CARTAGENA to LIMA (40 days) Colombian Adventure
CARTAGENA to LIMA (40 days) Colombian Adventure
39 Days Starting in 10.393228,-75.483231 and ending in -12.046689,-77.043089
Visiting: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
Tour operator:
Tour code:
543
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 40-day Colombian Adventure from Cartagena to Lima, exploring the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Begin your journey in the historic city of Cartagena, with its colonial charm and turquoise waters of Playa Blanca. Discover the natural beauty of Tayrona National Park, hike amid giant wax-palms in the Parque Cocora Valley, and learn about coffee production in Salento. Experience the lively city of Bogota, camp under the stars in the Tatacoa Desert, and explore the Amazon Jungle's exotic wildlife. Relax in the thermal baths of Banos, visit the Chan Chan ruins, and conclude your adventure in the bustling city of Lima. This tour offers a mix of camping and simple hostel accommodations, guided tours, and unforgettable experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
A highlight of any trip to Colombia is undoubtedly Cartagena. With its colonial past and Unesco World Heritage status, the old city is an ideal place to just wander the maze of cobbled alleys amongst churches, monasteries, plazas and bougainvillea draped balconies. Las Murallas, the thick walls built around the old city to protect it from pirates, are wonderfully preserved and make for an interesting walk, before stopping off in one of the hidden patio cafes. We spend 2 nights here to get a flavour of both the old city and also the trendy area of Bocagrande. We will also include a boat trip Playa Blanca, with it's turquoise waters and golden sand it is one of Cartagenas most famous beaches.
We set off in the Truck eastbound with a quick dip in Volcan de Lodo el Totumo before we continue to Taganga where we spend a night in this chilled out Caribbean town with a strong alternative feel. Some of South America's loveliest coastline lies east of Taganga in Tayrona National Park. We spend 2 days exploring trails to beaches set in deep bays, shaded by coconut palms. We have the option to snorkel and possibly scuba dive in some of the bays. Lack of roads means that we will probably have to hike with our gear to our overnight spots where we sleep in hammocks!
DAY 6 - 14: TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK TO BOGOTA
We then head south into the heart of Colombia, with a roadside bush camp on the way before arriving in the lively city of Medellin. Here is a good spot to get a few Salsa or Tango lessons in before trying out your moves in the many discos and clubs. For those wanting a little culture there are several art galleries and museums worth visiting or also an option to travel via local bus to the sleepy colonial town of Santa Fe de Antioquia.
Continuing south, our Colombian overland adventure takes us in to the mountains to the pleasantly cool climate of Salento. Here, deep in the heart of the coffee growing area, we have the option to visit one of the numerous coffee farms. Parque Los Nevados, with peaks topping 5000mtrs, and weirdly tall Palm trees making it a great place to spend a day trekking, before checking out some of the town's funky bars in the evening.Bogota is our next stop and we have 2 or 3 nights to see the different sides of this once notorious capital city. Having had the accreditation in the 80's and 90's of being one of the world's most dangerous cities, things have really turned around for Bogota. The city is cradled by Andean Peaks and great views can be seen from a trek up the Cerro de Monserrate. Pop in to the cobbled historic centre, La Candelaria, and as well as taking in a few cafes and picturesque buildings, enjoy the age old tradition of adding cheese to your hot chocolate!
DAY 15 - 17: BOGOTA TO PARQUE PURACE
We now travel through the Tatacoa Desert, an arid area of striking eroded cliffs surrounded by distant peaks of over 5000mtrs. The result is a quite unique ecosystem, and due to the dry, clear conditions, the area is an excellent star gazing spot and we will try to camp here to appreciate the view. Turning west through stunning mountain scenery towards the Pan American Highway, and after a gruelling drive, we eventually take an unpaved road into Parque Purace. The park is the only place to see Condors in Colombia, and it is also home to some good walking trails. The adventurous can scale Volcan Purace (4750mtrs), but there are a few other less strenuous hikes to the Sulphur Mine and Termales de San Juan - a spectacular hot spring complete with water slides!
DAY 18 - 22: PARQUE PURACE TO QUITO
Further west is the beautiful colonial city of Popayan. Nicknamed the white city, some would say only Cartagena surpasses Popayan's colonial structures. We shall make a small stop to admire the chalk white facades and stock up on supplies, before following the Andes south towards Pasto. Santuario De Las Lajas - a neo-Gothic church built on a stone bridge spanning a gorge - is the main point of interest in our last stop in Colombia, Ipiales. We may choose to camp the night in either Pasto or Ipiales, or possibly continue on to the border with Ecuador.
We cross the equator as we make our way to Quito, a capital city rich in history, surrounded by mountains - a play ground for hikers and mountain bike fans.
DAY 23 - 28: QUITO TO AMAZON JUNGLE
Departing the largest city in Ecuador - Quito, we cross the Equator on our way to the town of Otavalo famous for its colourful craft market. Heading east on narrow, tortuous roads to the steamy edge of the Amazon basin and our gateway into the Amazon jungle. Here accompanied by experienced guides, we explore on foot this exotic environment.
DAY 29 - 34: AMAZON JUNGLE TO CUENCA
Further south, perched high in the mountains of Ecuador, lies the outdoor adventure mecca of Banos. This spa town, where Ecuadorians go to relax in the thermal baths, is a favourite amongst those who have undertaken South America travel. With optional activities including rafting, canyoning and treks to waterfalls, you won't be short of things to do! We hit the road again and drive south along the spine of the Andes towards Peru visiting Cuenca on the way.
DAY 35 - 40: CUENCA TO LIMA
A days drive on the Pan-American highway brings us to the border with Peru. You will notice an amazing transition in one day, from the glush farming country of highland Ecuador, through sub-tropical forest and immense banana plantations, to dry barren desert in Peru. We are rewarded with a couple of days chilling by the beach. Our next stops on our South America travel experience are the Chan Chan ruins, imperial citadel of the pre-Inca Chimu kings which the Incas later conquered. It claims to be the largest mud brick city in the world.
Continuing with the Andes close to our left and the sea on our right, the capital city of Lima will be our next stop on our South America tour. Here you'll encounter both abundant wealth and grinding poverty, modern skyscrapers next to some of the finest museums and historical monuments in Latin America.
Note - our 2025 departure will be 38 days long
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation - approx. 35% camping & 65% simple hostels/hotels
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Playa Blanca Boat Trip
Playa Blanca boat trip in Cartagena
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City Tour
City tour in Cartagena
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Tayrona National Park
Entrance and hammock accommodation in Tayrona National Park
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El Totumo Mud Volcano
Visit to El Totumo Mud Volcano
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Coffee Plantation Tour
Guided tour of a coffee plantation in Salento
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Jungle Trip
3-night Jungle Trip including accommodation and meals (activities are optional extras)
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Chan Chan Ruins
Entrance and guided tour of Chan Chan Ruins
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Meals
Meals - approx. 40% of meals included
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Transport
All transport on Oasis Expedition Truck
What's Not Included
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Local Payment
Local Payment of: 2024 USD 1500, 2025 USD 1550 payable at the start of the trip
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Visas
Visa fees are not included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information
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Flights
Flights are not included
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Airport Taxes and Transfers
Airport taxes and transfers are not included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included
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Meals
Meals - approx.
60% of meals are not included -
Drinks
Drinks are not included
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Tips
Tips are not included
Mode of Transport
All transport is provided on an Oasis Expedition Truck, ensuring a comfortable and adventurous journey through Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Accommodation
Accommodation includes approximately 35% camping and 65% simple hostels/hotels, with hammock accommodation in Tayrona National Park and a 3-night jungle trip with included meals.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The accommodation will be approximately 35% camping and 65% in simple hostels or hotels.
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What activities are included in the Amazon Jungle portion of the tour?
During the 3-night stay in the Amazon Jungle, you will have guided walks and opportunities to view exotic wildlife by land or river. Accommodation and meals are included, but some activities are optional extras.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Approximately 40% of the meals are included in the tour package.
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What kind of transport will be used during the tour?
All transport will be provided on an Oasis Expedition Truck.
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What is the local payment required at the start of the trip?
A local payment of USD 1500 for 2024 and USD 1550 for 2025 is required at the start of the trip.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Highlights include climbing inside Totumo Volcano, exploring Tayrona National Park, a guided tour of a coffee plantation in Salento, walking amid giant wax-palms in Parque Cocora Valley, wandering around the historic center of Bogota, camping under the stars in the Tatacoa Desert, and relaxing in the thermal baths in the spa town of Banos.
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What optional activities are available in Banos?
In Banos, optional activities include rafting, canyoning, and treks to waterfalls.
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What is the significance of the Chan Chan Ruins?
The Chan Chan Ruins are the imperial citadel of the pre-Inca Chimu kings and claim to be the largest mud brick city in the world.
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What should I know about the Tatacoa Desert camping experience?
The Tatacoa Desert is an arid area with striking eroded cliffs, surrounded by distant peaks. It is an excellent spot for stargazing due to its dry, clear conditions, and you will camp here to appreciate the view.
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What is unique about the Parque Purace?
Parque Purace is the only place to see Condors in Colombia and offers good walking trails. Adventurous visitors can scale Volcan Purace, and there are also less strenuous hikes to the Sulphur Mine and Termales de San Juan, a spectacular hot spring with water slides.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
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Oct 24, 2024 - Dec 01, 2024Thursday - Sunday
Oct 02, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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