Trip Overview
The Andes are the spine of South America, and run the length of the country from Colombia in the north through to Tierra Del Fuego in the South. This trip is designed to show the best of the northern Andes, through Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. We criss cross from the stunning beaches of the Caribbean to the depths of the Amazon Jungle and then into the dry deserts and ancient civilisations of Northern Peru.
It is a region that has been heavily influenced by pre-Colombian indigenous civilisations; not just the Incas. These earlier cultures were equally important as the Incas, whose influence was comparatively short lived.
The great cities of the region have a wealth of history and culture, and this trip takes you to some of the finest, including, Cartagena, Quito and Lima. Add to this a wealth of hidden gems in Colombia and Ecuador and some amazing trekking, hiking and horse riding and you have a journey that is well worth travelling for 38 days.
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70% Highlights
Guided trek through spectacular Cocora Valley
2 night stay in the historic colonial city of Popayan
Visit the equator monument en-route to Quito
3 night stay in a community run eco lodge to explore the Amazon Jungle
Go white water rafting, canyoning or trekking in Banos
Try horse back riding or mountain biking around the stunning landscape
Visit the crater lake of Quilotoa
Stay in the classic colonial city of Cuenca
2 nights camping on the Pacific beach at Punta Sal
Explore the Chimu Adobe ruins of Chan Chan and the ancient Moche Pyramids
SHOW MORE HIGHLIGHTS
A relatively easy journey, but with a few long days drives nicely balanced with 2 and 3 night stops. Expect some time at altitude, and a marked change in climate and temperature in the high mountains to the Caribbean and the Amazon. A good mix of hostels, hotels, home stays and camping.
Border Information: if joining in Cartagena, you will most likely enter Colombia at Cartagena Rafael Núñez International Airport (IATA code: CTG).
There will be an important group meeting at 6:00pm at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Cartagena before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Cartagena.
In Cartagena we stay in a comfortable hotel just outside the historical centre.
If you are continuing on from Panama, then your leader will have assisted you with airport transfers for your included flight to arrive in time for the joining meeting.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Days diving or snorkelling trip out to Islas del Rosario, Cartagena
Today we will have a full day in the beautiful coastal colonial city of Cartagena.
In the morning we will have an included walking tour of the city, and then the afternoon will be free to explore the city further, enjoy the many optional activities on offer, or simply relax on the beach.
Daily Activities
Explore Cartagena on a guided walking tour
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Visit the historic Castillo San Fellipe
Visit the mudbaths at the Totumo Volcano
Today we have a short drive to the stunning Tayrona National Park.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).
The following day we have an included walk in the National Park.
In Tayrona we will sleep in Hammocks, no food is provided, but there are restaurants and cafes nearby by. There is an hour walk from where we park our truck to our campsite.
Daily Activities
Relax and unwind on the unspoilt beaches in Tayrona National Park
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Time to explore the Cloud Forests of the Sierra Nevada foothills
This morning we will walk back to our truck and leave Tayrona National park. We will head south for the pretty colonial town of Santa Cruz de Lorica on the Sinu River.
We will have a free day to relax and discover the historic centre, learn about the traditional Vueltiao hat or head to the coast and soak up the sun in San Bernardo del Viento.
Today we have a full days drive to vibrant city of Medellin. the following morning we will have a guided walking tour of the city. We then have plenty of time to relax or take park in some of activities available here.
In Medellín we will stay in dormitory accommodation in a centrally-located hostel, allowing you to enjoy the exciting nightlife of the city.
Estimated Drive Time - 10 hours
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Day trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia
Take the pioneering Metroline cable car up to Santo Domingo, to see a very different area of the city and the revitalising effect the Metroline has had on the communities there
Visit the colossal Catedral Metropolitana in the city centre, built using over a million bricks between 1875 and 1931
See Medellín's perfect blend of art, culture, and history by visiting the Plaza Botero and the nearby Museo de Antioquia and the Rafael Uribe Palacio de la Cultura
Relax and unwind on a stroll though the Medellín's gorgeous Botanical Gardens, and discover some of its 1000 different floral species on display
Head out on a fascinating walking tour of Medellín and learn all about it's tumultuous past
Explore the beautiful model Antioquian village of Pueblito Paisa and the interesting sculpture park at Nutibara Hill
Explore the Museum of the University of Antioquia, and marvel at its collectino of visual arts, anthropological exhibits, and over 20,000 pieces of pre-Colombian ceramics
Head out and discover some of Medellín's vibrant and unusual nightlife at the Dulce Jesus Mio club
See some of Colombia's finest contemporary art at the Museo de Arte Moderno (NAMM), including the complete work of the local painter Débora Arango
Today we will head into the heart of the coffee region for a night at a beautiful Hacienda near the town of Manizales. Tomorrow we can relax in the grounds, take a bird watching walk to spot some of the many hummingbirds that frequent the area.
Estimated Drive time: 7 hours
We will stay in twin share accommodation in a lovely hacienda in the countryside.
Today we will continue our journey south to the small town of Salento, the gateway to the spectacular Valle de Cocora.
Salento will be our base to take a guided trek through the Cocora Valley to see the Quindio wax palm trees, the largest palms in the world and the national tree of Colombia and also to do a coffee plantation tour.
Estimated Drive Time - 1.5 hours
In Salento we will stay in a local guesthouse within a working coffee farm, in dorm room accommodation.
Daily Activities
Learn all about the cultivation and production of Colombian Coffee on a guided tour
Head out on a half-day guided trek through the spectacular Cocora Valley, and see the incredible 50m-tall Quindio wax palms, the tallest plam trees in the world!
Today we will drive to the beautiful town and former colonial capital of Popayán.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
On the following day we will have a free day to explore Popayán or take part in some excellent treks or other optional activities in the surrounding area.
In Popayán we stay in dormitory accommodation in a local hostel.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Relax in the volcanic thermal springs near the village of Coconuco, dramatically set in a steep-sided valley
Trek to the 4,650m summit of the towering Puracé volcano near Popayán
Today we will have a full day drive to the border town of Ipiales.
In Ipiales we will stay in a local hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 9-10 hours.
We will leave Colombia behind today and cross the border into Ecuador, we will have time for an included visit to the beautiful Santurio de las Lajas, before heading to Otavalo.
Tonight we will camp in the grounds of a pretty Guesthouse in Otavalo.
Estimated drive time: 3 hours.
Border information: Exit Colombia at Ipiales, enter Ecuador at Ipiales.
Daily Activities
Visit the jaw dropping Santuario Las Lajas on the outskirts of Ipiales
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Village Tour Of Otavalo
We will head south for the final leg of our journey to the bustling captial, Quito. En route into the city we will have an included visit to Mitad del Mundo, the monument that marks the Equator.
In Quito we will stay in a friendly local hotel in the 'New Town'.
Estimated Drive Time - 6-8 hours.
Daily Activities
Visit the equator at Mitad del Mundo
Border Information: if joining in Quito, you will most likely enter Ecuador at Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (IATA code: UIO).
There will be an important group meeting at 6:00pm at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Quito before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Quito.
A note on altitude: If you are joining in Quito, we strongly recommend arriving at least 24 hours before the trip begins to allow additional time to acclimatise.
In Quito we will stay in a friendly local hotel in the 'New Town'.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Visit the equator at Mitad del Mundo
Take a trip on El Telerifiqo, the world's second highest cable car
Visit the Museo De La Ciudad
Today our journey begins with a drive to a village on the edge of the Amazon basin, near the town of Tena, where we head to our lodge for an incredible 3-night stay.
Our lodge is a great example of eco-tourism, built and run by the local community and volunteers, who work to re-forest the reserve land at the lodge with native trees and medicinal plants. The lodge is set in secondary and primary rainsforest, an area at risk of deforestation.
We will stay in a comfortable ecolodge with meals included.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).
Daily Activities
Spend 3 nights at our fantastic Ecuadorian ecolodge, taking in many activities such as boat trips on the Napo River, visits to local communities and treks through the jungle to some spectacular waterfalls and bat caves!
Over the next two days we will head into the Amazon jungle, enjoying rainforest treks exploring the nearby waterfalls and caves, and trips down the Napo River in motorised dugout canoes, hopefully spotting plenty of wildlife on the way. We will also see some ancient fossils and petroglyphs, and visit a local Quichua community.
Today we will drive through the highlands of Ecuador, arriving in Rio Verde near the famous Tungurahua volcano.
In Rio Verde we will stay at a well-equipped campsite with great facilities.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
We will have two full days of free time to take part in a range of optional activities in Rio Verde, such as white-water rafting, trekking, canyoning, cycling, and other options. We will also have the opportunity to visit the nearby town of Baños and its popular volcanic thermal springs.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Explore the beautiful hills surrounding Banos with an abundance of activities on offer
Go on an adrenaline-fuelled half-day rafting expedition on the Rio Pastaza near Banos, one of the best rafting experiences in South America
Head out for an exhilarating half-day canyoning trip through the gorges near Baños
Head out on a horse riding trip through the beautiful volcanic landscapes surrounding Baños
Hire mountain bikes to freely explore the winding trails around Banos
Go out on a half day rock climbing trip to the walls of natural lava rock just outside Banos, which have routes suitable for people of all levels
Take out some quad bikes on a tour around the winding trails near Baños
Take the famous zip-lining course through the Puntzan Canyon near Baños, flying through the forest canopy and past several waterfalls
Explore the stunning gorges, forests, and landscapes of the Baños area by foot, possibly trekking the Machay River trail or visiting the nearby waterfalls of Pailon del Diablo and Machay
Today we will drive to the remote village of Chugchilán, via the spectacular highland scenery along the road of the 'Quilotoa Loop'.
In Chugchilán we will stay in a fantastic local hostel where breakfast and dinner are included, giving you a chance to enjoy traditional Ecuadorian food.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
Today we will transfer to the village of Quilotoa to see its stunning crater lake, and take an included day trek back to Chugchilán through the local villages, canyons, and beautiful scenery. This walk is widely considered one of the best day treks in Ecuador!
The mostly-downhill trek usually takes between 4-6 hours, but please be aware that there is a section towards the end of the trek with a steep incline which you will need to be quite physically fit for - although we thoroughly recommend the trek, it can be skipped by anyone if they prefer.
Daily Activities
Trek from Quilotoa to Chugchilan
Today we will drive along the remainder of the Quilotoa Loop and then head south to the beautiful colonial town of Cuenca. We will pass through the stunning landscape of the Cajas National Park en route.
In Cuenca we will stay in a centrally-located hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-8 hours.
Today we will have a free day to explore the colonial city of Cuenca. The town is the birthplace of the famous Panama Hat, and we will have the opportunity today to visit one of the factories to learn about the manufacturing process.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Visit one of the many factories that produce the ever-stylish Panama Hats, Cuenca's most famous export!
Take a day trip out of Cuenca to visit the site of the Ingapirca ruins, the largest known Inca ruins in Ecuador
Visit the Museo Pumapungo in Cuenca, featuring an impressive range of artistic, historical, cultural, and ethnological exhibits, and most famously housing a collection of shrunken heads from the Shuar civilisation
Visit some of the volcanic thermal baths near to the colonial town of Cuenca
Border information: Exit Ecuador at Huaquillas, enter Peru at Tumbes.
Today we will have a long drive day south, crossing the border into northern Peru.
We will stay at a friendly local campsite just outside of Punta Sal, on a beautiful and serene beach on the shore of the Pacific Ocean.
Estimated Drive Time - 10-11 hours.
Today we have a full day to relax on the beach and enjoy some activities in and around the stunning coastal area of Punta Sal.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Try your hand at surfing in the ideal waters of the Pacific Ocean near Punta Sal or Mancora
Rent a mountain bike to explore the coast of Punta Sal and the beautiful nearby areas of Canoas and Plateritos
Explore the coastlines of Punta Sal by foot, or head out trekking through the nearby hills and farms of Canoas
Take a beginner's belly-dancing class with our hosts at the beaches of Punta Sal
Take a yoga session at our beach campsite in Punta Sal
Today we will have a full day's drive to Huanchaco, near the city of Trujillo.
In Huanchaco we will camp in the grounds of a local hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 9-10 hours.
Today we will have an included guided trip to explore the enormous adobe ruins of
Daily Activities
Guided tour of Moche Pyramids and the Chimu city of Chan Chan
Today we will have a spectacular drive up the winding roads of the 'Casma Route' into the Cordillera Blanca section of the high Andes, reaching the mountain town of Huaraz.
In Huaraz we will stay in a local hostel in either dorm accommodation or private rooms, depending on availability.
Estimated Drive Time - 8-9 hours.
We have two days in the spectacular area of the Cordillera Blanca for exploration and optional activities such as visiting the incredible pre-Inca ruins of Chavín de Huantar or trekking and climbing to the nearby lakes and glaciers.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Explore the incredible ancient ruins of Chavín de Huantar, the religious centre for the Chavín culture which flourished in the area from 1200BCE-500BCE
Explore the remarkably well-presevered three-story mausoleum of Wilcahuaín near to Huaraz, built by the Wari civilisation that ruled the area between 600-900CE
Learn all about the area's incredible pre-Inca civilisations at the Museo Regional de Ancash
Take a horse riding trip from Huaraz to the incredible viewpoints of the Cordillera Blanca
Enjoy a half-day rock climbing excursion followed by a rejuvenating dip in the nearby thermal springs
Go canyoning in the waterfalls and gorges of the Huaraz region
Go downhill mountain biking through the stunning mountains of the Cordillera Blanca near Huaraz
Trek out to the phenomenal turquoise glacier lake of Laguna 69 in the shadow of Huascaran, Peru's highest mountain
Today we will have another full day's drive back to the coast via the 'Paramonga Route' and then on to the enormous Peruvian capital of Lima.
In Lima we will stay in a comfortable hotel in the city's historical centre.
Estimated Drive Time - 10-11 hours.
Border information: if you are finishing in Lima, you will most likely exit Peru at Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport (IATA code: LIM).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Lima. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Sales Team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.
Daily Activities
These activities are not included in the itinerary, however they are available to book and/or payable locally.
Visit the Gold Museum & Catacombs of Lima
Visit the beautiful Baroque cathedral of San Francisco in Lima's historical centre, and explore the morbidly fascinating catacombs underneath
Visit the excellent Museum of the Nation in Lima, which has numerous exhibits highlighting many of the pre-conquest civilisations and an outstanding photo exhibit on Peru's Internal Conflict of the 1980s and 1990s
Explore the bohemian areas of Barranco and Miraflores on a cycling tour of Lima
See the incredible 'Magic Water Circuit' in Lima's Parque de la Reserva, an astounding evening display of water, music, light, images, and laser effects across 13 huge water fountains
Explore the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum in Lima, containing the largest private collection of pre-Colombian art in the world
Take a cebiche and pisco sour class at one of the top restaurants in Miraflores, a lively district of Lima
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