Essential Colombia to Chile - 21 Days

Welcome to Medellín, Colombia! Your South American adventure begins this morning with a trip briefing in the hostel lounge, where you’ll meet your group and tour leader for an overview of the journey ahead.

First, explore Comuna 13, a once-troubled but now vibrant neighbourhood known for its striking street art, urban renewal, and outdoor escalators offering panoramic city views. After, enjoy lunch at Mercado del Río, a lively food market, before a Spanish class with your tour leader to pick up key phrases for the trip.

Next, take in Medellín’s highlights, including Plaza Botero, Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe, and Catedral Basílica Metropolitana. Fancy some adrenaline? Opt for a paragliding flight for breathtaking aerial views. Later, consider heading to Estadio Atanasio Girardot for a local football match (subject to fixtures), try Tejo, a Colombian game where you throw clay at gunpowder for a small explosion, or relax with drinks in El Poblado, Medellín’s buzzing nightlife district.

We start the day the Colombian way—with a cup of Medellín’s finest coffee. Today, we're heading to Guatapé, a colourful lakeside town known for its vibrant zócalos and lively streets. Our first challenge is climbing the 740 steps up El Peñol, a towering granite rock with breathtaking panoramic views.

After exploring the town, we hop into kayaks and paddle across the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir, admiring the rolling hills, colourful houses, and the rock from below. Back in Medellín, we end the day with a tango class, embracing the energy and rhythm of this iconic dance, inspired by the legendary Carlos Gardel.

Medellin - Salento. We’re up early and on the road to Salento, a charming town in Colombia’s Coffee Triangle, known for its colourful colonial architecture, lush plantations, and the towering wax palms of the Cocora Valley. Our 6–7 hour minivan journey gets us there by early afternoon, where our tour leader will be waiting.

Next, we dive into a must-do experience at Finca El Ocaso Coffee Farm. From picking beans to learning the coffee-making process and tasting the final brew, we’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for Colombian coffee.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Why not soak up the town’s traditional culture in the central plaza?

Salento - Cali. Today, we’re off to Cali, Colombia’s salsa capital, surrounded by mountains and buzzing with energy. After a morning bus transfer, we arrive in time to relax by the hostel pool before heading out to explore.

In the afternoon, we visit Plaza de Caycedo, the city’s central square lined with towering palms and rich in history. Nearby, we admire the Catedral Metropolitana, a striking Neo-Gothic landmark overlooking the plaza.

Next, guided by local experts, we uncover Cali’s rebellious spirit, exploring the city’s salsa roots, its role in social movements, and its artistic expression through murals and music.

The evening is ours to enjoy—why not hit one of Cali’s top salsa clubs and dance the night away? With a slow morning ahead, there’s no need to hold back!

Cali - Bogotá. Enjoy a relaxed morning soaking up the sun by the pool.

In the afternoon, we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Bogotá, Colombia’s high-altitude capital in the Andes. On arrival, we head to the hostel for a well-earned evening of rest.

We start the day with a bike tour, pedalling through Bogotá’s vibrant districts, including La Candelaria, Plaza Bolívar, the Cathedral, and the Presidential Palace.

Next, we stop at a local fruit market, tasting exotic fruits like lulo, uchuva, and passion fruit, as we pass through more local neighbourhoods.

We then cycle to a middle-class district, exploring modern neighbourhoods and National Parks, before heading to a graffiti art experience. Here, we learn about Colombia’s history and culture through street art, visit a gallery, and even try our hand at spray painting.

As the sun sets, we take the funicular up to Monserrate, offering panoramic views of Bogotá from over 3,000 metres above sea level. After exploring the area, including the church, we descend by cable car.

The evening is free for you to enjoy—feeling adventurous? Head to Theatron, Latin America’s largest club!

Bogota - Cusco (Peru). After a week in Colombia, we head to Peru! In the morning, we catch a direct flight to Cusco, the former Incan capital and gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

On arrival, we take a guided walk through Cusco’s historic centre, visiting landmarks like Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral, and San Pedro Market.

We finish the day with a group meal (not included), tasting traditional Peruvian dishes. Get plenty of rest—tomorrow’s adventures in Cusco and beyond are bound to be action-packed!

Inca Trail - Today begins your 4-day trek to Machu Picchu, one of the tour's highlight activities. All meals are included, as there are no shops in the Andes!

The hike today is gentle, allowing for acclimatisation while we enjoy stunning Andean views. You'll only carry a day pack, with larger luggage transported separately.

After hiking, we’ll set up camp, enjoy a meal prepared by our trekking team, and relax under the stars, with the Milky Way overhead in the Andean Mountains.

Please note: The Inca Trail & Alternative Trek Routes

The 4-day trek to Machu Picchu typically follows the Inca Trail, but permits for this route are limited and often sell out 4-6 months in advance. If Inca Trail permits are unavailable, the Salkantay Trek serves as an alternative, offering a more adventurous path through higher altitudes, with one night spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. Trek permits and Machu Picchu entry tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable, requiring a valid passport used during booking. Due to permit limitations and different entry slots, even if you and your group are on the same trek, there’s no guarantee of visiting Machu Picchu at the same time or on the same circuit. These treks are managed by local partner operators, ensuring you have a guide and support, although your group may be split during the visit to Machu Picchu.

Non-Trekking Alternative

For those who prefer not to trek, or if Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek permits are unavailable, a non-trekking alternative is available. This version of the tour includes an additional 2 nights in Cusco, followed by a 2-day, 1-night Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour, with no camping involved. You’ll stay in a hotel on the night before visiting Machu Picchu, and while your time in Cusco will be unguided, you can participate in optional activities such as walking tours, a Peruvian cooking class, or a chocolate-making workshop. Cusco is a safe and beautiful city to explore at your own pace, with our local support team available remotely to offer recommendations and assistance. For more details on these options, feel free to reach out to us

Inca trail - Our second day of hiking takes us through mountain passes, archaeological sites, and breathtaking natural scenery. Keep an eye out for hummingbirds, common in this area.

Today’s trek is more challenging, with uphill climbs, culminating in a final few hours of ascent to reach our next campsite.

Inca Trail - Day three of our trek to Machu Picchu brings some of the most spectacular views yet, starting with a gentle climb. Along the way, we visit the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca, the third-highest point of the trail.

We then descend towards our third campsite, moving from the cooler mountain air to the more humid climate of the Amazon jungle, stopping at the impressive Intipata archaeological site.

Arriving in the afternoon, you'll have some time to rest and recover after a busy few days of trekking.

Machu Picchu - Cusco. Today begins with a very early start (but totally worth it!) as we ascend for breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Not sure what Machu Picchu is? It’s an Incan citadel perched high in the Andes. Built in the 15th century, it served as a royal estate and ceremonial centre before being abandoned during the Spanish conquest. After being forgotten for over 400 years, it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in the early 20th century.

Once we’ve explored, we head back to Cusco, where the evening is yours to relax and explore. Feeling tired? Why not treat yourself to a massage—your muscles will thank you!

After your Andean adventure, today is all about rest! The morning is free for you to enjoy at your own pace in this vibrant city. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, visit a local café for a traditional Peruvian breakfast, or explore Plaza de Armas or the San Pedro Market.

In the afternoon, we regroup and visit Sacsayhuamán, an ancient Incan fortress with massive stone walls, sophisticated masonry, and panoramic views of Cusco and the surrounding valley.

In the evening, why not dive into Cusco’s famous nightlife with a Bar Crawl?

Cusco - Puno. Today, we’re heading to Puno, but not just any ordinary journey – we’re taking the Route of the Sun (Ruta del Sol). This scenic route connects Cusco to Puno, offering breathtaking Andean landscapes, ancient ruins, and cultural landmarks.

Along the way, we’ll visit the stunning Rainbow Mountain, known for its multi-coloured earth. A short 1.5-hour hike will take us up the peak, so make sure your camera is ready!

After hiking back down, we continue our journey to Puno, arriving in the early evening. You’ll have some free time to explore this charming town by Lake Titicaca.

This morning, we embark on a boat ride across Lake Titicaca, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for being the largest freshwater lake in South America and the highest in the world. The Andean views are truly stunning.

We’ll also visit the floating homes of the Uros people, built from reeds as protection against ancient Inca attacks.

The evening is free for you to enjoy in Puno, but an early night is recommended ahead of tomorrow’s early transfer to Bolivia.

Puno - La Paz (Bolivia). We rise early to board a sleeper bus at 5am for the 6-hour journey to La Paz, Bolivia. Arriving around lunchtime, your tour leader will meet you and guide you to your hostel.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore La Paz, Bolivia’s capital. Start at the central square, home to the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the National Congress building. We’ll also visit the witch’s market, a vibrant spot for traditional remedies and spiritual artefacts.

In the evening, enjoy a cable car ride with stunning views of the city and the snow-capped Andes.

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Today, you have the option to mountain bike down the infamous World’s Most Dangerous Road. Known for its lush valleys and stunning landscapes, it’s also notorious for vertical drops of up to 1000m—earning the nickname ‘Death Road’. Don’t worry, we partner with a local company that prioritises safety, so you can enjoy the thrill of the ride in a controlled, secure way.

If cycling isn’t your thing, enjoy a relaxed free day in La Paz, exploring the city at your own pace.

In the evening, we’ll transfer to the bus station and board a lie-flat night bus to Uyuni, arriving in the early morning.

La Paz - Uyuni. Today kicks off an unmissable 3-day adventure across Bolivia’s salt flats and otherworldly landscapes, all the way to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile!

We’ll begin in Uyuni, visiting the Train Cemetery, where abandoned locomotives from Bolivia’s mining era rust away in the desert. Then, we’ll head to Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, offering mirror-like reflections during the rainy season and endless white expanses under a clear sky.

Next, we’ll visit Incahuasi Island (Fish Island), home to giant cacti amidst the vast salt flats, and enjoy a picnic lunch with breathtaking panoramic views.

After lunch, explore more of the salt flats, taking perspective-bending photos (don’t worry, your tour leader will guide you). We’ll wrap up the day with a relaxing evening in a guesthouse in the desert.

The views just keep getting better! We’ll start the morning in the Chiguana Desert, a vast sandscape framed by volcanoes, including the active Ollagüe Volcano.

On our journey, we’ll stop at Laguna Cañapa, Laguna Hedionda, and Laguna Honda, where you’ll spot flamingos and other wildlife, and witness the varied colours of the lagoons caused by mineral deposits—truly a bucket list moment!

In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Siloli Desert to see the famous Stone Tree (Arbol de Piedra), a unique rock formation shaped by wind erosion. We’ll also visit Eduardo Avaroa National Park and marvel at the Laguna Colorada, a stunning red-hued lake full of minerals and home to more flamingos.

We’ll finish the day with a relaxing dinner and a well-deserved rest with your group.

Uyuni - San Pedro de Atacama (Chile). Today begins early with a trip to the Sol de Mañana geyser field to catch the sunrise. Experience the surreal sight of steam rising from boiling mud pots in the chilly morning air at high altitudes.

Next, we’ll visit the Polques Hot Springs for a soak in the thermal waters while enjoying views of the surrounding desert. Afterward, we’ll head to Laguna Verde, a striking green lake at the base of Licancabur Volcano.

Later, we’ll leave Bolivia behind and cross the Bolivian-Chilean border at Hito Cajón, entering Chile and descending into the Atacama Desert. We’ll arrive in San Pedro de Atacama, where you’ll have the evening to relax and unwind.

Opt to spend the morning sandboarding in Death Valley, before embarking on an included bike tour to the Valle de la Luna, home to impressive rock formations, salt flats and sand dunes, with views of both the Atacama Desert and the Andes.

To finish your adventure, you’ll visit an observatory for an unforgettable night under the stars. With one of the clearest and darkest skies on Earth, you’ll marvel at shooting stars, constellations, and the Milky Way in incredible detail.

San Pedro de Atacama - Santiago. Sadly, today marks the end of your South American adventure. We’ll transfer to the airport and board a flight to Santiago, where the tour will conclude upon arrival.