The Andean Connection
Overview
This thoughtfully designed 9‑day, 8‑night journey offers a seamless blend of cultural depth and natural grandeur across two of South America’s most captivating countries. From vibrant urban settings to serene highland landscapes, the itinerary unfolds at a balanced pace, allowing travellers to fully immerse themselves in each destination’s distinct character. Carefully coordinated transfers, comfortable accommodations and a smooth progression from one setting to the next ensure a rewarding and enriching experience throughout, culminating in an unforgettable conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.
If your itinerary includes domestic and/or regional flight tickets, as well as entry tickets to landmarks that require passport details, you must call Air Canada Vacations immediately upon receiving your booking confirmation. Failure to provide Air Canada Vacations with your passport details may result in the unavailability of domestic and/or regional flight tickets and entry passes for certain landmarks included in your tour package. It is mandatory to call Air Canada Vacations at the number provided in your electronic confirmation as soon as your booking is confirmed to submit your passport details.
Format
Trip Highlights
Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays.
- Peru
- Cusco
- Chinchero
- Yucay
- Aguas Calientes
- Ollantaytambo
- Urubamba
- Machu Picchu, Peru
- Colombia
- Bogotá
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Bogotá (if the Flight & Hotel option is chosen)
- Round-trip flight between Bogotá and Cusco
- Round-trip train ride between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
- Round-trip bus ride between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Shared airport, sightseeing and inter-city transfers
- 8 nights of accommodation in your select category (4 nights in Cusco, 1 night in Urubamba, 3 nights in Bogotá) Please note that your early check-in is included, and will count towards the total number of nights in Bogotá
- Daily breakfast
- Other meals as per itinerary (drinks not included)
- More Moments activities included:
- Bogotá half-day shared city tour: featuring Monserrate Hill, the Gold Museum, Plaza de Bolívar
- Cusco half-day city shared tour, featuring the Santo Domingo Convent, the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, the Qenqo archaeological complex, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay
- Full-day Sacred Valley shared tour, featuring Chinchero, the Yucay Living Museum and the Ollantaytambo Fortress
- Full-day Machu Picchu tour
- Bogotá half-day shared city tour: featuring Monserrate Hill, the Gold Museum, Plaza de Bolívar
- Hotel taxes (Please note that for the Colombia portion of the itinerary, hotel taxes are only included for customers travelling with a non-Colombian passport)
- Fees and service charges
- Service of an English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees to the monuments as mentioned in the itinerary
*Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)
*Personal and non-transferable document that provides access to 16 important attractions in Cusco and its surroundings, such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. It also allows entry to various sites in the Sacred Valley Circuit, including Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moray and Chinchero.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Overnight flight to El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia.
Day 2
Welcome to Bogotá
Upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport, you will be required to clear customs and immigration. Once the formalities are completed, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign will greet you and escort you to your transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy a delicious breakfast.
This afternoon, discover the highlights of the city on a carefully planned half-day sightseeing tour. Following the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel, where you can spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day Guided City tour
Begin with a visit to Monserrate Hill, one of Bogotá’s most impressive attractions, located 3,152 meters above sea level. Ascend by cable car or funicular and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city while visiting one of Colombia’s most important pilgrimage sites.
Next, we continue to the Gold Museum, home to one of the world’s most valuable collections of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts. Discover fascinating stories about gold and its significance to Colombia’s indigenous cultures.
Our journey then takes us through the colorful streets of La Candelaria, Bogotá’s colonial heart. Explore charming historic houses, picturesque balconies, and cultural landmarks as we make our way to Plaza de Bolívar, the political and historical center of Colombia.
The experience concludes at the Botero Museum, where you will admire the unmistakable works of Fernando Botero, along with masterpieces by internationally renowned artists such as Picasso, Dalí, Monet, and Renoir.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 3
Bogota – Cusco
After breakfast and check-out, a local representative will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to El Dorado International Airport for your flight to Cusco, the renowned "the capital of the Inca empire."
Upon arrival in Cusco, complete the required airport formalities and collect your luggage. As you exit the arrivals area, a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign bearing your name will be there to welcome you. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in, after which you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Cusco
After a leisurely breakfast and a relaxing morning at your own pace, meet your local guide this afternoon for an unforgettable half-day tour of Cusco, where you'll uncover the rich history, vibrant culture, and timeless beauty of the former capital of the Inca Empire.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day City tour
Begin this afternoon’s journey with a visit to the Santo Domingo Convent, built atop the legendary Coricancha Temple, once considered the most important sacred site of the Inca Empire. Continue to Cusco’s historic heart to explore the magnificent Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, a true architectural treasure filled with history and artistry. Later, head into the surrounding hills to discover the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress, followed by the intriguing Qenqo archaeological complex. Your exploration continues with a walk through the Puca Pucara military ruins and the serene site of Tambomachay, often referred to as the “Inca spa” for its sacred fountains and waterways.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Cusco – Moray – Maras – Cusco
After breakfast, your local guide will meet you at your hotel for a full-day guided exploration on the Sacred Valley. Discover the region’s rich history, spectacular landscapes, traditional villages, and remarkable archaeological treasures as you journey through one of Peru’s most iconic destinations.
At the conclusion of your tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day Maras and Moray tour
Your adventure begins with a visit to the remarkable Moray archaeological site, famed for its mysterious concentric circular terraces believed to have been used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory. Designed to create a variety of microclimates, these impressive terraces showcase the ingenuity and advanced engineering of the Inca civilization.
Continue onward to Maras, home to the historic pre-Inca salt mines that remain operational to this day. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sacred Valley, thousands of shimmering salt ponds cascade down the mountainside, creating one of the region’s most unique and picturesque landscapes.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Cusco – Chinchero – Yucay – Ollantaytambo – Urubamba
After breakfast and check-out, your tour guide will take you on a full day Sacred Valley tour! This region is renowned for its stunning Andean landscapes, rich Inca heritage, and traditional local culture. As you journey through this fertile valley, you will encounter a series of remarkable archaeological sites, picturesque villages, and vibrant artisan communities that bring ancient history to life. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and terraced hillsides, each stop offers a deeper insight into the ingenuity and legacy of the Inca civilization, while also showcasing the enduring traditions of the region’s inhabitants.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full day Sacred Valley tour
Your adventure begins with a visit to the picturesque town of Chinchero, where you will explore its agricultural terraces and a 17th-century church built atop an ancient Inca palace. Continue to a scenic viewpoint to admire the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Next, visit the Yucay Living Museum, where traditional textiles, pottery, and silverwork are demonstrated using ancient Inca techniques. After lunch, continue to the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress, a remarkable ceremonial site with vast stone terraces rising into the mountains.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 7
Urubamba – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
After breakfast and check-out, your Andean journey continues to the highlight of your itinerary, a visit to the majestic Machu Picchu. Your tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to Ollantaytambo, where you will board your train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
Upon arrival, your local guide will welcome you and escort you to the transfer for your ascent to the iconic Machu Picchu Citadel.
After this unforgettable experience, you will descend back to Aguas Calientes and continue your journey to Cusco, where you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Important note:
Your journey to Aguas Calientes, will be aboard the Voyager or Expedition train. Please note that train policies allow each passenger to carry only one small backpack weighing up to 5 kg (11lbs) during the stay at Machu Picchu. We recommend packing light and bringing just the essentials. Items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent will help ensure your comfort throughout the excursion. The rest of your luggage will be transferred from your hotel in Sacred Valley to Cusco.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day Machu Picchu tour
The adventure begins aboard the train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, a picturesque town at the foot of the emblematic Inca citadel. During the train ride, enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings, with impressive views of majestic mountains, the Vilcanota River and small towns of the Peruvian Andes. After a short bus ride from Aguas Calientes, you’ll reach one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. From there, explore the ancient ruins to learn about the history of this mystical and impressive place. Surrounded by incomparable landscapes, there will be no shortage of spectacular photo opportunities! Once recharged with the magical energy of Machu Picchu, make your return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to have lunch and explore the streets a bit before boarding your return train.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 8
Cusco – Bogota
After breakfast and check-out, you will be met in the hotel lobby by your local representative for a transfer to Cusco International Airport, where you will board your flight to Bogotá, Colombia’s vibrant capital.
Upon arrival, you will complete customs and immigration procedures. Once cleared, collect your luggage and proceed to the arrival hall, where a local representative will be waiting to greet you with a personalized sign and escort you to your transfer. You will then be taken to your hotel for check-in.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9
Bogotá – Canada
After checking out, meet your local representative in the lobby of your hotel, they will assist you with your transfer that will take you to El Dorado International Airport for your return flight to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast.
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 king or 2 double beds (bed type available upon request, not guaranteed)
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 guests (2 Adults or 1 adult + 1 child)
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 king or 2 double beds (bed type available upon request, not guaranteed)
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 guests (2 Adults or 1 adult + 1 child)
Best for
Multi-country tours
Book once, check two or more destinations off your bucket list! Tour packages include:
- Round-trip flight with Air Canada
- Airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation
- More Moments activities or excursions (select packages)
- Aeroplan® points
Aeroplan
In addition to accumulating points on the flight portion of your trip, you’ll earn up to 4,000 extra Aeroplan points on select tour packages.
- Members ages 2 to 12 will receive extra points equivalent to 50% of the points granted to members ages 13 and up.
- Travel completion by December 31, 2026.
Important Information
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July 1, 2026 - October 24, 2026, and March 28, 2027 – October 24, 2027
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Not Included:
- Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Travel insurance and visa fees (where applicable)
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Optional activities, excursions and any related transfers
- Transfers or services not expressly included in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to attractions not listed in the program
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- Plane between Bogotá and Cusco
- Car for all airport-hotel-airport, sightseeing and inter-city transfers
- Train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
- Coach/Bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
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- Please note that some areas of this tour may present challenges for travellers with limited mobility. While all locations included are accessible, the itinerary covers a variety of regions, towns, and historic and archaeological sites where uneven surfaces and steps may be encountered. Customers should be fully aware of this before booking to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the tour.
- This itinerary includes travel through high‑altitude regions in the Andes, where thinner air may affect comfort and energy levels. To help you feel your best, we recommend planning ahead: arrive well‑rested, stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals and alcohol on arrival day and take it easy for the first 24–48 hours while your body acclimatizes.
- For all train services to and/or from Machu Picchu, passengers are allowed to carry only one piece of hand luggage (backpack, handbag or briefcase) weighing less than 11 pounds or 5 kilograms. Any other luggage that does not meet these requirements cannot be transported to Machu Picchu and should be left at the hotel for transfer to your next stop.
- Please be advised that upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, our local representative will request a picture of your passport (main page and entry stamp). This procedure ensures that you are not charged for the hotel taxes, fees and service charges upon check-in. Hotel taxes, fees and service charges are not included for customers travelling with a Colombian passport.