Mysteries of the Inca Empire with Galapagos Cruise

On this Peru tour—with a Galápagos Islands cruise—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, and Quito, along with three nights aboard the Galápagos Legend. You'll visit ancient ruins, enjoy guided sightseeing, and marvel at the flora and fauna found in the Galápagos Islands. 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 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 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 Indians construct their islands from totora reed. In the Incan town of Ollantaytambo and in Sillustani, visits with locals in their homes give you insight into their way of life. Spend time at the Indian market in Pisac and in Awanakancha, learn about the importance of camelids (llama, vicuña, alpaca, and guanaco) to Inca culture. You'll also spend six nights in Ecuador, including three nights in Quito and three nights cruising the Galápagos Islands. Swim and snorkel in search of sea life, explore the islands, marvel at the many bird species, and enjoy seeing giant tortoises, sea lions, land iguanas, blue and red-footed boobies, and much more. These are just some of the many highlights of this Peru tour and Galápagos Islands cruise. Designed for savvy, value-minded travelers, it's a dream vacation!