8 Day Peru Tour (Explore Machu Picchu, Ancient Cuzco & More) (2024)

10 Day Peru Tour Classic

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11 Day Peru Tour

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13 Day Peru Tour Classic

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14 Day Peru And Bolivia Tour

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17 Day Peru And Bolivia Tour

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22 Day Peru And Ecuador Trip

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26 Day Peru And Ecuador Trip

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28 Day Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia Trip

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28 Day Peru Tour, Bolivia & Ecuador

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31 Day Peru Tour, Bolivia & Ecuador

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32 Day Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia Trip

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32 Day Peru Tour, Bolivia & Ecuador

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35 Day Peru Tour, Bolivia & Ecuador

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10 Day Peru Tour ClassicTOURCODE: PE10Larco Museum, Lima; Exploring Urubamba, "Sacred Valley of the Incas"; Mysterious Machu Picchu-a must see!; Scenic 'Vistadome' train to Cuzco; Beautiful, ancient Cuzco; Peruvian Amazon jungle experience

Tour OverviewCountries Visited: 1Acivity Level: 2Tour Style: Cultural

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11 Day Peru TourTOURCODE: PE5Gold Museum, Lima;Scenic Nazca Lines overflight;Mysterious Machu Picchu-a must see!;Exploring the "Sacred Valley of the Incas";Scenic 'vistadome' train to Cuzco;Beautiful, ancient Cuzco

Tour OverviewCountries Visited: 1Acivity Level: 2Tour Style: Cultural

On this Peru tour, as our plane glides over the 2,000 year old Nazca Lines, we can hear about some of the theories as to why the ancient Nazca people put so much time and effort into constructing these massive engraved image across the landscape.

No one really knows what purpose these anomalies served, but seeing the intricate detail in the shapes of large monkeys or dogs suggests that these structures were of some importance at one time.

Then it's off to Machu Picchu, where we have another chance to get a bird's-eye view of these structures by climbing the surrounding slopes.

The legacy of ancient civilizations is not limited to these two world-renowned sites, but evidence of a lively past lies around every corner. Visit the Coricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun, and realize how suiting it was to being one of the most important sites of the great Inca Empire.

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13 Day Peru Tour ClassicTOURCODE: PE11Mysterious Nazca lines overflight; Larco Museum, Lima; Exploring Urubamba, "Sacred Valley of the Incas"; Mysterious Machu Picchu-a must see!; Scenic 'Vistadome' train to Cuzco; Beautiful, ancient Cuzco; Peruvian Amazon jungle experience

Tour OverviewCountries Visited: 1Acivity Level: 2Tour Style: Cultural

This itinerary combines our Classic Peru tour with two extensions: Nazca & Ica, as well as to the Peruvian Amazon for a highlight packed, extremely varied Andean and jungle experience.

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14 Day Peru And Bolivia TourTOURCODE: PE2Mysterious Machu Picchu-a must see!;Exploring Cuzco and the "Sacred Valley of the Incas";Colourful Chinchero & Pisac markets;The Floating Islands of Puno;Sacred island of the Sun

Tour OverviewCountries Visited: 2Acivity Level: 2Tour Style: Cultural

Landing in Lima, once dubbed 'City of Kings' by Spanish conquistadors, we begin our Peru & Bolivia Tour, a 14-day adventure through western and central South America, by touring majestic churches, exquisite palaces, fascinating underground catacombs and museums displaying remarkable pre-Incan gold artifacts, including one said to hold the largest collection of gold in the world.

Making our way through the scenic 'Sacred Valley of the Incas,' we see many Inca cave tombs carved into the valley walls, and then it's on to one of the most famous attractions in the Americas and most memorable sights in the world: 'The Lost City of the Incas'; Machu Picchu.

A place of great mystery and intrigue, no one can say for certain what role this ancient city of stone palaces, towers, temples and staircases played in ancient Inca civilization, since there exist no records or artifacts to corroborate or disprove any theories.

After a day or two wandering amid incredible ruins, we set off for the Cuzco region, an area whose Spanish colonial buildings lie atop Inca temples and ancient Inca stone walls line the central streets to this day.

We pass through villages of mud brick houses wherein people adorned in traditional dress barter with one another in colourful local markets and take a day-long train ride past the towering snow-capped peaks of the Andes and vast, wild plains where vicuna and alpaca are often seen.

Travelling into Bolivia, we stop in at various small towns famous for their colonial churches and architecture and wander through the blossoming gardens of vibrant Moorish cathedrals and other religious sites that were borne from a fusion of pagan and Catholic beliefs.

We cast off for a short boat trip in beautiful surroundings and then make our way into the most densely populated region of the country to find out about contemporary life in Bolivia and learn about yet another 'lost civilization'; the Tiahuanaco, whose disappearance from the area in the distant past remains unexplained to this day.

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17 Day Peru And Bolivia TourTOURCODE: PE6Scenic Nazca Lines overflight;Mysterious Machu Picchu-a must see!;Exploring Cuzco and the "Sacred Valley of the Incas";The Floating Islands of Puno;Sacred islands of the Sun and Moon

Tour OverviewCountries Visited: 2Acivity Level: 2Tour Style: Cultural

Few places in the world offer the type of jaw-dropping scenery that serves as a backdrop for such a rich cultural experience as Peru and Bolivia tours do. From the soaring Andes that were once home to the Inca Empire, to the isolated tribes found in the Amazon Rainforest, Peru and Bolivia tours are the chance to blend a little adventure with cultural encounters.

For many, the reason for embarking on this journey to South America is for the chance to roam the cobblestoned ruins of Machu Picchu. The 'Lost City of the Incas' remains much of a mystery even to this present day, despite being around since the 15th century.

Our Peru and Bolivia tours spend two days at this site, offering a chance to explore the ruined temples and palaces with both a three hour guided walking tour, but as well an independent opportunity to rise early and witness the mist-covered mountains greet the morning light.

While it is true the first thing that comes to mind in the region is perhaps one of the grandest sets of ruins found in South America, it does not mean this is the only highlight. Even when thinking solely in terms of the Inca legacies, there are plenty of other sites visited within our Peru and Bolivia tours.

On a cruise around Lake Titicaca, we will witness the terraced slopes of Islas del Sol with three stone steps where water from a natural spring runs. These stone terraces have withstood weather and time along the shores of South America's largest and deepest lake, and these shimmering blue waters home to more than just the Inca heritage.

Today, the lake is also home to the Uros people. Famous for their totora reed islands in which they have floated in isolation for centuries on, the Uros have adapted to a life of fishing as well as surviving with the reeds being used as island foundations, furniture bases, boat materials, and even food.

Maintaining their traditional way of life, it is easy to understand the Uros people. But much like the Incas, Peru and Bolivia tours also encounter another civilization that has left archeologists baffled. We will visit the legacy of the Nazca peoples, who over 2000 years ago began building art on a massive scale into the landscape.

Over 300 figures were created using straight lines and geometric shapes, and our groups will venture into the skies to get the best bird's eye view. Determine whether the legends and explanations of ancient gods, alien encounters, celestial calendars, or practical maps is true, or simple marvel at the impressive lines etched into the pamas that surround the desert town of Nazca.

From ancient to recent, Peru and Bolivia tours offer a chance to explore a jewel in the Spanish colonial crown as the areas were once the most profitable regions for the empire in the Americas. Starting with the 'City of Kings' in Lima with rich museums that showcase 3,000 years of Pre-Columbian history, to the archeological capital in Cusco which is set in the fertile valley and sees Spanish mansions and churches built atop the foundations of Inca temples and palaces, there are many fine examples of Spanish influence.

Within the diversity in these colourful and imaginative places, Peru and Bolivia tours allow visitors to feel as though they have stepped into a cultural mecca, with an exciting history and scenic outlook available on almost every location visited.

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22 Day Peru And Ecuador TripTOURCODE: EP10Famed 'Avenue of Volcanoes';Four-night Galapagos cruise;Mysterious Machu Picchu - a must see!;Scenic 'Vistadome' train

Tour OverviewCountries Visited: 2Acivity Level: 2Tour Style: Cultural

Enjoy a varied sample of the abundance of South America as we travel to Ecuador, Peru and the Galapagos Islands on this exiting three-week Ecuador & Peru tour, an adventure to witness the nature, culture and attraction of three world-class tour destinations.

In Ecuador, we tour the historic colonial centres of the capital, Quito, now preserved by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and delight at standing on the exact geographical point of the equatorial divide, with one foot in the Northern and the other in the Southern Hemisphere.

Heading to Cuenca yields a cityscape comprised of charming houses, cobblestone streets and romantic plazas and our route via Ingapirca in the Canar Valley takes us through Ecuador's most important Inca site.

In Peru, the centuries-old churches, ornate cathedrals and exquisite palaces keep us awed in the bustling capital, Lima, and then it's off down the 'Sacred Valley of the Incas' via the archaeological capital of the Americas and what was once the ancient capital of the great Incan Empire, Cuzco.

The highlight of any trip to the Andes is, without doubt, a tour of Machu Picchu, also known as the 'Lost City of the Incas'.

An intriguing and visually stunning place whose purpose remains a mystery to this day, Machu Picchu is an ancient city of stone palaces, towers, temples and staircases that captures the imagination and bewitches the senses.

Glorious sceneries of plunging valleys and jungle-encroached temples mark our route as we head to Cuzco, where we find indigenous and colonial history and in Pisac, we investigate traditional huts built from mud bricks, peruse colourful markets and taste local culinary delicacies.

In the midst of all this, we set sail for the Galapagos Islands, where we experience the legendary volcanic landscapes, unusual flora and fauna and teeming wildlife on this remarkable archipelago whose islands truly are miniature worlds unto themselves.

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26 Day Peru And Ecuador TripTOURCODE: EP11Guided Amazon adventure;Famed 'Avenue of Volcanoes';Four-night Galapagos cruise;Mysterious Machu Picchu - a must see!;Scenic 'Vistadome' train

Tour OverviewCountries Visited: 2Acivity Level: 2Tour Style: Cultural

For a comprehensive overview of the diversity and splendour of nature in South America, this thrilling Ecuador & Peru tour is definitely the one to opt for.

For an adventure-packed 30 days, we travel through three unique destinations across this magnificent continent and bear witness to sights that even the most vivid imagination could not do justice to.

On a tour marked by superlatives that have to be seen to be believed, we begin our adventure by drifting down the longest river in the world with the world's largest and most abundant rainforest as a backdrop.

Exotic species of flora and fauna, vibrant in colour and iridescent in beauty, line our course and when we once again take to land, we make route for the Avenue of the Volcanoes, a stretch of snow-crested peaks, mystical brooks and small villages with terraced farmland.

Exploration of the bustling capital city, Quito, makes for a pleasing contrast to our subsequent departure for the uninhabited natural wonderlands of the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago that has remained untouched for millennia and which has thereby managed to cultivate a special environment brimming with unique ecosystems and extraordinary diversity and abundance of wildlife.

Nowhere else on the planet offers such rewarding opportunities to get up-close and personal with countless species of land- and marine- animals that have never learned to fear the presence of Man; the magic of the Galapagos never fails to spellbind.

From here, it's on to Peru's capital, Lima, to venture through ancient underground catacombs and tour majestic palaces, beautiful cathedrals and museums rich with Incan and pre-Incan relics treasures.

As we journey through the Urubamba Valley, also known as the 'Sacred Valley of the Incas', we admire one of the most scenic drives on our trip and stop off to explore Inca ruins and cave tombs before we reach the bewildering 'Lost City of the Incas' at Machu Picchu.

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28 Day Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia TripTOURCODE: EP12Famed 'Avenue of Volcanoes';Four-night Galapagos cruise;Mysterious Machu Picchu - a must see!;Scenic 'Vistadome' train;The Floating Islands of Puno;Sacred island of the Sun

Tour OverviewCountries Visited: 3Acivity Level: 2Tour Style: Cultural

Nestled in the shadows of the Pichincha volcano high in the Andes, Ecuador's capital city, Quito, boasts a wealth of attraction and a natural environment that can be described as nothing short of stunning.

It is here that we begin our mammoth 32-day trek through South America on this Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia tour.

The initial week of this outstanding tour is spent strolling alongside centuries-old architecture of palaces and churches in the World Heritage-designated colonial urban centres of Quito.

We follow the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes' past snow-capped summits and mystical rivers amid the Cordillera Mountains, relaxing in quaint villages that enjoy worldwide fame for their spirit-replenishing hot springs, and perusing the stalls of traditional markets alive with drifting melodies of Andean pipe music and Quichua; the native language derived from the Incan tongue.

A boat trip on transparent waters around the naturalist wonderlands of the Galapagos Islands truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and periodic dockings ensure we get up-close and personal with a diversity of flora and fauna that no destination in the world can rival.

Penguins, tortoises, sea lions and iguanas are but a few species of the massive range of wildlife that we encounter as we discover why this special destination, which has changed little since the days of Darwin, remains one of the most popular destinations in the world.

Flying into Lima, Peru, we tour the many sights of what was one of the most important cities in South America during the Spanish colonial era.

From its underground catacombs and intricately carved churches, to its recently-restored plazas, ornate facades and wooden balconies, Lima evinces an atmosphere of former glory at every turn and with about one-third of the population taking up residence in the capital, it gives travellers valuable insights into contemporary Peruvian culture and society.

Along the Urubamba Valley, we find one of the most scenic routes in the country and exploring the temple and pyramid ruins of the 'Lost City of the Incas' at Machu Picchu is to appreciate fully the architectural, engineering and design genius of one of the most influential and mysterious civilizations in the history of the Americas.

Through mud-brick villages with colourful local markets on the Andean Plains, we make headway for Bolivia, stopping often en route to take in historic and cultural attractions found off the beaten path.

Bolivia is an out-of-the-way destination like no other, a feature that allows us to enjoy a country very much in its natural state; its long isolation has meant that Bolivian lifestyles, traditions and the country's natural environment have been wholly preserved over the years.

It is a land wherein women still wear multi-coloured petticoats and rural locals still weave ponchos, like their ancestors did, and is entirely unspoiled by the influence of mass tourism; its rough edges only adding to the sense of adventure.

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28 Day Peru Tour, Bolivia & EcuadorTOURCODE: PQ10Guided Amazon adventure;Famed 'Avenue of Volcanoes';Mysterious Machu Picchu - a must see!;Scenic 'Vistadome' train;The Floating Islands of Puno;Sacred island of the Sun

Tour OverviewCountries Visited: 3Acivity Level: 2Tour Style: Cultural

Lima, or 'The City of the Kings' as it was dubbed by Spanish conquistadors, is a city that enjoys world-renowned fame for its abundant attractions and makes for a fitting introduction to our Peru, Bolivia & Ecuador Tour through these three highly rewarding South American countries.

Lima, once the richest and most important city in the Americas, is home to some Peru's best museums, fascinating underground catacombs, striking architecture and historic sites by the dozen and we take a couple of days to explore the area before travelling to 'The Sacred Valley of the Incas' to view spectacular scenery and magnificent relics dating from thousands of years ago.

The Incas were the most dominant of South American ancient civilizations, with an empire that at the height of its existence ruled over upwards of a million individuals and spanned a territory from Ecuador to Chile; an area greater than the dominion achieved by any peoples in the history of the Americas.

We travel to the mysterious site of Machu Picchu, 'The Lost City of the Incas,' which is today one of the most famous ancient sites in the world, and wonder as to its past significance as we explore magnificent temples, stone palaces and gargantuan crumbling towers.

A scenic rail journey that snakes past deep valleys, snow-capped peaks and potato and grain fields takes us to the Cuzco region and then it's on towards Bolivia, stopping off in small traditional villages to find out about rural life in Peru.

The Bolivia leg of the tour finds us investigating Inca and pre-Inca sites, admiring colonial churches, cathedrals and flower gardens, and casting off on a boat to experience traditional Bolivian lifestyles on picturesque islands.

We see alpacas and llamas on the way to Tiahuanaco, a place that was once the home of a now-disappeared civilization (the Tiahuanaco), and we check out colourful markets, where locals barter for potions, herbs and folk remedies used to ward off evil spirits.

Crossing into Ecuador, we ramble in lush virgin rainforest in the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle, gaze in awe at perfectly-conical volcanoes along the magnificent 'Avenue of the Volcanoes', replenish ourselves in world-famous hot springs and tour fascinating colonial centres of churches and white-washed, red-tiled buildings.

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31 Day Peru Tour, Bolivia & EcuadorTOURCODE: PQ11Guided Amazon adventure;Famed 'Avenue of Volcanoes';Mysterious Machu Picchu - a must see!;Scenic 'Vistadome' train;The Floating Islands of Puno;Sacred island of the Sun

Tour OverviewCountries Visited: 3Acivity Level: 2Tour Style: Cultural

Peru's capital city was once called 'The City of Kings' by Spanish conquistadors and it is here that we begin our 28-day Peru, Bolivia & Ecuador Tour through South America.

Using Lima as a base, we catch a flight to view the curious phenomenon of the Nazca lines; approximately three hundred figures made of straight lines and geometric shapes that are most clearly visible from the air, which were supposedly built by the ancient civilization of the Nazca, but to what end, no one can say with certainty.

Most tours to the Nazca lines include a trip to Peru's answer to the Galapagos Islands - the spectacular Ballestas Islands - and then it's back to Lima for further exploration of the destination that was once the most important and richest city in the Americas.

We meander in grand plazas, gaze at intricately carved churches and cathedrals and tour breathtaking underground catacombs as we learn about the area's fascinating colonial history.

Travelling southeast through spellbinding landscapes of deep, forested valleys and towering mist-encircled mountains, we drive to Machu Picchu for one of the highlights of our adventure: exploration of the majestic temples, gigantic pyramids and stone staircases built by the great Inca Empire of ancient times.

Through mud-brick villages wherein locals are adorned in traditional attire and green fields dotted with willow trees and eucalyptus groves, we journey east to Bolivia, stopping off en route for a short boat ride on a lake to see the unique lifestyles of islanders.

For five days, we admire the abundant natural and man-made attractions of Bolivia: the fascinating colonial centres of Copacabana; the tranquility of Lake Titicaca and the lakeside trenches built by the Incas to channel the sacred water; museums brimming with pre-Columbian artifacts and relics; ancient ceremonial sites of 'lost' civilizations; colourful marketplaces; and glorious sceneries of Andean snow-tipped peaks and plunging valleys with tropical jungle.

From here, it's on to the pristine Amazonian rainforests of Ecuador to see teeming wildlife and lush flora as we tour the country's remarkable natural environment.

As we make our way along the 'Avenue of Volcanoes', we see snow-capped summits, mystical brooks and rivers, terraced farmlands, small villages and fascinating cultures and reluctantly fly home from the capital, Quito.

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32 Day Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia TripTOURCODE: EP13Guided Amazon adventure;Famed 'Avenue of Volcanoes';Four-night Galapagos cruise;Mysterious Machu Picchu - a must see!;Scenic 'Vistadome' train;The Floating Islands of Puno;Sacred island of the Sun

Tour OverviewCountries Visited: 3Acivity Level: 2Tour Style: Cultural

Pristine tropical jungle, exotic flora and teeming fauna serve as the most picturesque introduction to South America, as we begin our 36-day Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia tour through four remarkable destinations by exploring the tributaries of the mightiest river on the planet alongside the Amazonian rainforests of Ecuador.

Monkeys chatter from the riverbanks, colourful birds glide from tree to tree and butterflies flit over climbing vines as our nature guide teaches us about the unimaginable biodiversity of this spectacular region, before we set ashore for exploration of trails on foot.

Travelling through weaving-villages and red-tiled, whitewashed colonial towns, we head for the 'Avenue of Volcanoes' to follow in the footsteps of its discoverer, German scientist Alexander von Humboldt, where we come across snow-capped summits, mystical brooks, hot springs, terraced farmlands and exceptional haciendas that date from the 16th century.

In the capital, Quito, we tour palaces and beautiful religious buildings - like La Compania church which enjoys worldwide fame for its ornate facade and solid gold altars - in the UNESCO-protected Spanish colonial centre and we straddle two hemispheres at the equator line monument known as 'the middle of the world'.

Setting off for the natural paradise of the Galapagos Islands, we head to a veritable modern-day Garden of Eden that boasts a wider range of biodiversity and a natural splendour more striking than any location on the planet and a destination which has changed little since the times of Charles Darwin.

A tour in the Galapagos Islands is not just a typical sightseeing trip; it's an interactive journey wherein the countless species of wildlife are as curious about you as you are about them and travellers have the unique opportunity to get up-close and personal with nature.

Crossing into Peru, we set down in Lima, a city founded in 1535 that was once the most important Spanish city during the colonial era.

Today it is home to upwards of one-third of the country's population and gives travellers valuable insights into contemporary culture and lifestyles in Peru.

We stop in for exploration in Cuzco, the archaeological capital of the Americas and ancient capital of the Inca Empire, before travelling through spectacular countryside by train to the 'Lost City of the Incas' at Machu Picchu, where we gaze at intricately carved temples, pyramids and winding stone staircases.

After a short boat trip to experience the rural lifestyles of islanders, we make headway for Bolivia, where we spend the final four days of our tour.

Mingling with the locals in traditional villages with bustling colourful markets featuring stalls selling anything from herbal potions to folk remedies to guard against evil spirits and at folk music performances allows us to appreciate fully Bolivian culture and our museum-visits teach us about the country's remarkable pre-Columbian history.

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32 Day Peru Tour, Bolivia & EcuadorTOURCODE: PQ12Guided Amazon adventure;Famed 'Avenue of Volcanoes';Four-night Galapagos cruise;Mysterious Machu Picchu - a must see!;Scenic 'Vistadome' train;The Floating Islands of Puno;Sacred island of the Sun

Tour OverviewCountries Visited: 3Acivity Level: 2Tour Style: Cultural

Home to more than one-third of the country's population, Lima is the must-see commercial and cultural hub of Peru and we take the initial couple of days of our incredible 35-day Peru, Bolivia & Ecuador Tour through South America to appreciate its many bounties.

We discover the secrets of the ancient Incas by making our way along the 'Sacred Valley of the Incas,' where we see centuries-old cave tombs carved into the valley walls, and by strolling amid the ruins of the 'Lost City of the Incas' at the remarkable Machu Picchu.

To this day, relatively little is known about this highly advanced and influential ancient civilization and as we travel through majestic landscapes of snow-tipped mountains, spectacular ridges and plunging valleys by road, rail and sea, we come face-to-face with the mysteries of the past, pondering for ourselves the unexplained riddles left behind by the great peoples of old, and see how legacies from the days of yore live on in the customs and bloodlines of their descendants.

Crossing the border into Bolivia, we head for Copacabana to find a destination that has held religious significance for hundreds of years, beginning with the Incas.

Magnificent cathedrals, colourful mosques and sites whose importance incorporate a fusion of Catholic and pagan beliefs line our route as we set off for the largest lake on the continent - Lake Titicaca - where cleverly terraced slopes contain numerous traditional villages and ruins of the great Inca Empire that reveal ancient secrets.

Touched little by the commercialization wrought by mass tourism, Bolivia is a country reminiscent of the world as it was hundreds of years ago, where traditional dress is worn by locals in lively markets and bartering for goods such as potions and herbal folk remedies to ward off evil spirits is commonplace.

In Ecuador, we get closer to nature with a trip down one of the remote tributaries of the mighty Amazon River and ramble through thick Ecuadorian jungle teeming with exotic wildlife, before making our way along the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes' for some of the most dramatic volcanic sceneries in South America.

We explore the UNESCO-protected colonial centre of the capital city, Quito, and the beautiful palace, the famous San Francisco Church and the Virgin of the Apocalypse monument, before wandering through pristine cloud forests, labyrinths and chambers in crumbling Inca temples and quaint parks and romantic plazas of perhaps the most beautiful of Ecuadorian cities; Cuenca.

Mother Nature's most splendid works are on display as we cast off on a short cruise through the Galapagos Islands, an incredible, world-famous destination whose diversity of flora and fauna knows no rival and whose natural surroundings have changed little since the days of Charles Darwin.

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35 Day Peru Tour, Bolivia & EcuadorTOURCODE: PQ13Guided Amazon adventure;Famed 'Avenue of Volcanoes';Four-night Galapagos cruise;Mysterious Machu Picchu - a must see!;Scenic 'Vistadome' train;The Floating Islands of Puno;Sacred island of the Sun

Tour OverviewCountries Visited: 3Acivity Level: 2Tour Style: Cultural

Our South America tour packages are truly bucket list experiences and this tour features a number of iconic sights including a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu, the dense greenery of the Amazon and a Galapagos cruise.

Beyond those obvious highlights, the 35-day jaunt offers much for the discerning traveller. Whether it's perusing intricate weaving at a Peruvian market stall, learning about local customs in Bolivia (home to the continent's largest percentage of indigenous peoples) or marveling at the lofty peaks of the Ecuadorean Andes, this trio of South American countries will not disappoint.

Like many of our South America tour packages, we begin in Peru's capital, Lima. A sophisticated city with ever present nods to a civilization that dates back millennia, it's home to the famous Plaza de Armas surrounded by the impressive Archbishop's Palace. Also included in a day long tour is the Larco Museum -- featuring a treasure trove of pre-Columbian history and a world famous erotic archaeological collection -- and the trendy area of Miraflores with cliff top views of the Pacific Ocean.

A bus ride to Nazca is prelude to a flight over the 2,000 year old Nazca Lines. In some circles the elaborate figures, comprised of geometric lines and shapes, are believed to have extraterrestrial origins. Another separate day trip from Lima takes travellers to the Ballestas Islands where you will be greeted by seabirds and often schools of dolphins.

A spectacularly scenic drive follows, to the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, a tantalizing taste of what's to come: the "lost" city of Machu Picchu high in The Andes. Named one of the New Sevens Wonders of the World, this ancient citadel is notable for its huge blocks wondrously fused without mortar. Among features at the site, that dates back to 1450 before its abandonment a century later, is The Temple of the Sun and the enigmatic Temple of the Three Windows.

Not to be outdone, Cuzco is home to many of the most important Inca sites and the tour takes advantage with visits to the complex of Sacsayhuaman (with stonework so perfect not even moss can grow!) and the town site attractions of San Blas Church and its cathedral that houses a trove of paintings from the Cuzco School of Art. Combined, the architecture, food, music and handicrafts ensure Cuzco has retained an aura of untouched colonialism.

Not forgetting to purchase a sweater or hat made of the luxurious alpaca wool the region is famous for, continue to the shores of placid Lake Titicaca, with stops at Pucara, the Temple of Wiracocha and a baroque church along the way. The lake itself straddles the Peruvian/Bolivian border and is the world's highest navigable body of water. While there take a boat tour to the fascinating floating islands of Los Uros, constructed from multitudinous layers of tortota reeds.

Crossing into Bolivia enjoy a walking tour of Copacabana before a day's boat exploration of Isla del Sol in Lake Titicaca where terraced slopes are dotted with numerous ruins and tiny traditional villages.

In La Paz, located 3,300 metres above sea level, immerse yourself in the nosily contradictions of a city where boutique hotels jostle alongside Gothic spires for your attention. Perhaps most famous for its many markets, overseen by colourfully dressed merchants garbed in traditional petticoats and bowlers hats, La Paz is sure to delight.

A flight to Ecuador follows ahead of nearly four days exploration in the Amazon Rainforest. Famed for its vastness and unparalleled biodiversity, the Amazon spans nine separate nations and contains an estimated 390 billion trees comprised of 16,000 different species and is something you truly must include in your South America tour packages. Embarking from the Napo Cultural Centre, canoe down river to accommodations at Kichwa Ecolodge where visitors are welcomed with a lunch and traditional drinks.

A parrot clay lick, walk to an observation tower and visit to the interpretive centre Kuri Muyu are featured the following day with plenty of opportunity to view the incredible numbers of bird and animal species that include howler monkeys and toucans. A separate evening canoe trip is designed to bring visitors up close and personal with alligators. Before your departure flight to Quito, share in an early morning ritual of traditional customs practiced by the Kichwa natives.

Beautiful and steeped in history, Quito is the capital of Ecuador and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Must sees here include a number of 16th and 17th century churches and the gigantic winged statue, Virgin of the Apocalypse.

North of Quito, the Otavalo Valley region is home to a tradition of weaving that forms the basis of the local economy and that's followed by a visit to the Avenue of Volcanoes located in a national park. En route to Banos, famous for its hot spring baths, stops are scheduled at Cotopaxi volcano and Pillaro where there's time to visit a traditional mask workshop. A brief walk to one of the nations most spectacular waterfalls, The Devil's Bowl, follows before boarding the Devil's Nose, on the Trans-Andean railroad, a truly remarkable feat of engineering.

A walking tour of Cuenca reveals the charms inherent in Ecuador's most important colonial city. While in town visit a Panama hat factory, the Archaeological Complex of Ingapirca and Museo del Banco Central.

Ornithologists won't want to miss the birding opportunities in Cajas National Park, in particular, the rare Andean Condor which is sometimes spotted soaring high above.

With wildlife that hasn't learned to be afraid of humans, the tour ends with a bang during the final days spent cruising the Galapagos Islands, another must-see destination in our South America tour packages. Almost entirely preserved as sanctuary, and with many species found nowhere else on earth, the collection of islands has gained near mythological status for its diversity and beauty.

With opportunities to snorkel and wildlife interactions that you're unlikely to experience any where else (including tortoises, sea lions, iguanas and many more). The Galapagos Islands are easily ranked among the most coveted travel experiences on the planet.

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53 comfortable and cozy rooms, all of which are decorated in a local style. Rooms with ample windows with views of colourful gardens, mountains, and countryside. Rooms feature heat and hot water, ... deposit box, telephone, private bath.

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El Mapi is located in the charming village of Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu. This centrally located hotel is only a few minutes away from the train station "Puente ... where the buses leave for Machu Picchu.

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This charming colonial property offers local flavour and friendly service. Modern rooms offer individual heating, colour TV, international telephone.

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Please review our cancellation policy page for details.