Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting: Cartagena & Finishing: Cartagena

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 - Starting: Cartagena & Finishing: 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.

Day 3 - Starting: Cartagena & Finishing: Santa Marta

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.

Instructions

Please note hot water is uncommon in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Showers are likely to only have cold water while visiting this area.

Day 4 - Starting: Santa Marta & Finishing: Adán Camp

Transfer to Machete Pelao, where the trek to the Lost City of Teyuna begins. Trek for 4-5 hrs each day 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.

Day 5 - Starting: Adán Camp & Finishing: Wiwa Camp

The route starts along the Buritaca River, taking you further into the vivid green jungle past small villages en route to the camp for the evening. After a long day of trekking, enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the natural swimming pools.

Day 6 - Starting: Wiwa Camp & Finishing: 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.

Day 7 - Starting: Teyuna Paraiso Camp & Finishing: 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.

Day 8 - Starting: Ciudad Perdida & Finishing: Taganga

After a final morning trek back to Machete Pelao, transfer to the fishing village of Taganga for an afternoon of rest and relaxation.

Day 9 - Starting: Taganga & Finishing: Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Enjoy an overnight excursion to beautiful Tayrona NP. Explore the park's lush greenery, extended beaches and turquoise Caribbean waters.

Day 10 - Starting: Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona & Finishing: Taganga

Enjoy a half-day in the park, then return to Taganga for one more night on the Caribbean.

Day 11 - Starting: Taganga & Finishing: Medellín

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.

Day 12 - Starting: Medellín & Finishing: Bogotá

Opt to go paragliding over the city or catch a ride on the cable car. Board a night bus to Bogotá.

Day 13 - Starting: Bogotá & Finishing: Bogotá

Orientation walk around the vibrant La Candelaria area. Free time to explore Colombia's capital city; check out the riches at the Gold Museum, take a funicular car up Monserrate Hill for sweeping views of the city, or catch a fútbol (soccer) match if it's game day.

Day 14 - Starting: Bogotá & Finishing: Bogotá

Enjoy a second day to explore Colombia's capital.

Day 15 - Starting: Bogotá & Finishing: Otavalo

Fly to Quito and transfer to Otavalo and spend one night at an indigenous community. Interact with the locals and learn about their traditional ways during a homestay. Opt to enjoy a cultural evening and show with typical food.

Day 16 - Starting: Otavalo & Finishing: Cotopaxi

Visit the famous Otavalo artisan market for a morning perusing colourful textiles, art, carvings and jewelry made by people from nearby communities. Afternoon bus to Cotopaxi to enjoy a couple of nights in Andean beauty.

Day 17 - Starting: Cotopaxi & Finishing: Cotopaxi

Opt to visit a lagoon at elevation, hike national park trails or go down Cotopaxi Volcano by mountain bike.

Day 18 - Starting: Cotopaxi & Finishing: Quito

Enjoy the morning in Cotopaxi before travelling back to Quito for an orientation walk and optional night out.

Day 19 - Starting: Quito & Finishing: Quito

Depart at any time.

Instructions

Consider booking additional nights in Quito for further exploration of Ecuador's capital city.

More Information

What’s Included

5-day Lost City of Teyuna trek. Overnight excursion to Tayrona NP. Beach time in Taganga. Visit to Otavalo Market. Orientation walks in Medellin, Bogotá, and Quito. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Highlights

Trek to the Lost City of Teyuna, party in Colombian cities, get active in Cotopaxi, experience local life in an Ecuadorian homestay.

Dossier Disclaimer

Itinerary Disclaimer

Important Notes

Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. Some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour after your trip concludes.

Group Leader Description

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs), a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it’s the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 14.

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Transport

Local bus, 4×4, boat, hiking, plane, minibus.

About our Transportation

This trip combines a variety of transportation types. At G Adventures, we believe that getting there is half the fun. When it comes to getting around, public transport is often the best and most colourful way to go. You’ll be using a combination of public buses, private vans, ferries, boats and taxis to get from here to there.

Local Flights

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Solo Travellers

Accommodation

Simple hotels (11 nts), camping (5 nts, hammocks or rustic bunks), overnight bus (1 nt), homestay (1 nt).

My Own Room Exceptions

Nights 4-7: Lost City trek, Night 9: Tayrona National Park (hammocks)

About Accommodation

Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Latin America (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.

Please note if you are a single traveller, you can expect to share accommodation with one or two other travelers of the same sex for the duration of your trip. Using multi-share accommodation when available helps us to keep our operating cost down, and these savings are passed onto you. If you are traveling with a friend or companion, we will attempt to keep your accommodation on a twin or double basis, however, ask you to be open to the idea of occasional multi-share rooms.

Joining Hotel

Hotel Villa Colonial
Address: Media Luna 10 # 89, Cartagena, Bolívar 13001, Colombia
Phone:+57 5 6605497

Joining Instructions

To take a taxi to your destination, pick up a taxi voucher from the official stand in the baggage area before getting into a cab which will have the price printed on it depending on where you’re headed. The price to get to the old city or anywhere in the “Centro” area Zone 1 including hotels in Getsemani should not cost more than COP $18,000.
————————————————
The supply of yellow taxis in Cartagena is abundant and cheap so if needed they are the preferred choice. This said, one does not need them within the boundaries of the old town so what is left are the so called Boca Grande development and Convento de la Popa /Castillo San Felipe direction. The first makes sense but the Convento is a bit awkward and the taxi drivers know it so tough negotiations are a prerequisite for not being gauged on the way. Airport rides are regulated and cost no more than 5USD.

Arrival Complications

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Office Quito, Ecuador
During office hours (Weekdays 9am-6pm Local Time)
From outside Ecuador: +593 2250 6610

After hours Emergency number
From outside Ecuador: +593 999 506 000

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0844 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

What to Take

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. It’s best to layer clothes rather than bring a heavy parka so that you can take layers off.

We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

Checklist

Documents:
– Airline tickets (with photocopies)
– Passport (with photocopies)
– Travel insurance (with photocopies)
– Airline tickets (with photocopies)
– Credit or debit cards (see personal spending money)
– Cash in US Dollars
– G Adventures vouchers and trip details
– Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required

Suggested items:
– Camera and memory card(s)/charger
– Reading/writing material
– Small daypack for excursions – for water, camera etc
– Cover for backpacks
– Fleece top
– Windproof/waterproof jacket
– Small towel and swim wear
– Shirts/t-shirts
– Sun hat
– Shorts
– Long trousers
– Hiking pants/track pants
– Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
– Sturdy footwear for hiking
– Sport sandals
– Sunblock
– Sunglasses
– Insect repellent
– Watch or alarm clock
– Water bottle
– Flashlight or headlamp
– Binoculars (optional)
– First-aid kit(should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).

Laundry

Laundry availability is dependent on the location you’re in or the amount of time spent in that location.

We suggest packing enough clothing in case laundry is not available and/or packing laundry soap so you can wash things if needed.

Laundry is available on this trip in Cartagena (Day 1-2), Medellin (Day 11-12), Bogotá (Day 13-14) and Quito (Day 18-19).

Spending Money

Money Exchange

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.

You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Please bear in mind that cost of living in the southern cone countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile) is much higher than the rest of South America, and in the case of Argentina, more comparable with Europe. Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund

Tipping

It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.

Optional Activities

Optional activity prices are subject to change dependent on seasonality or min and max numbers (where applicable). Low season is Feb, Mar, May, Sept, Oct and Nov and high season is Jan, Apr, June, July, Aug and Dec.

Availability may depend on the season or weather conditions.

Post-trip activities can be booked through your CEO.

All prices are per person (pp) and are based on local currencies, listed in approximate USD amounts.

COLOMBIA
Cartagena
Castillo de San Felipe $8 pp
La Popa Hill $4 pp
Guided Boat Tour to El Rosario Islands (Incl. Lunch) $30 – $35 pp (Low/High Season)
Optional Aquarium Show on El Rosario Islands $8 pp
Totumo Mud Volcano Bus Tour (Incl. Lunch) $25 – $35 pp (Low/High Season)
Totumo Mud Volcano Bus Tour (Without Lunch) $20 – $32 pp (Low/High Season)
Chiva Rumba Ride $24 – $32 pp (Low/High season)
Palace of the Inquisition $6 pp (With Eng. Guide $11)
Boat Tour from Cartagena to Isla Baru $50 pp
Modern Art Museum $27 pp
Naval Museum $27 pp Eng. Guide $20 pp

Tayrona National Park
El Pueblito – 2hr Jungle Trek & Ruins. 1hr trek to the Beach. Free Time at the Beach. $20 pp

Medellin
City Tour $25 pp
Pablo Escobar Tour $35
Modern Art Museum – No Charge
Rafting the Cauca River (Class III Rapids) $20
El Peñol – Monolith/Lake Visit $40 pp

Bogotá
National Museum of Colombia $2 pp
Botero Art Museum (Botero, Picasso, Renoir, Monet, Dali) – Donation
City Tour $22 pp
Bike Tour (Half Day) $11 pp
Bike Tour (Full Day) $20 pp

ECUADOR
Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi Volcano National Park – Cotobike Tour & Trekking to the First Refuge $45 pp
Cotopaxi Volcano National Park – Trekking to the First Refuge & Limpiopungo Lake $40 pp
Note: Park Entrance Fee of $40 is Split Between the Number Interested.

Otavalo
Peguche Waterfalls $10 pp
Bicycle Rental (per hour) $8 pp
Indian Community Visit $30 pp

Quito
City and Equator Line Tour $60 pp + ($6 Entrance Fee for Churches & $6 for the Equator Line Museum)
2 pax – City and Equator Line Tour $45 pp + ($6 Entrance Fee for Churches & $6 for the Equator Line Museum)
Middle of the World (Equator Line Tour) $50 pp
Taxi from the Hotel to the Teleferico (Cable Car) $3 pp
Teleferico (Cable Car) Ticket $8 pp
Mindo Cloud Forest (Incl. Eng. Guide & Transportation) $100 pp (+ $10 Lunch & $20 Entrance Fee)
2+ Pax Mindo Cloud Forest (Incl. Eng. Guide & Transportation) $70 pp (+ $10 Lunch & $20 Entrance Fee)
Papallacta Hot Springs – Full Day (Incl. Transportation) $100 pp + $7 Entrance Fee
2+ Pax Papallacta Hot Springs – Full Day (Incl. Transportation) $50 pp + $7 Entrance Fee

Activities are not limited to the above mentioned list. Please ask your CEO for more information.

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Please note your trip travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your Adventure, please consult your physician.

Safety and Security

Medical Form

A Couple of Rules

Travel Insurance

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

Feedback

Newsletter

Max Pax

16

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

Day 2 Optional Activities

• Cartagena City Tour -
• Volcan Tutumo -
• Islas del Rosario National Park -

Day 8 Optional Activities

• Snorkelling -

Day 10 Optional Activities

• El Pueblito Ruins Visit -

Day 11 Optional Activities

• Medellín City Tour -

Day 12 Optional Activities

• Medellín City Tour -

Day 13 Optional Activities

• Gold Museum Visit -
• Paloquemao Market Visit -
• Bogotá City Tour -

Day 14 Optional Activities

• Bogotá City Tour -
• Gold Museum Visit -
• Paloquemao Market Visit -

Day 15 Optional Activities

• Cultural Show -

Day 17 Optional Activities

• Biking Cotopaxi Volcano -

Day 2 Optional Activities

• Islas del Rosario National Park -
• Cartagena City Tour -
• Volcan Tutumo -

Day 8 Optional Activities

• Snorkelling -

Day 10 Optional Activities

• Snorkelling -

Day 11 Optional Activities

• Medellín City Tour -

Day 12 Optional Activities

• Medellín City Tour -

Day 14 Optional Activities

• Bogotá City Tour -
• Gold Museum Visit -
• Paloquemao Market Visit -

Day 15 Optional Activities

• Cultural Show -

Day 17 Optional Activities

• Biking Cotopaxi Volcano -

Day 2 Optional Activities

• Cartagena City Tour -
• Volcan Tutumo -
• Islas del Rosario National Park -

Day 8 Optional Activities

• Snorkelling -

Day 10 Optional Activities

• El Pueblito Ruins Visit -

Day 11 Optional Activities

• Medellín City Tour -

Day 12 Optional Activities

• Medellín City Tour -

Day 13 Optional Activities

• Gold Museum Visit -
• Paloquemao Market Visit -
• Bogotá City Tour -

Day 14 Optional Activities

• Bogotá City Tour -
• Gold Museum Visit -
• Paloquemao Market Visit -

Day 15 Optional Activities

• Cultural Show -

Day 17 Optional Activities

• Biking Cotopaxi Volcano -

Day 2 Optional Activities

• Islas del Rosario National Park -
• Cartagena City Tour -
• Volcan Tutumo -

Day 8 Optional Activities

• Snorkelling -

Day 10 Optional Activities

• Snorkelling -

Day 11 Optional Activities

• Medellín City Tour -

Day 12 Optional Activities

• Medellín City Tour -

Day 14 Optional Activities

• Bogotá City Tour -
• Gold Museum Visit -
• Paloquemao Market Visit -

Day 15 Optional Activities

• Cultural Show -

Day 17 Optional Activities

• Biking Cotopaxi Volcano -

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