Rio to Cartagena (19 Weeks) Kingdoms & Carnivals — Self-Launched

Fly into Galeao or Santos Dumont and check into a hostel in Botafogo or Santa Teresa (dorms around £14-18/night). Get a RioCard for buses and the metro. Spend the afternoon easing in at Copacabana or Ipanema beach and eat a cheap 'prato feito' dinner (rice, beans, meat, ~£5). Sort a Brazilian SIM (Vivo/Claro prepaid, ~£5) for maps and buses.

🚌Airport bus 2018/Real (~£3) or metro from Galeao

🛏Hostel dorm, Botafogo or Santa Teresa

• →Beach walk at Ipanema
• →Sunset at Arpoador rock
• →Prepaid SIM setup

Take the Corcovado train or van up to Christ the Redeemer (entry ~£20, book via GetYourGuide to skip queue) and the Sugarloaf cable car (~£18). Wander Lapa's arches and Selaron Steps in the evening. Optional favela tour or a samba bar in Lapa.

🚌Metro + local bus (~£4)

🛏Hostel dorm, Botafogo or Santa Teresa

• →Christ the Redeemer
• →Sugarloaf cable car
• →Selaron Steps & Lapa

Catch the Costa Verde bus from Rio's Novo Rio terminal to Paraty (~4.5h, ~£16). The colonial centre is cobbled, car-free and gorgeous. Check into a pousada or hostel (dorms ~£12-15). Evening stroll and a caipirinha by the river.

🚌Long-distance bus Rio–Paraty ~£16

🛏Hostel/pousada dorm, Paraty historic centre

• →Historic centre walk

Book a local schooner (escuna) day trip out of Paraty harbour (~£20-25, book at the pier or via GetYourGuide) to snorkel off islands and beaches like Lula and Praia da Lagoa. Back in town for dinner at a cheap seafood spot.

🚌Walk to pier

🛏Hostel/pousada dorm, Paraty

• →Schooner island day trip
• →Snorkelling

Hire a bike or jump a local bus to the Toboggan waterfall and the Cachaca distilleries along the Paraty-Cunha road (entry free/cheap). Alternatively a jeep tour (~£18). Chill evening.

🚌Bike hire or local bus ~£8

🛏Hostel/pousada dorm, Paraty

• →Waterfall swim
• →Cachaca distillery visit

Long travel day: bus back to Rio or Sao Paulo (or a direct route via Curitiba) then an overnight 'leito' bus to Foz do Iguacu (~£45-55 for the overnight leg, 15-16h total). Book on Busbud/Rodoviaria app. Sleep on the bus.

🚌Buses Paraty–Curitiba–Foz do Iguacu ~£50

🛏Overnight bus

• →Overnight bus journey

Check into a hostel (~£12-15). Take the local bus to Parque Nacional do Iguacu (entry ~£14) and walk the Trilha das Cataratas boardwalk with the panoramic falls view, plus the macaw/monkey trail. Optional boat jet into the falls (~£30).

🚌Local bus to park ~£2

🛏Hostel dorm, Foz do Iguacu

• →Brazilian-side falls trail
• →Birdlife spotting

Cross into Argentina (bus to Puerto Iguazu, ~£5). The Argentine park is bigger: take the Tren Ecologico to the Garganta del Diablo catwalk and both the Upper and Lower circuits. Entry ~£24 — book the ticket online in advance. Spend the day, sleep at a Puerto Iguazu hostel (~£12).

🚌Bus to Argentine park ~£6

🛏Hostel dorm, Puerto Iguazu

• →Garganta del Diablo
• →Upper & Lower circuits
• →Tren Ecologico

Optional: Great Adventure boat ride (~£40), jungle mountain biking (~£25) or whitewater rafting. Or just relax by the hotel pool and prep for the long ride south. Book onward 'cama' bus tickets to Buenos Aires tonight.

🚌Local buses

🛏Hostel dorm, Puerto Iguazu

• →Optional rafting or boat ride

Full-day-plus-overnight in a lie-flat 'cama' bus to Buenos Aires (~16h, ~£45). These are surprisingly comfortable with meals served. Sleep on the bus.

🚌Cama bus Iguazu–Buenos Aires ~£45

🛏Overnight bus

• →Overnight bus journey

Check into a hostel in San Telmo or Palermo (~£15/night). Recoleta cemetery, El Ateneo bookshop and the Obelisk on a free walking tour (tip ~£4). Evening steak at a local parrilla — order shareable meat; wine cheap in supermarkets.

🚌SUBE card + metro ~£3

🛏Hostel dorm, San Telmo/Palermo

• →Free walking tour
• →Recoleta Cemetery
• →Parrilla dinner

Sunday markets along Defensa street, then a group tango class (~£12 via GetYourGuide) and a milonga (some free, some ~£5). Try local helados and empanadas for cheap food.

🚌Metro ~£3

🛏Hostel dorm, San Telmo

• →Tango class
• →Milonga night

See the colourful La Boca (Caminito) in daylight only, wander the regenerated docks of Puerto Madero, then Palermo Soho bars in the evening.

🚌Local bus/metro ~£3

🛏Hostel dorm, San Telmo/Palermo

• →Caminito
• →Palermo bar crawl

Prepare food and start the ~1,800km ride south — buses via Rio Gallegos / Rio Grande take ~36h total. Book the longer leg on the Rodoviaria app or Busbud; consider a cheap flight (~£70-90) if time matters. Overnight bus.

🚌Bus or cheap flight south ~£75

🛏Overnight bus

• →Journey to Tierra del Fuego

Arrive at the end of the world. Check into a hostel (~£16/night). Walk the harbour, visit the Maritime Museum (entry ~£10) and acclimate to the cold. Book Beagle Channel and national park entries for the next days.

🚌Local bus ~£2

🛏Hostel dorm, Ushuaia

• →Harbour walk
• →Maritime museum

Take the bus or the vintage End of the World train (~£20 with park entry) into Tierra del Fuego NP and hike the coastal and Laguna Negra trails (~£12 park entry). Look out for condors and wild horses.

🚌Shuttle bus to park ~£6

🛏Hostel dorm, Ushuaia

• →Tierra del Fuego National Park hike
• →End of the World train

Boat trip on the Beagle Channel (~£40 with GetYourGuide/local operators) to the sea lion colonies and the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse. Penguin Island tours run only seasonally — check locally. Evening warming stew.

🚌Walk to pier

🛏Hostel dorm, Ushuaia

• →Beagle Channel boat trip

Day hike to the Vinciguerra Glacier (full day, free apart from transport) or Emerald Lagoon (easy half day). Join a hostel-organised group or a local guide (~£30).

🚌Taxi to trailhead shared ~£8

🛏Hostel dorm, Ushuaia

• →Glacier hike

Bus across the border and Strait of Magellan to Punta Arenas (~12h, ~£45, book on Bus-Sur). Check into a hostel (~£18). Evening by the waterfront.

🚌Bus Ushuaia–Punta Arenas ~£45

🛏Hostel dorm, Punta Arenas

• →Border crossing
• →Strait of Magellan views

Short 3h bus to Puerto Natales (~£12). Buy Torres del Paine park entry (~£25) and reserve the Catamaran or bus shuttle. Stock up on food at Unimarc for the trek. Hostel dorm ~£16.

🚌Bus ~£12

🛏Hostel dorm, Puerto Natales

• →Trek prep
• →Gear hire

Early bus to the park (~£15 return) and hike the 19km Base of the Towers trek (~8-10h) — the classic view of the three granite towers. Bring lunch; return to Puerto Natales in the evening.

🚌Park bus ~£15

🛏Hostel dorm, Puerto Natales

• →Base of the Towers hike

Boat across Lago Grey to the Grey Glacier (tour ~£60) or hike to the Grey lookout from the trailhead. Alternative: a shorter day hike to Cuernos or a lakeside walk.

🚌Shared shuttle ~£20

🛏Hostel dorm, Puerto Natales

• →Grey Glacier catamaran
• →Lake walk

Self-booked 4-5-day W-Trek starting at the catamaran to Paine Grande (or Lodge-based if you want less gear). Refugios must be booked ahead via the CONAF/Vertice system. Carry all food and water treatment.

🚌Catamaran to Paine Grande ~£30

🛏Refugio / campsite (pre-booked)

• →W-Trek start
• →Paine Grande to Grey or Frances

Hike up the Frances Valley for classic Cuernos views and back to the Frances refugio. Roughly 8h walking.

🚌On foot

🛏Refugio / campsite (pre-booked)

• →Frances Valley hike

Push up to Mirador Britanico if weather allows, then walk along the lake shoreline to Los Cuernos or Cuernos shelter. Sunset over the horns.

🚌On foot

🛏Refugio / campsite (pre-booked)

• →Mirador Britanico
• →Cuernos section

Final stretch past Chileno to the base of the towers, then down to Hotel Las Torres for the bus back to Puerto Natales. Shower, pizza, sleep.

🚌Park bus ~£15

🛏Hostel dorm, Puerto Natales

• →Base of Towers finish

Day trip to Magdalena Island penguin colony via a local boat (seasonal, ~£60) or rest and prepare for the ride north. Resupply food for travel days.

🚌Tour pickup

🛏Hostel dorm, Puerto Natales

• →Penguin colony boat trip

Cross back into Argentina by bus to El Calafate (~5h, ~£25). Check in, walk the shores of Lago Argentino. Optional Perito Moreno glacier excursion next day (~£35 park + transport).

🚌Bus ~£25

🛏Hostel dorm, El Calafate

• →Lake walk

Morning visit to the Perito Moreno glacier walkways (~£50 transport+entry; book online). Then catch an overnight bus / connecting route north toward Futaleufu via Rio Gallegos or bariloche connection (long transfer).

🚌Glacier bus + onward bus ~£70

🛏Overnight bus

• →Perito Moreno glacier

Arrive in the riverside adventure town of Futaleufu after the long crossing. Check into a guesthouse/cabin (~£20). Restock food and meet local outfitters.

🚌Local buses/taxi ~£10

🛏Guesthouse/hostel, Futaleufu

• →River town stroll

Hike to the Ventisquero Colgante (Hanging Glacier) in Queulat NP — either via a local guide (~£45) or by local bus + self-guided loop trail. Stunning hanging ice over a turquoise lake.

🚌Local bus/guide ~£15

🛏Guesthouse/hostel, Futaleufu

• →Hanging Glacier hike
• →Rainforest trails

World-class whitewater: choose a half-day class III float (~£60) or full-day class IV/V (~£100) with a local outfitter like Expediciones Chile or Bio Bio.

🚌Outfitter pickup

🛏Guesthouse/hostel, Futaleufu

• →Whitewater rafting

Local buses via Chaiten and the ferries to Puerto Montt, or the direct bus if running (~12h, ~£35). Puerto Montt and the Lakes District are worth a night before continuing north.

🚌Local buses/ferry ~£35

🛏Hostel dorm, Puerto Montt

• →Lakes District scenery

Long 14h cama bus north to Santiago (~£40). Sleep on the bus, arrive early.

🚌Bus ~£40

🛏Overnight bus

• →Overnight bus

Explore Plaza de Armas, Mercado Central, and take the funicular up Cerro San Cristobal (~£5) for city views. Check in to a Bellavista hostel (~£16). Evening in the Lastarria/Barrio Bellavista bar scene.

🚌Metro ~£4

🛏Hostel dorm, Bellavista

• →Cerro San Cristobal funicular
• →Central Market
• →Bellavista nightlife

Day trip to Casablanca Valley — Casillero del Diablo / Concha y Toro vineyard tours (~£25 with tastings), get the local bus out. Or a combined Curacavi/Valparaiso trip if you prefer the coast.

🚌Local bus ~£8

🛏Hostel dorm, Santiago

• →Casablanca wine tour
• →Tastings

Catch the spectacular bus over the Andes to Mendoza (~6-7h, ~£22). Check into a hostel and hit a cheap parrilla. Consider a night at a vineyard-style hostel.

🚌Bus ~£22

🛏Hostel dorm, Mendoza

• →Andes crossing views

Hire a bike in Maipu or Lujan de Cuyo to hop wineries (~£15 bike hire + small tasting fees ~£10). Or take a shared tour (~£30). Back in town, steak dinner.

🚌Local bus + bike hire ~£18

🛏Hostel dorm, Mendoza

• →Vineyard biking
• →Malbec tastings

Long bus north to Salta (~16h, ~£35) — or a cheap flight if you have time constraints. Salta is a beautiful colonial city and gateway to the Andean northwest.

🚌Bus ~£35

🛏Hostel dorm, Salta

• →Night bus
• →Colonial Salta evening

Day trip up the multi-coloured Quebrada de Humahuaca to Purmamarca, Tilcara and Humahuaca (~£20 on a shared tour or local buses). Altitude ~3,000m — take it slow.

🚌Shared tour/local bus ~£20

🛏Hostel dorm, Salta

• →Purmamarca Hill of Seven Colours
• →Tilcara ruins

A long but stunning bus route via Salta/Jujuy into Chile's Atacama (2 legs, ~£50 total, 12-14h with border formalities). San Pedro is tiny and dry; hostels ~£18.

🚌Bus ~£50

🛏Hostel dorm, San Pedro de Atacama

• →Andean altiplano scenery

Cycle or take a tour to Valle de la Luna (entry ~£8) for sunset over salt and dunes. Then a stargazing tour (~£25) at one of the world's clearest-skied spots.

🚌Bike/tour pickup ~£10

🛏Hostel dorm, San Pedro de Atacama

• →Valle de la Luna
• →Stargazing tour

Catch an early bus/tour to the Chilean border at Hito Cajon and onward into Bolivia (~£20-30, or a 3-day 4x4 tour starts here). Check in at Uyuni town (~£10 dorm). Wifi will be intermittent.

🚌Border transfer ~£25

🛏Hostel dorm, Uyuni

• →Altiplano border crossing
• →Lagunas and hot springs en route

The must-do: a full-day 4x4 on the world's largest salt flat (tour ~£25-30 with local operators, book in town). Fish Island, salt hotels, and hilarious perspective photos at sunset.

🚌4x4 tour (included in price)

🛏Hostel dorm, Uyuni

• →Salar de Uyuni day tour
• →Sunset on the flats

Option: a 3-day 4x4 through the colourful lagunas (Red/Green Lagoons), geysers and desert to the Chilean border (~£80-100 all-in with food and lodging). Or simply rest in Uyuni and prep for the ride to La Paz.

🚌4x4

🛏Altiplano basic lodge

• →Laguna Colorada
• →Geysers Sol de Manana

Long overnight bus to La Paz (~10-12h, ~£18, some very cold — take a warm jacket). Or a short flight from Uyuni if timing is tight (~£45).

🚌Bus ~£18

🛏Overnight bus

• →Andean bus journey

Arrive in the highest capital in the world (~3,600m). Ride the Mi Teleferico cable cars (~£0.50 per ride), wander the Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas), and acclimatise. Hostel dorm ~£10.

🚌Cable cars ~£2

🛏Hostel dorm, La Paz

• →Mi Teleferico
• →Witches market
• →San Francisco plaza

The infamous Death Road descent on a mountain bike (~£40-50 with a reputable company, book via Klook/GetYourGuide). Or an easier alternative ride on the Bolivian altiplano.

🚌Tour pickup

🛏Hostel dorm, La Paz

• →Death Road biking

Hike or bus out to the lunar-esque Valle de la Luna (~£3). In the evening, catch a live Andean folk music 'pena' in Sopocachi (~£5 cover).

🚌Local bus/taxi ~£5

🛏Hostel dorm, La Paz

• →Valle de la Luna
• →Andean folk pena

Bus along the lake to Copacabana (~4h, ~£8). Explore the town and take the boat to Isla del Sol if time allows (~£6). Cross into Peru the next day.

🚌Bus ~£8

🛏Hostel dorm, Copacabana

• →Lake Titicaca shores
• →Isla del Sol boat

Border crossing into Peru at Kasani and bus to Puno (~£10 total). Check in and book the next day's Lake Titicaca homestay tour.

🚌Cross-border bus ~£10

🛏Hostel dorm, Puno

• →Border crossing
• →Puno waterfront

Two-day boat tour to the floating Uros islands and an overnight homestay with a local family on Amantani (~£30-35 including meals, book locally or via GetYourGuide). Walk to Pachatata for sunset.

🚌Boat (included in tour)

🛏Local family homestay, Amantani

• →Uros floating islands
• →Amantani community
• →Sunrise viewpoint

Morning return to Puno, then an overnight bus on the Ruta del Sol (or direct night bus ~£15-20, 9-10h) to Cusco. Arrive with a full day of acclimatising planned.

🚌Bus ~£18

🛏Overnight bus

• →Titicaca sunrise
• →Bus to Cusco

Cusco sits at 3,400m — take it slow. Explore Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha (~£6) and San Blas artisan quarter. Buy a Boleto Turistico (~£20) for multiple ruins. Book the Inca Trail permit well ahead (often 3+ months; approx £330-400 for the 4-day trek with a reputable operator).

🚌Walking

🛏Hostel dorm, Cusco

• →Qorikancha
• →San Blas
• →Inca Trail permit check

Collectivo or shared tour through Pisac, Ollantaytambo and the salt pans of Maras (~£15-25). Great acclimatisation and prep for the trek. Return to Cusco or overnight in Ollantaytambo.

🚌Collectivos ~£12

🛏Hostel dorm, Cusco/Ollantaytambo

• →Pisac market
• →Ollantaytambo ruins
• →Maras salt pans

Begin the classic 4-day Inca Trail with pre-booked permit and guide (permit + guide + porter ~£330-400 total). Walk from Km82 up to Wayllabamba camp/~12km with Andean views.

🚌Operator transfer to trailhead

🛏Trek camping

• →Inca Trail day 1 hike

The hardest day: climb over Dead Woman's Pass (4,215m) and descend to Pacaymayo camp. Meals included in the trek package.

🚌On foot

🛏Trek camping

• →Dead Woman's Pass
• →Runkurakay ruins

Pass ruins at Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca and descend into cloud forest, ending at Winay Wayna camp ahead of the early start next day.

🚌On foot

🛏Trek camping

• →Sayacmarca
• →Phuyupatamarca
• →Winay Wayna

Pre-dawn start to enter Machu Picchu for sunrise through the Sun Gate. Guided tour of the citadel included. Then bus down to Aguas Calientes (~£8) and return to Cusco by train+bus (~£25-40) or a cheaper trip back via Hidroelectrica.

🚌Bus down + train/bus back ~£35

🛏Hostel dorm, Cusco

• →Machu Picchu sunrise
• →Guided citadel tour

Rest day: explore San Pedro market, try alpaca skewers and chicha. If you skipped the Inca Trail, consider the cheaper Salkantay trek (~£150-200) or day-trip to Rainbow Mountain (~£25).

🚌Walking/local buses

🛏Hostel dorm, Cusco

• →San Pedro Market
• →Optional Rainbow Mountain

Night bus to Arequipa (~10h, ~£15). Sleep en route.

🚌Bus ~£15

🛏Overnight bus

• →Night bus

Stroll the baroque Santa Catalina Monastery (~£10), Plaza de Armas and the Mercado. Hostel ~£12. Try rocoto relleno and queso helado. Book a Colca Canyon trek for the next two days.

🚌Local buses ~£3

🛏Hostel dorm, Arequipa

• →Santa Catalina Monastery
• →Arequipa food hunting

Two-day Colca Canyon tour (~£40 including transport, meals and a night at the Sangalle oasis) — the deepest canyon on earth with condors soaring overhead at Cruz del Condor.

🚌Minibus (included)

🛏Colca Canyon basic lodge/oasis

• →Cruz del Condor
• →Oasis swim
• →Trek down canyon

Early climb out of the canyon and return to Arequipa for a lazy afternoon. Night bus or early bus to Nazca/Lima area next.

🚌Minibus back

🛏Hostel dorm, Arequipa

• →Canyon sunrise climb

Long bus along the Panamericana (~12-14h, ~£22) via Nazca — consider a dawn flight over the Nazca lines (~£80) or just visit the lookout. Continue to Paracas or Pisco.

🚌Bus ~£22

🛏Overnight bus

• →Nazca lines detour

Boat trip out to the Ballestas Islands (~£15 with local boatmen) for sea lions, penguins and seabirds. Then explore Paracas National Reserve coast (bus/hire bike ~£10).

🚌Boat + reserve transport ~£15

🛏Hostel dorm, Paracas

• →Ballestas Islands boat trip
• →Paracas National Reserve

Bus to Lima (~4h, ~£12). Miraflores or Barranco are best for hostels (~£14). Try a cheap ceviche at a mercado, walk the Malecón and the Puente de los Suspiros.

🚌Bus ~£12

🛏Hostel dorm, Miraflores/Barranco

• →Malecón walk
• →Barranco street art
• →Ceviche

Explore the UNESCO old town (Plaza Mayor, San Francisco catacombs ~£5) or take a surf lesson in Barranco (~£25). Evening at a peña or rooftop.

🚌Metro/bus ~£4

🛏Hostel dorm, Lima

• →Plaza Mayor
• →Surf lesson or Barranco murals

The long coastal run north (~18-20h, ~£30 in a cama seat with Cruz del Sur or Oltursa). Afternoon bus so you arrive fresh in the morning.

🚌Bus ~£30

🛏Overnight bus

• →Coastal Peruvian desert scenery

Arrive in Peru's warm northern beach hub. Hostel hammock spots ~£12. Surf, seafood ceviche and a sunset over the Pacific.

🚌Tuk-tuk ~£1

🛏Hostel dorm, Mancora

• →Beach day
• →Sunset over the Pacific

Lazy beach day between Mancora and Punta Sal — swim, snorkel (cheap boat ~£10) or just linger. Cheap al fresco seafood lunches.

🚌Shared taxi ~£5

🛏Hostel dorm, Mancora/Punta Sal

• →Beach relaxation
• →Optional snorkelling

Long border day: bus to Huaquillas then onward to Cuenca (~12-14h total, ~£25). Ecuador uses US dollars so bring small notes. Hostel dorm ~£12.

🚌Cross-border buses ~£25

🛏Hostel dorm, Cuenca

• →Border crossing
• →Cuenca colonial evening

Explore the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción, the riverfront and the mercado with roasted pork (hornado). Optional trip to Cajas National Park (~£15).

🚌Local buses ~£3

🛏Hostel dorm, Cuenca

• →Catedral
• →Mercado
• →Optional Cajas NP

Ride the scenic bus north to Banos (~6h, ~£8) through the Andes. Check into a hostel (~£10) with volcano views (Tungurahua).

🚌Bus ~£8

🛏Hostel dorm, Banos

• →Scenic Andean bus

Hire a mountain bike or take a local bus along the Ruta de las Cascadas (~£10 bike hire) to Pailon del Diablo (~£2 entry) and other falls. Return via the tarabita cable car (~£2).

🚌Bike hire/local bus ~£10

🛏Hostel dorm, Banos

• →Ruta de las Cascadas
• →El Pailon del Diablo
• →Tarabita cable car

Half-day canyoning (~£25-30) or rafting on the Pastaza (~£25). Afternoon soaking in the thermal pools at Termas de la Virgen (~£3).

🚌Walk/outfitter pickup

🛏Hostel dorm, Banos

• →Canyoning
• →Thermal baths

Morning bus north to Quito (~4h, ~£8). Option to stop at Cotopaxi National Park for a day hike (~£30 shared tour). Check into a hostel in the historic centre (~£12).

🚌Bus ~£8

🛏Hostel dorm, Quito old town

• →Optional Cotopaxi day hike

UNESCO historic centre: Plaza Grande, La Compania de Jesus (gold leaf interior, ~£4) and Basilica del Voto Nacional. Free walking tour, then a cheap almuerzo.

🚌Walking + taxi ~£4

🛏Hostel dorm, Quito

• →Free walking tour
• →La Compania de Jesus
• →Basilica

Cable car up Volcan Pichincha (~£8) for Andean city views, or take a local bus to the Mitad del Mundo equator monument (~£5 entry). Evening enjoy Quito's café scene.

🚌Local buses ~£5

🛏Hostel dorm, Quito

• →Teleferico
• →Equator line

Bus north to Otavalo (~2h, ~£3) for the massive Indigenous craft market. Optional hike around the Laguna Cuicocha or visit Peguche waterfall. Stay in Otavalo or day-trip back.

🚌Bus ~£5

🛏Hostel dorm, Otavalo

• →Otavalo market
• →Peguche waterfall

Border day: bus to Ipiales (~£6) and a shared taxi to the dramatic Las Lajas Sanctuary, a Gothic church built over a canyon (~£2 entry). Then night bus onward north (~£15).

🚌Buses/taxi ~£22

🛏Overnight bus

• →Santuario de Las Lajas

Stop at Popayan's white-washed colonial centre for a day of slow wandering and coffee. Optional hostel night (~£12).

🚌Local

🛏Hostel dorm, Popayan

• →Popayan colonial streets

Big transfer north to Medellin (~14-16h, ~£30, or a cheap flight ~£40). Arrive in El Poblado or Laureles hostel (~£14).

🚌Bus/flight ~£30

🛏Hostel dorm, Medellin

• →Travel day

Free/tipped walking tour of Comuna 13's graffiti and escalators, ride the Metrocable (~£1) up to Pueblito Paisa and Arvi Park. Cheap street food and Colombia's best coffee.

🚌Metro/cable ~£3

🛏Hostel dorm, Medellin

• →Comuna 13 tour
• →Metrocable
• →Arvi Park

Bus out to Guatape (~2h, ~£6) and climb the colourful Piedra del Penol rock (~£5). Boat trips on the lake and the painted zocalo streets of Guatape town.

🚌Bus ~£12

🛏Hostel dorm, Medellin

• →Piedra del Penol
• →Guatape town

Day of local life: coffee tours in the hills (Guatapé/ Santa Elena) or a dance class — salsa and tango lessons from ~£8/hour. Evening out in Laureles or Provenza.

🚌Local transport ~£3

🛏Hostel dorm, Medellin

• →Salsa lesson
• →Coffee farm visit

Long ride north to the Caribbean coast (~14h, ~£30) or a cheap flight (~£45). Arrive in the walled city's Getsemani hostel district (~£14).

🚌Bus/flight ~£30

🛏Overnight bus

• →Caribbean coast arrival

Explore the UNESCO walled old town, Las Murallas, Plaza Santo Domingo and the colourful streets of Getsemani. Free walking tour (tips) and street food at night.

🚌Walking

🛏Hostel dorm, Getsemani

• →Old town walk
• →Las Murallas sunset

Half-day group trip to El Totumo mud volcano (~£20 incl. transport) — float in the warm mud then wash off in the lagoon. Afternoon optional boat trip to Playa Blanca on Baru island (~£20).

🚌Group tour transport

🛏Hostel dorm, Cartagena

• →El Totumo mud volcano
• →Playa Blanca boat trip

Relax on Bocagrande's urban beach or take a day trip to the Rosario Islands (~£30). Final-night celebration in Getsemani's plazas — street food, live music and cheap aguardiente.

🚌Local bus ~£2

🛏Hostel dorm, Cartagena

• →Bocagrande beach
• →Optional Rosario Islands
• →Getsemani nightlife

Say goodbye to the Caribbean coast. Fly home from Rafael Nunez airport or keep going — the Tayrona coast, Santa Marta and the Lost City trek are a cheap bus ride away (~£10).

🚌Airport taxi ~£3

🛏Hostel dorm or onward travel

• →Departure or onward planning