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Make your way to the International Airport to board your flight to Colombia and enjoy in-flight meals and services. Upon arrival you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. Later today you will enjoy a city tour. This fascinating half-day tour starts with the visit of the most important monuments of Cartagena. Start at the Convent of La Popa* (the highest point of the city) and continue to the Castillo de San Felipe, an immense 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 city’s 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 balance of the day at leisure

*Note: at this moment La Popa is closed, so, this visit will be replaced by San Pedro Claver Convent.

Overnight in Cartagena

Enjoy a full at leisure to explore the city at your own pace or to enjoy the day at the beach. Cartagena de Indias was founded in 1533 and is probably 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, gorgeous flowered balconies and the welcoming and friendly people make Cartagena the perfect combination of colonial history and cultural experience. Beautiful beaches close by, such as the Rosario Islands, invite visitors with their crystal clear waters and there ist a large variety of excursions and tours to choose from.

Overnight in Cartagena

This morning, at the arranged time, you will be transferred to the airport to take your flight to Armenia via Bogota. Upon arrival in Armenia you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Armenia is the capital of the Departamento Quindío located in the Coffee Triangle 290 kilometers west of Bogotá. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, nature and ancient cultures, the region is a key player in Colombia's rich coffee culture. For anyone interested in nature and culture, Armenia and the Quindío department will be a highlight of their trip.

Overnight in Armenia

Today you will enjoy a full-day tour around the Cocora Valley and Salento. With its breathtaking landscapes, the Cocora Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in Colombia. Here you will find the impressive Quindian wax palm which reaches an amazing height of 60 metres. It is also the official Colombian national tree and one of the tallest species of palm trees in the world. You will have time to visit Salento, a picturesque village with artisanal shops. Afterwards visit ‘El Ocaso’, a coffee growing farm. The visit includes a technical and practical introduction to the whole coffee cultivation and production process, from harvest to the cup.

Overnight in Armenia

At the arranged time you will be transferred to the Armenia airport for your flight to Bogotá. Upon arrival to Bogotá you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure for you to explore the city at your own pace. The Colombian capital is located 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 Colombia’s 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 Colombia’s most populous and the huge cultural offer is among the best and largest in the country - Bogotá is home to numerous museums such as the famous Gold museum or the Botero museum, theatres and libraries.

Overnight in Bogota

Today you will have a closer look into Bogota’s highlights. Start with a guided visit to the City with Botero Museum. This guided visit to the Colombian capital starts in the Plaza de Bolívar (the city’s main square), which is surrounded by federal government buildings, and continues into the old colonial part of the city better known as “La Candelaria”, the San Francisco Church and the Botero Museum. The tour finishes with a trip in a cable car to the top of the Monserrate Hill, which offers a spectacular view of the city. Later today enjoy a visit to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. Leaving Bogotá to the north, cross the savanna landscape to the town of Zipaquirá, about 50 km away. Upon arrival you will be able to visit the fully functioning Salt Cathedral. This unique building was constructed approximately 120 meters underground in a former salt mine. The trip ends with a visit to Zipaquirá’s charming central square.

Overnight in Bogota

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and, at the arranged time, you will be transferred to Cartagena Airport for your departure flight. Enjoy a spectacular flight over the snow-capped Andes to the oldest inhabited city in the hemisphere, Cusco, at an elevation of 11,440 feet. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to Urubamba in the Sacred Valley.

Overnight in Urubamba

Today you will enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Enjoy a full day at leisure or take an optional tour.

Overnight in Urubamba

This morning you will travel on the Expedition train through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, where you will board a shuttle up to the "Lost City of the Incas", Machu Picchu. Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, the city of Machu Picchu was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungle for 400 years until discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.  A knowledgeable tour guide will share the history of this mystical place with you. This 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

After breakfast enjoy a tour of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere, Cusco, and the nearby ruins. This gives you a chance to see how the Andean and Spanish cultures co-existed and influenced the city. The tour starts at Santo Domingo Convent, built on the site of Koricancha, which was an important ancient Inca palace and center of worship of the Sun God. The tour continues to the Main Square, site of the Cathedral and the La Compañía Church. Later you will visit the imposing Sacsayhuaman Fortress, just one example of the military Inca architecture in the area. Finally, the tour heads to the nearby archaeological sites of Qenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay, which can be found to the north east of the city.

Overnight in Cusco

Today one of South America's most extraordinary overland trips takes you by bus from Cusco to Puno, passing through striking highland scenery and picturesque Andean villages. En-route you will stop at the town of Andahuaylillas, the church here was founded in 1580 and is a showcase of the colonial art in Peru, sometimes called "the Sistine Chapel of the Americas” due to its rich interior. You will also stop at Raqchi to see the remains of the remarkable temple of Viracocha, considered by historians to be a particularly important Inca construction, and at La Raya, the highest pass on the route. As well as beautiful views of the surrounding countryside you will see llamas, alpacas and vicunas wandering wild. The last stop before Puno is Pucara, an old ceremonial site that shows evidence of a pre-Inca civilization. You will arrive at your hotel in Puno later this afternoon/evening.  The reminder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Puno

Today you can enjoy an amazing boat excursion out onto the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, to see the floating Uros Islands and Taquile Island. The floating islands of the Uros Indians are made by tying totora reeds together and are a must-see for any traveller. The Uros people consider themselves 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 and ceremonial sites and festivals.The island is characterized by its friendly inhabitants, who maintain the customs and traditional clothing of their ancestors – there are many fine, woollen hand-made goods on sale here. You will return to Puno later today.

Overnight in Puno

Today you will be transferred to the airport at Juliaca for a flight back to Lima. Upon arrival you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure or perhaps take an optional tour to explore the capital city of Peru. 

Overnight in Lima

Today you will be transferred to Lima International Airport for your flight home.

Day 1 Lima

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Your adventure begins in Lima, Peru’s lively capital city. When you arrive, you'll be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel. Here, you'll meet your small group of fellow travellers and your local leader for a 6 pm welcome meeting. If you arrive in Lima early, the city is full of bars converted from old colonial mansions, so you may like to head out for your first pisco sour. After your meeting, join your leader and small group for a welcome dinner. Lima has one of the world’s most revered culinary scenes, and this evening you’ll head to one of the city’s best restaurants, with stunning views surrounded by ancient ruins. The creative chef offers up traditional Peruvian dishes with modern twists in a one-of-a-kind environment.

Day 2 Arequipa

Start the day with a walking tour with your leader through downtown Lima. Admire the colonial buildings of Plaza Mayor and visit the eerie catacombs of the Saint Francis Monastery, then head away from the tourist trail to Alameda de Chabuca Granda – an area popular with the locals. Later, catch a flight to Arequipa, a beautiful Spanish colonial city. When you arrive, head out for an orientation walk with your leader. Known as La Ciudad Blanca (The White City), Arequipa’s buildings have been built almost exclusively from a white volcanic material called sillar, giving the city an appearance like no other. Situated in a valley at the foot of the El Misti volcano, the city also boasts a truly remarkable backdrop.

Day 3 Arequipa

This morning, meet a local guide who’s an expert on all things Arequipa and set out on a tour of the city. Explore Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square, then continue to the Santa Catalina Monastery while your guide shares stories of the city’s history along the way. Stop by the San Ignacio Chapel to appreciate its colonial mural paintings. Visit the beautiful Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa with another local expert guide who will discuss the many layers of the building’s history – from its construction in 1656 to its subsequent destructions and rebuilds. The afternoon is free your own discoveries. Why not pick up an Alpaca jumper and meet the llamas and alpacas of Mundo Alpaca or take part in an active adventure in the surrounding hills and rivers. Or maybe visit the museum that houses 'Mummy Juanita' – the well-preserved body of a young Inca girl who died sometime between 1450 and 1480.

Day 4 Colca Canyon

This morning, drive through the Altiplano high plains to the Colca Valley and Canyon. On the way you'll see grazing vicunas, llamas and alpacas, as well as stone cairns built by local Indigenous communities. More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon provides some breathtaking views. The pre-Inca terraces carved into its walls are still cultivated today, and the area is dotted with traditional Indian villages with locals in colourful dress. Stop at the highest point (4910 m) to enjoy views of the landscape below. Drive on the town of Chivay, where you'll have some time to soak up the local hot springs, then continue to the Aranwa Pueblito Encantado del Colca Hotel, your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. With a prime location along the rugged Colca River, this resort offers tranquility and comfort in a truly magnificent setting. The grounds are just as wondrous as the surroundings – tumbling waterfalls, organic gardens and gorgeous pools make this a superb spot to explore. With modern rooms, first-class service and fantastic amenities, this stay is one to remember.

Day 5 Lake Titicaca

Rise early this morning to visit the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where Andean condors, one of the world's largest flying birds, can often be seen soaring in the air. After lunch, begin the drive to Puno. On the way you'll stop off at the Sillustani archaeological site for about an hour, where you'll climb to the top of the hill to appreciate the ruined 'chullpas', or funeral towers. These towers were built by a pre-Inca civilisation centuries ago to house the remains of noble men. Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Puno is full of Aymara and Quechuan Indian culture. The town is known as the folklore capital of Peru and is renowned for its traditional dances.

Day 6 Lake Titicaca

Be enchanted by striking scenery and unique cultures on a cruise around Lake Titicaca today. This morning, depart from the port in Puno for the floating Uros Islands. The Uros people constructed these islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes in ancient times. They are built completely from multiple layers of totora reeds, which grow in the shallows of the lake. Call into Taquile Island, where you'll spend an hour walking to the top of the hill to see local traditional clothing and shops for woollen handicrafts. Explore this extraordinary place before traveling back to Puno for the evening. Back at your hotel, enjoy a stunning sunset over Lake Titicaca, while you sample wine and cheese in the garden.

Day 7 Cusco

Rise early and travel to Cusco. The journey will be broken up with plenty of stops, including a visit to the Raqchi Archaeological Site. Arrive in Cusco by late afternoon. Cusco is South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, and was the home of the Inca for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today Cusco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. At 3450 m above sea level, it’s important to take time to acclimatise to the city’s altitude. After settling in at the hotel, take a casual walk around Plaza de Armas with your leader and pick up some excellent dinner recommendations along the way.

Day 8 Cusco

This morning, discover the best of Cusco on a walking tour. First, enjoy a special tour of the World Heritage-listed Cusco Cathedral with a local historian guide. Built on top of an Incan palace, the building is now one of Cusco’s greatest repositories of art, and your guide will share its history from past to present. Then, tour the Coricancha Temple with another local guide. The temple was once covered in sheets of gold that were eventually removed to raise a ransom for the life of Atahualpa, and later the Spanish demolished the temple to build a Dominican church on its foundations. Soon after, head to the colourful San Pedro market. The rest of the day is yours – speak to your leader about the option to arrange a cooking class at a local restaurant using fair trade products, or the half-day Inkilltambo trek, exploring an archaeologic site on the city’s outskirts.

Day 9 Ollantaytambo

Today you'll head for the Sacred Valley. Just outside of Cusco, visit the fortress ruins of Sacsayhuaman. The massive stone blocks forming the settlement's walls give you an idea of the ingenuity of the Inca. Continue on to the Sacred Valley. Treasured for its climate, fertile land and the Urubamba (Sacred) River, the valley has long been the main source of food in the high Andes. Afterwards, visit AMA, a local restaurant specializing in organic produce, and learn how they support single mothers in the Sacred Valley while enjoying a snack and drink. Continue to Willoq community to take part in an ancient cooking ritual known as pachamanca. This cooking method, which dates back to the time of the Inca empire, sees meats and vegetables marinaded in spices cooked slowly in the earth. You will also learn about traditional textile techniques that are used by the community – and you’ll even have the chance to make your own bracelet with the local women! Later, visit AMA, a local restaurant specializing in organic produce, and learn how they support single mothers in the Sacred Valley while enjoying a snack and drink. Later, continue to the town of Ollantaytambo. Built over an ancient Inca settlement, this is one of the few places where the Inca defeated the Spanish. Explore the archaeological site with an expert local guide who will discuss the evidence of the Incas' engineering skills in the ruins of ancient aqueducts, irrigation canals, dams on the Urubamba River and towering sets of terraces.

Day 10 Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu

Today’s journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes will reveal some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. Board the 360 Machu Picchu Train – with high domed windows in each carriage, there’s few better ways to view the magical Andes Mountains. The train also features an open-air observation carriage so you can marvel at the landscape from every angle. Disembark the train in Aguas Calientes, briefly drop your belongings off at your hotel, then take a short bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu, where you will be joined by a guide who will take you through the ruins and tell you stories of its history and the ancestral people of the region. The true purpose behind Machu Picchu may always be a mystery, since no historical records of the complex exist. Most archaeologists, however, believe it to be the 15th-century headquarters of Emperor Pachacuti. Your leader can advise how to get the most out of your visit. Later, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to spend the night before heading back up to Machu Picchu first thing in the morning for your second visit.

Day 11 Cusco

Rise before the sun and take the winding road back up to Machu Picchu for another morning uncovering its secrets. On your second visit, explore more of the extraordinary architecture of the many temples, palaces and living quarters. The sight of the ruins of Machu Picchu against a lush backdrop of forested mountain is one you are going to want to remember – so be sure to have your camera ready. You'll have time along the way to take any photos you may have missed yesterday. Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, then catch a standard train back to Ollantaytambo. From here, you'll make the drive back to Cusco for the evening.

Day 12 Amazon Jungle

Today you will catch a flight to Puerto Maldonado. When you arrive in the afternoon, take a bus to the port where you will board motorised canoes and head into the Amazon rainforest. Keep an eye out for macaws, herons, alligators and capybaras along the way. Here you’ll find Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion, your Feature Stay for the next two nights. Built in the heart of a 380 hectare-private ecological reserve, this unique resort is focused on the conservation of local habitats and features 25 private cabanas plus an on-site team of expert local guides. Enjoy lunch at the lodge then explore the Concepcion Trails with an expert guide. As darkness begins to fall, join a guided Twilight River boat ride and see how many caimans you can spot lurking on the riverbanks. Dinner is a la carte and draws on local Amazon ingredients to create a meal to remember.

Day 13 Amazon Jungle

After breakfast, board a dug-out wooden canoe to quietly glide across Lake Sandoval, keeping an eye out for red howler monkeys, giant river otters and colourful macaws along the way. After lunch you may like to walk along the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, a 344 m network of suspension bridges that take you high above the forest floor to some of the best places to spot toucans, woodpeckers, monkeys and three-toed sloths. Join a night walk to discover the nocturnal activity in the surrounding areas or book into the lodge’s spa, before you meet your group for dinner.

Day 14 Lima

This morning you will travel back to Puerto Maldonado, then take a flight to Lima, arriving in the early afternoon. Enjoy a few hours at leisure to explore any of the city’s sights you may have missed the first time around, then get back together with your fellow travellers and leader for dinner. Overlooking an ancient pre-Inca archaeological site and serving up a delectable menu of Peruvian delights, this final dinner is sure to leave you with a lasting memory of your time in Peru.

Day 15 Lima

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend some more time in Lima, just speak to your booking agent.