Activities in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru

Peru, Colombia, Ecuador - Hot Three

How to make your outdoor activities in South America (Colombia, Ecuador and Peru) unforgettable. We understand the features of the climate, choose the best routes

Everyone has already noticed that we have one publication dedicated only to Peru. And you think why write a new publication, in which, in addition to Colombia and Ecuador, there will again be information about Peru ... And this was done for a number of reasons:

  • these countries occupy half of the western coast of South America, located one below the other,
  • through these countries from the North, from the Caribbean coast of Colombia, to the South to Argentina, the Andes mountain system passes,
  • these countries have Amazonia,
  • famous coffee plantations,
  • these countries have a common history, culture and much more in common,
  • The climate in these countries allows you to be all year round in all climatic zones. Moving from one country to another country, or climbing mountains, you can find yourself in the tropics, hot summers, warm seas or snow (ice) on mountain peaks.

1-Colombia, 2 - Ecuador, 3 - Peru

So, let's start with the northernmost country - Colombia

Colombia is the full name of the Republic of Colombia. The capital of the republic is the city of Bogota.

  • It is located in the North-West of South America and has a land border with five countries: Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and Venezuela.
  • It is washed by the warm Caribbean Sea with clear water and the cooler Pacific Ocean.
  • The official language of Colombia is Spanish.
  • The country is divided into 32 departments and the capital district. Departments are further divided into municipalities or provinces.
  • There are 33 national parks in Colombia, and there are also reserves and reserves

For us, as tourists, information about climate and transport is very important.

- The climate in Colombia is equatorial and subequatorial. And therefore, the average monthly temperatures below on the coast and plains are above 30 ° C, and in the mountains, depending on the height, from -5 to +15 ° C. And what about precipitation? There are enough of them here, especially in the North-East of the country up to 10,000 mm. In the rest of them there are a hundred times less.

- Colombia is a fairly large country with a complex terrain (swamps, forests, mountains). But, nevertheless, the transport infrastructure is well developed here. The air network is especially developed, there are many airports and most people mostly fly by plane. In addition, there are railways and roads. Through Colombia passes the international highway that connects Venezuela with Ecuador. And there are seaports here.

Colombia has everything: climbing, trekking, walking, excursions, the sea and the ocean, and of course the Amazon!

Since you are on the EXTREME TOUR website, as in the case of Peru, we start with extreme and outdoor activities.

Let's start with climbing

1. Climbing in Colombia

  • Colombia has several highland areas that are in the Andes (33% of the country is covered by the Andes).
  • What attracts the Colombian mountains? They attract with their Magic. The magic of mountains is that they are so diverse that you can find high mountains, tropical mountains and volcanoes here.
  • The most interesting climbing peaks are found in two National Parks: Natural El Cocuy, Guicán and Chita in the central/eastern part of the country and Los Nevados in the Coffee Region.

Climbing in the National Park - Natural El Cocuy, Guican and Chita (Sierra Nevada del Cocuy). Sierra Nevada del Cocuy is currently closed!!! There is still no exact opening date for mountaineering activities other than day hikes. We will post any news about this. Here you can climb the peaks: Montserrate (​3816 m), Pico del Aguilas (3900 m), Toti (5050 m), Nevada El Concavo (5180 m), Pan de Azucar (5140 m), Nevada Ruiz (5311 m) and others.

Climbing in Los Nevados National Park:

  • Climbing the volcano Nevado Santa Isabel (4965 m), 7 days
  • Climbing the volcano Nevado del Tolima (5221 m) from the Otun river valley, 8 days
  • Climbing the Nevado del Tolima volcano (5221 m) from the Quindio river valley, 6 days
  • Trekking with climbing 3 volcanoes in Los Nevados National Park: Nevado del Santa Isabel (4965 m), Paramillo del Quindio (4745 m), Nevado del Tolima (5221 m), 13 days
  • Climbing the Nevado del Tolima volcano (5221 m) and Lost City Trek, 15 days
  • 2 Countries (Colombia + Ecuador), 4 ascents: Paramillo del Quindio (4745 m) - Nevado del Tolima (5221 m), Cotopaxi (5897 m), Chimborazo (6268 m), 16 days
  • Climbing the volcano Paramillo del Quindio (4745 m) with a visit to the Cocora coffee valley, 6 days
  • Climbing the volcano Nevado del Tolima (5221 m) and coffee tour, 10 days
  • 2 ascents, volcanoes: Paramillo del Quindio (4745 m) and Nevado del Tolima (5221 m), 12 days

PAY ATTENTION TO SEASON!!!

You can climb all year round, but the best time is from November 15 to March!!!

  • rainy season: April-May, October-November
  • dry period: December-March, July-August

See our detailed descriptions of climbing programs in Colombia - read

2. Popular, interesting, exclusive and little-visited trekking in Colombia

Colombian nature includes jungles, plains, rainforests, sacred lakes, abundant beaches, paramos, and high snow-capped mountains. All this natural beauty, combined with vast areas of uninhabited land, makes the country a great destination for travelers from all over the world.

There are some very authentic routes here, mainly in the "Sierra Nevada del Cocuy" and "El Parque Los Nevados" areas, with an emphasis on panoramic landscapes, professional guides, correct acclimatization, safety, good equipment and a high level of service.

  • Trekking in the National Park - Natural El Cocuy, Guican and Chita (Sierra Nevada del Coquy), 7 days
  • Classic trekking in Los Nevados National Park, 6 days
  • Trekking to the Lost City (La Ciudad Perdida) Tayrona area, 6 days
  • Trekking to the Lost City (La Ciudad Perdida) Tayrona area with rest on the sea, 7 days
  • Trekking in Los Nevados National Park from South to North with the possibility of climbing a very beautiful peak called Paramillo del Quindio (4745 m), 8 days
  • Exploring the Colombian Caribbean (Punta Gallinas, Lost City (La Ciudad Perdida), Tayrona National Park and Caribbean beach lodge), 11 days
  • Walking in Colombia: a combination of cultural and hiking activities along the route, 17 days
  • Colombia Off-road, maximum one tour: Los Nevados National Park, Punta Gallinas, The Lost City (La Ciudad Perdida), Tayrona National Park, the historical fortified city of Cartagena de Indias, 19 days

PAY ATTENTION TO SEASON!!!

You can make trekking in the coastal zone all year round, but the best time for high mountain trekking is from November 15 to March!!!

  • rainy season: April-May, October-November
  • dry period: December-March, July-August

See our trekking and excursion programs in Colombia - read

3. You arrived in Colombia and actively spent time in the mountains (climbing, trekking), we recommend that you spend some more time on easy walks, excursions and relaxing on the sea (ocean, desert, Amazon)

Colombia remains unknown to most people. It is friendly and with a very diverse population, bright green, mountainous and exotic. The diversity of its many cultures is reflected in the extraordinary geographic diversity of its landscape. Most of the country is in the lowlands, with the Amazon and Los Llanos to the east and south. To the north is the Caribbean Sea with beaches, Tayrona and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest coastal mountain range in the world. The central part of the country is dominated by green mountains and valleys, including the absolutely wonderful and charming region of Coffee and the region of Boyaca with its authentic villages.

Here are the most interesting options:

  • The main attractions of Colombia: excursions in cities and national parks, coffee valleys, the Caribbean Sea, etc., 10 days
  • A circular tour through the most interesting areas of Colombia, 16 days
  • Explore Bogota, the famous Сoffee region and the Caribbean in Cartagena (World Heritage Site), 7 days
  • Caribbean Coast: Guajira Desert, Cities: Santa Marta, Cartagena, Mompoх and San Bernardo Archipelago (Santa Cruz Island), 14 days
  • Attractions and nature of Colombia, charter flights, 16 days
  • Best Places in Colombia (two flights), 20 days
  • All the best for a comfortable and safe family vacation in Colombia, 16 days
  • Our favorite Colombia Caribbean beaches: Sanguare, Providencia and the Guajira Desert, 4-12 days
  • Travel to the unique places of the Amazon River, Leticia and Puerto Narino, 5-7 days
  • Columbia Pacific Coast, jungle, waterfalls, sandy beaches, whales, dolphins and more, 5-7 days
  • Canyon Cristales, "river of five colors", 3-5 days
  • Los Llanos, vast territory of endless ocean of green meadows, Colombian cowboys, real ranch, 4-6 days

PAY ATTENTION TO SEASON!!!

These programs run all year round.

  • rainy season: April-May, October-November
  • dry period: December-March, July-August

See our main programs in Colombia - read

 

You understand very well that there is only a little information about Colombia here. There are many more interesting places to visit or visit.

Here are the places worth visiting:

  • Recommended cities to visit: Medellin, Cartagena, Bogota, Leticia
  • Museo del Oro Gold Museum
  • Fortress of San Felipe de Barajas, Cartagena
  • Tierradentro National Archaeological Park, Popayán
  • San Agustin Stone Sculpture Park
  • Church of Las Lajas, one of the 7 wonders of the described country
  • Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
  • Rock of El Peñon de Guatape, rock with stairs
  • Lake Guatavita
  • Tekendama waterfall
  • Cristales river canyon
  • San Andres and Providencia Islands
  • Rosario Archipelago

Ask us questions. Our Colombia office will answer all your questions and offer the best options for your holiday in Colombia

Further moving along the map to the South, we find ourselves in Ecuador.

Ecuador - the full name of the Republic of Ecuador, the capital of the Republic is the city of Quito.

  • This state is five times smaller than Colombia, it borders only two countries: Colombia and Peru.
  • In the Pacific Ocean, Ecuador has the famous Galapagos Islands.
  • The Equator passes through Ecuador.
  • The official language of Ecuador is Spanish.
  • The country is divided into 24 provinces, which are further divided into cantons.
  • There are 11 national parks in Ecuador, and there are also reserves and reserves

As noted above, information about the climate and transport in this country is very important for us.

- The climate here, as in Colombia, is equatorial and subequatorial. But, there is only one season here, this is the EQUATOR, the average annual, monthly temperature on the coast and plains is around 25 ° C. Well, if you climb mountains, then, as in Colombia, depending on the height from -5 to +15 ° C. And what about precipitation? There are fewer here. Mostly heavy precipitation in the East of the country up to 6000 mm. In the rest of them there are a hundred times less. According to climatic and biological factors, by analogy with Peru, Ecuador is clearly divided into parts: Costa (coast), Sierra (mountainous part), Oriente (Amazonia, jungle) and the Galapagos Islands, which have their own special climate.

- Ecuador, like Colombia, has a complex terrain (swamps, forests, mountains). But, nevertheless, the transport infrastructure is well developed here: air, rail and road. The Pan American Highway passes through the country. There are large seaports.

Ecuador is without a doubt the most suitable country for mountain tourism and mountaineering in South America. Ecuador has it all, and everything is conveniently located within a few hours drive of the capital, Quito.

Let's start with climbing

1. Climbing in Ecuador

  • Chimborazo is the largest mountain in Ecuador, and its equatorial peak at 6310 meters is the closest point on Earth to the sun,
  • Cotopaxi is the second highest mountain in Ecuador, and its 5897 meter peak makes it one of the largest active volcanoes in the world,

There are all levels of climbing difficulty, from easily accessible small volcanoes to more technical and high volcanoes such as Chimborazo and Antisana.

There are some very interesting climbing programs in Ecuador:

  • Fast ascent to the volcano Cotopaxi (5897 m) in 2 days
  • Climbing the volcano Cotopaxi (5897 m), with a training session for 4 days
  • Rapid ascent of the Chimborazo volcano (6268 m) in 5 (4) days and with a training session
  • Climbing the peaks of the Ilyiniza volcano (5263 м), 5 days
  • Climbing volcanoes: Pasochoa (4164 m), North Iliniza (5126 m), Cayambe (5790 m)
  • Climbing volcanoes: Pasochoa (4164 m), North Iliniza (5126 m), Cotopaxi (5897 m), 5 days
  • Climbing the Antisana volcano (5704 m), 7 days
  • Climbing volcanoes: Pasochoa (4164 m), Pichincha (4794 m), North Iliniza (5126 m), Chimborazo (6268 m)
  • Climbing 4 volcanoes: Pasochoa (4164 m), Guagua Pichincha (4784 m), North Iliniza (5126 m), Cotopaxi (5897 m), 9 days
  • 5 volcanoes in one tour: Pasochoa (4164 m), Corazon (4791 m), Iliniza North (5126 m), Cotopaxi (5897 m), Chimborazo (6268 m), 12 days

PAY ATTENTION TO SEASON!!!

You can climb all year round

  • rainy season: December-May
  • dry period: June-November

View descriptions of our main climbing programs in Ecuador - read

 

2. Trekking with climbing

Ecuador's natural beauty is incredible, from rainforests to glaciers with a striking contrast between snow-capped volcanoes and lowland forests. Infrastructure, short distances between areas and an abundance of mountain houses and haciendas in the natural environment make Ecuador a very pleasant and convenient place for people who are fond of mountaineering, trekking and hiking. There are programs for all levels of participants: from beginners and amateurs to professionals, and also allow you to go through a beautiful acclimatization trekking in one tour, and then climb beautiful peaks.

  • Famous Condor Trail with climbing 2 volcanoes: Guagua Pichincha (4784 m), Cotopaxi (5897 m), 10 days 
  • Famous trekking in the Angamarca region with climbing volcanoes: Pasochoa (4164 m), Ilinis northern (5126 m), Cotopaxi (5897 m), 12 days
  • Cuicocha’s сrater lake trek (3400 m) and climbing 4 volcanoes: Imbabura (4560 m), Cayambe (5790 m), Cotopaxi (5897 m), Chimborazo (6268 m), 12 days

PAY ATTENTION TO SEASON!!!

You can make trekking and climbing all year round

  • rainy season: December-May
  • dry period: June-November

See descriptions of our main trekking programs in Ecuador - read

 

3. Треккинги

  • Famous, exciting and unforgettable trekking - Condor Trail
  • Wild trails and ancient settlements with comfortable ascents to the volcanoes Pasochoa (4164 m) and Fuya Fuya (4100 m)
  • The best trekking in Ecuador through the most interesting natural sites

PAY ATTENTION TO SEASON!!!

You can do trekking all year round

  • rainy season: December-May
  • dry period: June-November

See descriptions of our main trekking programs in Ecuador - read

 

4. Walks, excursions, sea holidays

Ecuador is popular with tourists not only in the Andes mountain system, but also in the Amazonian jungle and the Galapagos Islands, whose wildlife is very diverse.

There are unique tailor-made itineraries tailored to your interests that show you the hidden gems of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands!

Here are the places worth visiting:

  • City of Montañita, Santa Elena Peninsula
  • Cuenca city, historical site
  • City of Otavalo, the famous market for authentic Indian products
  • Tena city, jungle travel start
  • Oriente Region, Amazon Basin
  • Archaeological complex of Ingapirka
  • Nariz del Diablo (Devil's nose)
  • Monument Mitad del Mundo, equator line
  • The famous swing over the cliff, Banos de Agua Santa
  • Sangai National Park,
  • El Cajas National Park,
  • Yasuni National Park,
  • Reserve: Reserva-Faunistica-Cuyabeno and Huaorani
  • Pilon del Diablo Waterfall (Devil's Cauldron)
  • San Rafael Falls
  • Mount Sierra Negro
  • Quilotoa crater
  • Hot Springs of Banos
  • Galapagos Islands
  • Beaches: Salinas, Bahia and Montanita

PAY ATTENTION TO SEASON!!!

The coast of the country and the Galapagos Islands: December-June

Well, a little of the most important about Peru.

More information about Peru can be read here - read

Peru - the full name of the Republic of Peru, the capital of the republic is the city of Lima.

  • The Republic borders on five countries: Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile.
  • The country is divided into 25 regions plus 1 metropolitan region. Further division - 195 provinces and 1833 districts.
  • The official language of Peru is Spanish, but in regions where the Indian population predominates, the Quechua languages also have official status.
  • Washed by the Pacific Ocean. There are two Pacific currents. On the northern coast it is cold, and on the central and southern coast it is warm.

And the territory of Peru is divided into three belts:

  • The Pacific coast is called the Costa, the northern part is the Sechura Desert, the southern part is the Atacama.
  • Further inland to the east, from north to south, the Andes (Cordillera) mountains stretch with numerous peaks above 6000 m. The highest point in Peru is Mount Huascaran (6768 meters). This belt is called the Sierra.
  • Further east is the Selva belt. This is the Amazonian lowland with tropical rainforests.

Transport and climate in Peru

- Peru is a large country with a complex terrain. But, nevertheless, the transport infrastructure is well developed here. The most popular is road transport. Most people use bus services. There is also a railway and air traffic. The Pan American Highway passes through the country. There are large seaports.

- But with the climate here, everything is not so simple. First, we are already in the southern hemisphere. And this means that if you have a cold winter in the Northern Hemisphere, December - January, then it is summer in Peru, but this is not everywhere. Secondly, as noted above, Peru is divided into 3 belts: Costa, Sierra and Amazonia. That's what they do and shape the climate. But in reality, there are not two climatic zones here: equatorial and subequatorial, but as many as 28 out of 32 existing types ...

Therefore, pay your attention to the places where after the tours it says "ATTENTION TO THE SEASON"!!!, and also read our article about Peru - read.

Well, now about active recreation in Peru.

Everything is really here: beautiful mountain peaks, unforgettable mountain trekking, short walks and excursions, the sea and the ocean, and of course the Amazon!

Here we only focus your attention on a few points:

  • Alpamayo peak (5974 m), "The most beautiful mountain peak in the world", Alpinismus magazine, 1966
  • one of the most beautiful world trekking "Santa Cruz"
  • beautiful mountain lakes
  • the historic district and the city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and of course the famous Rainbow Mountains.
  • many other interesting places.

Detailed descriptions of our tours in Peru - read

 

PAY ATTENTION TO SEASON!!!

Recommended time period (season) for

Mountaineering:

  • Climbing peaks up to 5000 meters, all year round, but there are rainy seasons
  • Climbing peaks above 5000 meters, June - August

Trekking in the highlands: April - October.

Excursions and other recreation: All year round, depending on the area, there are rainy seasons.

Read more about the climate in Peru - here

 

Well, now we return to the beginning of this publication, where it says “the climate in these countries allows you to be all year round in all climatic zones. Moving from one country to another country, or climbing mountains, you can find yourself in the tropics, hot summers, warm seas or snow (ice) on mountain peaks.

To make it easier for you to understand how this affects outdoor activities in the mountains, we give a small example for mountaineering.

  • Climbing in Colombia: from November 15 to March
  • Climbing in Ecuador: all year round
  • Climbing in Peru to peaks above 5000 meters: June - August !!!

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