Peru and Colombia: From the Inca Highlands to the Caribbean Coast
Suggested Itinerary
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14 Days From £3,560
Overview
This bespoke twin centre tour compliments the diverse cultures and environments that South America has to offer. Peru and Colombia combine the countries’ main attractions with culture, valleys, lakes and beaches. This trip will take you from the famous Peruvian Inca heartland through to the stunning Caribbean coast of Colombia.
Start your adventure in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, enjoy discovering the Inca sites and colourful surrounding markets, before taking a full day excursion ...
This bespoke twin centre tour compliments the diverse cultures and environments that South America has to offer. Peru and Colombia combine the countries’ main attractions with culture, valleys, lakes and beaches. This trip will take you from the famous Peruvian Inca heartland through to the stunning Caribbean coast of Colombia.
Start your adventure in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, enjoy discovering the Inca sites and colourful surrounding markets, before taking a full day excursion to probably the most famous archaeological site in Latin America, Machu Picchu. No visit to Peru would be complete without seeing the charming capital city of the Inca Empire, Cusco. From here, take a scenic train ride through the Andes to Puno, where you will take a boat tour to the islands on the world’s highest navigable lake; Lake Titicaca. These islands are home to some of the oldest communities in Peru, where traditional life still dominates.
After some relaxation time by the Pacific coast in the lively capital city of Lima, step back in time in the rolling emerald hills and quaint towns of the Colombian Coffee region. Stay in a traditional hacienda and partake in a coffee production and tasting tour before ending in the vibrant colonial walled port city of Cartagena. Soak up the Caribbean flavours and sunshine where beautiful beaches and islands await you.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the Impressive Inca Citadel, Machu Picchu
- Experience rural life and visiting the coffee plantations in the Central Highlands of Colombia
- Take the train journey through the Andes from Cusco to Puno
- Visit the Uros floating islands of Lake Titicaca
- Walk around colonial architecture in the old walled city of Cartagena
- Relax on and snorkel at the beautiful sandy beaches of the Rosario Islands
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY
DAY 1: CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY
Arrive in Cusco and transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Rest of the day free at your leisure or partake in one of the activities offered by the hotel.
DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY
DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY
Guided group tour in the Sacred Valley, including a visit to the Inca town of Chinchero. Stop at “Urpi”, a famous textile centre where the local people have preserved their traditional Andean weaving techniques and show you how to obtain the bright colours they use. Continue to Ollantaytambo one of the most significant archaeological sites, which use to serve as both a fortress and a temple. It is also the site where the Spanish lost an important battle. Return to your hotel in the Sacred Valley for the night.
DAY 3: SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – SACRED VALLEY
DAY 3: SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – SACRED VALLEY
Full day tour to Machu Picchu. Private transfer to Ollantaytambo train station for your train to Machu Picchu. This guided tour will take you to every nook and cranny of this New Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. At the end of the tour descend by bus to Aguas Calientes station for your return train to Ollantaytambo and overnight in the Sacred Valley.
DAY 4: SACRED VALLEY - CUSCO
DAY 4: SACRED VALLEY - CUSCO
Check-out and private transfer to your hotel in Cusco with a stop at the famous artisan Pisac Market on the way. Originally a place where people from remote communities used to barter their products, Pisaq has evolved to one of South America’s most famous souvenir markets. Prepare to bargain with hundreds of individual vendors promoting their local goods. Make sure to sample some empanadas baked in traditional clay ovens.
DAY 5: CUSCO
DAY 5: CUSCO
Your afternoon city tour includes the beautiful Koricancha or Sun Temple, the Cathedral, the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a most remarkable Inca building, and the amphitheatre of Kenko. This is followed by a visit to Puca Pucara, a strategically located 'red fortress' that dominates the entire area before visiting Tambomachay, with its two distinctive aqueducts that to this day continue to provide clean water to the area.
DAY 6: CUSCO - PUNO
DAY 6: CUSCO - PUNO
The PeruRail Titicaca is one of the best and most comfortable ways to travel to Lake Titicaca. On your journey enjoy superb views of the Andean region from the trains’ open-air observatory car, and music typical of the Peruvian highlands. There will also be opportunities to take photos of the beautiful Andean landscapes. Onboard you will find 2 dining cars where a gourmet lunch will be served. On arrival private transfer to your hotel and overnight in Lake Titicaca.
DAY 7: PUNO - LIMA
DAY 7: PUNO - LIMA
Full day tour to Taquile and Uros Islands. This day tour will give you an insight into the indigenous communities who inhabit these unique islands. Learn about their customs and traditions and experience a slower pace of life untouched by the modern life of mainland cities. Admire the wonderful textiles and beautiful and colourful clothing worn by the local residents. Enjoy a traditional lunch inspired by regional flavours. At the end of the tour return to the mainland and private transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima.
DAY 8: LIMA
DAY 8: LIMA
After breakfast enjoy a morning at leisure before going on an afternoon tour of Lima. Explore the modern districts of Lima and its historic centre, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. As you wander the main plaza and Plaza San Martin, your guide will introduce you to the city’s architectural heritage. Then proceed to Santo Domingo Monastery, boasting fine carved choir stalls, the oldest of Lima. Your tour ends in the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores.
DAY 9: LIMA – BOGOTA - PEREIRA
DAY 9: LIMA – BOGOTA - PEREIRA
Depart for your morning flight to Pereira via Bogota. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
DAY 10: PEREIRA
DAY 10: PEREIRA
In the morning leave for the Valle de Cocora, located in the central mountains of Quindío. This makes up part of the Parque Nacional de los Nevados where you can see the national tree of Colombia, (Ceroxylon quincense) wax palm. Many species of birds can be found living here. It is possible to arrive by hiking to the cloud forest. On the other side of the Quindío River there is an ecological pathway, passing through the tallest wax palms in the world. Learn why the indigenous people here worshipped this tree. Later in the afternoon, you will stop at the traditional town of Salento for a city tour of the Plaza de Bolívar with its colourful balconies, the handicrafts shops and the Cocora viewpoint.
DAY 11: PEREIRA - CARTAGENA
DAY 11: PEREIRA - CARTAGENA
Today visit the coffee plantation. You will be taken to the coffee hacienda and the grounds for a detailed explanation and tour of the processing and harvesting of coffee production. You will also be able to taste the different coffee brews before returning to your hotel. Free afternoon at leisure, before taking your transfer to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. On arrival private transfer to your hotel.
DAY 12: CARTAGENA
DAY 12: CARTAGENA
After breakfast take a half day panoramic city tour of Cartagena. Begin with a panoramic view of the city from the Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa. This church and monastery are located at a height of 140 metre above sea level from where you can witness 360º views of the city and the sea and port area. Next you will visit the San Felipe Fortress, before continuing to the old city. Before returning to your hotel we will make a stop at the handicrafts zone of the Bovedas, where you can purchase local handicrafts. Free afternoon at leisure.
DAY 13: CARTAGENA
DAY 13: CARTAGENA
An all-day excursion by boat to the Rosario Islands. Transfer time is approximately one hour from Cartagena. This national park is surrounded by coral reefs and crystal clear blue waters, it is home to a large variety of marine life. Here you can enjoy free time for snorkelling and relaxing. Lunch will be served during the excursion.
DAY 14: CARTAGENA – DEPART BOGOTA
DAY 14: CARTAGENA – DEPART BOGOTA
Free day at leisure before taking your transfer to the airport for your return flight to Bogota. Continue your travels from here.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Hacienda San Jose, Pereira
A lovely two-storey traditional hacienda, now a boutique hotel situated in the lush and verdant Zona Cafetera just outside Pereira, this hotel makes for a charming stay with only 8 rooms (5 upper, 3 lower). It is a spacious yet intimate affair with a great outdoor pool. The accommodation is well placed to enjoy the best of what this region has to offer from coffee tours and horse-riding to treks in Los Nevados. Owned and run by the Mejía Jaramillo family, they will make sure you have an enjoyable visit.
Casa Andina Premium Puno, Puno
This boutique chain hotel on the outskirts of Puno offers guests personalised service in traditionally decorated rooms. The hotel has just 46 rooms and suites with varying views and each with a small balcony. While the rooms are not huge, they are comfortable and interesting. The hotel has a restaurant set away from the main building with views to the lake, above which there is a terrace area where guests can also enjoy meals or a drink from the bar. There is a bar just off the main lobby serving tapas everyday between 5 and 8pm. The Casa Andina Premium is a boutique style hotel offering personalised service about 10 minutes from central Puno.
The Alfiz Boutique Hotel, Cartagena de Indias
The Alfiz Boutique Hotel is one of Cartagena’s best kept secrets. The colonial house was built over 300 years ago and has recently been restored into a charming hotel which perfectly blends character and comfort. A particularly special feature of Alfiz is the design of its eight uniquely themed rooms featuring antique pieces that reflect the most important stages in the history of the city, from the conquest to independence, to give each guest insight into the city’s fascinating past within a stylish resting place. The hotel also features a small outdoor pool, a terrace, an antique-style reading room and a garden where breakfast is served, made up of exotic fruit juice, homemade bread, local dishes and Colombian coffee. The small hotel offers a friendly and personable service, perfect for couples.
Arawi Hotel, Lima
The four-star Arawi is found in the upmarket district of Miraflores and offers simple, modern luxury in a small hotel. The 31 elegant ensuite rooms are smartly furnished with marble bathrooms and feature all mod cons including LED TV and Wi-Fi. The interior design is contemporary with the corridors exhibiting local art. Aklla, the onsite restaurant & bar, offers a lovely introduction to Peruvian cuisine, serving up fresh ceviche, lomo saltado and of course the signature cocktail pisco sour. The highlight is the location, within walking distance from Larco Mar seafront shopping centre, the esplanade and the country’s best restaurants.
La Casona De Yucay, Sacred Valley
Surrounded by magnificent mountains, this hotel has spectacular views and beautiful gardens where you can relax and feel the magic of the Sacred Valley. Set in an 18th-century building, this hotel features cosy modern accommodation set around a colourful courtyard. Rooms feature natural wooden floors and large windows offering panoramic garden and mountain views. They are decorated with traditional Inca fabrics. The restaurant serves regional and international dishes during the evening. There is a communal fireplace which is located next to La Casona’s bar.
El Retablo B&B, Cusco
The three-star El Retablo Art Boutique B&B celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Cusco. Wake up to views of the city from each of the 17 rooms, spread over two storeys. The rooms are hand decorated with colourful art in a modern, yet traditional Peruvian style provided by the Fine Arts School of Cusco. The location is excellent for sightseeing, at only a 15-minute walk away from Cusco’s main square.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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