Cartagena To La Paz (59 Days) Bananas & Llamas
Cartagena To La Paz (59 Days) Bananas & Llamas
58 Days Starting in Cartagena, Colombia and ending in La Paz, Bolivia
Visiting: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
Tour operator:
Tour code:
492
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
12-85
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 59-day adventure from Cartagena to La Paz with the "Bananas & Llamas" tour, exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Discover the pristine beauty of Tayrona National Park, delve into the coffee culture of Salento, and wander the historic streets of Bogota. Experience the thrill of camping under the stars in the Tatacoa Desert and immerse yourself in the Amazon Jungle with guided walks and wildlife viewing. Relax in the thermal baths of Banos, visit the ancient Chan Chan Ruins, and enjoy a boat tour on Lake Titicaca with an overnight stay with a local family. This tour offers a mix of camping and simple hostels, with the Oasis truck as your mobile base, ensuring a comfortable and secure journey through some of South America's most breathtaking regions.
Highlights
Itinerary
A highlight of any trip to Colombia is undoubtedly Cartagena. With its colonial past and Unesco World Heritage status, the old city is an ideal place to just wander the maze of cobbled alleys amongst churches, monasteries, plazas and bougainvillea draped balconies. Las Murallas, the thick walls built around the old city to protect it from pirates, are wonderfully preserved and make for an interesting walk, before stopping off in one of the hidden patio cafes. We spend 2 nights here to get a flavour of both the old city and also the trendy area of Bocagrande. We will also include a boat trip Playa Blanca, with it's turquoise waters and golden sand it is one of Cartagenas most famous beaches.
We set off in the Truck eastbound with a quick dip in Volcan de Lodo el Totumo before we continue to Taganga where we spend a night in this chilled out Caribbean town with a strong alternative feel. Some of South America's loveliest coastline lies east of Taganga in Tayrona National Park. We spend 2 days exploring trails to beaches set in deep bays, shaded by coconut palms. We have the option to snorkel and possibly scuba dive in some of the bays. Lack of roads means that we will probably have to hike with our gear to our overnight spots where we sleep in hammocks!
DAY 6 - 14: TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK TO BOGOTA
We then head south into the heart of Colombia, with a roadside bush camp on the way before arriving in the lively city of Medellin. Here is a good spot to get a few Salsa or Tango lessons in before trying out your moves in the many discos and clubs. For those wanting a little culture there are several art galleries and museums worth visiting or also an option to travel via local bus to the sleepy colonial town of Santa Fe de Antioquia.
Continuing south, our Colombian overland adventure takes us in to the mountains to the pleasantly cool climate of Salento. Here, deep in the heart of the coffee growing area, we have the option to visit one of the numerous coffee farms. Parque Los Nevados, with peaks topping 5000mtrs, and weirdly tall Palm trees making it a great place to spend a day trekking, before checking out some of the town's funky bars in the evening.Bogota is our next stop and we have 2 or 3 nights to see the different sides of this once notorious capital city. Having had the accreditation in the 80's and 90's of being one of the world's most dangerous cities, things have really turned around for Bogota. The city is cradled by Andean Peaks and great views can be seen from a trek up the Cerro de Monserrate. Pop in to the cobbled historic centre, La Candelaria, and as well as taking in a few cafes and picturesque buildings, enjoy the age old tradition of adding cheese to your hot chocolate!
DAY 15 - 17: BOGOTA TO PARQUE PURACE
We now travel through the Tatacoa Desert, an arid area of striking eroded cliffs surrounded by distant peaks of over 5000mtrs. The result is a quite unique ecosystem, and due to the dry, clear conditions, the area is an excellent star gazing spot and we will try to camp here to appreciate the view. Turning west through stunning mountain scenery towards the Pan American Highway, and after a gruelling drive, we eventually take an unpaved road into Parque Purace. The park is the only place to see Condors in Colombia, and it is also home to some good walking trails. The adventurous can scale Volcan Purace (4750mtrs), but there are a few other less strenuous hikes to the Sulphur Mine and Termales de San Juan - a spectacular hot spring complete with water slides!
DAY 18 - 22: PARQUE PURACE TO QUITO
Further west is the beautiful colonial city of Popayan. Nicknamed the white city, some would say only Cartagena surpasses Popayan's colonial structures. We shall make a small stop to admire the chalk white facades and stock up on supplies, before following the Andes south towards Pasto. Santuario De Las Lajas - a neo-Gothic church built on a stone bridge spanning a gorge - is the main point of interest in our last stop in Colombia, Ipiales. We may choose to camp the night in either Pasto or Ipiales, or possibly continue on to the border with Ecuador.
We cross the equator as we make our way to Quito, a capital city rich in history, surrounded by mountains - a play ground for hikers and mountain bike fans.
DAY 23 - 28: QUITO TO AMAZON JUNGLE
Departing the largest city in Ecuador - Quito, we cross the Equator on our way to the town of Otavalo famous for its colourful craft market. Heading east on narrow, tortuous roads to the steamy edge of the Amazon basin and our gateway into the Amazon jungle. Here accompanied by experienced guides, we explore on foot this exotic environment.
DAY 29 - 34: AMAZON JUNGLE TO CUENCA
Further south, perched high in the mountains of Ecuador, lies the outdoor adventure mecca of Banos. This spa town, where Ecuadorians go to relax in the thermal baths, is a favourite amongst those who have undertaken South America travel. With optional activities including rafting, canyoning and treks to waterfalls, you won't be short of things to do! We hit the road again and drive south along the spine of the Andes towards Peru visiting Cuenca on the way.
DAY 35 - 40: CUENCA TO LIMA
A days drive on the Pan-American highway brings us to the border with Peru. You will notice an amazing transition in one day, from the glush farming country of highland Ecuador, through sub-tropical forest and immense banana plantations, to dry barren desert in Peru. We are rewarded with a couple of days chilling by the beach. Our next stops on our South America travel experience are the Chan Chan ruins, imperial citadel of the pre-Inca Chimu kings which the Incas later conquered. It claims to be the largest mud brick city in the world.
Continuing with the Andes close to our left and the sea on our right, the capital city of Lima will be our next stop on our South America tour. Here you'll encounter both abundant wealth and grinding poverty, modern skyscrapers next to some of the finest museums and historical monuments in Latin America.
DAY 41 - 47: LIMA TO COLCA CANYON
Departing Lima our next stop is the Ballestas Islands in the Paracas National Reserve. By boat, you have the opportunity to visit the rare and exotic sea birds and mammals that inhabit these islands. An hour's drive inland in the heart of the Ica Desert is the Oasis of Huacachina; if its an adrenaline rush you're after, you have the option to head out on a custom made dune buggy & roar across the desert sands to the top of enormous dunes & then sand board down them - head first on a greased up plank of wood! Then, after an unforgettable desert sunset, we sit around the campfire while our guides cook up a storm, followed by a night sleeping out under the stars. In the morning we make our way to one of the world's great archaeological mysteries The Nazca Lines. These huge figures and shapes, carved into the desert floor are best viewed from the air - South America travel is not complete until you have seen these unbelievable ancient mysteries.
Still heading south we visit Chauchilla Cemetery with its well-preserved mummies, on our way to Puerto Inca, at this ancient Inca harbour we camp at the beach and enjoy our last night at sea level before beginning our climb back into the towering Andes. The next two nights are spent in Arequipa at 2325m, giving us time to acclimatise, and enjoy this beautiful colonial city with its impressive El Misti Volcano in the background. Arequipa is also the gateway to one of the deepest canyons in the world. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is an awesome sight. Here, if you get up early, Condors can be seen circling lazily on the thermals rising from the canyon floor.
DAY 48 - 54: COLCA CANYON TO CUSCO
Widely considered to be the most interesting city for South America travel, our next stop Cusco is surrounded by the Sacred Valley of the Incas and offers a wide range of activities to explore the region. We will base ourselves here for 6 days giving us enough time for the Inca Trail trip and to visit Machu Picchu, which is regarded by many to be the highlight of their South America tour. There are several treks which you can take to Machu Picchu. These are all available as Optional Add Ons which you can add to your booking. When permits are still available, we will organise the Classic Trail trek for those booking the trek option, but great alternative Inca Trail treks, like the Lares or Salkantay can be arranged when the Classic is not available or by your choice (must be pre-arranged at time of booking). These alternatives mean that you still get to visit Machu Picchu. If you do not want to trek, then you can remain in Cusco for a couple more free days, and then we offer an option to visit Machu Picchu by train instead. This must also be booked and paid for in advance. Tours to Machu Picchu are absolutely unbelievable; a trip to this City in the Clouds is an ancient and awe-inspiring part of our South America travel tour. Besides seeing Machu Picchu, you are able to enjoy the architectural uniqueness of Cusco and explore some of the colourful surrounding markets. Please note that for all those visiting Machu Picchu there is now the option to buy a ticket to go up the summit next to Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu. Tickets for this must be requested at the time of your booking with us, and payment made in advance in the UK.
DAY 55 - 59: CUSCO TO LA PAZ
Bordering Peru and Bolivia at 3800m lies Lake Titicaca, the home of the Uros Indians who have made their dwellings on floating reed islands. By boat we visit the floating islands during the day and then we go that one step beyond the average tourist and spend the night with one of the Indian families on the lesser known islands Isla Amantani or Taquile. Spending some time during South America travel in these local communities will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the traditional lifestyle of the Andean people and their customs. From here it is a days drive to the capital of Bolivia - La Paz. This is a great place to visit a 'peña' club, dedicated to Andean folk music, and perhaps buy some souvenirs in one of the authentic markets such as the witches market.
Note - our 2025 itinerary will be 58 days long
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is approximately 35% camping and 65% simple hostels/hotels.
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Playa Blanca Boat Trip
Includes a boat trip to Playa Blanca in Cartagena.
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City Tour
Includes a city tour in Cartagena.
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Tayrona National Park
Includes entrance and hammock accommodation in Tayrona National Park.
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El Totumo Mud Volcano
Visit to El Totumo Mud Volcano.
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Coffee Plantation Tour
Guided tour of a coffee plantation in Salento.
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Amazon Jungle Trip
3-night jungle trip with accommodation and meals (activities are optional).
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Chan Chan Ruins
Entrance and guided tour of the Chan Chan Ruins.
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Boat Tour on Lake Titicaca
Includes a boat tour on Lake Titicaca.
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Overnight Stay with Local Family
Overnight stay with a local family on Lake Titicaca.
What's Not Included
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Visas
Visas are not included.
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Local Payment
Local payment of USD 2200 (2024-25), payable in cash at the start of the trip.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information are not included.
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Inca Trail Trek Add-On
Inca Trail trek add-on is not included.
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Flights
Flights are not included.
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Airport Taxes and Transfers
Airport taxes and transfers are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Meals
Approximately 55% of meals are not included.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
More Info
Take in the unique experiences of South America with this comprehensive, highlight-packed tour. From the biodiversity of Colombia to the fascinating ethnic diversity of La Paz this trip has something for everyone and offers a real taste of all the different facets that South America has to offer. Enjoy the vibrancy of the Caribbean coast before venturing into the highland coffee plantations of Colombia. Spend time in a jungle lodge deep in the Amazon Jungle, enjoy the surf and beautiful beaches of northern Peru, and conquer the world-renowned Inca Trail. Unwind from this adventurous trip with a night with a local Uros Indian family at Lake Titicaca before exploring La Paz, the highest capital city in the world.
Mode of Transport
The Oasis truck will be your new home giving you a comfortable, secure base with which to experience your trip. As part of the adventure you will be expected to have an active involvement in the day to day running of the trip, be part of the group and get stuck in and help with various tasks, whether it’s cooking meals over open fires, pitching your tent or keeping the truck clean & tidy. All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seat belts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving.
Accommodation
Camping - Oasis provides tents for those nights you will be camping. Tents are shared (between two people of the same sex from your group unless you are a couple). We spend some nights bush or desert camping, and on some occasions it is necessary to camp at overnight services, which are basic but equipped with showers and other facilities; the rest of the time in campsites. Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities! At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed. Simple Hotels/Hostels - At some locations we will stay at small locally owned hostels/hotels. These are usually basic places, and often the accommodation will be mixed sex dormitory style. Upgrades may be available on arrival, but cannot be reliably pre- booked. Please be aware that the quality of accommodation can vary quite a lot from area to area and sometimes in a small hotel the standard of rooms can vary even from one room to the next - so there needs to be a level of understanding within the group that your Oasis Crew does not often have power over room allocation or services provided by various hotels and it is unavoidable that they have to rely on the local staff. Please note if you choose to participate on an overnight optional activity, then you will not receive reimbursement for any accommodation or meals that you are missing out on with the rest of the group.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of involvement is expected from participants during the trip?
Participants are expected to have an active involvement in the day-to-day running of the trip. This includes tasks such as cooking meals over open fires, pitching tents, and keeping the truck clean and tidy.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is approximately 35% camping and 65% simple hostels/hotels. Tents are provided for camping, and these are shared between two people of the same sex unless you are a couple. Some nights will be spent bush or desert camping, while others will be at campsites or small locally owned hostels/hotels.
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Are there opportunities to upgrade accommodation during the tour?
Yes, at certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense. Upgrades may also be available at some hostels/hotels upon arrival, but these cannot be reliably pre-booked.
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What should I expect in terms of facilities at campsites?
Facilities and standards at campsites vary. Some are well-equipped and managed, while others are very basic. At bush camps, you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities.
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What is included in the Amazon Jungle trip?
The Amazon Jungle trip includes 3 nights of accommodation and meals. Activities during the jungle trip are optional.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
Approximately 45% of meals are included in the tour.
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What kind of transport is provided during the tour?
All transport is provided on the Oasis Expedition Truck, which will be your new home and provide a comfortable, secure base for the trip.
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What kind of equipment is provided for camping and cooking?
Camping and cooking equipment are provided as part of the tour.
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What are some of the key activities included in the tour?
Key activities include a boat trip to Playa Blanca in Cartagena, a city tour in Cartagena, entrance and hammock accommodation in Tayrona National Park, a visit to El Totumo Mud Volcano, a guided tour of a coffee plantation in Salento, a 3-night jungle trip in the Amazon, a guided tour of the Chan Chan Ruins, and a boat tour on Lake Titicaca with an overnight stay with a local family.
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What is the local payment required for the tour?
A local payment of USD 2200 (for 2024-25) is required, payable in cash at the start of the trip.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional excursions available as listed in the Pre-Departure Information. These are not included in the tour price.
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Is the Inca Trail trek included in the tour?
No, the Inca Trail trek add-on is not included in the tour price.
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What should I know about the quality of accommodation during the tour?
The quality of accommodation can vary quite a lot from area to area. Sometimes in a small hotel, the standard of rooms can vary even from one room to the next. Your Oasis Crew does not often have power over room allocation or services provided by various hotels, so there needs to be a level of understanding within the group.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
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Thursday - Friday
Oct 02, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 65% of booking price.
At 39 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.