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Image of Rainbow Mountain in Peru - KILROY
View the full itinerary as a list

Recommended duration:

4-5 weeks

Start/End

Cusco/Bogota

Travel Type

Trekking & Backpacking

Inclusions

Flights, trekking adventures & accommodation

Book this itinerary
Grab your hiking boots because this is the ultimate trekking trip in South America! It's the ideal combo for sporty spices who are ready to meet their inner Indiana Jones!

 

South America is known for its big treks and this journey embraces them like no other! You'll fly to Cusco, which was once the capital of the Inca Empire and is now a lively mix of ancient and modern cultures. Spend your days exploring its narrow streets, visiting the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress, and immersing yourself in the local markets. You'll need to have a bit of time here to get used to the altitude before starting on the unforgettable Inca Trek.

The Inca Trek is a challenging yet rewarding adventure that takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, ancient ruins, and cloud forests. Over seven days, you'll follow the footsteps of the Incas, culminating in the awe-inspiring sight of Machu Picchu at sunrise. 

After conquering the Inca Trek, head to Lima, Peru’s capital. Visit the charming historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the bohemian district of Barranco for its lively atmosphere and great nightlife. Next up is Cartagena, Colombia’s prettiest coastal city. Wander through the colourful streets of the walled Old Town, relax on beautiful beaches, and dive into the Caribbean Sea. In Cartagena you'll meet a new group of travel friends to tackle the second big trek of this itinerary - The Lost City trek! Deep in the jungle, past indigenous villages, you'll find the Lost City. Not many people make it here, and the location is stunning, making for a rewarding trek. 

After this adventure, you'll continue to Medellín, a city known for its remarkable transformation away from its dark past. Ride the cable cars for stunning views, explore the lively neighbourhoods, and learn about the city’s history at the Museo de Antioquia. Medellín’s pleasant climate and friendly locals will make you feel right at home. From Medellín you'll move on to Bogotá, the capital of Colombia. Located high in the Andes, Bogotá offers a mix of modern and colonial architecture and great food, so treat yourself and relax before it's finally time to fly home.

*From price per person based on shared accommodation

What's included
  • Flight from the UK to Cusco in Peru
  • 2 nights' accommodation in Cusco
  • 1-day Rainbow Mountain trek
  • 7-day Inca Trail trek
  • Flight from Lima to Cartagena
  • 12-day The Lost City Trek group tour
  • 2 nights hostel accommodation in Bogota
  • Return flight to the UK from Bogota in Colombia
  • Booking fees
  • Services of your own travel advisor

What's not included
  • Travel insurance (but we can help you with that)
  • Vaccinations (ask us about our exclusive discount with Nomads)
  • Meals (other than those included in the tours)
  • Optional activities
  • Night bus from Medellin to Bogota

Itinerary suggestion: Trekking Peru & Colombia

Home - Cusco - Inca Trek - Lima - Cartagena - The Lost City Trek - Medellin - Bogota - Home

This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be customised to suit your unique travel plans. Make it longer, make it shorter. Add in the things you want to do. Get in touch with our travel experts to turn this itinerary into your dream adventure around South America.

Cusco Arrive & settle in

Start your adventure in Cusco, the heart of the ancient Inca Empire. Walk through the Plaza de Armas, where you can admire colonial architecture and visit the impressive Cusco Cathedral. Explore the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuamán, an incredible example of Inca engineering with massive stone walls and stunning views of the city.

Don’t miss the lively San Pedro Market, where you can taste local delicacies. You'll spend two nights relaxing in Cusco to get used to the altitude - it's really needed!

Rainbow Mountain Trek Colourful mountains at high altitude

Rise and shine! Wake up early to get to the starting point of your next trek. From Quesiuno its a challenging 3-4 hour walk to the small village of Llamachimpana. It's a steep climb to Red Valley viewpoint, but from here the views over Rainbow Mountain are exceptional. Take in the sights of crisp lagoons on your descent and dig in to some well-deserved lunch afterwards. You will have walked a total of about 14 kilometres by the time you reach the end of the Rainbow Mountain Trek and will be transferred back to Cuzco where you can get ready for your next epic hike.

Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

Get ready for a long but rewarding trek through the breathtaking Andes. This one is a must if you want to do a classic Peru adventure.

On this 7-day Inca Trail Trek package, you'll pass through diverse landscapes, from jungle to high-altitude mountain passes. Along the way, explore ancient Inca ruins like Wiñay Wayna, and marvel at the stunning views of snow-capped peaks.

The final day of trekking starts before dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise, where you’ll catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu, in amazing lighting. Because of your early arrival, you’ll have the chance to explore this amazing spot with fewer crowds. The Inca Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you don't want to miss out on.

Lima Peru's capital city

After your trek and saying goodbye to Cusco, you make your own way to Lima, Peru’s bustling capital. Known for its culinary scene, Lima offers a feast for foodies.

Start in the Miraflores district, where you can enjoy ocean views and visit the famous Parque Kennedy. Sample Peru’s diverse cuisine, from ceviche to anticuchos, at local eateries or high-end restaurants like Central and Maido. Explore the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring colonial architecture and landmarks such as the Plaza Mayor and the Monastery of San Francisco.

For a cultural fix, visit the Larco Museum, which houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. At night, head to the Barranco district for its bohemian vibe, with vibrant bars, street art, and live music.

Cartagena Arrive & settle in

Next, fly to Cartagena on the Caribbean coast. This city is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant street life.

Wander through the colorful streets of the walled Old Town, where you’ll find charming plazas, churches, and flower-adorned balconies. Visit the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the sea.

For beach time, head to nearby Playa Blanca or the Rosario Islands, where you can relax on white sand beaches and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. At night, experience Cartagena’s lively nightlife with salsa dancing, rooftop bars, and live music in Getsemaní, a trendy neighborhood in town. It's the perfect way to get to know your new travel buddies!

The Lost City Trek Welcome to the jungle

You're not done trekking yet! The Lost City Trek takes you deep into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains to Ciudad Perdida, the ancient Lost City of the Tayrona civilization.

Over five days, you’ll trek through dense jungles, cross rivers, and climb steep trails, all while surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The trek includes stops at indigenous villages where you can learn about the local Kogi culture and traditions.

When arriving at the Lost City, explore the terraces, plazas, and structures that make up this fascinating city, believed to be older than Machu Picchu. The trek is physically demanding, but the sense of accomplishment and the stunning views of the Lost City make the experience absolutely worth it.

Medellín Explore more

From the coast, travel to Medellín, a city known for its transformation and innovation. Ride the Metrocable to get stunning views of the city and visit Parque Arví, a nature reserve perfect for hiking and picnics. Explore the El Poblado neighborhood, filled with cafes, bars, and shops. Learn about Medellín’s history at the Museo de Antioquia, home to many works by the famous artist Fernando Botero.

Don’t miss the Comuna 13 district, which has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now known for its vibrant street art and community projects. For nightlife, head to Parque Lleras, the city’s hotspot for bars and clubs - partying in Medellín is a must!

Bogota Explore on your own

After time in Medellín, you say goodbye to your group (or invite them to come with you!) to board the night bus to Bogotá, Colombia’s capital.

Start in La Candelaria, the city’s historic district, where you can explore cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and important landmarks like the Plaza Bolívar. Visit the Gold Museum, which houses an extensive collection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts. Take a cable car up to Monserrate for breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

And don't miss the barro's of Chapinero and Zona T, known for their trendy cafes, great food, and nightlife. Reward yourself with some cocktails for completing the treks, and make the most of your stay here before flying home.

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