JH Colombia

1 Apr 2025 – 30 Sept 2025 · by jday1410

Destinations

London, United Kingdom
Quito, Ecuador

It begins! 3N/3or4D - arrive from LDN (TBC), 3-4D free (TBC-flight/jetlag etc), depart (pm from Terminal Carcelén - North Quito, 1h 22min). Activities: explore city/walking tour/museums etc.; El Panecillo mountain peak; Pichincha Volcano; Mitad del Mundo (?). Bus to Otavalo (1h22m) or Ibarra TBC (2hr 15m; every 30m-1h daily).
Otavalo, Ecuador

2N/3D - arrive (TBC), 2.5D free, depart (PM). Bus to Quito (1.5h). Activities: Festival de Yamor (early Sept?), explore town/sights (Museo Otavalango, condor rescue centre*); famed market (best day: Wed & Sat); day trips (Mojanda or San Pablo or Cuicocha Crater Lake, Peguche or Taxopamba Falls, Cayambe - biscuit factory, Cotacachi - leather capital). *Free flight demonstrations 2x per day (11:30 & 15:30 TBC). https://www.michwanderlust.com/2017/08/12/15-things-to-do-in-otavalo/; https://www.michwanderlust.com/2017/07/28/otavalos-hidden-gems-part-1-idyllic-rose-cottage-and-the-taxopamba-waterfalls/; https://www.michwanderlust.com/2017/08/02/otavalos-hidden-gems-part-2-lagunas-de-mojanda-and-cuicocha/
Quito, Ecuador

Change buses in Quito on way back from Otavalo (or Ibarra) to Mindo.
Quito, Ecuador
Mindo Valley, Ecuador

2N/2D - arrive (PM), 1.5D, depart (PM). Activities: explore the town; butterfly farm; birdwatching; hiking + waterfall/s (cable car? Nambillo or Reina); zip-lining; chocolate factory. Bus to Quito (1.5-2.5 hours) OR Bus to Latacunga (4.5 hours) IF we don't go to Cuyabeno.
Quito, Ecuador

1N/0D - arrive (PM). Overnight stay only, depart (AM). Bus: Latacunga (1.5-2h, multiple times daily).
Cotopaxi, Ecuador

0N/1D - arrive (AM), 1D to hike up to hut on Cotopaxi Volcano (1-2 hours) (north of Latacunga). Hve to catch Latacunga-Quito bus and ask them to drop at entrance to Cotopaxi National Park. Tour included w. accomm.
Quilotoa Lake, Ecuador

0N/1D - arrive (AM), 1D to hike Quilotoa Lake crater. Tour included w. accomm. depart (TBC). Bus: Latacunga-Quilotoa (2h20min/$US2-4, multiple times a day).
Banos, Ecuador

2N/2D - arrive (PM), 2D free, depart to Guayaquil (early AM). Activities: 'Rutas de Cascadas', 'Pailon del Diablo', zip-lining; hiking; 'edge of the world' swing (La Casa Del Arbol), sunset over Tungurahua volcano; walk Mirador Bellavista (city view); thermal baths. Bus: Banos-Lago Agrio (8-9h overnight, 10:45pm/$US 17 - “Transportes Baños”).
Cuyabeno, Ecuador

3N/4D - arrive (PM), 3D free, depart (PM). Bus/flight to Nueva Loja before going to Cuyabeno (TBC). Activities: Amazon tour; explore rainforest by boat; see pink dolphins; swim in the lagoon (e.g. https://thisiscarpedm.com/amazon-programs/nicky-lodge-cuyabeno). Transport: https://cuyabenowildlifecenter.com/transport-to-cuyabeno/
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Awk turt life - $20 transit card, $100 National Park fee. 7N/8D. Activities: Wildlife-viewing; exploring; eating; snerdling; chilling. Flight: Dep Thu, Sep 26 1:34 PM Arr 4:52 PM GYE. Also 10:14 AM–1:05 PM (€225) and 12:02 PM–2:53 PM (€241).
Guayaquil, Ecuador

Guayaquil to Cuenca flight, Thu, Sep 26 4:55 PM–5:42 PM LATAM €41 (OR 4h bus/$US10 - terminal right next to the airport)
Cuenca, Ecuador

2N/1.5D - arrive (PM), 1-2 days to explore, depart (late afternoon). Activities: walking tour, Catedral Nueva, Parque Calderón, Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción (1 of the largest in SA), Museo Pumapungo (insights into diverse cultures, inc. ancient Inca & Cañari civilizations), El Barranco, Cajas Natoinal Park, Baños de Cuenca, Ingapirca ruins. Bus: Cuenca-Loja (~4h/$US10, hourly).
Loja, Ecuador

1N/1D - arrive (PM), 1 day free to explore city. Bus: Loja-Vilcacabamba (1h10m, 1 service every 15 mins, 1 service 4x/day) (OR stay 0 nights and 3 nights in Vilcabamba and to Loja day trip?)
Vilcabamba, Ecuador

3N/4D - arrive (PM), 2 days free to explore (OR day trip to Loja if staying here 3 days). Activities: hiking (e.g. Mandango trail 4-6h; Vitcos Ruins / White Rock; Vilcabamba la Vieja trek), eco-lodges, spa retreats, yoga, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, and exploring smaller villages. Transport to Peru: TBC (possibly a mission!) ADDED 1 day for travel.
San Ignacio Province, Peru
Chachapoyas, Peru

3N / 4D - arrive (pm), 3D free, depart (TBC). Activities (1 per day): hike to Gocta falls (5h round); tour (?) to Kuelap; tour to Revash / Leymebamba Mummies / hummingbird café. O/N bus to Trujillo at 18:30 (13h).
Gocta Cataracts, Peru

Activity transfers https://thecuriousvicuna.wordpress.com/2018/12/06/4-days-in-chachapoyas-one-of-perus-best-kept-secrets/; https://www.machutravelperu.com/blog/gocta-waterfall
Trujillo, Peru

2N / 3D - arrive (8:00), 3D free (inc. arrival / departure), depart (21:00). Activities: visit beach at Huanchoco, town centre, Chan Chan, Huaca del Sol & de la Luna. Spring festival late Sept / early Oct. O/N bus to Huaraz at 21:00 (9h).
Huaraz, Peru

6N / 7D - arrive (6:00), 6D free (inc. arrival), depart (9:30). Bus: Huaraz-Barranca at 9:30 (5h). Suggest acclimatizing on days 1/2 (Laguna 69 / Wilka Lagoon / Churup / https://galloparoundtheglobe.com/huaraz/), then https://andinotrek.com/tour/santa-cruz-trek/#tab02 for days 3-6. Shorter hike option https://andinotrek.com/tour/piscobc-laguna69-trek/#tab02.
Barranca, Peru

2N / 3D - arrive (14:30), ~1D free, depart (am TBC, frequent buses). Activities: visit Caral (~3h exc. drive time). Bus: Barranca-Lima (3.5h).
Caral, Peru

Note: mandatory visit with Spanish guide https://www.timetravelturtle.com/peru/visit-caral-supe/
Lima, Peru

3N / 4D TBC: arrive (am), 1-2D free, depart (TBC, frequent buses). Bus: Lima-Nazca (7.5h). Activities: Art & Larco (pre-Columbian artifacts) Museums; Miraflores & Barranco districts; Huaca Pucllana clay pyramid (1h); Cathedral of Lima Optional extra (instead of Paracas / Ballestas Isle): https://dumitrip.com/guides/swimming-with-sea-lions-in-palomino-islands
Nazca, Peru

1N / 2D: arrive (pm), 1/2D free, depart (20:40). O/N bus to Cusco (15h). Activities: (suggest early am) flight over Nazca lines, optional extras: https://kittiaroundtheworld.com/best-things-to-do-in-nazca-peru/#Best_Things_to_Do_in_Nazca_Peru.
Cusco, Peru

8N / 9D - arrive (a.m.), 1 day chill, 2D Machu Picchu (by train), 1 day SV tour, 4 day trek (TBC), depart (a.m. for Manu). Pick-up in Cusco to get to Manu (+ return). Can take an O/N bus (10h, $7-$35) or fly from Cusco to Arequipa (1h),
Cachora, Peru

Departure point for Choquequirao Trek (difficult) - can do a 7-9 day hike inc. MP (below) - OR - a 4 day hike of this trail. https://worldlyadventurer.com/choquequirao-trek/
Aguas Calientes, Peru

Typically a 4 day trek (plus pre-trek briefing the day prior). Most companies recommend spending time in Cusco to acclimatize prior to starting the trek. INCA TRAIL VS LARES VS SALKANTAY ROUTE TBC?
Sacred Valley, Peru

Recommend a day tour to visit the key sites - e.g. https://www.getyourguide.com/cusco-l359/from-cusco-chinchero-moray-ollantaytambo-and-pisac-tour-t418844/ or https://www.getyourguide.com/ollantaytambo-l93095/from-cusco-sacred-valley-and-moray-salt-mines-t317787/
Vinicunca, Peru

Haven't added details as not sure how fussed I am if we don't do it on the way back from Manu.
Tambopata, Peru

3N / 4D - OR - Manu (above). 30min flight Cusco to Tambopata so would hugely reduce travel time; flights not every day though. Could do something like https://www.rainforestexpeditions.com/travel-offers-to-the-amazon-rainforest/
Manú Province, Peru

4N / 5D - This trip requires 10-11 hours of travel from Cusco to Manu, and allegedly lodges are more $. If keeping, suggest combined tour of Manu + Vinicunca (e.g. https://www.manurainforestperu.com/manu-rainforest-tour-rainbow-mountain-5-days.php)
Cusco, Peru

O/N stay - arrive late, depart next day to fly to Arequipa.
Arequipa, Peru

4N / 5D - arrive (TBC), 2-3D Colca Canyon trek, depart (14:00). Bus: Arequipa-Puno (14:00-20:30). # of days will depend on tour - OR - trek length https://www.alongdustyroads.com/posts/colca-canyon-trek-guide. Also worth spending a day exploring Arequipa 'white city'. Bus: O/N or daytime transfer (5h) to Puno (can also investigate bus from Chivay direct from Colca to Puno).
Puno, Peru

3N / 4D - arrive (20:30), *, depart (early am). Bus: Puno-Cop (4h, 6:30 or 7:00 TBC). *Only reason to stay in Puno 2 nights is for accomm pre- and post- overnight homestay in Uros. E.g. https://titicacatravel-ip.com/es/tour/lago-titicaca/islas-de-los-uros-y-taquile; https://titicacatravel-ip.com/en/tour/ lake-titicaca/uros-floating-islands-homestay-tour-lake-titicaca; https://www.kanootours.com/amantani-homestay-lake-titicaca-peru-2-days#itinerary
Lake Titicaca, unknown
Copacabana, Bolivia

3N / 4D - arrive (midday), ~3D free, depart (pm). Activities: https://alongsandybeaches.com/things-to-do-in-copacabana/
La Paz, Bolivia

4N / 5D - arrive (17:30 or 22:00), 3D free, depart (TBC). Transfer: flight La Paz to Santa Cruz (1h5m, multiple flights per day). Activities: Witches Market; Valley of the Moon, Devils Point (1/2 day?); Mirador Killi Killi; Calle Sagarnaga (souvenir shopping - Mistura); Sopocachi (eateries); El Alto tour; Jaen Street; Museum of Ethnography.
Tiwanaku, Bolivia

Full-day trip to Tiwanaku - can DIY https://www.boliviabella.com/tiwanaku-on-your-own.html or book thru https://www.kanootours.com/tiwanaku-pre-inca-ruins
Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

5N / 6D - arrive (TBC), 5D free, depart (TBC). Bus: Santa Cruz - Samai (3h, freq. buses). Activities: 3 day trip to National Park TBC (see below) - OR - day trip to Amboro Nat Park border (e.g. Jardin de las Delicias / Los Volcans hike or O/N?), Cathedral of St Lawrence, Plaza 24, Met. Cathedral, Biocentro Guembe (animal refuge).
Amboró, Bolivia

Giant sloth at Mataracu; follow Las Palmeras trail and / or La Orquidea + La Cascada; fishing / kayaking / rafting / canoeing at Cajones del Ichilo river.
Samaipata, Bolivia

3N / 4D - arrive (TBC), 2D free, depart (TBC). Bus: Samai-SC (3h, freq. buses). Activities: El Fuerte (historical), Las Cuevas Park (3 waterfalls / forest); Refugio Zoologico (rescue centre). https://www.onmycanvas.com/samaipata-bolivia-things-to-do/
Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

If we arrive early enough to Santa Cruz, can get straight on O/N bus to Cocha (20:00-6:00).
Cochabamba, Bolivia

1N / 2D - arrive (am), O/N stay, depart (am). Bus: Cocha-Toro (4-5h, rec. leaving early). Activities: Cristo de la Concordia statue / park, 'gastronomical capital of Bolivia' (sopa de mani (peanut soup), silpancho (schnitzel-style meat with fried egg & rice), pique macho (fried potatoes & meat), chicharron (fried pork).
Torotoro, Bolivia

2N / 3D - arrive (pm), 1D free, depart (am). Bus: Toro-Cocha (4-5h) then get straight on O/N bus to Sucre (21:30, 8-9h) OR fly (40m, ~USD $30). Activity: full-day tour (e.g. https://www.shallwegohometravel.com/how-to-visit-torotoro-national-park-bolivia/)
Sucre, Bolivia

3N / 4D - arrive (am TBC), 4D free (inc. arrival / departure), depart (21:00 / 22:00). Bus: Sucre-Uyuni (O/N, 8h). Activities: Cretacico Park (5km away); San Felipe de Neri monastery; Treasure Museum; Casa de la Libertad; Museum of Indigenous Art; Plaza 25 de Mayo; Cathedral + Monasterio de la Recoleta; replica Eiffel Tower; Mercado Central. Inca Trail day hikes: https://www.boliviaspecialist.com/hikes-sucre.php. Maragua Crater (day trip to geological formation / stunning landscapes; Seven Cascades (hike / swim).
Tarabuco, Bolivia

Sunday market @ Tarabuco (1.5h drive) - small mountain village w. colourful market.
Sucre, Bolivia
Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia

3N / 4D - arrive (5:00 / 6:00), 4D free, depart (TBC). Haven't added buses as if we take a tour, we can inc. transport to SPdA. Sample itinerary: https://elonthemove.com/tupiza-to-uyuni-tour/, https://www.rutaverdebolivia.com/tour/tupiza-uyuni-san-pedro/ ; https://travelbycarlavianna.com/salar-de-uyuni-tour-bolivia-travel-guide/; https://traveloutlandish.com/blog/salar-de-uyuni-tours-bolivia/
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

3N / 4D - arrive (pm), 2/3D free, depart (TBC). 2x buses for 18h to La Serena, or a 1h40 flight for USD$40 (preference). Activities: Moon Valley, Altiplano and / or Cejar and / or Chaxa Lagoon, Yerbas Buenas Petroglyphs, Salar de Atacama, El Tatio geysers & Puritama Hot Springs, Rainbow Valley, Salar de Tara. https://www.biancarods.com/travel-blog/atacama-without-tour
La Serena, Chile

5N / 6D - arrive (TBC), 3D free, depart (TBC). Activities: 2-3D in Serena (beach, monumental lighthouse, architecture, archaeological museum, Japanese garden) - PLUS - 2-3D in Elqui Valley (pisco tasting / tours, hiking, stargazing). Alternative day trip - https://theungracefulguide.com/chile-penguin-reserve/. Bus: Serena to Vicuna / Elqui (2h), return to La Serena to travel onwards to Valparaiso (below).
Vicuña, Chile

Bus: La Serena to Valparaiso (5-6.5h, frequent) - option to do O/N bus from 23:00-6:30.
Valparaíso, Chile

3N / 4D: arrive (TBC), 3D free (inc. departure), depart (TBC). Bus: Valparaiso-Santiago (2h, frequent). Activities: exploring the city, day trip to Vina Del Mar (10-15 mins away by PT; https://www.foratravel.com/guides/AXUY2V/the-ultimate-4-day-itinerary-for-exploring-valparaiso-chile-molly-brown). NB: suggest reducing by 1 night if taking O/N bus from La Serena.
Santiago, Chile

3N / 4D: arrive (TBC), 3D free, depart. Activities: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Articles-l2wXqK3rVzBw-3_days_in_santiago_itinerary.html#85e116e2-df8c-46b5-ae11-369c6f1a0ce8; could do a full-day trip to Aconcagua in Argentina.
Aconcagua, Argentina
Easter Island, Chile

4N / 5D: arrive (likely pm), 4D free (inc. departure), depart (likely 16:20). NEED TO LOCK IN FLIGHTS ASAP DUE TO COST (31/10 - 05/11 looking good). Activities: https://www.travelyesplease.com/travel-blog-4-days-in-easter-island/.
Santiago, Chile

1N - flight from Easter Isle gets in late. Train to Talca next day (2.5h, 5x per day)
Talca, Chile

2N / 3D - arrive (TBC), 1.5D free (inc. arrival), depart. Bus: Talco-Temuco (5-6h, multiple per day). Activities: wine tasting, 1 big day trip to Enladrillado hike in Lircay National Park.
Lircay Arriba, Chile

https://intothearmsofamerica.com/destinations/chile/quick-guide-to-talca/
Temuco, Chile

2N / 3D - arrive (TBC), 1D free, depart (TBC). Bus: Temuco-Pucon (1.5h, 3x per day). Activities: day trip to Conguillio National Park.
Pucón, Chile

4N / 5D - arrive (TBC), 3-4D free, depart (TBC). Bus: Pucon-Puerto Varas (5.5h or O/N). Activities: https://backroadpackers.medium.com/5-days-in-pucon-chile-the-perfect-travel-itinerary-1529c87a6638; https://www.madalyneloree.com/post/pucon-chile-travel-guide
Puerto Varas, Chile

2N / 3D - arrive (TBC), 1-2D free (inc. arrival / departure), depart (TBC). Bus: PV-Chiloe Island (4h, 4x per day). Activities: day trip to Lake Petrohue, explore town / famous church, etc.
Petrohue, Chile

https://compassesandquests.com/saltos-del-petrohue-lago-todos-los-santos/
Chiloé Island, Chile

-- need to decide if this is worth it - makes for a very long journey to Bariloche (unless broken up with a night in Puerto Montt). 3N / 4D - arrive (TBC), 2.5D free, depart (TBC). Bus: Chiloe-San Carlos (10h). Activities: https://www.chile.travel/en/uncategorized/explore-chiloe-in-3-days-visit-the-best-this-magical-chilean-island-has-to-offer-2/; https://goaskalocal.com/blog/travel-guide-to-chiloe-chile#:~:text=Chilo%C3%A9%20is%20rather%20remote%2C%20but,ferries%20to%20the%20main%20island. May need to take a hire car?
San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

4N / 5D - arrive (TBC), 4D free (inc. arrival), depart (8:45). Flight: SCdB-El Calafate (2h, 8:45 daily); bus: El C.-El Chalten (3h, USD~$20). Activities: day trip to Villa La Angostura; https://www.torntackies.com/bariloche-itinerary/#Quick_overview_of_what_to_do_in_Bariloche_in_3_days
Villa La Angostura, Argentina
El Calafate, Argentina

Take a bus direct from airport to El Chalten (3h, ~$20 USD) - will come back via El Ca. to get to Puerto Natales.
El Chaltén, Argentina

3N / 4D - arrive (pm), 2D free, depart (17:00?). Bus: El Ch.-El Ca. (3h, 17:00 - alternatives available). Activities (e.g.): Mirador Los Condores; Laguna De Los Tres Trek; Cerro Torre hike; Chorillo de Salto. See excel for details (ditto El Calafate).
El Calafate, Argentina

3N / 4D - arrive (20:00), 2D free, depart (8:00). Bus: El Ca.-Puerto Natales (5h, none on Monday's). Activities (e.g.): Puerto Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares Park (full-day excursion).
Puerto Natales, Chile

7N / 8D (added extra nights to shop / prep before trek; rest after) - arrive (14:00), 5D trek, depart (3h, frequent buses). W trek guides: https://worldlyadventurer.com/torres-del-paine-national-park/#1_Hike_the_W_trek; https://www.andreaference.com/blog/the-w-trek-pataognia-chile; https://www.twofortheworld.com/hiking-the-w-trek-in-patagonia/
Punta Arenas, Chile

2N / 3D - arrive (TBC - aim for 1/2 day), 1.5D free, depart (8:00, 12h :( ). Activities: Fort Bulnes, waterfront & city centre, cemetry, museums, 1/2D trip penguins (e.g. https://gopatagonic.com/punta-arenas-in-3-days-recommended-itinerary/#Day_1_Visit_to_Fort_Bulnes_the_waterfront_and_the_city_centre).
Ushuaia, Argentina

? - arrive (8pm).
Tierra del Fuego, unknown
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Mendoza Province, Argentina
Córdoba Province, Argentina
Iberá Wetlands, Argentina
Iguazu Falls, unknown
Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
Medellín, Colombia

Transit: arrive Medellin 7:00 -> bus to Guatape (~2h bus, multiple times per day).
Guatapé, Colombia

1N / 2D - arrive, visit town centre & hike El Penon; return to Medellin (~2h bus, multiple times per day).
Medellín, Colombia

2N / 3D - arrive (TBC), 1D free, depart (early a.m.). Flight from Medellin-Nuqui 11:15-12:00.
Nuquí, Colombia

3N / 4D - arrive (~12:00), 2.5D free (inc. arrival), depart (~11:00 or 14:00). 1h flight - approx. £110 return. Need to pay tourist tax on arrival. Activities: whale watching, https://aventurecolombia.com/en/things-to-do-in-nuqui/?. Return flight 10:50-11:40 or 14:10-15:07.
Medellín, Colombia

TBC 1N stay - arrive Medellin airport ~12:00 and stay O/N - OR - bus direct to Jerico (~3h, every 2h).
Jericó, Colombia

2N / 3D - arrive, 1D free, depart (13:00?). Activities: hike Cerro Las Nubes (sunset? 3h round), visit main plaza. Chivas: (x2) from Jerico-Jardin, depart 13:00 (TBC).
Jardín, Colombia

2N / 3D - arrive (18:00?), 1D free, depart (8:00?). Activities: Cristo Rey hike (3h round), La Garrucha (hike or cable car - lower priority). Bus: Jardin-Riosucio at 8:00 (4.5h), Riosucio-Salento (4.5h).
Salento, Colombia

5N / 6D - arrive (late pm), 2-3D free, depart (TBC). Activities: Cocora Valley and/or Tochecito / La Carbonera (both wax palm forests), Los Nevados National Park, coffee tour OR overnight in coffee plantation? E.g. coffee tour / hotel - https://www.fincaelocasosalento.com/w/*
Cocora, Colombia

Option 1: https://salentotrekking.co/trek/classic-loop/ (3D hike) - OR - Option 2: Cocora DIY 15km (1D) + https://paramotrek.com/en/tour/sanctuary-of-palms-nature-and-peace/ (1D)
Tochecito, Colombia

*Bus from Salento-Neiva is via Armenia so could O/N there and do coffee stuff (vs in Salento)? https://www.haciendabambusa.com/ or https://www.combia.com.co/en) https://www.madalyneloree.com/post/travel-guide-to-armenia-colombia? Skipped Pereira (https://haciendavenecia.com/)
Armenia, Colombia

*Can bus from S-A in 1h and spend the night - OR - bus straight to Villavieja / Tatacoa (Salento-Armenia 1hr; Armenia-Neiva 11:00, 6-8h; Neiva-Villavieja 1h).
Neiva, Colombia
Villavieja, Colombia

3N / 4D - arrive (pm) with observatory visit (stargazing), 1D free, depart (pm). Activities: see below (can stay overnight in desert on night 2?).
Tatacoa Desert, Colombia

From Villavieja - take a tuktuk to TD; round trip to both Red & Grey Deserts is 60k COP pp (~15 USD) inc. 2-4h tour for viewpoints. Extra 30k COP pp (8 USD) for Xilopalos trail (https://www.cartagenaexplorer.com/desierto-de-la-tatacoa-desert/).
Neiva, Colombia

Villavieja-Neiva 1h; Neiva-Cali 8-12h (can do O/N bus).
Cali, Colombia

3N / 4D - arrive (am if taking O/N bus), 2D free (inc. arrival), depart. Bus: Cali-Popayan ~3.5h.
Popayán, Colombia

1N - bus to Tierradentro departs at 10:30 so suggest O/N in P after arriving from Cali. Bus: Popayan-San Andres de Pisimbala/Tierradentro (4-7h; usually leaves in the morning).
Paez people, Colombia

3N / 4D - arrive (pm), 1D free to visit the park, depart (7am). Bus: Tierradentro-La Plata (7am, 1.5h, 15k COP - ask guesthouse to book a seat); La Plata->Pitalito (9:00, 3h, 25k COP); Pitalito->San Agustin pick-up truck (45min, 6k COP).
San Agustín, Colombia

3N / 4D - arrive (pm), 1D free to visit the park, depart (early). Bus: San A-Pitalito (45min); Pitalito-Mocoa (3h); Mocoa-Pasto (4.5h).
Ipiales, Colombia

1N - arrive + visit Las Lajas (20m walk), depart early next a.m. for border crossing. Taxi from Ipiales bus stn (10k COP) to Rumichaca, get an exit stamp / exchange currency, walk over bridge (3min), get entry stamp, taxi or bus to Tulcan (15min, taxi $4), bus to Otavalo (market town - 3h) or Quito (5-6h).
Las Lajas, Colombia
Rurrenabaque, Bolivia

4N / 3D - arrive (TBC), 3/4D free, depart (TBC). Transfer: flight Rurre to Santa Cruz via La Paz (*flights not every day). Suggest 1 night in Rurre to enable an early a.m. departure for a 3 night stay in Madidi National Park. Overview here inc. 3 suggested tour companies: https://www.boliviahop.com/madidi-national-park/ or Chalalan. May need an extra night in Rurre at the end, TBC based on flight times. Fly to Santa Cruz via La Paz.
Cartagena, Colombia
Pasto, Colombia

1N - suggest O/N in Pasto to break up long journey from San Agustin to Ipiales / Las Lajas. Bus: Pasto-Ipiales 2.5h.