Join us on the Colombia & Peru Adventure, two weeks that take you from the buzzing streets of Medellin to the lost city of Machu Picchu. Explore the street art of Comuna 13, climb the giant rock at Guatape, pick coffee beans in the green hills of Salento and ride through Bogota’s old town by bike. Then fly to Cusco, the old heart of the Inca Empire, and trek four days through the Andes to reach Machu Picchu at sunrise. Finish with the colours of Rainbow Mountain and a boat trip on Lake Titicaca. Culture, adventure and a cracking group, all in one trip. Discover Colombia and Peru the ULTIMATE way.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Partner Tour: This Group Tour is operated by our trusted local partners in South America, who look after all transport, accommodation, guiding and on-the-ground logistics. You book and pay with ULTIMATE, and once your tour is paid our partners will be in touch with your pre-departure information. We’re still here to help in the lead up, so reach out to the ULTIMATE team any time.
Day 1: Welcome to Medellin!
Bienvenidos to Colombia! Meet your Group Leader and group for a trip briefing, then head out on a guided walk through Comuna 13, a neighbourhood that has turned its tough past into a showcase of street art, music and local pride. The afternoon is yours to explore the city centre, see Plaza Botero’s chunky sculptures, or line up something wild like paragliding or a football match. Tonight, El Poblado is the place to go out.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Comuna 13 guided walk, Spanish lesson
Day 2: Guatape & Dance Class
Head out of the city to colourful Guatape. Climb the 740 steps up El Penol, the giant rock that towers over the lakes, for one of the best views in Colombia. Wander the bright streets of town, then cruise the reservoir by boat. Back in Medellin, warm up the hips with a group dance class.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Guatape day trip, El Penol climb, reservoir boat ride, dance class
Day 3: Coffee Country
Travel by private minivan into the Coffee Triangle (around 5.5 hours, with a lunch stop). This afternoon you’ll visit a working coffee farm to pick beans, learn how they’re processed and taste the good stuff fresh. Spend the evening in Salento’s pretty main square.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Coffee farm experience
Day 4: Salento to Bogota
Explore Salento on a walking tour with your leader, then enjoy some free time in the morning. In the afternoon transfer to Pereira and catch a short flight to Bogota, Colombia’s big, buzzing capital. The evening is free, and the Gold Museum is a great first stop.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Salento walking tour, flight to Bogota
Day 5: Bogota by Bike
See the old town of La Candelaria, Plaza Bolivar and the Presidential Palace on a bike tour, with a stop to try exotic Colombian fruits. Later, ride the cable car up Monserrate for huge views across the city. Tonight is free, and there’s an optional night out at one of South America’s biggest clubs.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Bogota bike tour, Monserrate cable car
Day 6: Fly to Cusco
Fly from Colombia to Cusco in Peru, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. After check-in, your leader runs a trek briefing so you know exactly what to pack for the next four days. Take it easy tonight and let your body adjust to the altitude.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Flight to Cusco, trek briefing
Day 7: Cusco & Sacsayhuaman
Get to know Cusco on a walking tour of its cobbled streets, plazas and best food spots, before walking up to the impressive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman (entry is optional). Grab an early night, as tomorrow the trek begins before sunrise.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Cusco walking tour
Day 8: Inca Trail – Day 1
Pick-up is early this morning, with a breakfast stop in Ollantaytambo on the way to the trailhead. Today’s walk is around 12km through Andean valleys and past small Inca sites, carrying just a day pack while the trek team moves the camping gear. Arrive at camp to find your tents set up.
Accommodation: Camping
Included: 4 day trek begins, trek meals
Day 9: Dead Woman’s Pass
The big one. Today is around 16km and 9 hours of walking, including the steep climb to Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest point on the Inca Trail. It’s tough, but the views from the top are unforgettable, and the cloud forest on the way down is full of birdlife.
Accommodation: Camping
Included: Trek meals
Day 10: Village in the Clouds
A shorter day of around 10km. Visit Phuyupatamarca, the ‘village in the clouds’, and other ancient ruins along the trail, then reach your final camp in the afternoon with time to rest up before the big finish.
Accommodation: Camping
Included: Trek meals
Day 11: Machu Picchu
Up before dawn to reach the Sun Gate and watch the sun rise over Machu Picchu, then head down to explore the Inca citadel. Afterwards, take the train back through the Urubamba canyon and transfer to your hostel in Cusco. You earned this one.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Machu Picchu entry, train to Cusco
Day 12: Free Day in Cusco
A well-earned free day. Sleep in, book a massage, try a pisco sour or ceviche class, or go shopping for alpaca wool at the markets.
Accommodation: Hostel
Day 13: Rainbow Mountain to Puno
Hit the road towards Lake Titicaca, stopping on the way to see the striped colours of Rainbow Mountain. Arrive in Puno in the evening, one of the highest towns in Peru.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Rainbow Mountain visit
Day 14: Lake Titicaca
Head out on Lake Titicaca by boat, visiting three islands including the famous Uros floating islands, built entirely from reeds. Tonight is your last night together, so get out and enjoy Puno’s bars, restaurants or a traditional dance show.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Lake Titicaca boat trip
Day 15: Adios South America!
Say goodbye to your group this morning. Check-out is at 10am and the tour finishes here. Extra nights in Puno can be booked if you’d like to stay longer.
To make your booking, choose your departure date and any optional extras you'd like. Not sure about extras, or need extra accommodation before or after your tour? No worries, just let us know later by email.
How the price works: the tour price is shown in the booking panel, then a 1.75% online booking fee is added at checkout — that's the price you see on the tour page. You'll see both lines before you pay. No card surcharges, and nothing is added after that.
Once you've booked, we'll send your booking confirmation along with important information about your tour.
Travelling solo? Great! Most of the people you meet on tour will also be on a solo adventure! If you are curious as to who you could be travelling with, or want to make some friends before arriving, join our Travel Community and reach out to your potential new travel mates!
Booking with ULTIMATE is easy! We take payments securely via Mastercard or Visa Credit and Debit Card and we will charge you in Australian Currency (AUD). Your deposit is flexible and if you can no longer travel, you can save your deposit for a later trip or destination if you notify us 30 days before your scheduled tour date.
Making your booking is easy. Choose a date below, and if you have any questions about extras, deposits, or meeting other travellers, just get in touch — we're happy to help.
Where does the tour start and finish?
The Colombia & Peru Adventure starts in Medellin in Colombia and finishes in Puno in Peru on Day 15. Your trip briefing is on Day 1, so plan to arrive in Medellin the day before or early that morning.
Who will I be travelling with?
Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends, you’ll join a group of up to 20 like-minded travellers from Australia and around the world, aged 18–55 (most are in their mid-20s to early 30s). Most people travel solo, so you’ll make friends fast.
Do I need vaccinations?
Vaccinations aren’t compulsory for this trip, but we recommend talking to your GP or a travel doctor at least 6–8 weeks before you leave about recommended vaccines for Colombia and Peru, including yellow fever. Check Smartraveller for the latest advice.
Can I book extra nights?
Yes, extra nights before the tour in Medellin and after the tour in Puno can be booked. Just let us know when you book.
Do I need a visa?
Visa requirements depend on your passport. Australian passport holders can currently visit Colombia and Peru visa-free for short tourist stays, but rules change, so check the latest entry requirements before you travel. Your passport must match the one used to book your trek permit.
Can I bring a 25kg suitcase?
We recommend a backpack or soft bag. A 10kg carry-on is included on domestic flights and a 23kg checked bag can be added for an extra fee. On the trek you’ll carry a day pack only and your main bag is stored or moved for you.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Most dietary requirements, including vegetarian and vegan, can be catered for on included meals and on the trek. Let us know when you book so our partners can plan ahead.
Can you help me organise flights & insurance?
Sure! We recommend booking flights once your tour is confirmed. Get in touch and our team can help you with flights and travel insurance, which is compulsory for this trip.
How physical is the tour?
This tour is rated high intensity. The 4 day trek has long days of up to 16km with a steep climb over Dead Woman’s Pass, plus early starts and nights camping. You’ll also climb 740 steps at Guatape and walk a lot in the cities. A decent base level of fitness is recommended.
Will I experience altitude sickness?
Cusco, the trek and Puno are all at high altitude, so some mild symptoms like headaches or shortness of breath are common. The itinerary includes time in Cusco to acclimatise before the trek. Take it slow, drink plenty of water and speak to your doctor before you go.
What optional activities can I do?
Optional extras include paragliding, a football match and tejo in Medellin, a night out in Bogota and entry to Sacsayhuaman in Cusco. Your leader will share the latest prices on Day 1.
What if the Inca Trail is sold out?
Inca Trail permits are very limited and often sell out 4–6 months ahead, so book early. If permits aren’t available you’ll do the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu instead. There’s also a non-trekking option with a Sacred Valley tour, cooking class and train to Machu Picchu.
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