Colombia, Andes & Galápagos
62 days from Cartagena to La Paz
From $ 7599
Duration62 days
book now

Got two months? Want to make the most of them? There can be no better way to do so than one of the most sprawling of all our South American trips. Imagine 60 solid days spent exploring Colombia’s Lost City, ambling around Machu Picchu after conquering the Inca Trail in Peru, enjoying a homestay deep in the Amazon jungle, and snorkeling with sea lions in the Galápagos Islands. With a week of camping in the Galápagos included, there’s no possible way you’ll go home feeling like you missed out on anything in South America.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 62 days
    Service level: Basic
  • Starts in: Cartagena
    Physical Grading: Demanding
  • Ends in: La Paz
    Ages: 18+
Colombia, Andes & Galápagos - Tour Map

Itinerary

Expand all
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

Enjoy a free day to explore Ecuador's capital. Stay in the city, take a day trip to the equator, or the nearby hot springs.

End place: Quito

Day 22: Quito/San Cristóbal Island

Start place: Quito

Fly to the Galápagos Islands. Visit the Interpretation Centre in the afternoon to learn about the natural history of the area. Explore the trails around the centre and opt to snorkel at nearby Las Tijeretas.

End place: San Cristobal Island

Meals: B, L, D
Day 23: San Cristóbal Island

Start place: San Cristobal Island

Enjoy a free day to explore San Cristóbal Island, where the sea lion population rivals the human one. Opt to snorkel at Kicker Rock, visit Playa Mann, or La Lobería.

End place: San Cristobal Island

Meals: B, D
Day 24: San Cristóbal Island/Isabela Island

Start place: San Cristobal Island

Travel by speedboat to Isabela Island. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife on the way and enjoy a stop for lunch on Floreana Island. Stretch your legs and enjoy a meal at the G supported-community restaurant to support the local community before continuing on to Isabela. Please note that travel between islands is done by speedboat. The ride can be quite rough, especially from July to December. Make sure to bring sea sickness medication if you are prone to sea sickness.

End place: Isla Isabela

Meals: B, L, D
Day 25: Isabela Island

Start place: Isla Isabela

Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano for spectacular views from above. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to go snorkeling, visit the giant Tortoise breeding centre or the Flamingo lagoon. Please note that space may be limited for optional activities during high season, these activities are operated by third-party operators and will be subject to availability.

Due to increased volcanic activity in Sierra Negra for safety reasons some hiking areas are restricted at this time.

End place: Isla Isabela

Meals: B, D
Day 26: Santa Cruz Island

Start place: Santa Cruz

Enjoy free time to explore Santa Cruz Island. Opt to visit the highlands, hike out to the stunning Tortuga Bay, or explore the otherworldly Las Grietas freshwater lagoon.

End place: Santa Cruz

Meals: B
Day 27: Isabela Island/Santa Cruz Island

Start place: Isla Isabela

Transfer by speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and enjoy a night in the town of Puerto Ayora. Please note, the accommodation for the night is multi-share in a hostel.

End place: Santa Cruz

Meals: B
Day 28: Quito

Start place: Quito

Enjoy a free day to explore Ecuador's capital. Visit the city's old town, take a day trip to the equator, or Cotopaxi volcano.

End place: Quito

Meals: B
Day 29: Quito/Tena

Start place: Quito

Travel overland to the jungle city of Tena, located on the edge of the Amazon. From there, transfer by truck to the local community of Pimpilala. Stay in rustic wooden huts in the community of a Quichua family, enjoy the hospitality of these wonderful people, and experience life in the jungle first-hand.

End place: Tena

Meals: B, L, D
Day 30-31: Tena

Start place: Tena

Head out on nature walks and learn about uses of traditional plants, their cultural beliefs, and local traditions in the Amazon jungle.

End place: Tena

Meals: B, L, D
Day 32: Tena/Baños

Start place: Tena

Travel to Baños, the perfect setting to get your adrenaline pumping, try out horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, or rafting in the surrounding mountains.
Meals: B
Day 33: Baños
Enjoy a free day in Baños, opt to check out the swing at the end of the world, soak in nearby hot springs, or, check out ziplining.
Day 34: Baños/Cuenca
Ecuador's third largest town, Cuenca, retains a pleasant provincial air with its colonial architecture, art galleries, and museums. The surrounding countryside is an outdoor playground. Visit national parks, take walks in the beautiful countryside, and see Ecuador’s only Inca ruin site.
Enjoy the scenery on the way to the charming town of Cuenca.

End place: Cuenca

Day 35: Cuenca

Start place: Cuenca

Enjoy a free day in beautiful Cuenca. Explore the city’s sights including cobbled streets, red-tiled roofs, art galleries, flower markets, shady plazas, and museums or opt to visit nearby Cajas National Park or the Inca ruins of Ingapirca. Later, catch an overnight but to Mancora.

End place: Cuenca

Day 36: Máncora
Arrive early into the seaside town of Mancora, a village populated by fishermen and surfers from around Peru and the world. Chill out and breathe in the salty air.
Day 37: Máncora
Opt to relax on the beach, discover Mancora, go horseback riding, or take a surf lesson.
Day 38: Máncora/Huanchaco
Free time in Mancora. Overnight bus to Huanchaco.
Day 39: Huanchaco
We continue heading south along the coast to Trujillo, the largest city in northern Peru. It is known for its beautiful colonial structures and nearby attractions of Chan-Chan ruins and the resort town of Huanchaco, where we spend the night.
Enjoy more beach time or opt to visit pre-Inca sites or the city of Trujillo.
Day 40: Huanchaco/Lima
Full day in Huanchaco before boarding a night bus to Lima.
Day 41: Lima
To get a feel for colonial Lima, take a cab to the Plaza de Armas and watch the changing of the Palace Guard in the afternoon. Walk around the streets surrounding the Jirón de la Unión for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to experience life in a large South American city. There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera. An optional city tour visits many of the cities highlights.
Explore Peru's capital on an optional city tour or simply relax. Be sure to try the tasty ceviche and pisco sours.
Meals: B
Day 42: Lima
Enjoy the day exploring the city. Opt to pre-book the Lima Cooking Class and learn how to cook some classic Peruvian dishes using ingredients from the local market.
Day 43: Lima/Paracas
Savour a pisco sour while staying in Pisco's neighbouring town of Paracas.
Free morning in Lima before travelling by bus to Paracas.
Meals: B
Day 44: Paracas/Nazca
There is time in the morning for an optional excursion to the popular Ballestas Islands, which provide an excellent chance to view a lively sea lion colony, pelicans, penguins, and other varieties of birdlife.

Back on land, catch a bus south to Nazca. On the way, pass by the pleasant colonial town of Ica.

Ica enjoys a dry, sunny climate year-round and is known for its huge sand dunes. Located around the nearby oasis of Huacachina, the dunes are perfect as subjects for photographs and for a favourite local past time: sandboarding. Apart from the dunes, Ica is famous for its wines and there are several wineries and distilleries in the area.
Optional visit to Ballestas Islands before travelling to Nazca. En route, stop at a winery and at the oasis of Huacachina.
Meals: D
Day 45: Nazca/Arequipa
Opt for a flight over the Nazca Lines. Overnight bus to Arequipa.
Day 46: Arequipa
Those with an interest in history and architecture may opt to visit the Convent of Santa Catalina, which offers a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a bygone way of life. Other optional excursions include rafting and mountaineering.

For spicy food lovers, checking out one of the “Picanterías” is a must. Arequipa has a variety of regional food: alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces.
Opt to explore the Arequipa on a city tour or soak in a local hot spring.
Day 47: Arequipa/Colca Canyon
Enjoy an overnight excursion to the impressive Colca Canyon - one of the deepest canyons in the world. Stop in fascinating villages and at “miradors” (scenic lookouts), where, with a little luck, visitors can see Andean condors soaring over the majestic Andes. Other unusual animals that can be spotted in the Andean landscape include three different species of camelids: alpaca, llama and vicuña.
Take a full-day tour of the spectacular Colca Valley, and opt for a soak in hot springs.
Meals: B
Day 48: Colca Canyon/Arequipa
Get an early start to go on the lookout for flying condors. Travel from Chivay town to a condor viewpoint to admire these magnificent birds in the air. On the way back, stop by some local villages and viewpoints to see old terraces and sections of Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in the world.
Set out looking for the majestic soaring condors over Colca Canyon. Head back to Arequipa to enjoy the city in the evening.
Meals: B
Day 49: Arequipa/Cusco
Explore Arequipa and opt to take a city tour. Take an overnight bus to Cusco.
Meals: B
Day 50: Cusco
Free time to explore Cusco. Choose to pre-book the optional Cusco Cooking Class. Opt for a city tour or go whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking.
Day 51: Cusco
Enjoy another free day in Cusco. Choose to pre-book the Cusco Cooking Class.
Meals: B
Day 52: Cusco/Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is a major Inca ruin site and a first taste of what lies ahead. For those craving more before they head out on the Trail, opt to take a Sacred Valley tour which includes a visit to a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op.
Learn about the Sacred Valley en route to Ollantaytambo. Opt to take a Sacred Valley tour with a visit to a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op.
Meals: B
Day 53: Inca Trail
Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
Depart Ollantaytambo by van to km 82 where the hike begins. A crew of local porters, cooks, and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you’ll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 54: Inca Trail
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 55: Inca Trail
Cross two more passes and ruins along the way. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through cloud forest on the gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley.

At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
Meals: B, L, D
Day 56: Machu Picchu/Cusco
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Wake up around 03:30 and walk to the checkpoint. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site and free time to explore. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge, if time allows.

Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet any non-hiking members of your group. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon.
Meals: B
Day 57: Cusco
Free day to explore more of Cusco or just relax.
Meals: B
Day 58: Cusco/Puno
Travel through the high Altiplano region to travel to Puno on Lake Titicaca.
Meals: B
Day 59: Puno/Lago Titicaca

Start place: Puno

Head out by boat across Lake Titicaca. Visit the community on Taquile Island and enjoy a local lunch with spectacular views.

After, cruise to another village for an overnight homestay on the shores of the lake (the homestay location can vary based on community availability). This experience provides an opportunity to learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and to participate in local traditions. Eat with the family, learn some Quecha and Spanish language skills, try on traditional costumes, and help out with daily chores around the village.
Guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a local village.
Meals: B, D
Day 60: Lago Titicaca/Puno
Leave the homestay families late morning, and visit the Uros Islands on the way back to Puno. A popular optional activity in Puno is a visit to the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site only a short drive away.
Visit the floating islands of Uros. Optional visit to the Sillustani burial site.

End place: Puno

Meals: B, L
Day 61: Puno/La Paz

Start place: Puno

Enjoy a full-day drive around the lake and through the Altiplano to La Paz. Bolivia is filled with spectacular views of the countryside. La Paz sits nearly 4,000m (13,120 ft) above sea level, so be prepared for cool evenings and mornings.
Cross over into Bolivia for a night out in the highest city of the trip. Oxygen bar anyone?

End place: La Paz

Meals: B
Day 62: La Paz

Start place: La Paz

Depart at any time.

End place: La Paz

Download brochure

Inclusions

Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Wiwa Community Visit & Lunch, Gotshezhy Village Your G for Good Moment: Floreana Community Restaurants, Floreana Island Your G for Good Moment: Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products Your Local Living Moment: Indigenous Community Homestay, San Clemente Your Local Living Moment: Amazon Jungle Experience, Tena Your Discover Moment: Baños Your Discover Moment: Lima Your Foodie Moment: Huacachina Winery Visit, Huacachina Your Discover Moment: Cusco Your Big Night Out Moment: Cusco Your Local Living Moment: Lake Titicaca Homestay, Lake Titicaca
  • Lost City of Teyuna trek (5 days)
  • Tayrona National Park excursion (excluding February departures)
  • Overnight desert camping (Tatacoa)
  • Visit to Otavalo Market
  • Orientation walks in Medellin and Quito
  • San Clemente homestay
  • Interpretation Centre visit (San Cristóbal Island)
  • Sierra Negra Volcano hike (Isabela Island)
  • Isabela Island highlands camping
  • Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
  • Opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, and incredible wildlife encounters (Galápagos Islands)
  • Beach time in Taganga, Mancora, and Huanchaco
  • Pachamanca ceremony (Nazca)
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Inca Trail hike with a local guide, cook, and porters (4 days)
  • Amazon Jungle and Colca Canyon excursions
  • Lake Titicaca excursion
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Transport

    Local bus, 4x4, Boat, Truck, Speedboat, Van, Motorized canoe, Train, Hiking, Plane, Minibus

  • Accommodation

    Simple hotels (39 nts, some multi-share), Hostel (4 nts, multi-share), Camping (7 nts), Hammock or rustic bunks (4 nts), Overnight buses (4 nts), Homestays (2 nts), G Adventures-supported community lodge (1 nt)

  • Meals

    42 breakfasts,
    15 lunches,
    16 dinners

Save up to 50% on tours! Get exclusive access to members-only deals by email.

Subscribe to our newsletter