Colombia through the Andes - Cartagena to La Paz

Trek to the Lost City of Teyuna, party in Colombian cities, experience local life in an Ecuadorian and Peruvian homestays, conquer the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

An epic South America trip ought to be on everyone’s bucket list – so why not tick this one off well ahead of time? Across 53 days and 4 countries, you’ll see jungles, cities and all things between, all with a likeminded group of young adventurers eager to see and do everything.

And “everything” is definitely an understatement – you’ll hike the Lost City in Colombia, take on the Inca Trail in Peru, partake in a homestay in the Amazon Rainforest, see the highlights of Ecuador, and much more. Plus, at this price point, you’ll be able to do it all and still have cash to spend at the famous markets in Otavalo.

Itinerary

Day 1 Cartagena
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Cartagena
Free day to explore. Visit the historic old town, check out the San Felipe fortress, or get dirty with a mud bath and massage at Totumo Volcano.

Day 3 Santa Marta
Travel by public bus to this coastal port town. Free time to visit the Gold Museum with its collection of Lost City artifacts, chill out on the beach or pick up any last minute necessities for the upcoming trek.

Day 4-7 Lost City Trek
Transfer by 4x4 to the start of the 5-day guided Lost CIty trek that covers 45 km. Hike through farmland and alongside streams, occasionally passing through indigenous communities. Camp along the way, sleeping in a mixture of hammocks and rustic bunks. Climb 1200 stone steps and be rewarded with views of the Lost City of Teyuna. Enjoy time for exploration at this impressive site.

Day 8 Lost City Trek/Taganga
After a final morning trek, transfer to the fishing village of Taganga for an afternoon of rest and relaxation.

Day 9-10 Tayrona National Park/Taganga
Enjoy an overnight excursion to beautiful Tayrona NP. Explore the park's lush greenery, extended beaches and turquoise Caribbean waters. Opt to trek to the ruins of El Pueblito, go snorkelling, or hike various trails. Return to Taganga for one more night on the Caribbean.

Day 11-12 Medellin
Fly inland to infamous Medellin, now one of Latin America's safest cities. Enjoy an orientation walk upon arrival and an optional night out with the group. Opt to take a Pablo Escobar tour, go paragliding over the city or catch a ride on the cable car. Night bus to Bogotá.

Day 13-14 Bogotá
Orientation walk around the vibrant La Candelaria area. Free time to explore Colombia's capital city; check out the riches found in the Gold Museum, take a funicular car up Monserrate Hill for sweeping views of the city, or catch a football match if it's game day.

Day 15-16 Cotopaxi
Fly to Quito and transfer to Cotopaxi for two of nights encompassed in Andean beauty. Opt to visit a lagoon at elevation, hike national park trails or go down Cotopaxi Volcano by mountain bike.

Day 17 Otavalo
Stay with an Ecuadorian family in a homestay experience outside of the market town of Otavalo.

Day 18-19 Quito
Visit the famous Otavalo artisan market in the morning to peruse colourful textiles, art, carvings and jewelry made by people from nearby communities. Afternoon transfer to Quito. Orientation walk upon arrival and a free day to explore the city.

Day 20-22 Amazon Jungle Homestay
Travel to the jungle city of Tena, then continue by truck and motorized canoe to a jungle community. Spot wildlife on nature walks, and learn about local traditions while overnighting at a jungle homestay.

Day 23-24 Baños
Time to get active with outdoor optional activities such as hiking, horseback riding or mountain biking, or soak in nearby hot springs.

Day 25-26 Cuenca
Explore historic Cuenca. Opt to visit Cajas NP or check out the Inca ruins of Ingapirca.

Day 27-31 Mancora/Huanchaco
Head to the beach and enjoy optional activities such as surfing or horseback riding. Continue by overnight bus to Huanchaco, where optional activities include visiting pre-Inca sites, exploring the city of Trujillo, or chilling on the beach. Overnight bus to Lima.

Day 32-33 Lima
Explore Peru's capital and opt to take a city tour, go paragliding, or simply relax. Don't miss the tasty ceviche and pisco sours.

Day 34-36 Paracas/Nazca
Optional visit to Ballestas Islands before travelling to Nazca. Stop at a winery en route at the Oasis of Huacachina. Indulge in a traditional Pachamanca meal. Optional sandboarding and flight over the Nazca Lines before a night bus to Arequipa.

Day 37-40 Arequipa/Colca Canyon
Optional visit to the Catalina Convent or a local hot spring. Spot condors on an included guided excursion to Colca Canyon. Overnight bus to Cusco.

Day 41-48 Cusco/Ollantaytambo/Inca Trail
Free time to explore Cusco. Take an optional city tour, or go whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking. Learn about the Sacred Valley en route to Ollantaytambo. Opt to take a Sacred Valley tour, and visit a Planeterra-supported women's weaving co-op. Take in Inca culture, history, and great views on a 4-day guided Inca Trail hike with visit to Machu Picchu. Enjoy Planeterra-supported handmade biodegradable soap products for use on the Inca Trail.

Day 49-51 Puno/Lake Titicaca
Visit the floating Islands of Uros, and take a guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a local village. Optional visit to Sillustani burial site.

Day 52 La Paz
Cross into Bolivia for a final night out in this high altitude city. Oxygen bar, anyone?

Day 53 La Paz
Depart at any time.