This is a trip that unveils the true diversity of Colombia and northern Ecuador, from the jungles and stunning beaches of the Caribbean coast in Tayrona National Park to the snow capped peaks of the Andes and the spectacular wax palm trees of the Valle de Cocora. Colombia is home to some of South America's most beautiful colonial architecture as found in Cartagena, Popayan or Santa Cruz de Lorica. This is balanced by the cosmopolitan and contemporary feel of Medellin. No visit to Colombia is complete without exploring the coffee heartland around Manizales and a stay at a Coffee Finca to learn the tricks of the trade. Further south the Afro Caribbean feel gives way to the indigenous mountain peoples of the Andes and before crossing into Ecuador to explore the Indian markets of Otavalo, you must explore the exquisite Santuario de las Lajas in Ipiales. This tour would, however, not be complete without time to explore the wonderful old colonial city of Quito, with its plethora of churches, cathedrals and markets.
This trip gives an amazing insight into Colombia with lots of easy living, nothing too challenging and plenty of time to discover both rural and city life as well as the colonial history of this undiscovered destination. You will be staying in good small hotels, hostels and camping.
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 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
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
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
Included Activities
Visit the equator at Mitad del Mundo
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
Included Activities
Visit the jaw dropping Santuario Las Lajas on the outskirts of Ipiales
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
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
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
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
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
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!
Today we will have a tour of the coffee plantation and learn about the cultivation of coffee.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Included Activities
Learn about Colombia Coffee and wander the plantation
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
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
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
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
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
Today we will start the journey north towards Tayrona National Park, staying en route in a local Guesthouse.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
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
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
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
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
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
Included Activities
Explore Cartagena on a guided walking tour
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
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).
Meals: Breakfast
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