Cuzco to Cartagena
Overview
Highlights
- Spot wildlife on the Ballestas Islands
- Admire Cuzco's Spanish and Inca influences
- Get a caffeine-fix at a plantation in Los Nevados National Park
- Admire the colonial architecture in Cartagena
- Spend the night in the heart of the Amazon Jungle
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Travel Themes
Destinations
Trip includes
- Included activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary
- all other activities are optional and at your own expense
- If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary
- the cost will not be refunded
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Itinerary
A fascinating fusion of Inca and Spanish culture, Cuzco is truly the heart and soul of Peru. Explore the many Baroque churches or visit the city's impressive Inca ruins, including the famous 12-sided Stone and the ruins of Qorikancha.
Embark on an unforgettable Andean trek. Follow the steps of the ancient Incas through breathtaking scenery and past remote Quechua villages.
Explore the crumbling ruins of Machu Picchu, the 'Lost City of the Incas'. Find a quiet spot near the Sun Gate to sit back and soak up the magical atmosphere before making the return journey back to Cuzco.
Journey to Cuzco and wander through cobblestone streets lined with massive Inca stone walls and Spanish-colonial architecture. Perhaps sign up for one of the many adventure activities on offer here including horse riding and whitewater rafting.
Get to know a local family as guests at a homestay in Raqchi. Spend the evening together sharing a meal and discovering traditional song and dance.
Try to spot the mighty Andean condors as they silently take to the sky thousands of metres above the floor of the breathtaking Colca Canyon.
Explore the scenic city of Arequipa and perhaps stop by the Museo Santury to view Juanita, the ice princess. The body of this frozen Inca maiden is thought to be more than 500 years-old and was found at a sacrificial site on the summit of Nevado Ampato.
Visit the chilling Chauchilla Cemetery en route to Puerto Inca. The windswept graves display the eerie skeletons and mummified bodies of the Nazca people, some of which date from 1,000 AD.
Learn about Peru's mysterious Nazca Lines and perhaps take a scenic flight to fully appreciate the scale of this puzzling creation.
Pitch a tent in Paracas, which spans over 335,000 hectares and is home to one of the world's most important marine reserves. Take a walk along the coastline and spot the vibrant birdlife this region is famous for.
Spot penguins, sea lions and boobies during a boat ride through the Ballestas Islands. Get acquainted with Peru's modern capital, Lima - there's plenty to see in this vibrant metropolis.
Pitch a tent at seaside Huanchaco, home to the surfing fishermen. Walk along the shoreline and watch these skilful fishermen among the waves, balancing on their narrow reed canoes. Perhaps even give this method a try to discover how difficult it really is! Spend a ful...
Seaside activities abound in Punta Sal, a haven of sun, surf and sand. Perhaps set out for some deep-sea fishing, explore the scenic coastline by boat or simply kick back on the beach with a good book.
Farewell Peru and discover the production secrets of Ecuador's iconic Panama hat during a factory tour. Head out shopping for one of these hats or maybe ramble through Cuenca's scenic streets and shady plazas.
Enjoy spectacular views while driving along the winding Quilotoa Loop. Get active on a guided trek and stay overnight in an eco-lodge nestled on the slopes of the Rio Toachi Canyon.
Pitch a tent in the lush, mountainous Tungurahua Province. Explore nearby Banos, Ecuador's famous adventure playground. Maybe soak in the town's hot springs filled with therapeutic waters or choose from one of many optional activities - from horse riding to mountain biking and even whitewater rafting.
Gear yourself up for for the amazonian adventures ahead.
The lush jungle of the upper Amazon Basin is one of the world's most biologically diverse regions. Set off on treks heading deep into the heart of the Amazon jungle. Visit freshwater pools inhabited by caimans and canoe down twisting rivers to meet hospitable locals.
Take a stroll amid the quaint cobbled streets of Quito, Ecuador's capital. Enjoy a meal in one of the many great restaurants or explore some of the attractions dotted throughout this breathtaking city - from cathedrals and churches, to lookouts and plazas.
Farewell Ecuador and travel across the border into Colombia. Browse through the array of bright textiles and colourful crafts available at the famous markets of Otavalo.
Explore the town of Ipiales. Perhaps take time to visit the area's prime attraction, Santuario de Las Lajas - believed to be the site of many miracles and apparitions. Set dramatically amid impressive mountain scenery, Las Lajas is a hidden highlight of Colombia.
Discover the old town of Popayan and take a day trip to admire the spectacular volcanic landscapes of the Purace National Park.
Visit Cali, a culturally diverse town, famous for its lively nightlife.
Head to Manizales for a three-night stay at a hacienda. Tour a coffee plantation and admire scenic mountain vistas on a trip to Los Nevados National Park.
Stay by the lake at the quaint town of Guatape. Bargain at the stalls on the board walk and climb El Penon de Guatape, the famous granite monolith that give stunning views of the natural surrounds.
Travel to Medellin and explore the streets of this city, which has played a pivotal role in recent Colombian history. In free time, why not take a day trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia to admire its colonial architecture.
Drive to Sincelejo.
Take a ferry across Rio Magdalena to the historic colonial town of Mompos.
Wander around beautiful Cartagena on a guided city tour. Discover Cartagena's old town, an exceptionally well preserved area full of cobblestone laneways, charming buildings and busy cafes. Experience the therapeutic effects of a mud bath on an optional visit to a bubbling mud volcano.
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.
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Our Basix style trips are designed for travellers who want exceptional value, plenty of free time and having the flexibility to choose where and how their time and money is spent. By working plenty of free time into the itineraries and keeping many of the activities optional, we aim to make travel possible for those on even the most slender of budgets. After all, why pay for an activity or excursion you wouldn’t otherwise be interested in? Or a level of comfort you don’t require? As a wise person probably once said, a bed's just a bed when there's exploring to be done.
Finish point
- Hotel Villa Colonial
- Calle de Maravillas (C10) No 30-60
- Getsemani
- Cartagena
- COLOMBIA
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