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Machu Picchu to Cartagena

Duration
12 nights
Price
£3,875 pp.
Location
Colombia Holidays, South America Holidays
Llama Machu Picchu Peru min

Culture, adventure and excitement across the top of South America

Experience the best of Peru and Colombia in a two week journey blending history, culture, and natural beauty.

Embark on a 12-day trip that weaves together the cultural tapestry of Peru and the vibrant allure of Colombia. Within Peru, traverse the country from Lima to Machu Picchu, from modern energy to ancient heritage. Immerse yourself in Peruvian culture, explore picturesque towns like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and witness the fascinating blend of natural scenery and imposing Inca city of Machu Picchu. Experience the surreal beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas where you find shimmering salt mines at Maras and dramatic agriculatural terraces at Moray. No trip is complete without a stay in charming Cusco and the imposing Plaza de Armas main square.

Next stop Colombia and immerse yourself in Bogotá's historical district, La Candelaria, with its colonial architecture and vibrant heritage. Head to the Coffee Triangle to partake in Colombia’s famed coffee-making process and the undulating hills of the cloud forest. Venture to the Valle del Cocora, where towering wax palms and unique flora await. Your final stop is vibrant Cartagena, with its stunning Caribbean vistas, colourful buildings and historic fortress walls.

Unveil the treasures of Peru and Colombia, where ancient legacies, ancient traditions, and scenic, dramatic landscapes create a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Adventure time!

Day 2 Welcome to Lima

Day 3 Cusco - Sacred Valley of the Incas

Day 4 Sacred Valley of the Incas - Maras & Moray

Day 5 Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Day 6 Cusco

Day 7 Cusco - Bogotá

Day 8 Bogota city tour

Day 9 Coffee Triangle - Coffee Processing in Pereira

Day 10 Coffee Region - Valle del Cocora & Filandia

Day 11 Pereira - Cartagena

Day 12 Cartagena city tour

Day 13 Depart Cartagena, Colombia

Day 14 Flying home

A detailed itinerary tailor-made just for you.

Start planning your original holiday to Latin America by contacting one of our experts.

Amanda

Amanda

Latin America Specialist

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01768 603 715

When to go to Peru

Peru is a country that can be visited year-round, as it has a diverse climate and a range of activities to suit every season. Here's a short month-by-month guide to help you decide when to visit:

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is a great time to visit the coastal regions of Peru, including Lima, Paracas, and Mancora. The weather is warm and sunny along the coast, making it perfect for beach activities and water sports.

Coastal Areas (Lima, Paracas, Nazca): Warm and humid with temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F).

Highlands (Cusco, Machu Picchu): Rainy season, so expect occasional showers and some trekking routes may be closed.

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February

In February, you can experience the vibrant Carnival celebrations in various cities like Cajamarca and Puno. The festivities feature colorful parades, music, and dancing, offering a unique cultural experience.

Coastal Areas: Remains warm and humid with temperatures similar to January.

Highlands: Still the rainy season, but rainfall starts to decrease towards the end of the month. Some trekking routes may be accessible again.

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March

March is an excellent time for outdoor activities in the Andes as the rainy season starts to wind down. It's a good month for trekking and exploring the natural beauty of the mountains.

Coastal Areas: The weather remains warm, but humidity starts to decrease.

Highlands: The rainy season is ending, and the landscape is lush and green.

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April

It's an ideal time to visit the jungle regions, where you can witness lush vegetation and a variety of wildlife.

Coastal Areas: Autumn sets in, temperatures begin to drop, and fog becomes more common in Lima.

Highlands: The start of the dry season, making it an excellent time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu.

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May

May is a shoulder season with generally mild weather and fewer tourists. It's a good time to explore popular destinations like Machu Picchu and Cusco before the peak tourist season begins.

Coastal Areas: Foggy mornings in Lima, but the sun usually breaks through later in the day.

Highlands: The dry season continues, with pleasant and sunny days.

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June

June is an excellent month to visit Cusco and attend the Inti Raymi festival, which celebrates the Incan sun god Inti. This festival features colourful processions and ancient rituals, adding to the cultural richness of the experience.

Coastal Areas: Cool temperatures in Lima due to the influence of the cold Humboldt Current.

Highlands: One of the best months to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu, with minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures during the day.

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July

July is the peak tourist season in Peru, especially around Independence Day (July 28th). It's a great time to visit all regions of the country, including the coast, mountains, and rainforest.

Coastal Areas: Lima's winter, cool and misty.

Highlands: Dry season continues, but July also marks the beginning of the high tourist season. Plan ahead and expect crowds

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August

August is a good time to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but make sure to book in advance, as permits can sell out quickly during this popular time of year.

Coastal Areas: Similar to July, cool and misty in Lima.

Highlands: High tourist season continues. It's essential to book treks and accommodations in advance.

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September

September is a transition month when the crowds start to thin out, and the weather remains pleasant in most regions. It's a good time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Coastal Areas: Springtime starts, and temperatures begin to rise in Lima.

Highlands: Crowds start to thin out, but the weather remains favourable.

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October

October is another shoulder season with fewer tourists. The weather is still favourable, making it an ideal time for exploring different parts of the country.

Coastal Areas: Pleasant spring weather in Lima.

Highlands: The dry season continues, and this month is still a good time to visit.

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November

November marks the beginning of the rainy season on the coast, so it's best to focus on the Andes and the Amazon during this month.

Coastal Areas: Springtime in Lima, with warmer temperatures.

Highlands: The dry season ends, and the rainy season begins, so expect occasional showers.

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December

It is festive time in Peru, with various Christmas and New Year celebrations taking place throughout the country. Coastal regions are popular for holiday getaways, with warm weather and beach activities.

Coastal Areas: Warm and comfortable temperatures in Lima, ideal for beach activities.

Highlands: The rainy season continues, but it's still possible to visit. Just be prepared for wet conditions.

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When to go to Colombia

A month-by-month guide of when to visit Colombia

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is part of Colombia's dry season, offering pleasant temperatures and less rainfall. The country's diverse geography ensures a variety of climates.

Coastal regions, like Cartagena and Santa Marta, enjoy balmy temperatures around 30°C (86°F), perfect for sunbathing and exploring pristine beaches. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín experience milder temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), ideal for city sightseeing and hiking in the surrounding mountains.

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February

February continues to offer favourable weather conditions for exploring Colombia. The dry season persists, ensuring pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall across the country.

Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta maintain their inviting climate, with temperatures hovering around 30°C (86°F), making it an excellent time for beach activities and water sports. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín experience slightly warmer temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor excursions comfortably.

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March

March marks the transition from the dry season to the beginning of the rainy season in Colombia. While the weather remains generally pleasant, there may be occasional showers and increased humidity later in the month.

Coastal regions like Cartagena and Santa Marta experience temperatures around 30°C (86°F) but may also see some rainfall. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín continue to enjoy mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) but may also encounter intermittent rain showers.

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April

April is the beginning of the shoulder season in Colombia. During this time, the weather can be more unpredictable, with increased rainfall in various regions.

Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta may experience higher humidity and occasional showers, while inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín can also see increased precipitation. It's advisable to pack rain gear and plan outdoor activities accordingly.

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May

In May, Colombia experiences varied weather and climate conditions depending on the region.

Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta enjoy warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with occasional showers. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín have milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 74°F).

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June

June continues the rainy season and brings varied weather conditions across the country.

Coastal regions like Cartagena and Santa Marta experience warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with increased rainfall. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín have milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and can also see occasional rain showers.

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July

In July, Colombia experiences diverse weather conditions depending on the region. Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta offer warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with occasional showers. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín provide milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and can also see rain showers.

July presents fantastic opportunities to explore Colombia's natural beauty. Discover the stunning landscapes of Tayrona National Park, hike through the Cocora Valley, or go whale watching along the Pacific Coast.

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August

In August, Colombia experiences diverse weather conditions depending on the region. Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta offer warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with occasional showers. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín provide milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and can also experience rain showers.

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September

In September, Colombia experiences varied weather conditions depending on the region. Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta offer warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with a chance of occasional showers. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín provide milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and can also see some rainfall.

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October

October is the start of the rainy season or the Low season in Colombia.

Rainfall is heaviest inland in the cities like Bogota and Cali, however, it is perfectly navigable and manageable to visit these places despite heavy downpours. There are plenty of indoor activities like museums, restaurants, and art galleries.

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November

The rainy season eases up slightly as it transitions to the dry season at the end of November.

Coastal areas such as Cartagena and Santa Marta continue to offer warm temperatures, ranging from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F), with lots of showers. Inland cities like Bogotá and Medellín start to cool down with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F). If you prefer warmer and drier weather, stick to the Caribbean side of Colombia. The coastal region, notably Cartagena, has a plethora of colourful attractions.

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December

December is the beginning of the dry season, or High Season, and marks the start of the best conditions in which to visit Colombia.

Coastal areas such as Cartagena and Santa Marta offer warm temperatures ranging from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F). These regions tend to have a mix of sunny days and occasional showers. Inland cities like Bogotá and Medellín have milder temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F).

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