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28 Day Inspiring South America & Colombia Small Group Tour

You will be accompanied by various multi-lingual local guides during the tour, who will be responsible for guiding you through the various cities and attractions that you will be visiting. In each new city that you visit, you will likely be introduced to a new local guide who is an expert in that region. Depending on the itinerary chosen and your group size, your local guide may provide commentary in multiple languages.

Escorted Type
Fully Escorted by Local Guides

This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5

 

Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.

 

As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.

Pace
Balanced

Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.

Group Size
Small Group

Take advantage of our 7 day cooling-off period. 

Cooling Off Period
7 Days
Small Group Tour
2,991 people have travelled to this destination

✓ Incredible sightseeing, including the Inca treasure Machu Picchu, the Peruvian Amazon jungle, Iguazu Falls, islands of Lake Titicaca, glamorous Buenos Aires and vibrant Rio de Janeiro, 
✓ Guided tours of Bogotá, Medellín & UNESCO listed Cartagena, Zipaquirá ́s Salt Cathedral, hike the beautiful Cocora Valley
✓ Small, intimate group experience – no more than 20 people
✓ 27 nights in quality accommodation, including 2 nights at a stunning eco-friendly Peruvian Amazon lodge
✓ Two days exploring Peru’s Amazon Jungle
✓ Breakfast daily, 8 lunches and 2 dinners
✓ Fully escorted by an expert, English-speaking guide in each country (excluding on internal flights)
✓ All internal flights, coach, rail & boat transportation

🛏️ Shared room available for solo passengers. This tour offers solo passengers the option to share a room with a fellow passenger of the same gender and avoid the Single Traveller supplement.

What we love about this tour

Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.

Itinerary

Hotel
Kenton Palace Buenos Aires or Similar

Welcome to Argentina! Make your own way to the starting point hotel. Upon check-in at the hotel, you’ll be handed a welcome note with your meeting time for tomorrow.

This beautiful city, on the banks of the Río de la Plata, is a city of contrasts. You’ll find grand avenues with fine European architecture, and vibrant neighbourhoods buzzing with Latin American flair – it is the birthplace of tango, after all.

The food scene in Buenos Aires is happening. If you’re a fan of steak, a visit to a parrilla (steakhouse) is in order – Argentines are known for their love of beef and asado (barbeque). Make like a Porteño and grab a choripán, a classic Argentinian hot dog made with chorizo. There are plenty of food stands dotted around the city where you can buy an empanada, the classic Argentine snack. You’ll also find great ice cream, especially the Argentine favourite dulche de leche flavour.

People eat dinner late around here – and head out to nightclubs even later! Argentina’s oldest and arguably most famous café, Café Tortoni, is a great place for coffee and people watching – and to see the tango performed onstage. Café con leche, anyone?
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Hotel check-in time is at 3pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion. 

Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

Please note: Buenos Aires is a thriving, dynamic city. We recommend those travellers wishing to explore it in depth arrive one or two days in advance and explore its diverse offerings. From tango lessons to vibrant museums, there's something for everyone!

Hotel
Hotel Rafain Centro or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

In the morning, meet your local representative at approximately 8am for a welcome meeting and a briefing on the trip ahead. This meeting will be followed by a city tour of Buenos Aires before transferring to the airport for your flight to Iguazu. 

During the city tour we’ll head to Plaza de Mayo (Main Square) and see the pink-hued Casa Rosada (Government Palace) – this is, of course, where Juan and Eva Perón delivered famous speeches from the balconies. See Metropolitan Cathedral and City Hall before we head to La Boca to learn more about Argentina’s passion – _fútbol _(football). We’ll pass by La Bombonera, the iconic stadium of the Boca Juniors, and see Puerto Madero on the waterfront, the most modern neighbourhood of the city. We’ll finish with a visit to the upscale Recoleta neighbourhood, with its elegant buildings and the most exclusive pocket of the city, Alvear Avenue.  You will have some free time to visit the famous Recoleta Cemetary (not included and time permitting) or grab a coffee at one of the local cafes.

The flight to Puerto Iguazu is approximately 1.5hrs long.  On arrival you will be transferred across to the Brazil side of the falls for your accommodation.

The Iguazu Falls are located where the Iguazu River cascades over the edge of the Paraná Plateau, created by an enormous volcanic eruption more than 130 million years ago. Straddling the Argentine-Brazil border, the falls are made up of up to 275 individual waterfalls, lining a 2.7km-wide horseshoe-shaped gorge. It’s a truly breathtaking sight to see the unyielding force of nature in such a magnificent setting.

Please note that your internal flights within Argentina have a luggage limit of 15kg per person (33lbs). Unfortunately, Inspiring Vacations cannot increase this limit and is limited by the airlines luggage policy.  Any fees for excess baggage incurred at the airport will be the responsibility of the traveller and payable directly to the airline during check in.
Note: If you require a Brazil visa, please ensure it allows for multiple entry as you will cross the border twice during your time in Iguazu.
Note: Occasionally, due to flight schedules between Buenos aires and Iguazu, the start time and places visited on your Buenos Aires City Tour may vary.

Hotel
Hotel Rafain Centro or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

These spectacular falls can be viewed from both sides; the Brazilian side offers a broader, panoramic view, and the Argentinian side offers a series of catwalks that allow you to experience the Falls up close.

This morning you’ll explore Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side. Beginning at the visitor’s centre, you’ll take a ride on the Rainforest Ecological Train before exploring the upper and lower circuit footbridges. These footbridges, raised off the jungle floor, provide panoramic views from above and below the falls.

A visit to monumental, roaring Devil’s Throat – arguably the most spectacular of the falls – is one of the day’s highlights. It’s the heart of the falls and the highest, at about 80 metres. The noise as these mighty falls plunge to the bottom of the narrow canyon is almost deafening. There’s the chance of getting under the falls, with an optional ride on the Gran Aventura.

You’ll return to the hotel in the afternoon.

Optional Tour - The Gran Aventura

The best way to experience the falls is to get right in the action. You’ll travel through lush landscape by specially designed tracks. This five-kilometre-long ride ends at Puerto Macuco. Descend a long flight of stairs to board a small motor boat and explore Lower Iguazu River for as long as six kilometres, heading towards the waterfalls area to enjoy the sight of plenty of small cascades. From the Tres Mosqueteros Falls, see the falls on both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides crowned by the view of the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Afterwards, it’s surely a highlight when you face the incomparable San Martín waterfall. After that we’ll navigate downriver to Puerto Macuco. You’ll walk up the hill, about 150 metres of stairs, and ride a truck back to the starting point. This tour goes for 2 hours, 15 minutes.  You will get very wet on this tour so may wish to bring a change of clothes. Following your tour you will be transfered back to your hotel.

Please note: Due to the extreme movement of the boat (similar to jet-boating) this tour is unsuitable for pregnant women, people with back injuries, heart conditions, any physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities that would hinder their ability to respond to a nautical emergency or those with hearing aids. Children under 12 are not permitted to join this tour.

Hotel
Windsor Leme Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today, you’ll tour the relatively dry Brazilian side of the falls, with breathtaking panoramic views at every turn. Uninterrupted vistas of the Floriana Falls, the Devil’s Gorge canyon and the Iguazu River are spectacular and guaranteed to impress.

You’ll then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro.

Bem vindo ao Rio - Welcome to Rio! You’ll be met at Galeao International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Copacabana, on the city’s dazzling iconic shoreline.

Nicknamed a cidade maravilhosa (the marvellous city), Rio de Janeiro is world-renowned for its dazzling landscapes and location, nestled between steep, green mountains and crystal-clear seas.

The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for not only its ‘staggeringly beautiful location’, but its cultural landscape. The city is full of energy. Cariocas, the locals of Rio, are known for their carefree spirit and charm.

Rio is one of the most important cultural and economic cities in Brazil and is home to some of the country’s most famous attractions, like Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), Corcovado Hill, and Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. The city comes alive for Carnival celebrations each winter, an extravagant pre-Lenten spectacle with street parades and samba parties.

Optional Tour - Iguazu Falls Helicopter Flight

Get a spectacular aerial view of Iguazu Falls during a 10-minute helicopter ride. Board a state-of-the-art helicopter flown by an experienced pilot in Foz do Iguaçu. You’ll soar above the magnificent falls to get a bird's-eye view of the rushing water and the surrounding rainforest while enjoying commentary from your pilot. Be sure to bring your camera for amazing photo opportunities and your passport for the border crossing.

Hotel
Windsor Leme Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you’ll meet your local guide who will welcome you and brief you on the next couple days. Then we’ll embark on a full day tour of Rio de Janeiro to see the city’s famous landmarks, like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.

We’ll take a scenic drive from Copacabana Beach, continuing along Botafogo Beach and passing imposing Guanabara Palace on the way to Corcovado Hill. At the top we’ll find the greatest national icon, Christ the Redeemer, standing tall over the city with arms outstretched. This giant Art Deco statue was recently named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The panoramic views of the city are lovely from up here, 709 metres at the summit.

We’ll then continue on to the district of Urca and the world-famous rocky peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, where you’ll board the first cable car to the top of Urca Hill, enjoying spectacular views of Guanabara Bay.

A second cable car takes you on to Sugarloaf, with 360-degree views of the city and surrounds. Sugarloaf Mountain towers over the harbour, 400 metres above the mouth of Guanabara Bay.

Afterwards, we’ll pass through the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema en route to a traditional Brazilian lunch at a local churrascaria, an all-you-can-eat barbeque.

After lunch, we’ll visit the Maracanã Stadium, home of Bellini’s statue and the Hall of Fame. Brazilians also love their football (soccer) and this is their biggest stadium. Entrance to the stadium is not included. And there will be a stop at the Sambadrome, the stadium for the city’s main Carnival parade.

As we pass through the city’s historic centre, you’ll have a chance to see the Lapa Arches. Built in the middle of the 18th century, this aqueduct is an impressive example of colonial architecture and engineering. We’ll also make a quick stop to see the colourful Selaron Stairs, an amazing urban work of art by the late Jorge Selaron. These steps are decorated with more than 2,000 brightly coloured tiles and mirrors.

We’ll return to the hotel along Aterro de Flamengo (Flamengo Park), passing by the Monument to the Dead of World War II and the beaches of Flamengo and Botafogo.

Hotel
Windsor Leme Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

It’s a free day for you to enjoy the rhythm of this vibrant, bustling city. Your tour guide will be at hand to assist with suggestions and optional activities. Relax on the legendary beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema or take one of the tours on offer to explore more of this iconic city.

The famous crescent-shaped beach of Copacabana is a tourist hotspot. It’s lively, vibrant and busy… round-the-clock busy. The golden sand stretches nearly four kilometres long, from Copacabana Fort to Leme Beach. It’s lined with high-rise hotels, including the iconic Copacabana where Barry Manilow penned that hit in the 1970s.

Wander the iconic black and white promenade – it’s everything you imagined. Swaying palm trees, skimpy bikinis and people sunning themselves, playing volleyball, dancing and swimming. Beach vendors stroll up and down the shore, selling all manner of snacks, souvenirs and drinks.

Ipanema Beach is more upscale, the place to see and be seen. You’ll find more locals chilling out here.

If you are planning to take a dip in the warm Carioca waters, make sure you leave your belongings at your hotel. Unfortunately, opportunistic theft can be a regular occurrence.

If you want to relax off the beach, the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens are lovely for a stroll. There’s a Japanese garden, a pond filled with water lilies and 600 species of orchids.

Head to the Benedictine Church and Monastery of São Bento, founded in 1590. The unassuming exterior is in complete contrast to the intricate interior, covered with gilded carved wood and decorated with exquisite wooden statues. São Francisco da Penitência is an elaborate church – you have to see inside to believe it, with its rich gold leaf interior. The choir ceiling has the earliest trompe-l’oeil painting in the country, painted by Caetano da Costa Coehlo in 1736.

For a taste of Rio nightlife – or just great people watching – head to the Lapa neighbourhood in downtown (where you saw the Lapa Arches yesterday). As Rio’s party district, it’s home to samba bars and a huge street party every weekend. Try the national drink caipirinha, a cocktail of sugar, cachaça and lime.

Optional Tour - Eat Rio Food Tour

Discover the irresistible flavours of Rio de Janeiro on a food tour that combines the city's and Brazil's culinary diversity with its rich history and culture. Throughout the tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore a traditional Farmer's Market, where you can taste fresh tropical fruits, cheeses, and local snacks. You'll also visit a restaurant specialising in Amazonian ingredients and dishes, offering a unique and exotic culinary experience. The tour includes stops at iconic locations such as Parque das Ruínas in Santa Teresa, where art, culture, and breathtaking views come together, and the famous Escadaria Selarón in Lapa.

We will also make a stop at the Cortiço Carioca restaurant to enjoy a refreshing caipirinha while hearing local stories. During the tour, you'll get to sample a variety of traditional Brazilian snacks, such as pastel, bolinho de bacalhau, tapioca, regional cheeses, açaí, and traditional sweets, along with drinks like cachaça, natural juices, and caipirinhas. This tour aims to support local businesses, offering a chance to experience not only the flavours but also the stories of the people behind these treats.  Note the order of the stops made may vary based on the day of the week and the street market locations.

Inclusions:  Transportation, Food and Drinks 
Meeting Point: Hotel Reception
Start time: 8.30am
Duration:  Approximately 5 Hours

Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today you’ll be heading to Lima, City of Kings.

Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Your local guide will meet you for a welcome briefing and offer some tips for this leg of your adventure.

While Peru’s capital officially began life in 1535, Lima was in its prime during the Spanish colonial days and much of the city’s attraction now lies in its well-preserved historical centre. You’ll also find excellent museums – a given considering the history and culture of its surrounds – and interesting colonial architecture. One such museum, the Museo de la Nación, is the largest museum in Lima and an ideal place to begin exploring Peru’s ancient history.

 

Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Get ready to discover Lima today!

In the morning, your local guide will meet you for a welcome briefing and offer some tips for this leg of your adventure.

On the way to the historic centre, we’ll see the outside of the pre-Columbian site Huaca Pucllana, a magnificent ceremonial and archaeological centre built in the fourth century – considered a sacred village by the Incas.

We’ll continue on to the colonial side of the city where we’ll pass by the Cathedral, the Viceroyalty of Peru, the Government Palace, City Hall, and other important monuments. We’ll visit the Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the historical centre of Lima. Although most of the buildings of the original city were lost in the earthquake of 1746, the bronze fountain in the centre of the square dates back to 1651.

Later, we’ll visit the Bodega Y Quadra Museum, in a well-preserved house of the Peruvian Republican period. Then we’ll see the 16th-century Santo Domingo Convent, one of Peru’s oldest churches. There may be a chance to climb the bell tower for stunning views of Lima.

Finally, we’ll see the changing of the guards at Government Palace (subject to the Palace’s program) before returning to the hotel.

You’ll have the afternoon free to explore on your own. Your local guide will be with you to assist in anything you may need.

Feel free to head to the modern section of this great metropolis and visit the district of Miraflores with its shopping mall Larcomar, built on a spectacular cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the traditional ‘Parque del amor’ (Love Park). Miraflores is home to the pyramid-shaped temple of Huaca Pucllana. If you have time, a leisurely stroll down the Miraflores Boardwalk will showcase the coastline views.

With its vibrant, varied flavours, Peruvian food will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip and Lima is the country’s gastronomic capital. Ceviche is Peru’s most popular dish, and with the Pacific Ocean just west of the city, you’ll find it everywhere – from cevicherias to street stalls to fine dining restaurants. You might like to end the day with the ubiquitous pisco sour, a popular cocktail made with the nation’s favourite brandy.

Optional Tour - Dinner in Huaca

Located in the heart of the city, this spectacular pre-Inca structure is a 1,500-year-old pyramid built from seven staggered platforms. The complex is now home to a high-end restaurant, adjacent to the pyramid, overlooking the historic ruins of this fascinating archaeological complex. It’s one of Lima’s best restaurants, where classic techniques and contemporary style fuse with Peruvian flavours for a truly special culinary experience. This tour starts from 6.30pm and lasts approximately three hours, and includes transfers.

Hotel
Explorers Inn Lodge or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

At the appropriate time, you’ll be taken to the airport to board your flight for the Peruvian jungle town of Puerto Maldonado – gateway to the Peruvian Amazon.

Upon arrival, the staff will welcome you and take you to the nearby office to pack your bag for the jungle stay (a small duffel bag will be provided). Your luggage will be stored in a secure place while you are exploring the jungle.

We will then travel to the port where we will board our motorboat for our journey along the warm, calm waters of the Tambopata River. Travel time is about 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach our lodge.  A picnic lunch box will be provided to enjoy onboard. 

This area is the least populated territory in Peru, with its lush tropical rainforest. Of course, it’s more than a rainforest – it’s a complex ecosystem, with a dazzling array of flora and fauna. You’ll observe life in the jungle, its thrilling landscapes and the fascinating wildlife that call it home.

When you arrive at the lodge you will be provided with useful information to enhance your stay.  Accommodation at your lodge is simple but comfortable, designed to enjoy the ambience of the jungle.  Rooms have private bathrooms (cold water).  You will then have free time to settle in and perhaps take a short walk to watch the sunset.  

After dinner, you’ll search for caiman. We’ll return to the river with flashlights in search of the red reflection of caiman eyes lurking along the riverbank. With any luck, we’ll see some nocturnal animals as well. It’s a magical experience to witness them in the wilderness.

Please note that the order and schedule of the activities during your stay may be modified according to weather and the wellbeing of the group. 

Please Note: when purchasing a single supplement please be aware that on rare occasions, this might not cover the jungle stay depending on passenger numbers and rooming configurations for your departure date.

Hotel
Explorers Inn Lodge or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A day of adventure awaits! In order to have the best chance of observing fauna the day will start early.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the lodge before taking a 30 minute boat ride and 2km hike to “Tres Chimbadas Lake”, a fascinating unique habitat in the Amazon basin.  This small lake located inside the Infierno Community Reserve is home to many species, including the endangered Giant River Otters.  You will explore the lake by catamaran as your guide helps you to seek out wildlife such as black caymans, hoatzins, horned screamers and other aquatic birds as well as lush vegetation surrounding the river banks. Return to the Lodge for lunch.

After a well-deserved break, your naturalist guide will take you to a 42 metre (137 ft)- high tower to get an overview of the Amazon Rainforest from above. This is the first tower made to measure the effects of climate change. The tower is equipped with a wide variety of devices to measure solar radiation and carbon flux emission in the Peruvian rainforest. From the tower we have a unique opportunity to see the flora and fauna at all the different forest levels. With luck you may spot flocks of canopy birds and macaws at close proximity. Return to the lodge for dinner.

After dinner, an excursion into the Amazon rainforest promises real adventure. Explore this thrilling jungle on one of the lodge’s trails, home to nocturnal animals with intriguing behaviour patterns. Experience this hidden world in the dark and search for insects, amphibians, bats and nocturnal birds. If lucky, we’ll see some nocturnal mammals.

Return to the lodge for the night where you will sleep to the sounds of the jungle.

Hotel
Taypikala Valle Sagrado Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, we’ll take a ride back to Puerto Maldonado by motorised canoe. You’ll pick up your belongings and transfer to the airport to board your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

The Sacred Valley was once the epicentre of the Inca Empire, running from the ancient capital of the empire, Cusco, to the breathtaking citadel of Machu Picchu. This lush green valley’s agreeable climate and fertile plains provided an unusual abundance for the high Andes. Here the Incas sculpted the mountain flanks with vast contour terracing and irrigation channels.

Hotel
Taypikala Valle Sagrado Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning we’ll head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

We’ll visit a community in the valley to learn about daily life for the locals. If the visit coincides with market day, you’ll have time to browse the stalls for hand-painted beads or warm ponchos – or a chance to practise the local language, Quechua. Lunch will be served at the community.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the town of Ollantaytambo and there is the option of visiting the ruins here.

Optional Tour - Ollantaytambo Archaeological Entrance Fee

We’ll travel along the Urubamba River towards the town of Ollantaytambo, one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish. It’s a magnificent example of Inca urban planning. You’ll visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo, an important Inca construction built during the Empire’s heyday. It’s an extraordinary place, with its wonderful stonework. You may also see an amazing rock formation said to represent the Inca god Wiracocha.

Hotel
Xima Cusco Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this is the jewel in South America’s crown – today we’ll visit the breathtaking archaeological site of Machu Picchu.

Early morning you’ll be taken to the station to board the fabled tourist train towards Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes). It’s a modern little town close to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

The train ride to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful journeys you can experience in Peru. It’s an almost two-hour journey that passes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, then descends gradually along the edge of the Urubamba River, before finally reaching the cloud forest. The train reaches its last stop in Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes), on the foothills of Machu Picchu. From here it’s a short bus ride – about 30 minutes – up the steep, zigzagging road to the famed ancient site.

Upon arrival, we’ll enter the archaeological zone of Machu Picchu and the tour guide will show you the most important sectors of this great Inca City, such as the great Intiwatana (solar clock) and the Sun Temple, among others. Machu Picchu is divided into two sectors, the urban sector in the northern part and the agricultural sector on the south-east side.

Now the most recognisable icon of the Inca civilisation, Machu Picchu was long thought to be legendary. Then, in 1911, explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon its remains. At 2430 metres above sea level, Machu Picchu is in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing creation of the Inca Empire at the height of their reign. The stonework has to be seen up close to truly comprehend its intricate beauty. Giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments.

After the tour, we’ll return to Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes) by bus before taking the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo town, followed by a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Hotel
Xima Cusco Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

You’ll have a free morning to relax in Cusco. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco has a long and interesting history, from the first Inca ruler through to the Spanish conquest – and now a major tourist destination. It’s the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas.

As you wander the streets and side alleys of the city you will witness the perfect tapering Inca stonework that provided the foundations for many of Cusco’s colonial and modern buildings.

In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour to discover the sights of Cusco, vivid examples of the mixture of Inca and Spanish cultures. We’ll start with the Stone of Twelve Angles at the Inca Roca Palace, on Hatun Rumilloc Street (check) before visiting the most sacred Inca building, the Temple of Qorikancha – the Inca temple of the sun.

We’ll then visit the heart of the city, the busy main square Plaza de Armas – a great place to people watch. Then, time at the San Pedro Market makes for some great food and souvenir shopping – you’ll find local cheese and chocolate, herbal medicines and local handicrafts.

Hotel
Xima Cusco Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

You’ll have a free day to see Cusco at your own pace today.

Perhaps a visit to the traditional, picturesque neighbourhood of San Blas is in order – you can reach it by taking a short but steep walk from the Plaza de Armas. Here you’ll find art studios, artisan workshops and many of the best bars and restaurants. It’s a great place to wander and soak in the atmosphere.

Optional Tour - Rainbow Mountain Day Tour

Embark on a breathtaking journey from Cusco (3300m) to Palcoyo (4900m) starting with a 4:30 am pick-up from your hotel. We´ll drive for 1.5-hour to Cusipata Town for a brief breakfast and restroom break. Continuing for an additional 1:20 hrs driving, we reach the Palcoyo Community.

En route, witness picturesque villages, potato and corn farms, alpaca herds, and the stunning red river landscape. Upon reaching Palcoyo, embark on a 45-minute hike to the lookout point, offering breathtaking views of three rainbow mountains, the Red Valley, and the majestic Mt Ausangate, the highest peak in Cusco. A further 20-minute walk leads to the fascinating 'Bosque de Piedras' (Stone Forest), where you can explore for approximately 2 hours.

Heading back, stop at Combapata Bridge to visit the historic colonial Rumichaca Bridge, dating back to 1604. We´ll stop at Cusipata town for lunch (included) before the drive back to Cusco City, with an estimated arrival around 5:00 pm.

Note: Due to the altitude of this optional tour, a good level of fitness is required.

Note: This optional tour will not operate in January and February due to wetter conditions at the higher altitude travelled on this tour at this time of year.

Hotel
Hotel Tierra Viva Puno Plaza or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

We’ll set off for Puno today, a ten-hour bus journey. This is a gorgeous scenic journey. The first half is dominated by the magnificent Andean mountains towering over deep valleys, then you’ll reach the gentler, rolling Andean Plains, where vicuñas and alpacas can be spotted.

Along the way, we’ll visit charming landmarks with a rich history, like the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, or the Andahuaylillas Church, built during the 17th century, and the archaeological site of Raqchi (also known as Temple of Wiracocha). You’ll get a beautiful view of the Chimboya glacier from the La Raya Pass. There will be a stop at the Pukara Lithic Museum, where you’ll find archaeological gems like stone sculptures and impressive pottery among the artefacts.

Hotel
Hotel Tierra Viva Puno Plaza or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today we’ll take a boat to explore Lake Titicaca, an ancient treasure trove of Andean culture that straddles the border between Peru and Bolivia. We’ll spend the day touring by boat on this high altitude lake. There are numerous islands here whose inhabitants live with the same customs and traditions of their ancestors.

We’ll spend time on the Uros Islands (floating islands). Centuries ago, the indigenous Uros tribe harvested totora reeds in the shallows of the lake, bundled them tightly and built floating island platforms with reed houses and canoes.

We’ll then continue to Taquile Island, about an hour away. The Taquileños, Quechua-speaking locals who live here – about 2,200 of them – are known for their ancestral weaving skills (a UNESCO-protected art). Their fine handwoven handicrafts are incredibly high quality.

In the afternoon we’ll return to Puno by boat.

Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

We’ll head to the airport to board a flight to Lima.

Time permiting, on the way to the airport, we’ll visit the pre-Incan cemetery of Sillustani, on the shores of Lake Umayo. You’ll see the most important sectors of this archaeological site, for a deeper insight into Andean culture.

Tombs at this burial ground were built above ground in tower-like structures called chullpas. The remains of the Qulla people’s elite are here – they were conquered by the Inca in the 15th century. We’ll also enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the lake.

Upon arrival in Lima, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.

Hotel
Cité Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Bid farewell to Peru and transfer to the airport for your flight to Bogota.

Upon arrival into Bogota, you will have a private transfer from the airport to your hotel (just look for a sign with your name). Bogotá is a large, vibrant city known for its arts, gastronomy and culture. Be ready to absorb plenty of history and insight into Colombian culture over the next 10 days!

This afternoon there will be a group meeting to discuss the next 10 days and meet any joining passengers, followed by a walking tour of the hotel surroundings.

Hotel
Cité Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we will visit the Gold and Botero museums, and explore the La Candelaria neighbourhood. The Gold Museum (Museo Del Oro), is a huge part of the tourism industry in Bogotá and attracts a million guests per year. There is a huge collection of pre-Columbian archaeological treasure: art, jewellery, medallions, currency, and more. The Botero Museum's modern art collection, together with the National Museum of Fine Arts of Buenos Aires, is one of the most important art collections in Latin America. The museum's namesake, Colombian artist Fernando Botero, contributed more than 200 pieces including 123 pieces of his own work.

For lunch, you’ll have the chance to try one of the most significant dishes in the country called ajiaco,  a thick soup made from three different kinds of potatoes, chicken, guasca leaves (a common Colombian herb) and half an ear of corn. Dinner tonight will be at your own leisure. 

Hotel
Hacienda La Herencia (Boutique) or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

This morning at 8am we’ll meet our driver at the hotel lobby after checking out. Today’s destination is The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, around 90 minutes from Bogotá. Described as a ‘Jewel of Modern Architecture,’ this Roman Catholic church was built by miners within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 metres underground in a halite mountain near Zipaquirá.

After our visit, we’ll head to lunch before boarding a flight to Pereira, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia. Upon arrival we’ll transfer to our boutique hotel.

For your flight today, any tickets that are required will be provided for you on tour by your tour leader.

Hotel
Hacienda La Herencia (Boutique) or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, meet your tour leader in the hotel lobby. This morning we’re driving to Salento, around an hour away, from here we’ll change vehicle to a Jeep Willys and continue onto Cocora Valley (approx. 30 minutes). At Cocora Valley, we’ll go out on a hike (it can be as long or short as you like). On the hike, look out for the famous wax palm trees or uindío wax palm,  the tallest palm trees in the world and a native to this land. Enjoy the views of the valley and if you are lucky, you might be able  to spot an Andean Condor, the largest flying bird in the world.

After the hike, we’ll return to Salento, the oldest municipality in the region.  Salento is renowned for its colourful architecture and traditioanl atmosphere.  You will have an opportunity to learn how to play tejo in town, a national sport where the goal is to throw a tejo, or weighted steel disc inside the bocin (a metal ring).

Finally, you will end the day with a 2 hours visit to a coffee farm in the area. Conducted on a small coffee farm, picking ripe coffee beans among the coffee plants and learning about the wonderful coffee process from seed to cup. The experience concludes with a tasting of filtered coffee methods.

Hotel
Novotel Medellín Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

After meeting the tour leader in the hotel lobby this morning, we’ll set off on a 90 minute drive to La  Romelia Orchid Farm, a family farm run by José and Marisa. They have dedicated more than half of their lives to the collection, study and conservation of orchids, among other plants. The tour is around 2.5 hours; we’ll walk the natural trails, tour the orchid nursery and bonsai gardens, and more. We’ll end the tour with a delicious vegetarian lunch, before continuing onto Medellín.

Hotel
Novotel Medellín Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

We’ll meet our tour leader at the lobby at 9am for a tour of Comuna 13. Once famous for being one of the most dangerous places in the world, Comuna 13 has undergone an incredible transformation over the past few decades and today is a flourishing barrio (neighbourhood). After exploring this barrio and its escalators, we’ll visit Plaza Botero and its 23 Fernando Botero statues, (legend has it that rubbing Botero’s statues will bring good luck—feel free to test the theory!) and the Museum of Antioquia which houses works by Medellín native Fernando Botero and Pedro Nel Gómez. 

Hotel
Ermita Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today explore the city at your leisure.  Alternatively you may wish to book an optional tour.   
This afternoon we will head to the airport to catch a flight to Cartagena.

For your flight today, any tickets that are required will be provided for you on tour by your tour leader.

Optional Tour - Community experience in the Moravia neighborhood

The densely populated neighbourhood of Moravia was once Medellín's municipal garbage dump with a mountain of open-air garbage surrounded by squatter settlements. Due to Colombia's armed conflict and the number of displaced refugees, more and more displaced people arrived and settled in the area. Today’s Moravia is considered the most populous barrio in Medellín. The neighbourhood is known for its strong community spirit and positive attitude of its people. Many local projects managed by the community have transformed the community into the epicentre of art, culture and entrepreneurship. Learn more about this neighbourhood from social and community leaders.

Includes: Transfers, snack, local guide and English Speaking guide. 

Start Time: 9.00am 
End Time: 12.00pm

Hotel
Ermita Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Located by the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is without doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the Americas. Its historic downtown, walled by the fortifications built in the colonial time,  still preserves its original architecture and nowadays the colourful walled city is filled with life and Caribbean charm.  Nobel Prize winner and author, Gabriel García Márquez found inspiration here. Stories about pirate attacks remain present in the numerous fortresses that remain intact until today and it was the largest port for slaves. This chequered history lead Cartagena to be declared a heritage of humanity by UNESCO, an enormous importance.

At 9am, we’ll set off on a 3-4 hour tour of the city taking in San Felipe Fortress, a magnificent structure that was built by the Spaniards in 1536 to keep the city safe against pirates. We’ll learn about the city’s colourful history, see important buildings, squares, and churches. 

Hotel
Ermita Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today is at your leisure to further explore Cartagena.  Alternatively you may wish to book an optional tour to enjoy some beach time at a nearby island. 

Optional Tour - Day Tour to Rosario Islands

Spend the day relaxing at Isla Grande (a 60 minute boat ride from Cartagena), one of the 28 islands of the National Natural Park Corales del Rosario—explore the magical coral reefs, home to colourful fish and more. You’ll receive a welcome mocktail on arrival at the San Pedro de Majagua Hotel. A local lunch of coconut rice, fried plantain & salad will be served including an appetiser with a choice of beverages (water, juice, natural lemonade, local beer), typical Cartagena sweets, and Colombian coffee or tea.

Includes: Return shared boat ride (Cartagena – San Pedro de Majagua Hotel – Cartagena), pier tax, access to Sol and Buzo beaches, sun chairs & towel service.   Lunch is included.

Start Time: 7.45am
End Time: 4.00pm

Meals
Breakfast

Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Colombian adventure comes to an end. 

We hope you’ve been inspired. 

Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

Check out: Check-out time is generally around 10am. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. If required, your tour leader can help you arrange a transfer to the airport. 

Inclusions

  • Incredible sightseeing, including the Inca treasure Machu Picchu, the Peruvian Amazon jungle, Iguazu Falls, islands of Lake Titicaca, glamorous Buenos Aires and vibrant Rio de Janeiro
  • Guided tours of Bogotá, Medellín & UNESCO listed Cartagena, Zipaquirá ́s Salt Cathedral, hike the beautiful Cocora Valley
  • Small, intimate group experience – no more than 20 people
  • 27 nights in quality accommodation, including 2 nights at a stunning eco-friendly Peruvian Amazon lodge
  • Two days exploring Peru’s Amazon Jungle
  • Tour the other-worldly landscape of the Bolivian Salt Flats & Chile’s Atacama Desert
  • Breakfast daily, 8 lunches and 2 dinners
  • Fully escorted by an expert, English-speaking guide in each country (excluding on internal flights)
  • All internal flights, coach,rail & boat transportation

  • Buenos Aires - Enjoy a guided tour
  • Iguazu Falls - Explore both Brazilian & Argentinian side of the falls
  • Rio de Janeiro - embark on a full day city tour of Rio de Janeiro, including the famous Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf landmarks.
  • Lima - Join a local tour to explore colonial Lima
    Amazon Jungle - Spend 2 days exploring the Amazon Jungle
  • Cusco - Uncover the mysteries of the Inca Empire on a guided tour of the Empire’s capital: Cusco
    Sacred Valley - Witness the land where Inca culture is still very much alive
  • Machu Picchu - take on a guided tour of this Inca Citadel which remained hidden from the world until 1911
  • Lake Titicaca - Enjoy a full day tour of the Uros & Taquile Islands of Lake Titicaca
  • Bogotá - explore the historic district of La Candelaria
  • Bogotá - visit the Museo Del Oro (Gold Museum) & the Botero Museum
  • Bogotá - see the incredible Salt Cathedral
  • Salento - hike the beautiful Cocora Valley to see the tallest palm trees in the world
  • Salento - tour an orchid farm and learn about the restoration of native flora
  • Medellín - witness the transformation of Medellín
  • Medellín - visit Plaza Boterio & museo Antoquia
  • Cartagena - take a tour of this UNESCO listed city
  • Cartagena - visit the San Felipe Fortress built in 1536

Fine Print

Secure your trip with a ₹3,999.00 deposit per person.

Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.

Instalment Schedule:

  1. At the time of booking pay a ₹3,999.00 deposit per person.
  2. Pay a 1st installment of ₹68,969.00 per person within 28 days.
  3. Pay a 2nd installment of ₹137,937.00 per person within 90 days.
  4. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

This is a land only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

  • Your booking is confirmed
  • Your departure date is within 11 months
  • You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances. 

Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.

If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.

If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.

It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.

Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

This particular tour is categorized as a ”3”

3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.

Travelling at altitude
Cusco sits at 3,399 metres above sea level where it’s common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to altitude – regardless of age, gender and fitness. It's important that you discuss this itinerary and your travel plans with your doctor beforehand. Prescription medication to prevent altitude sickness is available. If left untreated, altitude sickness can lead to serious health complications or even be fatal. While on tour, safety is paramount and it’s important that you discuss any altitude sickness symptoms with your local guide, so that appropriate medical attention can be provided. Follow this link for more helpful information on altitude sickness.

Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets
In order to secure entrance tickets into Mach Picchu, it is essential we receive your passport details no later than 70 days prior to your trip commencement. Please ensure you have added your passport details to your booking via the Traveller Hub. Failure to do so may result in inability to obtain the best possible route for your visit to Machu Picchu.

Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with three options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional ₹149,145.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.

2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller Hub

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.

3- Shared Room with a fellow traveller
In this trip you can opt to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same gender – as specified in your passport - and avoid paying a single supplement.

If you believe you may prevent your travelling companion from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, please refrain from selecting this option.

You will meet your rooming companion at the beginning of your trip. 

Changes to room configuration during the trip must be organised by travellers directly with the hotel, subject to availability and additional charges.

This option is not available on additional accommodation booked before or after the tour.

.

Triple Share
Not available.

Yellow fever
According to the World Health Organisation, yellow fever is present in some destinations on this itinerary (Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro & the Amazon Jungle in Peru). The best prevention of mosquito bites is to simply wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) long-sleeved, breathable garments and to use mosquito repellent.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

Group Size
4 - 20 Persons

Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels: 

  • Fully Escorted - This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.

Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.

It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.

You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre Tour Accommodation

  • ₹9,093.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
  • ₹9,093.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Post Tour Accommodation

  • ₹19,554.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
  • ₹18,479.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.

To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):

  • The Gran Aventura (Day 3) - ₹9288 per person
  • Iguazu Falls Helicopter Flight (Day 4) - ₹19066 per person
  • Eat Rio Food Tour (Day 6) - ₹18381 per person
  • Dinner in Huaca (Day 8) - ₹8800 per person
  • Ollantaytambo Archaeological Entrance Fee (Day 12) - ₹2738 per person
  • Rainbow Mountain Day Tour (Day 15) - ₹19946 per person
  • Community experience in the Moravia neighborhood (Day 25) - ₹10853 per person
  • Day Tour to Rosario Islands (Day 27) - ₹10853 per person

Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.

Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.

  • International airfares
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Departure airport transfer
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Tipping
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Click HERE for more information on weather in Argentina.

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