Ottos Tours Logo
gallery Colombia gallery Peru gallery Ecuador

Colombia, Peru & Ecuador LIGHT!

Experience exotic cultures & breathtaking landscapes

On this compact journey through the unique diversity of Latin America, we discover three fascinating countries: Colombia, Peru and Ecuador.

Snow-capped Andean mountain ranges give way to fiery desert landscapes, wild páramo scenery, turquoise waters and the Caribbean coast. We explore charming colonial towns and mystical archaeological sites, soak up the rhythm of lively salsa bars and enjoy exotic cocktails. And of course, no journey through Colombia would be complete without discovering some of the finest coffee in the continent!

Our second chapter takes us to Peru, a multicultural country full of traditions, cultural treasures, breathtaking landscapes, fantastic cuisine and warm-hearted people. The wild beauty of snow-capped peaks and turquoise mountain lakes is simply captivating, while the mysteries of ancient civilizations invite us to look deeper into the past.
Feel like wandering through the colorful streets of charming colonial towns, discovering Peruvian cuisine, enjoying a refreshing Pisco Sour, or hiking through spectacular Andean landscapes? Peru brings together culture, adventure and unforgettable encounters.

The final chapter takes us to Ecuador, one of South America’s smallest and most diverse countries, right on the Equator. Here, spectacular landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and an astonishing variety of plants meet a rich indigenous heritage.
Nowhere else in the world are so many different ecosystems and vegetation zones found within such short distances. Charles Darwin and Alexander von Humboldt were already fascinated by Ecuador’s incredible natural diversity. We explore colorful Andean markets, discover the country’s culinary traditions while cooking with a local family and experience the charm of Quito’s UNESCO-listed colonial old town. A journey along the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes and a hike in Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, round off our South American adventure.

Highlights

Tourinfo

Day 1 – Arrival in Bogotá, Colombia

Welcome to Colombia! In the afternoon, we arrive in Bogotá, the country’s vibrant capital, where our German-speaking transfer guide is already waiting to take us to our hotel. After settling in, we set out to explore the narrow, atmospheric streets of La Candelaria, just a short walk from the hotel. In the evening, we gather at a small, cozy restaurant to enjoy our first taste of Colombian cuisine and toast to the adventures ahead.
Our overnight stay will be in Bogotá at ***Hotel Casa Deco or equivalent. (no meals included)

Day 2 – Discover Bogotá on Foot

Colombia’s capital lies at 2,640 metres above sea level on a high plateau in the Andes. Thanks to its proximity to the Equator, Bogotá enjoys a mild, spring-like climate throughout the year. Our day begins with an immersive visit to the lively Paloquemao Market, where colorful fruit, exotic aromas and local flavors offer a first taste of everyday life in the capital. In relaxed conversations with market vendors, we gain personal insights into their daily lives – their challenges, joys and hopes. We then return to the historic center for a walking tour through La Candelaria, Bogotá’s atmospheric colonial quarter. We explore Plaza de Bolívar and its surrounding government buildings, admire the churches of San Francisco and La Tercera, and discover the colorful streets and historic architecture of the old town. The highlight of the day is a cable-car ride up Monserrate. From the summit, Bogotá unfolds beneath us in spectacular fashion, with sweeping views across the sprawling city and the surrounding Andean savanna.
Our overnight stay will be in Bogotá at ***Hotel Casa Deco or equivalent. (Breakfast included)

Day 3 – Off to Where the Coffee Grows!

After breakfast, we visit the world-famous Gold Museum, home to more than 30,000 fascinating pieces from Colombia’s pre-Columbian cultures. We then head to the airport for a short flight across the Central Andes into the heart of Colombia’s coffee region. Here, our guide is already waiting to take us to a charming coffee farm, where we’ll spend the next two nights surrounded by lush green hills and coffee plantations. In the afternoon, we dive into the world of Colombian coffee. At a special coffee hacienda, we discover how coffee is grown, harvested and processed – from the plant to the finished bean. And of course, the experience ends exactly as it should: with a delicious cup of freshly brewed Colombian coffee.
Our overnight stay will be in Armenia at the ***Hacienda Combia or equivalent. (Breakfast included)

Day 4 – The Lush Cocora Valley: Hiking Among Giant Wax Palms

After breakfast, we head to the spectacular Cocora Valley, where a gentle hike takes us through one of Colombia’s most breathtaking landscapes. Towering wax palms rise dramatically from the lush green hills and disappear into the misty cloud forest. The Cocora Valley is considered one of the most picturesque landscapes in Colombia – and it’s easy to see why. Located in the heart of the coffee region, it is home to Colombia’s national tree and offers spectacular scenery for hiking and horseback riding. Some of the Quindío wax palms reach up to 60 metres, making them the tallest palm trees in the world – a truly unforgettable sight. On our way back to the coffee hacienda, we cross rolling green hills and stop in Salento, one of the most charming villages in the coffee region. Colorful traditional buildings line the streets, housing cafés, small boutiques and local handicraft shops. Over a freshly brewed coffee, we have the chance to meet locals and enjoy a relaxed conversation – another glimpse into everyday life in Colombia.
Our overnight stay will be in Armenia at the ***Hacienda Combia or equivalent. (Breakfast included)

Day 5 – Along the “Coffee Highway” to MedellĂ­n, the City of Eternal Spring

After breakfast, we say goodbye to our wonderful hosts at the coffee hacienda and set off towards Medellín. Our route follows the so-called “Coffee Highway”, winding through lush green hills and partly alongside the Río Cauca before reaching the department of Antioquia. Just over two decades ago, Medellín was known as one of the most dangerous cities in the world. During the early 1990s, the hunt for drug lord Pablo Escobar, head of the Medellín Cartel, reached its climax. His death marked the beginning of a long and difficult transformation for the city. From 2002 onwards, Medellín steadily improved its security and international reputation. Committed local leaders invested heavily in infrastructure, public transportation and education, helping transform the once troubled city into one of Latin America’s most innovative urban centers. Our hotel is located in the modern El Poblado district, surrounded by excellent restaurants, cafés and bars. Over the next two nights, we discover how Medellín transformed itself – and, most importantly, what this remarkable change means for the people who call the city home.
Our overnight stay will be in Medellin at the ***Hotel Campana Boutique or equivalent. (Breakfast included)

Day 6 – Comuna 13, Fernando Botero, Pueblito Paisa & a Children’s Project

Today, we explore Medellín’s remarkable transformation – from a city once synonymous with violence to a vibrant and innovative metropolis. Few places tell this story as vividly as Comuna 13, which has become a powerful symbol of change, resilience and community spirit. Once one of the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods, it is now known for its colorful street art, outdoor escalators and numerous social projects that have brought international recognition. During our visit, we meet local residents and discover how this transformation came about and what it means for the community today. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its pleasant climate, Medellín also offers fascinating cultural highlights. We explore the city center, including San Antonio Park, Plaza San Ignacio, the traditional Avenida La Playa and the iconic Coltejer Building. At the Fernando Botero Sculpture Park, more than 20 sculptures by Colombia’s internationally renowned artist invite us to discover his distinctive, generously proportioned figures. We continue to Pueblito Paisa, a charming recreation of a traditional Antioquian village perched on a hill above the city. From here, we enjoy sweeping views across Medellín and its surrounding mountains. Throughout the day, conversations with local residents offer personal perspectives on the city’s transformation. In the afternoon, there is also the option to visit a foundation supporting children who live or have lived on the streets – an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the social challenges and community initiatives shaping Medellín today.
Our overnight stay will be in Medellin at the ***Hotel Campana Boutique or equivalent. (Breakfast included)

Day 7 – Cartagena de Indias, South America’s Most Beautiful Colonial City

After breakfast, we head to Medellín’s airport, located just outside the city, for a flight of less than an hour to a completely different world: Colombia’s Caribbean coast and Cartagena de Indias. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel in the historic old town, where we spend our final night in Colombia. Here, Caribbean spirit meets magnificent colonial architecture, creating one of South America’s most atmospheric cities. In the afternoon, once the temperatures have cooled, we set out to discover Cartagena’s highlights. Our first stop is the Convent of La Popa, perched at around 140 metres above sea level and offering spectacular views over the city. We then visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, the largest military fortress ever built by the Spanish in their American colonies. Built from coral stone, this impressive masterpiece of military architecture offers fascinating insights into how Cartagena defended itself against pirate attacks in the 17th and 18th centuries. We continue on foot through the historic old town, exploring its beautiful squares, churches and colorful streets. The unique blend of colonial architecture, Caribbean culture and vibrant gastronomy has earned Cartagena UNESCO World Heritage status – and makes it an unforgettable destination. As we wander through the cobblestone lanes and along the ancient city walls, we soak up the unmistakable Caribbean atmosphere and discover the stories and secrets hidden behind the names of Cartagena’s historic streets and plazas.
Our overnight stay will be in Cartagena at the ***Hotel Tres Banderas or equivalent. (Breakfast included)

Day 8 – AdiĂłs Colombia: The Only Risk Is That You’ll Want to Stay & Welcome to the City of Kings, Peru

Welcome to Peru! After arriving in Lima, we are met by our German-speaking transfer guide and taken to our hotel. The next chapter of our journey begins in the “City of Kings” – Peru’s vibrant capital on the Pacific coast.
Our overnight stay will be in Peru at the ***Hotel Casa Andina Standard Benavides or equivalent. (no meals included)

Day 9 – Lima, the Capital of Peru & Cusco, the Inca Capital

This morning, we explore the colonial heart of Lima, a vibrant metropolis on the Pacific coast. Our tour takes us to the impressive Plaza Mayor, surrounded by the magnificent Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Government Palace. Beneath the Cathedral lies the tomb of the city’s founder, the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. We continue to the famous San Francisco Monastery, renowned for its historic library and fascinating underground catacombs, where centuries-old remains offer a glimpse into Lima’s past. Later, we board our flight across the spectacular Andean highlands and Altiplano to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Surrounded by mountains and steeped in history, Cusco marks the beginning of the next chapter of our Peruvian adventure.
Our overnight stay will be in Cusco at the ***Hotel Casa Andina Standard San Blas or equivalent.(Breakfast included)

Day 10 – Sacsayhuamán & the Colorful Streets of Cusco

Early in the morning, we dive into the lively atmosphere of San Pedro Market. Tropical fruits from the vast Amazon region, dozens of varieties of corn and potatoes, quinoa and coca leaves reveal the incredible culinary diversity of Peru. It is the perfect place to get a taste of everyday life in Cusco. We then head high into the Andes to Sacsayhuamán, one of the most impressive Inca sites surrounding the city. The massive fortress is famous for its enormous stone blocks, precisely cut and fitted together without mortar. How the Inca managed to move and assemble these tons-heavy stones without knowing the wheel remains one of the great mysteries of their engineering. After lunch (not included), we explore the historic heart of Cusco on foot, wandering through the charming artists’ quarter of San Blas and stopping at the enigmatic Twelve-Angle Stone. In the evening, it is time to discover another Peruvian specialty: at the Museo del Pisco, we learn how to mix our very own Pisco Sour – and, of course, enjoy the result!
Our overnight stay will be in Cusco at the ***Hotel Casa Andina Standard San Blas or equivalent.(Breakfast included)

Day 11 – Machu Picchu

An early start takes us to the railway station, where we board the train to Aguas Calientes. From here, a shuttle bus winds its way up the mountainside to Machu Picchu. And then, finally, it appears before us: the legendary Inca citadel, perched at around 2,400 meters above sea level amid spectacular mountain scenery. For centuries, Machu Picchu remained hidden from the outside world, allowing its remarkable ruins to survive largely intact. During an extensive guided tour, we discover the history, architecture and mysteries surrounding this extraordinary Inca sanctuary – one of South America’s most iconic archaeological treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the visit, we travel by bus and train back to Cusco, carrying unforgettable impressions of one of the world’s most remarkable ancient sites.
Our overnight stay will be in Cusco at the ***Hotel Casa Andina Standard San Blas or equivalent.(Breakfast included)

Day 12 – AdiĂłs Peru & Welcome to Quito, Ecuador

Our overnight stay will be in Quito at the ***Hotel Casona 1914 or equivalent.(Breakfast included)

Day 13 – Quito’s Colonial Old Town & Cooking with a Local Chef

The charm of Quito’s colonial old town, with its magnificent churches, monasteries and historic squares, makes the city a true jewel of the Andes. Our walking tour takes us from Plaza Grande, past the Cathedral and Presidential Palace, to the dazzling La Compañía de Jesús and the historic El Sagrario. We climb the towers of the Basilica del Voto Nacional for spectacular views across the city and watch daily life unfold around Plaza Grande and Plaza San Francisco. In the evening, we get hands-on with Ecuadorian cuisine as we cook dinner together with a local chef. Preparing and tasting a selection of traditional Ecuadorian specialties offers us a warm and authentic glimpse into local culture and everyday life.
Our overnight stay will be in Quito at the ***Hotel Casona 1914 or equivalent.(Breakfast included)

Day 14 – The Equator & Otavalo: Ecuador’s Indigenous Heartland

After breakfast, we head into the Andean highlands to the famous Otavalo Market, one of the largest and most vibrant indigenous markets in South America. Indigenous women in traditional dress proudly display colorful woven textiles, embroidered belts and handmade jewelry. Around them, stalls overflow with spices, eggs, fresh vegetables, fruit, woven baskets and fragrant herbs. The famous poncho market blends seamlessly into the food market, where small wooden stalls offer coffee, soups, grilled meats and fresh juices. It is a feast for the senses – and certainly not a place to leave hungry! In the afternoon, we continue to the famous Equator Monument, La Mitad del Mundo. During the French Geodesic Mission of 1736, Charles Marie de La Condamine helped determine the location of the Equator. At the nearby Intiñan Museum, we take part in fascinating hands-on experiments that bring the unique location of the Equator to life.
Our overnight stay will be in Quito at the ***Hotel Casona 1914 or equivalent.(Breakfast included)

Day 15 – Along the Avenue of Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park

Today we travel along Ecuador’s famous Avenue of the Volcanoes, following the Pan-American Highway through a spectacular Andean landscape. The route was named by Alexander von Humboldt, who was fascinated by the remarkable concentration of towering volcanoes found here. Our destination is Cotopaxi National Park, where we walk along the shores of Laguna de Limpiopungo, surrounded by dramatic volcanic scenery. With a little luck, we may spot Andean condors and eagles, as well as wild ducks, coots, llamas and the Chimborazo hummingbird, one of the largest hummingbirds in the world. From the parking area, we hike up to the José Rivas Refuge at around 4,800 meters, where spectacular views await us. A hot soup and cocoa provide welcome refreshment in the high-altitude air. For those who wish to go a little higher, there is an optional ascent toward the glacier – depending on weather and conditions.
Our overnight stay will be in Quito at the ***Hotel Casona 1914 or equivalent.(Breakfast included)

Day 16 – AdiĂłs South America!

At the appropriate time, we transfer to Quito Airport for our onward journey. Depending on your travel plans, continue with an extension to the Galapagos Islands, explore more of Peru, or board your international flight home. After three countries, countless encounters and unforgettable landscapes, it is time to say adiós to South America – at least for now.
(Breakfast included)

Included Services



Not Included

Important notes