Cartagena to Quito on a Shoestring
21 days
from Cartagena to Quito
From
$ 2209
Duration21 days
Colombia is an underrated country for travellers, but with our safe, social, and budget-friendly group trips, we want to change that. After all, there’s so much culture and beauty to this region that it would be a shame to let it go unexplored – plus you can say you got here before everyone else. Over three weeks, you’ll go from Colombia to Ecuador, hiking to the Lost City of Teyuna, relaxing on warm beaches and camping under the stars in the Tatacoa Desert. You’re sure to find something you love in these countries.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 21 daysService level: Basic
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Starts in: CartagenaPhysical Grading: Demanding
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Ends in: QuitoAges: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Cartagena
Start place: Cartagena
Arrive at any time.
End place: Cartagena
Day 2: Cartagena
Start place: Cartagena
Free day to explore this coastal colonial city. Wander the historic old town, check out the San Felipe fortress, or get dirty with a mud bath and massage at Totumo Volcano.
End place: Cartagena
Meals: B
Day 3: Cartagena/Santa Marta
Start place: Cartagena
Travel by public bus to this coastal port town. Free time to visit the Gold Museum with its collection of Lost City artifacts, chill out on the beach and pick up any last minute necessities for the upcoming trek.
Please note hot water is uncommon in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Showers are likely to only have cold water while visiting this area.
End place: Santa Marta
Meals: B
Day 4: Santa Marta/ Wiwa Camp
Start place: Santa Marta
Transfer to Machete Pelao, where the trek to the Lost City of Teyuna begins. Trek through farmland, steamy jungle, and rural Kogi communities. Get a glimpse into the local way of life in the remote river valleys of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Wiwa Camp /Teyuna Paraiso Camp
Continue trekking along the route to Ciudad Perdida. Today is a tough portion of the trek with a lot of steep inclines, make sure to rest and take in the beautiful views. Arrive at the campsite in the afternoon and relax by the river.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Teyuna Paraiso Camp/ Wiwa Camp
Get started early to climb the 1,200 steps up to the Lost City. The view of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains makes it well worth the hike. Explore the Lost City and learn what is known of its origins from the indigenous guide, before making the descent back to Wiwa Camp for the night.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Wiwa Camp /Ricardito Camp
Follow the path back through the deep jungle, wind through banana trees, cacao plants and small Kogi communities on the way to Ricardito Camp. The nickname for this camp is vista hermosa or beautiful views, sit back and soak them in.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Gotsezhi Village/Taganga
Head across grassy hills and gentle streams to reach the Gotsezhi Wiwa indigenous community. Enjoy a G Adventures-supported community lunch cooked by women from the community with local ingredients. Learn about Wiwa customs on a village visit and then lounge in a hammock by the river. In the afternoon, return to Taganga for a well deserved night in a hotel.
End place: Taganga
Meals: B, L
Day 9: Taganga/Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Start place: Taganga
Head into Tayrona National Park for a moderate hike with a local guide. This is a perfect opportunity to experience nature and learn a little more about the rich, natural diversity of northern Colombia.
Please note that Tayrona National Park is usually closed during the month of February. The indigenous groups in the area believe that mother nature needs a month of rest, and maintenance to the park is done during this time. If your trip falls in February, you will visit the laid-back town of Minca. Enjoy a visit to a coffee plantation, a hike to a waterfall and learn about local cacao production.
End place: Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Meals: B, L
Day 10: Taganga/Medellín
Start place: Taganga
Fly inland to infamous Medellín, now one of Latin America's safest cities. Enjoy an orientation walk upon arrival and an optional night out with the group.
Meals: B
Day 11: Medellín
Opt to go paragliding over the city or catch a ride on the cable car.
Day 12: Medellín/Salento
Drive through beautiful landscapes to Salento.
End place: Salento
Day 13: Salento
Start place: Salento
Opt to take a morning hike through the towering palms of the Cocora Valley, or choose from a variety of other optional activities in the coffee region of Quindío.
End place: Salento
Day 14: Salento/Tatacoa Desert
Start place: Salento
Enjoy the ride to the Tatacoa Desert to spend the night under the stars.
End place: Desierto de la Tatacoa
Meals: B
Day 15: Tatacoa Desert/San Agustín
Start place: Desierto de la Tatacoa
Head out into the impressive Tatacoa desert and explore the rocky canyons. The morning is free to choose how you wish to explore, opt to go for a hike or go horseback riding. After, travel to San Agustin.
End place: San Augustin
Meals: B
Day 16: San Agustín
Start place: San Augustin
Visit the San Agustin Archaeological Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 500 sculptures scattered through the hillside.
End place: San Augustin
Meals: B
Day 17: San Agustín/Popayán
Start place: San Augustin
In the morning travel to Popayán and explore this beautiful colonial town.
Meals: B
Day 18: Popayán/Pasto
Head further south to Pasto, wander around and keep an eye out for local ice cream makers out in the streets.
Meals: B
Day 19: Pasto/Otavalo
Visit the striking Lajas Sanctuary, built on a bridge in a lush gorge, this neo-Gothic church is sure to impress. After, cross the border into Ecuador and continue on to Otavalo for the night.
End place: Otavalo
Meals: B
Day 20: Otavalo/Quito
Start place: Otavalo
Visit the famous Otavalo artisan market for a morning perusing colourful textiles, art, carvings, and jewelry made by people from nearby communities. In the afternoon, drive back to Quito.
End place: Quito
Day 21: Quito
Start place: Quito
Depart at any time.
Consider booking additional nights in Quito for further exploration of Ecuador's capital city.
End place: Quito
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Wiwa Community Visit & Lunch, Gotshezhy Village Your Local Living Moment: Indigenous Community Homestay, San Clemente
- Lost City of Teyuna trek (5 days)
- Guided tour of the Lost City
- Tayrona NP Excursion (excluding February departures)
- Beach time in Taganga
- Overnight desert excursion (Tatacoa)
- Visit to Otavalo Market
- San Clemente homestay
- Orientation walks in Medellín and Quito
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Local bus, 4x4, Hiking, Plane, Minibus -
Accommodation
Simple hotels (13 nts), Hostel (2 nts multi-share), Camping (4 nts in hammocks or rustic bunks), Desert camping (1 nt) -
Meals
16 breakfasts,
6 lunches,
4 dinners