Highlights of Peru and Colombia in Comfort and Style
Tour Introduction
This top quality Peru and Colombia programme showcases both countries with superlative accommodation for those who like to travel in high comfort and style.
Encompassing many of the top attractions Peru and Colombia have to offer, the itinerary will appeal to those who wish to explore all aspects of a destination. Included are the Inca ruins and stunning Andean scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, the ancient city of Cusco, Colombia’s capital city Bogota, the verdant UNESCO Coffee Cultural landscape, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cartagena de Indias with its Spanish colonial heart, and the coconut fringed beaches and wildlife of Tayrona National Natural Park. A truly diverse itinerary accompanied by luxury accommodation and excellent cooking.
Full Itinerary
Met on arrival at Cusco Airport and transfer by road to the Sacred Valley Incas. This valley was of symbolic importance to the Incas and is littered with holy sites. It also contains some of the more fertile and flattest land for the production of the staple Andean cereal, maize. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and acclimatise to the altitude.
Staying at Sol y Luna Hotel. Includes No Meals.
Today enjoy a full day guided tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the Inca ruins of Pisac perched above the town of the same name. These ruins are some of the largest and finest in the Sacred Valley. Then visit the town of the same name and visit the town’s colourful market.
After lunch at a local restaurant visit the town of Ollantaytambo. This town is one of the few places that still has the original Inca layout, with the town laid out in a trapezoidal shape with the buildings arranged in blocks. The ruins at Ollantaytambo are very impressive. It was to here that Manco Inca retreated in the great revolt against the Spanish.
Staying at Sol y Luna Hotel. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Transfer to Ollanta train station for the train service to Machu Picchu town. Board the bus to Machu Picchu and begin exploring the Inca Citadel with a guide.
The famous lost city of the Incas is one of the most evocative places in Peru. It is perched on a mountain ridge 600 metres above the Urubamba River which winds spectacularly through the valley below. The mountainside is clad in thick cloud forest, often covered in mists which are quickly burnt off by the powerful equatorial sun. Constructed from precisely sculpted granite blocks carefully joined with the projecting exposed stone of the surrounding mountain, Machu Picchu may well be the finest architectural achievement of the new world. Your guide will tell you the story of the rise and fall of the ancient civilisations of the Andes, the tragic end of the Incas, and the unresolved mystery that this ‘lost city’ remains. Return to Cusco in the late afternoon.
Staying at Palacio Nazarenas. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Spend the morning in guided exploration of Cusco and the surrounding Inca sites. Sites of interest in the city to be explored include the Cathedral, considered to be the second largest in South America after Sao Paulo, and Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun with a 17th Century church built on top. The Inca sites above Cusco include the large Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, and the Inca baths of Tambo Machay. The afternoon is at leisure to explore on own.
Staying at Palacio Nazarenas. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to Cusco Airport and fly to Bogota. Met on arrival and transfer to the hotel
Staying at Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia. Includes Breakfast.
Meet guide at the hotel to make it to the prime time of the hustle and bustle of the capital’s largest food market ‘Paloquemao’. Here you’ll learn about rural culture and sample (optional!) some of the vast number of fruits (some of which are unique to Colombia and the Andes) and various local foods with the locals. The market is open every day and supplies the ingredients for the majority of the city's best restaurants.
Next, you will visit the Spanish colonial neighbourhood of La Candelaria, which is considered the city’s heart and soul. Here you will see the architecture of the old houses, churches, and buildings in Spanish colonial, baroque, and art deco styles. Head to Bogota’s main square - the Plaza de Bolívar - and see several important colonial and Republican-style buildings, including the Palace of Justice, Colombia’s Congress, Mayor’s office, and the Primary Cathedral of Bogota. A visit will be made the Botero Museum depending on time.
Lunch will be had at the stylish restaurant Prudencia, a new restaurant in La Candelaria that boasts beautiful architecture and delicious food. Head next to Colombia´s famous Gold Museum. Here you’ll learn about Colombia’s rich, diverse and remarkable pre-Hispanic past, seeing part of the world’s largest collection of Tumbaga gold artefacts beautifully presented in this recently remodelled museum. Then climb Cerro Monserrate via cable car or funicular railway. You’ll walk around the Cerro and Sanctuary of ‘Our Fallen Lord’ learning about the unique story behind this mountain-top sanctuary. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Bogota to finish the tour before heading back to your hotel.
Staying at Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Transfer to Bogota Airport and fly to Pereira. Transfer on arrival to Hacienda Bambusa, visiting Filandia en-route for a coffee and snack in the plaza and a visit to the viewing tower.
After lunch enjoy a welcome hike and cacao tour. This easy level hike through explores the 500-plus acres hacienda, which is mostly cultivated with cacao plantation. Some bird watching is done on the way. Finish the tour learning the process of the cacao beans starting at the plantations until enjoying a hot cup of chocolate with cheese and an arepa.
Staying at Hacienda Bambusa. Includes All Meals.
Visit a working coffee farm at Hacienda Bruselas opened only to Bambusa’s guests for a private coffee tour. Walk through the coffee plantations, visit the farm facilities where coffee processes like selection, drying and roasting takes place, and end the tour with a coffee tasting.
Lunch at Hacienda Bruselas and transfer back to hotel. End of afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotel.
Staying at Hacienda Bambusa. Includes All Meals.
After breakfast transfer to Salento. Here you will hop in a classic Willys Jeep that will take you to the gorgeous Cocora Valley, home to the world’s tallest palm and Colombia’s national tree – the endemic Colombian wax palm. Spend time exploring the stunning landscape of Cocora, named after the local pre-hispanic chieftain’s daughter of the region. Picnic packed lunch at the valley. Here there will be an option for a 10 km hike into the cloud forest to visit a beautiful hummingbird reserve depending on your preference.
Late afternoon transfer back to Salento and time for a short walking tour, a coffee or shopping for local crafts. Transfer and dinner at Hacienda Bambusa.
Staying at Hacienda Bambusa. Includes All Meals.
Transfer to Pereira Airport and fly via Bogota to Cartagena. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Afternoon walking tour to the colonial neighbourhoods of San Diego and Santo Domingo. Stops will be made at places such as Plaza de los Coches, Plaza de la Aduana, Parque Bolivar and Plaza de Santa Teresa. The rest of the afternoon and evening you’ll have time to relax, discovering the sheer range of restaurants and excellent Caribbean-themed bars.
Staying at Casa San Agustin. Includes Breakfast.
After breakfast, early private tour of Castillo San Felipe and Gold Museum.
Lunch at recommended restaurant and afternoon at leisure at hotel or exploring some more of the walled city.
Staying at Casa San Agustin. Includes Breakfast.
Morning transfer by road to Santa Marta and Buritaca to beach hotel.
Afternoon at leisure.
Staying at Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
After breakfast drive to Tayrona National Natural Park accompanied by a bilingual local guide. The most visited National Park in Colombia, Tayrona is the perfect combination of tropical rainforest, beautiful beaches and the Caribbean sea. It covers a large area ranging from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta down to the beaches by the Caribbean. Walk to the Arrecife area or further to Cabo San Juan.
Staying at Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
After a relaxed morning transfer to Santa Marta airport and fly to Bogota for international connection to the UK.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Overview
Peru’s newest Belmond (formerly Orient Express) property, Palacio Nazarenas occupies a restored 18th century Carmelite convent and combines colonial history and artefacts with modern facilities and quality service. The hotel is located on Plaza Nazarenas between Cusco’s main square (Plaza de Armas), and the lively San Blas neighbourhood.
The rooms are equipped with Peruvian marble bathrooms with underfloor heating, satellite TV and sound system, Wi Fi, iPad (with pre-loaded useful information), bar with espresso and tea-making facilities, nibbles, pisco station, and 24-hour butler service.
The Palacio Nazarenas building consists of six interlocking courtyards landscaped with indigenous flowers and kitchen herbs, overlooked by wooden balconies.
Facilities include the Senzo Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Senzo Bar adjacent to the pool serving drinks and light snacks, the Hypnôze Spa, Cusco’s first outdoor heated swimming pool, guest lounge in the restored chapel, second floor library, business centre and boutique selling quality local handicrafts.
Meals can also be taken at the hotel’s adjacent sister property, the Monasterio Hotel with its Mediterranean and French restaurants.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
There is enriched oxygen in the rooms, 24-hour room service, minibar stocked with complimentary items, outdoor heated swimming pool, restaurants, lounge, bar and poolside bar. Spa services are available on request.
Optional Activities
The hotel’s central position in Cusco is ideal for tours of the city or for visiting Inca ruin sites and the beautiful scenery that surrounds the city.
Overview
The comfortable and modern Sofitel Victoria Regia Hotel is located about half an hour away from the international airport in the heart of Bogota’s financial district, close to a variety of cafes, museums and shops.
The hotel has 102 spacious contemporary rooms and suites designed by the renowned architect Miguel Soto. Amenities in the room include air conditioning and heating, a flat screen TV, free WiFi, a marble bathroom, safe box, minibar, Nespresso coffee machine, and iDock. All rooms are decorated with Colombian artworks which are available for purchase.
The Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia’s restaurant serves French bistro style cuisine using seasonal local produce, including some herbs and vegetables from the hotel’s own chef’s garden.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Basilic bar and gourmet restaurant, fitness centre with gym, room service, lounge with library, complimentary WiFi, small spa, business centre, concierge, dry cleaning, and laundry service.
Overview
A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, this stylish hotel is located in Cartagena’s UNESCO Old Town.
What were once three colonial houses and the city’s aqueduct now form a chic, modern hotel with historical flourishes throughout. The rooms are divided into Deluxe with garden, street or hall view, Junior Suite with a living area, and Premium Suite with a private patio with Jacuzzi and view of the inner gardens, duplex Prestige Suite with a private balcony overlooking the street, and the Suite de Virrey with Jacuzzi and two terraces. All have LCD TV, WiFi, minibar, air-conditioning, ceiling fan and shower.
Casa de Agustin’s Alma restaurant specialises in contemporary Colombian cuisine, showcasing the area’s freshly caught seafood.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Alma restaurant with al fresco dining, Aurum spa, bar, rooftop solarium, 24-hour room service, coffee and tea service in the library, and complimentary use of bikes.
Optional Activities
The hotel has its own private beach on Isla Baru, 45 minutes from the hotel.
Overview
The beautiful Sol y Luna Hotel is set within a 25-acre estate just one kilometre from the town of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Built from local materials, Sol y Luna’s 43 bungalows are made up of 33 doubles, 2 triples, 3 family bungalows (with a king size bed and two single or double beds), and 5 suites, all set within a colourful garden. All the bungalows are en suite and have king or double beds, climate controlled heating, free Wi-Fi and private verandas.
The Killa Wasi Restaurant features Novo Andino cuisine, a distinctive blend of Andean, coastal and international flavours. The Chicha Wasi lounge/bar above the restaurant features a full international drinks list. There is a pleasant garden with plenty of birdlife to enjoy.
Additional hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, gift shop, business centre and Yacu Wasi spa. The spa contains a well-equipped gym, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and Spanish bath.
A wide selection of spa therapies and treatments are offered including facials wraps and masks, along with newer treatments such as music therapy and energy therapies such as Reiki. Massages include traditional Swedish, shiatsu, and reflexology. Classes or personal sessions in yoga and tai chi are also available.
There is also a separate complex, Wayra, with a lounge, a la carte restaurant, wine cellar with 100 different wines from around the world, and terrace.
The Sol y Luna Hotel can arrange a variety of activities in and around the Sacred Valley including hikes, horseback rides and mountain biking.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, two Pisco bars/lounges, library, business centre and meeting room, swimming pool, and the Yacu Wasi spa with sauna, gym and various treatments.
Optional Activities
The on-site equestrian and activity centre can arrange hiking, horse riding, paragliding, quad biking, rafting and kayaking.
Overview
Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos is located where the Piedras River meets the Caribbean in front of Los Naranjos Beach, adjacent to Tayrona National Natural Park.
The hotel has just eight rooms – one standard garden view room, one deluxe garden view room, three deluxe sea view rooms, two independent rooms in a sea view bungalow, and one deluxe sea view cabaña. All rooms are ensuite with air conditioning, safe, minibar and cable TV. WiFi is only available on the hotel’s terrace.
The main building houses five of the rooms as well as the restaurant which serves national and international cuisine, and second floor terrace with hammocks overlooking the ocean. A particular highlight of the property is the outdoor pool with chairs and loungers for relaxing.
There are beautiful walks along Los Naranjos beach and Los Angeles beach, but swimming is not recommended.
Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos can also arrange a variety of additional services including massages, surf board hire, surf and paddle board classes, cooking classes, a visit to Taironaka Musuem and river tubing, and excursions into Tayrona National Natural Park.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Optional Activities
Cooking classes; surf board hire, surf and paddle board classes, visits to nearby beaches, Minca birding, Taironaka Museum and river tubing, and excursions into Tayrona National Natural park, and more!
Overview
This characterful hacienda is set amongst 180 hectares of farmland in Colombia’s coffee zone, just 30 minutes from Armenia Airport. The traditional bamboo and red-tiled roof structure features eight rooms with views of the gardens/swimming pool or the Andes mountain range. There are two junior suites on the first floor with swimming pool view and large private balconies, one superior room on the first floor with a private balcony, two superior rooms on the ground floor with private terrace, and three standard ground floor rooms with garden views and private terrace. Two of the standard rooms can be connected for families.
All rooms are ensuite with air conditioning, coffee machine, safe, TV, minibar and WiFi.
On the ground floor there is also a restaurant, bar areas and lounge, whilst outside there is a swimming pool, and colourful gardens.
Hacienda Bambusa offers a range of optional activities including a tour of the property’s cacao plantations, exploration of the Cocora Valley, visits to colourful towns and villages such as Salento and Filandia, horse riding, trekking and cycling.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Facilities
Ground floor restaurant, bar areas, lounge, and outdoor pool.
Optional Activities
Hacienda Bambusa offers around 15 optional activites including a cacao tour, exploration of the Cocora Valley, visits to colourful towns and villages, trekking, horse riding and cycling.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
Avianca Airlines fly direct from London Heathrow to Bogota with an onward connection to Cusco.
Best Visited:
May to August
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
This was our second holiday booked by Reef and Rainforest. It was as excellent this time round. John Melton put together a really enjoyable first week in Peru…Spectacular Galapagos in every respect…Could not have gone better.