Cartagena To Quito

All content by Intrepid

19 days (ex Cartagena)

Destinations visited: Ecuador, Quito, Colombia, Cartagena, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$1,160

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Description

Be a part of Columbia's revival on this exciting overland adventure. Travel through the Colombian countryside and discover quaint cities, coffee plantations, sleepy seaside towns and grand volcanic landscapes. With lots of opportunity to interact with outgoing, friendly locals, this is a great chance to have a genuine travel experience to talk about for years to come. Taking in the best spots and attractions of this fascinating country, this trip provides a unique insight into a nation that is rapidly evolving. Visit Colombia and be touched by the authenticity of this flourishing country before finishing the adventure in Ecuador's capital, Quito.

Highlights

Wander through the fairytale city of Cartagena.
Relax by the calm lake waters that lap at the town of Guatape.
Travel to Medellin and learn about Colombia's chequered past.
Get a caffeine-fix at a plantation in Los Nevados National Park.
View dramatic volcanic landscapes in Purace National Park.
Wonder at Santuario de Las Lajas.
a hidden Colombian highlight.
Walk through colourful textile markets.
Join the cafe culture of Quito.
Visit the wild.
unspoilt beaches of Tayrona National Park.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Cartagena

Wander around beautiful Cartagena on a guided city tour. Discover Cartagena's old town, an exceptionally well preserved area full of cobblestone laneways, charming buildings and busy cafes. Experience the therapeutic effects of a mud bath on an optional visit to a bubbling mud volcano.

Days 3-4 Covenas/San Bernardo Islands

Head to the Morrosquillo Gulf and camp on the beaches of Covenas. Tour the free beaches of San Bernado Islands and lookout for the diverse range of wildlife from bright pink flamingos to multi-coloured crabs.

Days 5-6 Medellin

Travel to Columbia's second largest city and get involved in the vibrant nightlife of Medellin. Perhaps take a day trip to the local markets and open central courtyard of Santa Fe de Antioquia.

Days 7-9 GuatapÃ©

Stay lakeside, surrounded by the rolling countryside of GuatapÃ©. Browse stalls on the board walk or climb the El Penon de Guatape, a 650 foot tall granite monolith that provides magnificent views over the water.

Days 10-11 Manizales

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 12 Los Nevados National Park

Explore the savage but beautiful landscape of Los Nevados National Park, home to a unique combination of wildlife and vegetation as well as a wild, contrasting landscape.

Days 13-14 Cali

Party the night away as you bar hop through Cali or relax in the bohemian cafes of the city's San Antonio neighbourhood. Why not step out and take an optional salsa class.

Day 15 Popayan

Discover the old town of Popayan and take a day trip to admire the spectacular volcanic landscapes of the Purace National Park.

Day 16 Ipiales

Drive to the Ecuadorian border and explore the town of Ipiales. Perhaps take time to visit the area's prime attraction, Santuario de Las Lajas - believed to be the site of many miracles and apparitions. Set dramatically amid impressive mountain scenery, Las Lajas is a hidden highlight of Colombia.

Day 17 Otavalo

Farewell Colombia and travel across the border into Ecuador. 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, Ecuador's enthralling capital. 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.

Group Size

Maximum of 22 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed, subject to 4 people travelling

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (10 nts), Hotel (5 nts), Hostel (3 nts)

Transport

Overland vehicle

Budget

Allow USD $350 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$1,160

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