Cartagena to La Paz
Soak up some of the very best of South America on this exciting Overland adventure. Travel through the Colombian countryside and discover quaint cities, coffee plantations, sleepy seaside towns and grand volcanic landscapes. Continue on to explore colourful markets in Equador and to hike Inca trails in Peru before finishing up in the dizzying heights of La Paz. Taking in the best spots and attractions of these fascinating countries, this journey provides a unique insight into nations that are rapidly evolving. Come and be moved by their authenticity and beauty.
Itinerary
Days 1-3 Cartagena
Wander around beautiful Cartagena on a guided city tour. Experience the therapeutic effects of a mud bath on an optional visit to a bubbling mud volcano.
Days 4-6 Tayrona National Park
Enjoy seaside bliss in the spectacular Tayrona National Park. Wild and untouched beaches are scattered along the coastline, bounded by sea-sculptured boulders and reached only by jungle trails. This is a picture-perfect beachside escape well away from the tourist crowds.
Day 7 Tolu
Drive to the fishing town of Tolu and enjoy the serenity of this seaside retreat.
Days 8-9 Medellin
Journey to Medellin. In free time why not take a day trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia to admire its colonial architecture?
Days 10-12 Manizales/Coffee Zone
Head to Manizales for a three-night stay at a hacienda. Tour a coffee plantation and admire scenic mountain vistas on a trip to Los Nevados National Park.
Day 13 Cali
Explore the culturally diverse town of Cali, famous for its lively nightlife.
Days 14-15 Popayan
Discover the old town of Popayan and take a day trip to admire the volcanic landscapes of the Purace National Natural Park.
Day 16 Ipiales
Drive to the Ecuadorian border and explore the town of Ipiales.
Day 17 Otavalo
Browse through the array of bright textiles and colourful crafts available at the famous markets of Otavalo.
Days 18-19 Quito
Enjoy free time in captivating Quito. Visit ornate churches in the Old Town for a dose of architecture and history. Sample local cuisine in one of the many cafes that line the cobblestone streets.
Days 20-22 Amazon Jungle
Venture deep into tropical jungle to discover the region's abundant vegetation and rich array of fauna.
Days 23-25 Rio Verde
Make the most of the year-round temperate climate by enjoying some optional outdoor activities.
Days 26-27 Chugchilan/Quilotoa Loop
Enjoy spectacular views while driving along the winding Quilotoa Loop. Stretch legs on a guided trek and overnight in an eco-lodge nestled on the slopes of the Rio Toachi Canyon.
Days 28-29 Cuenca
Let yourself be enchanted by this delightful city. Take a stroll along cobblestone streets admiring the red-tiled roofs, flower markets and shady plazas that have earned Cuenca the honour of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Days 30-31 Punta Sal
Unwind on the shores of the Pacific or perhaps enjoy some salsa lessons.
Days 32-33 Huanchaco
Visit the fascinating Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum to see famous mummies found buried amidst an array of gold, jewels and fabrics.
Days 34-36 Huaraz
Located high in the Andes, Huaraz has a range of optional activities available. Get active with some mountain biking or perhaps take a day trip to the Pastoruri Glacier.
Days 37-38 Lima
An incredible mix of Latin and Spanish influences, Lima has so much on offer. Descend into the catacombs under the Monastery of San Francisco or head to lively Miraflores for some shopping and a quick drink.
Day 39 Paracas National Reserve
Visit an ancient necropolis or savour grand views of the ocean from a cliff-top lookout.
Day 40 Ballestas Islands/Nazca
Cruise around the Ballestas Islands and spot some of the wildlife that thrives in the area before heading to the ancient Nazca Lines.
Day 41 Puerto Inca
Glimpse into the past at the fascinating Chauchilla Cemetery, which houses some remarkably well-preserved ancient human remains. Camp near Puerto Inca.
Days 42-43 Arequipa
Delight in the distinctive white buildings that dazzle in the sun or perhaps visit the local museum to see the frozen body of a sacrificed Inca maiden.
Days 44-45 Chivay/Colca Canyon
Witness the graceful flight of the Andean condor as it swoops and soars above the dramatic Colca Canyon.
Day 46 Raqchi Homestay
Experience some Peruvian hospitality on an overnight homestay with some of Intrepid's long-term friends.
Days 47-48 Cuzco
Explore South America's oldest continuously inhabited city. Admire the many Baroque churches or discover the city's Inca heritage by visiting the 12-sided stone or the Qorikancha ruins.
Days 49-52 Quechua Community Trek/Classic Inca Trail
Set off on the trek of a lifetime. Hike across high plateaus, pass incredible ruins and visit local Quechua communities before descending into the Sacred Valley. There is also an option to do the classic Inca Trail instead.
Days 53-54 Machu Picchu/Cuzco
Revel in the breathtaking views of this ancient wonder. Discover the site's secrets on a guided tour then explore the citadel at leisure. In Cuzco unwind from trekking in one of the city's great bars or spend some time learning about the region's indigenous culture at the Centre for Traditional Textiles.
Day 55 Puno
Admire the colourful local women in layered dresses and bowler hats.
Days 56-57 Copacabana
Cruise to the famous floating islands of Lake Titicaca then head to picturesque Copacabana. Visit the delightful Moorish-style cathedral or admire a sunset at a lakeside restaurant.
Days 58-59 La Paz
The adventure ends in Bolivia's cultural capital. This atmospheric city is well-worth exploring so why not spend a few days visiting the sights?
