21-day Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, & Chile Tour

Hola and a very warm welcome to Medellín, Colombia! Your tour through South America officially kicks off this morning in the hotel lounge, where you’ll meet your fellow travel buddies and Adventure Leader for a trip briefing – outlining travel plans and top tips on staying safe in South America.

After, it’s time to get your bearings with your first unmissable activity – a guided walk through Comuna 13. This vibrant neighbourhood is renowned for its colourful street art, striking culture, and history of resilience – transformed from a complex past into a hub of urban renewal and innovation, with outdoor escalators offering stunning city views and murals that represent hope and progress.

¿Estás listo? Good! The afternoon is yours to explore independently. We’d recommend a wander around Medellín’s most famous sites – the Plaza Botero, the Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe, and the Catedral Basílica Metropolitana. Cultural lovers, this one’s for you! After that adrenaline fix from this morning, why not keep it going with a paragliding flight for an incredible bird’s-eye view of the city below?

Come evening, optional activities await:

Depending on fixtures, you can opt to watch a local soccer game at Estadio Atanasio Girardot. If there’s no game on, try your hand at Tejo – a Colombian game where you throw clay at gunpowder with the aim of causing a small explosion (Cool, right?)

If neither takes your fancy, kick back with some drinks and salsa in El Poblado – one of Medellín’s safe party streets!

Start day two the Colombian way – with a cup of locally produced coffee (Medellín is home to some of Colombia’s best!)

We’ll then head out for a day trip to Guatapé – a colourful lakeside town known for its vibrant zócalos (decorative murals), charming streets, and lively atmosphere.

We’ll kick off our adventure here by climbing the 740 steps* to the top of Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir – a massive granite rock, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and landscapes.

Afterwards, enjoy some time to explore the town of Guatapé itself before hopping in kayaks (2 per kayak) on the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir. Paddle through the serene waters of this scenic reservoir, admiring the rolling hills, surrounding colourful houses, and Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir from below!

In the evening, it’s time to dive into another quintessential Medellín experience, thanks to the influence of the famous singer Carlos Gardel – TANGO! Join your group for an exciting tango dancing class, where you’ll learn the vibrant rhythms and energetic moves that make this dance a cultural icon. 

This morning we’re up and out early, bound for our next stop, Salento! This quaint town in the Coffee Triangle is known for its colourful colonial architecture, coffee plantations, and stunning scenery. You’ll transfer by private minivan, approximately 5.5 hours, with a lunch stop along the way. Your Adventure Leader will confirm the meeting time the day before.

Coffee lovers, this next unmissable experience is for you! We’ll spend the afternoon at the Finca el Ocaso Coffee Farm. From picking the beans and trying the coffee making process for yourself, to tasting the final product, you’ll be a connoisseur by the end!

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Why not soak up some traditional Colombian culture in the town’s picturesque central plaza?

Today, we’re transferring to our next destination in Colombia – the famous Cali, a vibrant city surrounded by mountains, known for its lively salsa music scene! You’ll transfer via bus to arrive in Cali late in the morning where your Adventure Leader will meet you before you take a rest by the pool in your hostel.

In the late afternoon, we’ll take some time to explore some of the city’s must-sees, including the Plaza de Caycedo – Cali’s central square, boasting towering palm trees, a lively atmosphere, and historic significance as the heart of the city. We’ll also visit the Catedral Metropolitana, a magnificent Neo-Gothic cathedral overlooking the plaza, renowned for its stunning architecture and cultural importance.

Guided by local experts, we’ll then uncover Cali’s rebellious spirit – wandering its lively streets to explore salsa’s rich cultural roots, its influence on social movements, and its artistic expression through murals and music. The evening is yours to enjoy as you wish, so why not party the night away at one of the city’s hippest salsa clubs? You have a relaxing morning tomorrow, so go wild! 😉

We’re kicking off the morning with a bike tour through some of Bogotá’s most historic districts, calling at the iconic neighbourhood of La Candelaria, the Plaza Bolívar, the Cathedral, and the Presidential Palace. Fruit sampling is on the menu too. Thank us later.

Then it’s on to Monserrate, the mountain that overlooks the entire city. Walk from the hostel and take the cable car up to this historic church area, where you’ll find cultural markets, local snacks, and some of the best views of Bogotá you’ll ever see. Trust us on this one.

Come evening, the night is yours, and what a night it could be. Theatron is one of the largest nightclubs in Colombia, spanning around 20 different areas each with its own musical vibe, electronic, latin beats, pop, and plenty more. Once known as an LGBT+ establishment, it’s now a club that throws open its doors to everyone. An epic night out if you fancy it!

What better way to get our bearings today than with a bike tour? Start by pedalling through Bogotá’s vibrant districts, exploring the historic downtown areas of La Candelaria, Plaza Bolívar, the Cathedral, and the Presidential Palace.

Then, stop by a traditional fruit market and sample exotic Colombian fruits like lulo, uchuva, passion fruit, and more – passing through more local neighbourhoods along the way.

Switching gears, we’ll cycle to a middle-class district to get a taste of modern Colombian neighbourhoods (and even some National Parks), before re-grouping in Bogotá for a graffiti art experience! Here, you’ll learn more about Colombia’s history, culture, and politics through its dynamic and vibrant street art, as well as get the chance to visit a gallery, admire the art pieces, and even go crazy with some spray painting of your own!

Sunset calls for some views! You and your group will take the funicular up to Monserrate, a mountain that sits over 3,000 metres above sea level, offering stunning views of Bogotá. As good as the views are, we recommend taking some time to explore the area up there itself, including the church and other surroundings, before heading back down via cable car.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your own leisure. Feeling wild? Why not head to Theatron – Latin America’s biggest club? 😉

Time to properly get to know Cusco! This morning your Adventure Leader is taking you on a walking tour of the city, giving you a brief history of one of South America’s most iconic destinations, pointing out the best spots to eat, and walking you up to the legendary Sacsayhuaman castle. Keep your eyes peeled for llamas along the way – yes, really!

Feeling up for it? The entrance to Sacsayhuaman is optional, but trust us, it’s worth it. This ancient Incan fortress sits on a hill overlooking Cusco, boasting massive stone walls, incredible masonry, and panoramic views of the surrounding valley that’ll stop you in your tracks.

A word of warning though – your next morning kicks off at 5:00am, so the evening is all about rest and recovery. Take some time to acclimatise to the altitude, sip on some complimentary coca-leaf tea back at the hostel or treat yourself to a pre-hike massage. Your legs will thank you later!

This is it, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Today marks the start of your 4 day Inca Trail adventure, and we’re wasting no time. Your Adventure Leader will pick you up from the hostel bright and early for the journey to Piskacucho, also known as Kilometer 82, the legendary starting point of the Inca Trail. But first, a well-earned breakfast stop in Ollantaytambo to fuel up for the day ahead.

Today’s hike covers around 12km (7.5 miles), taking you through some of the most breathtaking Andean scenery you’ve ever laid eyes on. The good news? You’ll only be carrying a day pack, with larger luggage taken care of for you. All meals are included throughout the trek too – there are no shops out here in the Andes, after all!

As the sun sets over the mountains, your trekking team will have camp set up and dinner ready and waiting. All that’s left to do is sit back, look up, and take in the Milky Way high in the Andean sky. Not a bad first day on the trail!

Please visit the Trekking Alternatives section below for important information about route options.

Rise and shine! Your Adventure Leader will wake you up with a hot mug of tea or coffee, delivered straight to your sleeping bag. Soak it up, because today is the biggest day on the trail.

With daypacks kept as light as possible, today’s challenge is the steep ascent to Abra de Warmihuañusca, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point on the entire Inca Trail.

Covering 16km (10 miles) over around 9 hours, it’s a serious day of hiking, but every step is worth it. Keep your eyes peeled along the way for hummingbirds and a wonderful variety of other bird species that call this part of the trail home.

Reaching the top is a feeling like no other. Take it all in, you’ve earned it!

Good news today is a gentler affair after yesterday’s climb, and your legs will be very grateful for it.

Today’s highlight is the ascent to Phuyupatamarca, meaning Village in the Clouds, one of the most impressive archaeological sites along the entire trail. The views of the mountains, canyons, and surrounding landscape are, without doubt, some of the most spectacular you’ll see on the entire tour. Take your time up here.

Covering 10km (6.2 miles) over around 5 hours, it’s a lighter day on the trail, with the group arriving at camp in the afternoon. Plenty of time to rest those legs before the big finale tomorrow!

It’s an early start today, but trust us on this one. You’ll make your way to the Sun Gate checkpoint to be among the first through the gates, arriving just as the sun rises over Machu Picchu. It’s the kind of view that stops you in your tracks.

From the Sun Gate, it’s downhill to the Citadel itself. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, this 15th century Incan citadel was abandoned during the Spanish conquest and lost to the world for over 400 years before being rediscovered in the early 20th century. Take your time here, you’ve walked a long way for this moment.

After soaking it all in, the Expedition Train takes you back through the Urubamba River canyon towards Cusco. Keep your eyes on the steep canyon walls for a glimpse of Wiñay Wayna along the way, before a private vehicle drops you back at the hostel.

The evening is yours. A massage is strongly recommended!

You’ve just completed the Inca Trail. Sleep in, you’ve earned it.

When you’re ready to rejoin the world, Cusco has plenty to keep you busy at your own pace. Ask your hostel about massage recommendations, or dive into one of the many activities they offer on site.

Fancy learning to make a pisco sour or trying your hand at a ceviche class? Now’s your chance. There are additional excursions available too, and if you haven’t picked up some cruelty-free llama-fur clothing or accessories yet, today is the perfect opportunity.

Just a heads up – if you’re keen to book any hostel activities, we’d recommend doing so on arrival to avoid missing out!

Today we’re heading to Puno, but this is far from your average travel day. En route, we’re stopping at Rainbow Mountain, one of Peru’s most extraordinary natural wonders. Its stunning multi-coloured stripes are formed by mineral-rich layers in the earth. Make sure your camera is fully charged! Breakfast and lunch stops will be made along the way.

Arriving in Puno in the evening, you’ll have some free time to get to know this fascinating town, one of the highest in Peru. Explore the town square, pop into one of the unique local restaurants, or find a small bar and soak up the atmosphere. A great introduction to your next stop!

This morning, it’s time for another truly unmissable experience – a boat ride on Lake Titicaca. The highest navigable lake in the world, surrounded by stunning Andean views and with a fascinating history. Along the way, you’ll visit three of the lake’s most incredible islands, including the floating homes of the Indigenous Uros people, created out of reeds as protection against Incan attacks centuries ago.

Enjoy your final evening in Peru at your own pace. Head to one of Puno’s street bars or restaurants, catch a traditional dance show, or ask your Adventure Leader for their top recommendations on how to spend the night!

Time to cross into a new country! This morning we’re boarding the bus from Puno to La Paz, so make sure your passport is handy as you’ll be passing through customs today. Your Adventure Leader will be with you throughout and will confirm departure times in advance.

Once settled in, it’s time to explore Bolivia’s capital. Your walking tour takes in La Paz’s central square, where you’ll find the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral of La Paz, and the National Congress building, before heading to the witch’s market, a vibrant and mystical hub of traditional remedies, spiritual artefacts, and offerings for Andean rituals.

To top it all off, the cable car awaits. This is the world’s highest and longest urban cable car network, with an epic bird’s eye views of the sprawling city and Andean peaks. Not a bad way to end your first day in Bolivia!

Today marks the start of one of the tour’s greatest highlights, a 3-day overland adventure in 4x4s across Bolivia’s salt flats and otherworldly landscapes, all the way to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile!

We’ll begin in Uyuni with a visit to the Train Cemetery, home to old, abandoned locomotives from Bolivia’s mining era rusting in the desert, before heading to the world-famous Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world. Next up, Incahuasi Island, also known as Fish Island, where giant cacti grow amidst the vast white flats and a picnic lunch awaits with some truly spectacular panoramic views.

The afternoon is all about those perspective-bending photos the salt flats are famous for, your Adventure Leader will show you the ropes! Note that photo activities are weather dependent, so your Adventure Leader will confirm the plan closer to the day. Wind down for a relaxing evening with your group in a guesthouse in the middle of the desert.

Please note the Salt Flats itinerary is subject to change. Your Adventure Leader will keep you updated throughout.

Today marks the start of one of the tour’s greatest highlights, a 3-day overland adventure in 4x4s across Bolivia’s salt flats and otherworldly landscapes, all the way to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile!

We’ll begin in Uyuni with a visit to the Train Cemetery, home to old, abandoned locomotives from Bolivia’s mining era rusting in the desert, before heading to the world-famous Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world. Next up, Incahuasi Island, also known as Fish Island, where giant cacti grow amidst the vast white flats and a picnic lunch awaits with some truly spectacular panoramic views.

The afternoon is all about those perspective-bending photos the salt flats are famous for, your Adventure Leader will show you the ropes! Note that photo activities are weather dependent, so your Adventure Leader will confirm the plan closer to the day. Wind down for a relaxing evening with your group in a guesthouse in the middle of the desert.

Please note the Salt Flats itinerary is subject to change. Your Adventure Leader will keep you updated throughout.

Thought the views couldn’t get any better? We’ll start our morning with a visit to the Chiguana Desert. This sprawling sand landscape is framed by volcanoes, including the still-active Ollagüe Volcano.

Along our route today, we’ll stop at the striking Laguna Cañapa, Laguna Hedionda, and Laguna Honda, where you can spot flamingos and other amazing wildlife. Witnessing the varied colours of these lagoons, caused by mineral deposits, are a true bucket list moment!

In the afternoon, we’ll continue to the Siloli Desert to see the famous Stone Tree (Arbol de Piedra), a unique rock formation shaped by wind erosion. Continuing the theme of mind-blowing landscapes, we’ll pay a visit to Eduardo Avaroa National Park and visit the (nothing short of mesmorising) Laguna Colorada, a red-hued lake rich in minerals and home to large flocks of flamingos.

Settle down for the evening with your group for some dinner and well-earned rest!

An early start today, but absolutely worth it. We’re kicking off at the Sol de Mañana geyser field to catch the sunrise.

Next, take a soothing dip at the Polques Hot Springs, soaking in the thermal waters while taking in the sweeping desert landscape all around you. The perfect way to round off three days on the salt flats.

Then it’s time to cross into our fourth and final country! We’ll make our way across the Bolivian-Chilean border and descend into the Atacama Desert, arriving in San Pedro de Atacama in the afternoon. Feeling energetic? Ask your Adventure Leader about sand boarding in Death Valley, a fantastic optional activity to round off the day. Otherwise, the evening is yours to relax and unwind. You’ve had quite the three days!

For your final full day, we’re heading out on a bike tour to the Lunar Valley (Valle de la Luna) near San Pedro de Atacama. This surreal, moon-like landscape of otherworldly rock formations, vast sand dunes, and salt flats offers unreal views of the Atacama Desert and the Andes. A fitting way to spend your last day on the road!

And we’ve saved the best for last. Your final night together is spent at an observatory under one of the clearest and darkest skies in the world. Shooting stars, constellations, and the Milky Way in detail. The perfect send-off for an unforgettable adventure.

And just like that, your South American adventure comes to an end. Take the morning to say your goodbyes, swap numbers, and reflect on the incredible journey you’ve shared together.