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.
HIGHLIGHTS
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
Buy an original Panama hat direct from the factory
2 nights camping on the Pacific beach at Punta Sal
Try your hand at surfing or just relax with a cool drink
Explore the Chimu Adobe ruins of Chan Chan and the ancient Moche Pyramids
3 nights to trek in the Cordillera Blanca from Huaraz
Explore the Peruvian capital of Lima
2 nights in vibrant Cartagena
2 Nights in the stunning Caribbean beach national park of Tayrona
2 Nights to enjoy the colonial town of Santa Cruz de Lorica, home of the traditional Vueltiao hat
3 nights to explore the infamous streets of Medellin
Explore the region of Salento and visit a coffee finca
Guided trek through spectacular Cocora Valley
2 night stay in the historic colonial city of Popayan
Photograph the iconic church bridge of Ipiales
Visit the equator monument en-route to Quito
Full day coffee experience and plantation tour
WHAT TO EXPECT
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.
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Guided tour of Moche Pyramids and the Chimu city of Chan Chan
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!
Visit the equator at Mitad del Mundo
Visit the jaw dropping Santuario Las Lajas on the outskirts of Ipiales
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!
Learn about Colombia Coffee and wander the plantation
Explore some of Tayrona National Park's scenic walking trails including a hike to the mysterious ancient ruins of Pueblito hidden in the jungles high above the coastline
Border information: if joining in Lima, you will most likely enter Peru at Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport (IATA code: LIM).
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 Lima 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 Lima.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Head out to the Brisas del Titicaca Peruvian folklore show, which showcases various dances from all regions of Peru (if time allows)
Entrance: 60 PEN
Take a ceviche and pisco sour class at one of the top restaurants in Miraflores a lively district of Lima
Ceviche class: 40 USD
Explore the bohemian areas of Barranco and Miraflores on a cycling tour of Lima
Cycle tour: 50 USD
Visit the Gold Museum & Catacombs of Lima
Entrance: 40 PEN
Explore the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum in Lima containing the largest private collection of pre-Colombian art in the world
Entrance: 30 PEN
Enjoy a walking tour of Lima
Walking Tour: 35 USD
Day 2 - Huaraz (15th June 2021)
Today we will have a spectacular drive up the winding roads of the 'Paramonga Route' into the Cordillera Blanca section of the high Andes, reaching the mountain town of Huaraz.
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 11
Day 3 - Huaraz (16th June 2021)
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 Huántar or trekking and climbing to the nearby lakes and glaciers.
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Go canyoning in the waterfalls and gorges of the Huaraz region
Canyoning: 90 PEN
Day 4 - Huaraz (17th June 2021)
Second free day for optional activities and exploration in Huaraz.
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Trek out to the phenomenal turquoise glacier lake of Laguna 69 in the shadow of Huascaran Peru's highest mountain
Trekking: 45 USD
Enjoy a half-day rock climbing excursion followed by a rejuvenating dip in the nearby thermal springs
Climbing: 30 USD
Take a horse riding trip from Huaraz to the incredible viewpoints of the Cordillera Blanca
Horse riding: 27 USD
Day 5 - Huanchaco (18th June 2021)
Today we will have a full day's drive down the stunning 'Casma Route' to the Pacific coast and on to Huanchaco, near the city of Trujillo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Day 6 - Huanchaco (19th June 2021)
Today we will have an included guided trip to explore the enormous adobe ruins of Chan Chan and the world-famous Moche archaeological site of Huaca de la Luna (Pyramid of the Moon).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Guided tour of Moche Pyramids and the Chimu city of Chan Chan
Included
Day 7 - Punta Sal (20th June 2021)
Today we will have a full day's drive along the coast of 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 11
Day 8 - Punta Sal (21st June 2021)
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Try your hand at surfing in the ideal waters of the Pacific Ocean near Punta Sal or Mancora
Surfing: 20 USD
Day 9 - Cuenca (22nd June 2021)
Border information: Exit Peru at Tumbes, enter Ecuador at Huaquillas.
Today we will have a long drive day north, crossing the border into southern Ecuador and arriving at the beautiful colonial town of Cuenca.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 11
Day 10 - Cuenca (23rd June 2021)
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Explore the historic city of Cuenca
Explore the city: Free
Visit one of the many factories that produce the ever-stylish Panama Hats Cuenca's most famous export!
Entrance: Free
Head out of Cuenca to explore the highlands and lagoons of the nearby Cajas National Park
Entrance: 10 USD
Day 11 - Chugchilán (24th June 2021)
Today we will drive to the remote village of Chugchilán, via the stunning landscape of the Cajas National Park en route and the spectacular highland scenery along the road of the 'Quilotoa Loop'.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Day 12 - Chugchilán (25th June 2021)
Today is a free day to enjoy optional activities such as mountain biking and horseback riding.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Head out on a horse riding trip through the stunning hills of Chugchilan
Half day: 20 USD
Hire mountain bikes to explore the area of Chugchilan and Quilotoa (possible alternative to trekking, when available)
Day Bike Hire: 20 USD
Day 13 - Rio Verde (26th June 2021)
Today we will drive along the remainder of the Quilotoa Loop and head north to the village of Rio Verde near the famous Tungurahua volcano.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Day 14 - Rio Verde (27th June 2021)
We will have two full days of free time for a range of activities in Rio Verde, such as white-water rafting, trekking, canyoning, cycling, and other options. We will also have the opportuinty to visit the nearby town of Baños and its popular volcanic thermal springs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Head out for an exhilarating half-day canyoning trip through the gorges near Baños
Canyoning (half day): 25 USD
Head out on a horse riding trip through the beautiful volcanic landscapes surrounding Baños
Horse riding: 40 USD
Go on an adrenaline-fuelled half-day rafting expedition on the Rio Pastaza near Banos one of the best rafting experiences in South America
Half day rafting: 25 USD
Go out on a half day rock climbing trip to the walls of natural lava rock just outside Banos
Half day rock climbing: 30 USD
Spend some time soaking in the hot springs
Entrance: 3 USD
Day 15 - Rio Verde (28th June 2021)
Second free day for optional activities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Day 16 - Ecuadorian Amazon (29th June 2021)
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Daily Activities
Included 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!
Included
Day 17 - Ecuadorian Amazon (30th June 2021)
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Day 18 - Ecuadorian Amazon (1st July 2021)
Second full day in the rainforest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Day 19 - Quito (2nd July 2021)
Today we will drive back up into the highlands and arrive at the Ecuadorian capital, Quito.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Take a walk around Quito's incredible Botanical Gardens, which showcases all of Ecuador's various ecosystems and their flora
Entrance: 4 USD
Visit the Museo Mindalae, the extremely original project showcasing Ecuador\'s rich cultural diversity
Entrance: 3 USD
Visit the Museo Nacional del Banco Central showcasing the countrys largest collection of Ecuadorian art and housing an impressive gold collection
Entrance: 2 USD
Day 20 - Quito (3rd July 2021)
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.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Visit one of the countless art galleries in Quito such as La Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana
Entrance: Free
Visit the Museo Nacional del Banco Central showcasing the countrys largest collection of Ecuadorian art and housing an impressive gold collection
Entrance: 2 USD
Freely explore the stunning historical Old Town of Quito, and wander its ancient streets marvelling at the outstanding architecture and wonderful atmosphere
Price: Free
Day 21 - Otavalo (4th July 2021)
Today our journey begins with a short drive to Mitad del Mundo, the monument that marks the Equator. After this we will continue north to the charming town of Otavlo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Visit the equator at Mitad del Mundo
Included
Day 22 - Ipiales (5th July 2021)
Today we will leave Ecuador behind and travel into Colombia. We will have an included visit to the Santuario de las Lajas en route to our hotel in Ipiales.
Border information: Exit Ecuador at Ipiales, enter Colombia at Ipiales.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Visit the jaw dropping Santuario Las Lajas on the outskirts of Ipiales
Included
Day 23 - Popayan (6th July 2021)
Today we will drive to the beautiful town and former colonial capital of Popayán.
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Day 24 - Popayan (7th July 2021)
Today we will have a free day to explore Popayán or take part in some excellent treks or other optional activities in the surrounding area.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
Relax in the volcanic thermal springs near the village of Coconuco dramatically set in a steep-sided valley
Thermal springs trip: 60,000 COP
Trek to the 4650m summit of the towering Puracé volcano near Popayán
Hike: 130,000 COP
Day 25 - Salento (8th July 2021)
Today we will continue our journey north to the small town of Salento, the gateway to the spectacular Valle de Cocora.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Day 26 - Salento (9th July 2021)
Today we will have 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
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!
Included
Day 27 - Salento (10th July 2021)
Today we will have a tour of the coffee plantation and learn about the cultivation of coffee.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Learn about Colombia Coffee and wander the plantation
Included
Day 28 - Manizales (11th July 2021)
Today we have a short drive to our Hacienda in the heart of the coffee region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2
Day 29 - Medellin (12th July 2021)
Today we will drive to the vibrant city of Medellin, where we will spend 3 nights.
On our first full day in Medellin we will have a guided walking tour of the city, and our second day will be free time to independently explore the town, its parks, churches, and museums.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Daily Activities
Optional Activities
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
Cabe car ride: 1,750 COP
Visit the colossal Catedral Metropolitana in the city centre built using over a million bricks between 1875 and 1931
Entrance: Free
Head out and discover some of Medellín\'s vibrant and unusual nightlife at the Dulce Jesus Mio club
Entrance: 10,000 COP
Day 30 - Medellin (13th July 2021)
Today we will have a guided tour of the city.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Day 31 - Medellin (14th July 2021)
Today is free time to independently explore the town, its parks, churches, and museums.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Day 32 - Lorica (15th July 2021)
Today we have a drive north to the beautiful, colonial town of Santa Cruz de Lorica.
The following day we have a free day to explore the historic centre, learn about the traditional hates that are made in the region or head to the coast for a final beach sunset at San Bernardo del Viento.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Day 33 - Northern Colombia (16th July 2021)
Today we will start the journey north towards Tayrona National Park, staying en route in a local Guesthouse.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Day 34 - Tayrona NP (17th July 2021)
Today we arrive in Tayrona, one of the most popular National Parks in Colombia. Leaving our main luggage stored on the truck, we take a day-pack/night-bag and go on a moderate walk in to the park to where we will stay. Mules to carry your luggage can be hired at an extra cost.
Accommodation: Hammocks
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Day 35 - Tayrona NP (18th July 2021)
Today we will go for a guided trek in the National park and in the afternoon there is time to do some snorkelling or just relax on the beautiful beaches.
Accommodation: Hammocks
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Explore some of Tayrona National Park's scenic walking trails including a hike to the mysterious ancient ruins of Pueblito hidden in the jungles high above the coastline
Included
Day 36 - Cartagena (19th July 2021)
We will have some more free time in Tayrona National Park in the morning, before we walk back to the park entrance and complete our epic journey with a drive to the beautiful coastal colonial city of Cartagena.
In Cartagena we will stay in a comfortable hotel just outside the historical centre.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Day 37 - Cartagena (20th July 2021)
Today 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Daily Activities
Included Activities
Explore Cartagena on a guided walking tour
Included
Optional Activities
Discover the brutal history of the Spanish Inquisition at their former headquarters in Cartagena the Palace of the Inquisition
Entrance: 15,000 COP
Guide: 10,000 COP
Learn all about Cartagena's naval tradition and history at the Naval Museum of the Caribbean
Entrance: 15,000 COP
Day 38 - Cartagena (21st July 2021)
Border information: if you are finishing in Cartagena, you will most likely exit Colombia at Cartagena Rafael Núñez International Airport (IATA code: CTG).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Cartagena. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent 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.
If you are continuing on to Panama then your leader will assist you with airport transfers for your included flight. You will stay tonight in a comfortable hotel in either Panama City or Cartagena (depending on the flight times and availability).
I loved the Amazon lodge, Cartagena, Quito and Mompox, to be honest I loved everywhere we went!!
Gillian I
This was out 6th trip! We keep coming back!
Marie H
An interesting trip and very different to my normal more independent hiking and walking trips. There was for me a lot of time in the truck (Carmen) so I found the travel days too frequent though I did appreciate the extraordinary landscapes. A lot of the enjoyment in these trips comes from interactions with other travelers as well as with local people and my observation is that particularly with older travelers it can be a bit hit and miss.
Helen P
I enjoyed the Mompos, Bungie jump & white water rafting (San Gil), political rally, Laguna 69 the most.
Anthony P
Strangely it was meeting and forming friendships with the other travellers that I enjoyed the most. There have been plenty of memorable places and activities. Cartagena and Medellin were exceptionally good cities to visit. The Eco lodge visit in Ecuador was also excellent. White water rafting at San Gil was probably the best activity.
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