Best of Colombia and Peru
Best of Colombia and Peru
Best of Colombia and Peru
14 Days Starting in Cartagena and ending in Lima
Visiting: Colombia, Peru
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IndTur273
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 22
Physical rating:
Intermediate
From:
$2729 (USD)Tour Overview
Discover two of the most fascinating countries in South America! This small-group tour of Colombia and Peru will guide you through ancient sites, Incan ruins, historic attractions, beautiful islands and more! Begin your tour in Cartagena, a breathtaking port city on the Caribbean Coast that is known for its magnificent mountain scenery and exotic beaches! Travel through the Coffee Triangle to learn about the rich cultural and natural heritage of Colombias best-known secret — its delicious coffee! Next, you will explore Bogota, the Colombia capital situated in the Andean Foothills. See the breathtaking city views from Montserrat Hill and visit Plaza de Boliar, the citys main square. Travel through the Sacred Valley of Peru with its ancient sites and catch a train to Machu Picchu – the Lost City of the Incas and one of the Wonders of the World. Explore Cusco, a picturesque city and the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere. Journey into the Andes Mountains and visit Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, where you can explore the Uros Islands. Travel to Lima, the second biggest desert capital city in the world, where you will end your tour of Colombia and Peru!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Usa/Canada - Cartagena (Arrival)
Make your way to the International Airport to board your flight to Colombia. Enjoy in-flight meals and services. Upon arrival in Cartagena, you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. Later in the day, you will head on a city tour. This fascinating half-day tour will take you through the most significant monuments in Cartagena. Start at the Convent of La Popa* (the highest point in the city) and make your way to the Castillo de San Felipe, a striking fort filled with history and mysteries hidden in its stonewalled tunnels. Leaving the castle, visit the monument of Zapatos Viejos — the “Old Shoes”. Certainly, the most impressive monument is the gigantic defensive wall that surrounds the old city and overlooks the sea and its well-preserved colonial architecture. During the rest of the visit, you will see the citys churches, museums, plazas, restaurants, shops, and jewelry stores. This combination of treasures makes Cartagena deserving of the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site: You will never forget this wonderful destination. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
*Note: in case La Popa is closed, the visit will be replaced with the San Pedro Claver Convent.
Overnight in Cartagena
Day 2: Cartagena (B/-/-)
Today you may enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace or relax on the beach. Cartagena de Indias was founded in 1533 and is perhaps the most attractive city in South America today. The old part of the city is also called “The Walled City”, where Cartagena conserves the beauty of its' colonial past. Narrow streets flanked by heavy oak doors, beautiful, flowered balconies, and friendly and welcoming people make Cartagena the perfect destination to learn about colonial history and immerse yourself in the culture of Argentina. The breathtaking beaches close by, such as the Rosario Islands, invite visitors to explore with their crystal-clear waters and the wide variety of tours and excursions to choose from.
Overnight in Cartagena
Day 3: Cartagena - Pereira (By Flight) - Coffee Triangle (B/-/-)
This morning, at the arranged time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Pereira. Upon arrival in Pereira, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the Coffee Triangle. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Colombia is famous for its coffee, but nowhere is the prized bean more important than in the departments of Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío, which together make up the heart of the Zona Cafetera, also called the Eje Cafetero (Coffee Axis). Here you'll find jeeps packed with mustachioed coffee pickers; poncho-wearing senior citizens gossiping in cafes; and, of course, endless cups of piping hot arabica. Many working fincas (coffee farms) have embraced tourism and welcome visitors onto their plantations to learn all about the coffee-growing process. It is particularly interesting to visit during the harvests (April to May, October to December) when the farms are a hive of activity. The “Coffee Cultural Landscape”, inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 2011.
Overnight in the Coffee Triangle
Day 4: Coffee Triangle (B/-/-)
Get ready for a full-day tour around the Cocora Valley and Salento. This mystical valley is considered one of Colombia's most stunning valleys and often listed among the country's must-sees. Certainly unique are the up to 60 metre-tall wax palms of the region, which are towering into the eerie cloud forest. We can explore the valley on foot before our trip to nearby Salento, one of the coffee region's most picturesque villages. Browsing its cafés and boutiques we find ourselves among merry colours, textures and artesanal crafts. Just outside of Salento and nestled into fertile hillsides we reach Finca El Ocaso, a traditonal coffee finca. Here we learn all about the coffee production process from seed to cup.
Note: Lunch (payable locally) is taken at a typical comedor in the Salento area.
Overnight in the Coffee Triangle
Day 5: Coffee Triangle - Bogota (By Flight) (B/-/-)
At the arranged time you will be transferred to the Armenia airport for your flight to Bogota. Upon arrival in Bogota, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. The Colombian capital is in the very center of the country at approx. 2650 meters above sea level in an area known as the Savanna of Bogotá (Sabana de Bogotá). The east side of the city is flanked by the Cordillera Oriental, which are foothills of the Andes Mountains. In terms of area, Bogotá is Colombias largest city: It extends more than 40 km from north to south and 20km from east to west. It is not only the main economic and industrial center but also the political heart of the country. The National Legislature, the Supreme Court of Justice, and the residence of the President of the Republic (Casa de Nariño) reside here. With its 8 million inhabitants, the city is Colombias most populous, and the huge cultural offer is among the best and largest in the country. Bogotá is home to plenty of museums such as the famous Gold Museum or the Botero Museum, along with theatres and libraries.
Overnight in Bogota
Day 6: Bogota (B/-/-)
Today you will be picked up from your hotel and head on a guided tour of the city. Your tour will start in the Plaza de Bolívar (the citys main square), surrounded by federal government buildings. It will continue into the old colonial part of the city better known as “La Candelaria”, the San Francisco Church, and the Gold Museum. The tour will end with a trip in a cable car to the top of Monserrate Hill, which offers spectacular views of the city.
Overnight in Bogota
Day 7: Bogota - Cusco (By Flight) - Sacred Valley (B/-/-)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At the arranged time, you will be transferred to the Bogota Airport for your departure flight to Cusco, the oldest inhabited city in the hemisphere, with an elevation of 11,440 feet. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Urubamba in the Sacred Valley.
Overnight in Urubamba
Day 8: Sacred Valley (B/-/-)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today you will have a full day at leisure to explore the valley on your own or take an optional tour.
Overnight in Urubamba
Day 9: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco (B/-/-)
In the morning you will travel on the Expedition train through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, where you will board a shuttle up to Machu Picchu — the \"Lost City of the Incas\". Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, the city of Machu Picchu was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungles for 400 years until it was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. A knowledgeable tour guide will share the history of this magical place with you. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo Rail Station, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 10: Cusco (B/-/-)
After breakfast, you will head on a tour of Cusco, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere, and its nearby ruins. You will get the opportunity to see how the Andean and Spanish cultures co-existed and influenced the city. The tour will begin at the Santo Domingo Convent, built on the site of Koricancha, a significant Inca palace and a center of worship to the Sun God. You will continue your tour to discover the Main Square, the site of the Cathedral, and La Compañía Church. Later, visit the imposing Sacsayhuaman Fortress, a perfect example of the military Incan architecture in the area. Finally, the tour will take you to the archaeological sites of Qenko, Puca-Pucara, and Tambomachay, situated northeast of the city.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 11: Cusco - Puno (B/L/-)
Today you will head on one of the most extraordinary overland trips in South America. Prepare for a bus ride from Cusco to Puno as you pass through the striking highlands and the scenic Andean villages. There will be an en-route stop in Andahuaylillas, a beautiful town where the church was founded in 1580. This is the perfect showcase of colonial art in Peru — sometimes referred to as \"the Sistine Chapel of the Americas” due to its rich interior. You will also stop at Raqchi to see the remains of the temple of Viracocha, considered by historians to be a particularly significant Inca construction, and at La Raya, the highest pass on the route. Along with the breathtaking views of the countryside, you will discover llamas, alpacas, and vicunas roaming the wild. The last stop before Puno will be in Pucara, a historic ceremonial site where evidence of a pre-Inca civilization remains. You will arrive at your hotel in Puno later in the afternoon/evening.
Overnight in Puno
Day 12: Uros And Taquile Islands On Lake Titicaca (B/L/-)
Head on an exhilarating boat excursion on Lake Titicaca — the highest navigable lake in the world. See the magnificent floating Uros Islands and Taquile Island. The floating islands of the Uros developed from totora reeds tied together and are a must-see for any traveler! The Uros people consider themselves to be the Lords of the Lake. They hunt wild birds and maintain traditional fishing methods. Taquile is a very important site, known for its archaeological remains, sacred sites, and ceremonial festivals. The island is characterized by its friendly inhabitants, who maintain the customs and traditional clothing of their ancestors. Many fine, woollen hand-made goods can be found on sale here. You will return to Puno later in the day.
Overnight in Puno
Day 13: Puno - Lima (By Flight) (B/-/-)
Today you will be transferred to the Juliaca Airport for your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or perhaps take an optional tour to explore the capital city of Peru.
Overnight in Lima
Day 14: Lima - Usa/Canada
Today you will be transferred to the Lima International Airport for your flight home.
What's Included
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13 nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed hotels or similar
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Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
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02 lunches in Puno at a local restaurant
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Arrival and departure airport transfers
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Transportation in an AC vehicle
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Sightseeing as per itinerary
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Entrance fees as per itinerary
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Excursion to Machu Picchu aboard the Inca Rail
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Full day tour in Armenia including visit to “El Ocaso” (coffee growing farm)
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Experienced English-speaking local guides
What's Not Included
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Items of a personal nature, tips & gratuities
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Visa fees or entrance taxes, if applicable
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Items not mentioned as included
Check out our Q&As
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.