Peru & Colombia: Andean Marvels & Coastal Charms

Your journey begins in Lima, founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 5, 1535, a blend of colonial splendour with an air of teeming vitality. Settle into the Barranco neighbourhood, which teems with cute cafes and art galleries. The city has undergone a gastronomic revolution in recent years, giving you the freedom to choose between Peruvian classics or innovative fusion dishes — and don't forget to sample the local cocktail, a pisco sour.

Hotel B

Enjoy a leisurely morning. This afternoon, set out to discover Peru’s capital alongside your private guide, visiting the Plaza Mayor and Cathedral of Lima. Pass the Presidential Palace en route to Santo Domingo Convent, and then explore the Larco Museum and its treasure trove of pre-Columbian artifacts. Set in a majestic, 18th-century mansion surrounded by gardens, the museum houses over 45,000 pieces of ceramics as well as mummies, a gold room and textiles made of feathers. It is also one of the few museums in the world where visitors can explore the storage areas to view its entire collection.

Hotel B | Meals: B

Fly to Cusco, perched over 3,352m above sea level. Once the capital of the Incas, Cusco acts as a welcoming gateway to the treasures of the Sacred Valley, along with a distinctive blend of pre-Columbian and modern influences. Upon arrival, enjoy a lunch of local dishes at a restaurant before proceeding to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where an ancient way of life lives on. En route, stop at the Sulca textile museum, where South American camelids (members of the camel family) including llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicuñas are all bred. Weaving these fibres has been a mainstay of local communities since the days of the Incas, and learning about this craft provides a unique insight into how these traditions have survived through the generations. Continue to your accommodations, located at a tranquil spot along the Urubamba River, where you relax and acclimatise to the altitude.

Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, Sacred Valley | Meals: BL

Begin your exploration of the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a visit to a remote village seemingly frozen in time. Discover the ancient agricultural methods used for centuries in this challenging, mountainous environment. Proceed to Moray, a unique Incan site consisting of three terraced, circular excavations resembling earth-hewn amphitheatres. Then, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the Kuychi Centre, a school where underprivileged children of the Sacred Valley receive education, nutrition, medical care and hope as part of a project supported by Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy called Niños del Arco Iris (Children of the Rainbow). Afterward, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, Sacred Valley | Meals: BL

Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a visit to the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, a formidable stone structure of massive terraces that hug the mountain slopes. Then, journey deep into the Andes toward Machu Picchu by a train equipped with panoramic windows in every car, providing postcard-worthy views in every direction along the way. On arriving at Machu Picchu, pause for lunch within sight of the citadel before your first opportunity to explore this breathtaking Incan city.

Overlooking the Urubamba River and discovered in a hidden tangle of trees atop the mountain, Machu Picchu forever holds the secret of its passing — its Incan inhabitants left no written records of its purpose. After roaming the magnificent ruins with your private expert guide, there is time to explore on your own. Tonight, stay at the only accommodations available on site to enjoy more time roaming the citadel in the late afternoon. In addition to its unrivalled location, Sanctuary Lodge offers a peaceful, Incan-influenced ambience along with cuisine made from fresh local ingredients.

Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu | Meals: BLD

Rise with the sun to walk through Machu Picchu in the early morning mist before the crowds arrive, an experience some consider the spiritual highlight of the journey. After your explorations, gather for lunch at a local restaurant. Journey back to Ollantaytambo aboard the Vistadome train and continue by road to Cusco, savouring incomparable views of the mountain scenery. Settle into your hotel, a former monastery with a tranquil central courtyard and amazing scenic views.

Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco | Meals: BL

Today, explore the city of Cusco, visiting the cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple, built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas’ principal religious structure. Known as one the most beautiful churches in the Americas, its construction was influenced by the great Spanish cathedrals of the era, reflecting Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles.

Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco | Meals: B

Fly to Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, set more than 2,590m above sea level. Founded by conquistadors in the 16th century, Bogotá today is a modern metropolis with moderate year-round climate. On arrival at El Dorado International Airport meet your A&K representative who will transfer you to your colonial style accommodation in walking distance of the gourmet zone recognised for its wide selection of restaurants. Stroll out on your own, soak up the cool European atmosphere filled with museums, street art, markets and cafés, and perhaps even taste your first unforgettable Colombian coffee.

Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá | Meals: B

Explore Bogotá, starting at Paloquemao Market, a colourful canvas of fruits and culinary ingredients, food stalls serving local delicacies and displays of native flowers. Proceed to La Candelaria, the oldest part of the city, distinguished by its many colonial-era buildings. Visit the nearby main square of Bogotá and the Plaza de Bolivar, surrounded by some of the country’s most important and iconic buildings, including the National Capitol, the Palace of Justice and the neoclassical Cathedral Basilica of Bogotá and Primada de Colombia. Continue to the Botero Museum, housed in a restored colonial mansion. Peruse its impressive collection, featuring numerous works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero as well as pieces by Picasso, Renoir, Monet and others.

Next, discover the celebrated Gold Museum, the world's largest collection (over 34,000 dazzling pieces) of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts, which you observe up close alongside your guide. After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, journey to Monserrate, located in the hills to the east of the city. Ascend this 3,048m peak by funicular railway or cable car to take in inspiring vistas of the city.

Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá | Meals: BL

Spend the day delving into Colombia’s journey toward peace and prosperity on a tour reflecting the contributions of a cross-section of the nation, from local academics and artists to changemakers and chefs. Walk with your guide along Avenida Jimenez toward Plaza de Bolivar, learning the history of the 2016 Peace Agreement that ended more than 50 years of conflict. Sample street foods from various vendors en route to view Fragmentos, a space created by the renowned Colombian artist Doris Salcedo that speaks to the transition toward peace; among its features is a floor made from melted weapons. Stop to taste exotic-flavoured ice cream and a selection of exquisite chocolates before continuing to Casa de la Paz, where you sample craft beer made by former FARC combatants and learn how entrepreneurships have arisen from the peace process. Finish with lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant that makes contributions to peacebuilding communities through its unique and delicious food.

Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá | Meals: BL

Fly to Armenia in Colombia’s renowned coffee region. Discover the heritage of Colombia´s coffee culture as you enjoy a guided walk through the fields and facilities of a coffee plantation, learning about the entire coffee production process and taking part in a tasting that challenges you to differentiate between coffee qualities. Finish with a wonderful cup of coffee as you look out over a breathtaking landscape.

Hacienda Bambusa | Meals: B

Visit one of the most emblematic sites of the coffee region, the majestic Cocora Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a walk guided by an expert who explains the site’s importance as a haven for the wax palm, Colombia’s national tree. Following a stop for lunch, explore the municipality of Salento, walking its colourful streets, visiting the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint and perusing local handicrafts. Continue to Filandia, a fine example of the architectural conservation underway across the region. Cap off your visit with a stroll through the town and a drink in its picturesque square.

Hacienda Bambusa | Meals: BL

Fly to Cartagena, perhaps the most exuberant, tropical and picturesque destination in all of Colombia. Immediately feel the magic of this vibrant port city, which overlooks the Caribbean from fortress walls built to fend off everything from marauding buccaneers to British warships, on a sunset sailing experience aboard a private vessel. Sail out into the harbour, taking in the breathtaking views of the city from a unique perspective and watch as the sun slips below the horizon after casting a warm glow over the historic skyline. Your hotel is a former 17th-century private mansion still featuring its original high ceilings and Moorish-influenced design.

Casa Pestagua | Meals: BD

Discover the best of Cartagena, starting at the imposing Castle San Felipe Barajas. Walk around the fortress to learn about its construction and explore the underground galleries, tunnels and passageways. Continue to Cartagena's colonial walled city and walk its picturesque streets and plazas. Visit the church of San Pedro Claver, with its fine collection of stained-glass windows, as well as Bolivar Park, an urban oasis surrounded by elegant balconied buildings, majestic shade trees and four fountains offering peaceful background ambience. In the centre of the square is an equestrian statue of Simon Bolívar, the Venezuelan-born soldier and statesman who spearheaded Latin America’s liberation from Spanish rule.

Later this afternoon, sample dishes served from small stalls in every corner of the old city, the heritage of the Spanish, African, Arab and Chinese immigrants who shaped Cartagena’s culinary culture. Savour the melting pot of influences found in each bite and taste the original versions of the recipes that have inspired today’s Colombian cuisine. This evening, get ready to move your hips and learn the art of salsa, merengue, reggaeton and bachata in a renowned local dance academy located within the walls of Cartagena's old city. Toast your night and the conclusion of your South American adventure with a tasting of some of the region’s best aged rums.

Casa Pestagua | Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.

Meals: B