR)
12 Breakfast (B)
5 Lunch (L)
6 Dinner (D)

Be My Guest

Lima: Visit a local market with Chef Ignacio and enjoy a special lunch at his cooking school.

Dive Into Culture

Lima: You’re treated to a lesson on how to pour the perfect Pisco sour, Peru’s native drink. In the good hands of professional chef Ignacio, the results are sure to be delicious. Ignacio will explain the history of Pisco – a type pf wine, the typical Pisco Sour, and an internationally less known but locally more popular drink called "Chilcano". This cocktail of pisco, lime juice, Ginger ale and bitters is a refreshing twist on the pisco sour that will have you eager to share the recipe with your friends.

Iconic Experience

Lima: Take in the highlights of Lima, the 'City of the Kings,' including a panoramic view of the ancient districts. Join a local specialist for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Historic Center. Learn how before it was destroyed by earthquakes in the mid-18th century, observing how the historic buildings display a collaboration between local craftspeople and others from the Old World. Then drive along the coastline as you learn more about the fascinating history of Peru's capital city.
Cusco: Visit the mystical Incan stronghold of Ollantaytambo. These famous ruins are a massive Inca fortress made of large stone terraces stretching out across a hillside. Walk among the stone platforms, the sun temple of six monoliths and the Princess Baths fountain the Baño de la Nusta at the base of the ruins flowing from carved stone into a pool. Over your exploration, learn how the old town is an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings.
Machu Picchu: Soak in every moment of your Machu Picchu tour in style as you descend to the Lost City in the clouds aboard the Vistadome train. Traveling the Inca Trail, you’ll traverse dramatic landscapes with a panoramic view of the soaring peaks, river, and ruins. Sit back and relax as you enjoy this multi-sensory journey complete with background music, an informative audio commentary highlighting interesting sites, and an included light snack.
Machu Picchu: Take a shuttle to the top of the mountain where you’ll meet your local specialist for a guided hike of Machu Picchu. You’ll learn about Machu Picchu’s history and the use of each section of including ceremonial, storage, agriculture, temples, astronomical, and observatory as well as the possible reasons why the Incas left Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu: The ruins of Machu Picchu beckon yet again and we enjoy one final opportunity to reconnect with its story. Journey to take in the ruins at sunrise spending some time on your own to explore the hill-top fortress. Soak in every moment at this iconic site, making stops at points of interest while your guide shares their insights on the archaeological sites.
Cusco: Join your Local Specialist for a guided walk through Cusco's colonial center, including the nearby 13th century Incan settlement of Koricancha. Here in Cusco’s Golden Temple of the Sun dedicated to the Sun God Inti, view the trapezoidal and irregular shapes and rounded edges. Note how the stones fit together and were built simply by placing them on top of each other without using any mortar. This staggered placement also enables them to withstand earthquakes.
Cusco: Begin your day at the ruins of the UNESCO-listed Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking Cusco. With zig zagging walls and ruins of giant stones, see how the shape and harmony of the landscape is similar to Machu Picchu. Stroll through this Incan architecture of sacred buildings such as residential buildings, towers, shrines, warehouses, roads and aqueducts. And while you may not be able to take in the grand scale, the complex design is based on the shape of the head of a puma, a sacred animal in Inca spirituality.
Lima: Join a local specialist for a tour of the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum which houses the largest private collection of pre-Columbian Peruvian art in the world. You'll also explore the extensive collection of Peruvian gold and silver from ancient times. Learn the history of the museum founded by Rafael Larco on July 28th, 1926 in Trujillo followed by in 1958 when Larco moved his collection to Lima to a unique colonial residence built on top of a VIII century pyramid.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Cusco: Visit Manos de la Comunidad weaving center to learn about artistic traditions and the four Andean camels: Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas and Guanacos. Then step inside a private area to discover one of the traditions of the Sacred Valley called "lindaje". This typical tradition of several communities reinforces the borders of each community and involves several customs, one of which is man dancing in typical women’s clothes. Then enjoy an exclusive lunch at a beautiful outdoor space near the Weaving Center. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10: Reduced Inequalities and 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Sacred Valley: Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience meeting Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver and the first person from her village to attend university. She has been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient pre-Columbian weaving techniques as a young girl in the 1960s. You'll learn about

12 nights from $7,067 per person

Itinerary

Trafalgar Tours: Highlights of Peru with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise

Day 1 - 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.
Accommodations: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals: Welcome Reception

Day 2 - Experience the Sights and Flavors of Lima Connect with Locals
Connect with the colonial heritage of Francisco Pizzaro’s 'City of Kings', admiring the colonial splendor of Lima’s UNESCO-listed Historic Center, with your Local Specialist. Stand in the birthplace of this ancient, yet modern city, surrounded by the Baroque façades of Cathedral of Lima and Palace of the Union. See the Church of San Francisco and discover its hidden catacombs. Celebrate Lima’s status as the culinary capital of South America and Connect With Locals when you meet Ignacio Barrios, who has worked alongside many of Peru's most award-winning chefs. We visit a local market where Ignacio will explain how Peruvian fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats are the basis of Peruvian cooking. Then, continue to Chef Ignacio's cooking school where we’ll enjoy a demonstration on how to prepare some of Peru's most popular dishes and have an opportunity to sample some at a Be My Guest experience with lunch before spending the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodations: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 - Journey to the Sacred Valley Dive Into Culture Connect with Locals Make Travel Matter Stays With Stories
Board a morning flight to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® when you visit Manos de la Comunidad, a Weaving Center where you’ll uncover the traditions of the Sacred Valley, called “lindaje.” Then continue to a former 18th?century colonial-style monastery, our hotel for the night. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® and learn more about the artisan traditions meeting Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver and the first person from her village to attend university. She has been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient pre-Columbian weaving techniques as a young girl in the 1960s. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as your visit helps to preserve and promote traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques in the 21st century.
Accommodations: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Explore iconic Machu Picchu
The mystical empire of the Incas takes center stage today. We visit the famous Sacred Valley stronghold of Ollantaytambo with a Local Specialist, before boarding the Vistadome train (light snack included) for our epic journey to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Delve into the mysteries of this once-great civilization, admiring the 15th century stone ruins of temples, palaces and terraces perched high amidst the clouds. Join your Local Specialist for an exploration of the iconic great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, an intricately carved rock most likely used as a sundial centuries ago. We return to our hotel where we dine tonight.
Accommodations: El MaPi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - The Sites of Machu Picchu and Cusco Dive Into Culture
The ancient ruins of Machu Picchu beckon again and you have an opportunity to re-connect with this ancient wonder. Board the train to the Sacred Valley, then head to the colonial city of Cusco, stopping en route at a local chicheria. Dive into Culture and enjoy the sweet flavors of chicha as you learn how this Peruvian corn beer is brewed by the local women.
Accommodations: Novotel Cusco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Step Back in Time in Cusco Dive Into Culture
Embark on a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of Cusco this morning, admiring the 16th-century Spanish colonial buildings that stand on the foundations of former Inca temples and palaces. See the baroque Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and 17th-century Church of Santo Domingo. Visit the ruins of the Sacsayhuaman fortress and see nearby warehouses where the Incas once stored their grain. The afternoon is free to explore on your terms.
Accommodations: Novotel Cusco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Delve into Pre-Columbian Art in Lima Dive Into Culture
A leisurely start to our day sees us return to Lima this afternoon. Meet a Local Specialist at the Larco Museum, which houses one of the largest private collections of pre-Columbian art in the world. This evening we join our travel companions for dinner in the museum's garden restaurant.
Accommodations: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Voyage to Quito
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Ecuador (flight not included in holiday price). Enjoy a warm welcome in Quito where you will be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel.
Accommodations: Sheraton
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Uncover Historical Quito
Visit the historical center of Quito, which was the first place in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and travel to the 'Middle of the World' to stand on the Equator. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodations: Sheraton
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Tortoises and Santa Cruz Island
Cruise north to south through the islands and islets of the remote Galápagos. On arrival at Baltra Island Airport, transfer to the M/V Galápagos Legend, which will ferry you to the Highlands Tortoise Reserve on Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll walk amongst the world’s largest tortoises in the wild.
Accommodations: M/V Galápagos Legend
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - Wander Genovesa Island
Visit to Genovesa Island today, climbing up the rocky Prince Phillip's Steps in search of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies and Darwin’s famed finches. Walk to expansive lava field over which Wedge-rumped storm petrels swarm, then continue to Darwin Bay.
Accommodations: M/V Galápagos Legend
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 - The Wildlife of South Plaza and Santa Fé Island
The marine iguanas of South Plaza Island view our arrival with indifference as we embark on our walk from the small lava dock. We’ll see the shallow lake where flamingos come to feed, then continue inland in search of land iguanas. Arriving Santa Fé island later, we’ll enjoy a snorkel amongst sea lions, turtles, reef sharks and spotted eagle rays, then walk past a forest of giant Opuntia cacti.
Accommodations: M/V Galápagos Legend
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 - Depart Santa Cruz Island
The serene landscape of Bachas Beach is our final stop on our Galápagos expedition. Bachas is a great place to swim, walk along the shore or visit the lagoon. Our journey at its end, we transfer to Baltra Airport for our return flight to Quito. Airport arrival time in Quito will be at 5 p.m.; please be aware when booking your flights.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Isla Santa Fe

Genovesa (Tower) Island

Isla Santa Cruz

Quito

Cuzco

Machu Picchu

Sacred Valley

Lima

Lima, "the City of the Kings," became the effective capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru, established 1560. Today, a visit to Lima may serve as a unique Peruvian experience that offers a glimpse into the Andean world, Spanish tradition and the country's modern aspect. Visit handsome old buildings and baroque churches that testify to the city's religious background and the Plaza de Armas, shared by the realms of the Catholic church, municipality and national government. The pre-Inca ruins of Pachacamac lie a short distance south of the city. Once a ceremonial site, Pachacamac has been the most important religious center of the Andean world since before the age of Christ. Stop and admire The Temple of the Sun and the Moon, Lima's outstanding museums, and Machu Picchu - a "Jewel in the Mist."

Excursions

Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)

Lima is a big and modern city, it has been in continuous occupation for almost 2,000 years. Scholars have found more than 30 archaeological sites at different locations within the city limits. “HUACAS” are pyramidal constructions with superimposed platforms ending on a flat top, they were used for religious and administrative purposes by prehispanic civilizations along the Peruvian coast.
Our specialized Guide and his assistant will pick you up at the hotel with the bikes and the necessary equipment for the activity. After the briefing you will ride along one of the principal avenues of Lima towards the heart of Miraflores while enjoying the architecture and everyday life of the city folks. The first stop is at Huaca Pucllana, built 1,300 years ago, this visit is a great introduction to the history of Lima, traditions, cuisine and economic activities of ancient inhabitants. Then, we continue to the commercial and financial district, San Isidro, to visit Huaca Huallamarca, which has been through a magnificent restoration by the City Hall, you´ll appreciate the contrast between history and modern life. Finally, we return to the hotel completing a 12 km circuit on the bike. This activity is offered for mornings and afternoons. It lasts for 4 hours. The advantage of being at sea level and our moderate weather is that we can provide it all year round. We include a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour.

Highlights:

Huacas, pyramidal constructions
Bike to admire the arquitecture

Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: the morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate/Heavy (we provide a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour)

Inclusions:

Transportation from/to hotel (as back up)
Guide
Bikes
Assistant
Bottle of water

Not Included:

Items not mentioned in the Included section

Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)

Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)

WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
Depart the pier to Lima's main square where the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro, founded the "City of Kings" in 1535. The Government Palace, Lima City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, and the Lima Cathedral surround the square.
Lima was founded to be the capital and most important town of the Spanish domain in South America until the 18^th century. The Historical Center represents the model of architecture and urban planning of Spanish colonial cities with high political, economic and cultural importance, as devised by Charles V in 1542.
Our expert Guide will take you to the colonial section of Lima, you will walk among historical monuments, religious and political buildings located within the perimeter declared Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1988. This learning experience will allow you to appreciate typical examples of Hispanic American baroque style as well as some other different styles like Art Nouveau.
Besides the stops for great pictures of Limenian architecture, you will have the opportunity to visit Casa de Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city, an extraordinary experience that will take you back in time. To finish the experience, we will visit the Dominican Convent, which was the first catholic order to arrive in Perú with Francisco Pizarro and they have a lot of history, traditions, and sainthood to impress our travelers.

Highlights:

Colonial section of Lima
Visit Casa Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city
Dominican Convent

Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: daily
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light/Moderate
Inclusions:

Transportation from/to hotel
Expert Guide
Entrance fees
Bottled water
Snack

Not Included:

Items not mention in the Included section

The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)

Museo Larco (4 hours)

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

11/23/2024 - 12/05/2024

from $7,067 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $7,067 per person

Length

12 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1508162

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Cruise Vacations of Orange County

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USA

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