Day 1-2 Cartagena

Wander Cartagena's Old Town expecting to get lost. After all, the city was designed to outwit marauding pirates. With a labyrinthine of cobblestone alleyways and gorgeous colonial dwellings draped in bougainvillea, never before has getting lost been so pleasant.

Day 3-4 Mompos

Take a ferry across the Rio Magdalena to the historic town of Mompos.

Day 5 Lorica

Travel back across Rio Magdalena to Lorica.

Day 6-7 Medellin

Travel to Medellin, a city on the upswing, and make yourself at home among the myriad museums and vibrant local nightlife on offer. Perhaps venture out to the charming markets and quaint plazas of provincial Santa Fe de Antioquia.

Day 8-9 Guatape

Surrounded by rolling hills and a winding river network, the town of Guatape makes for a peaceful and scenic waterside retreat. Browse the stalls on the board walk, or climb the granite monolith of El Penon de Guatape for commanding views across the countryside.

Day 10-12 Manizales

Journey into the heart of Colombia's coffee country for a three-night stay at a traditional hacienda. Learn about the coffee making process on a plantation tour before sampling the region's famous beans at a city cafe.

Day 13-14 Cali

Welcome to Cali – Colombia's unabashed party capital. Salsa the night away on a bar-hopping adventure through the city's hippest clubs, or relax plaza-side at one of the cafes of the bohemian San Antonio neighbourhood. If you'd like to brush up on your salsa sass, this is the place for a lesson.

Day 15 Popayan

Discover the whitewashed buildings and cordial vibe of Popayan's Old Town. Perhaps head out on a day trip to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Purace National Park.

Day 16 Ipiales

Explore the town of Ipiales and its impressive Santuario de Las Lajas – an ornate cathedral snuggled into a tight river gorge. Upheld as the site of many miracles and apparitions, its a hidden highlight of this magical country.

Day 17 Otavalo

Journey across the spectacular high plateaus and deep ravines that characterise Colombia's border country into Otavalo, Ecuador. Peruse the array of bright textiles and colourful crafts on display at the town's famous indigenous markets.

Day 18-19 Quito

Enjoy some free time in Ecuador's enthralling capital, Quito. Pop into the ornate churches of the Old Town for a dose of history, and dine out at one of the local eateries lining the plaza.

Day 20-24 Amazon Jungle

Enjoy some time exploring the upper Amazon Basin, one of the world's foremost hot spots of biological diversity. Trek deep into the jungle, witness caiman lounging on the shores and fall asleep to the nocturnal stirrings of the forest.

Day 25-27 Rio Verde

Camp in the lush Tungurahua Province and explore nearby Banos, famous for its hot springs and mountainous surrounds. In this stunning environment, optional activities abound - from horse riding to mountain biking and even whitewater rafting.

Day 28-29 Chugchilan

Witness spectacular views while driving along the winding Quilotoa Loop. Stretch the legs on a guided trek through stunning wilderness, before bunking down at the town of Chugchilan.

Day 30-31 Cuenca

Travel to the beautifully preserved colonial city of Cuenca. Perhaps pick up an original version of the Panama hat on a visit to the local factory or just meander about the Old Town, admiring its quaint streets and shady plazas.

Day 32-34 Punta Sal

Nestled in a long bay on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Punta Sal is a haven of sun, surf and sand. Why not try your hand at some deep-sea fishing, saddle-up for a horse ride or book in for a salsa lesson.

Day 35-36 Huanchaco

Visit the Royal Tombs Museum to discover the amazing artefacts from the nearby archaeological site at Sipan. Pitch a tent at Huanchaco, home to the surfing fishermen, and watch these skilfull men bobbing among the waves while balancing on their narrow reed canoes. Spend a full day exploring the ruins of Chan Chan - the largest pre-Colombian city in South America - and stop by the temples of the Sun and the Moon.

Day 37-38 Lima

Discover the colonial heart of downtown Lima or perhaps head to scenic Miraflores for a walk along the seafront boardwalks.

Day 39 Paracas National Reserve/Ballestas Islands

Leave the city behind and travel south along the coast of Peru. Pitch a tent in Paracas, which spans over 335,000 hectares and is one of the world's most important marine reserves. Take a walk along the coastline and spot the vibrant birdlife Paracas is famous for.

Day 40 Nazca

Spot penguins, sea lions and boobies during a boat tour through the Ballestas Islands. Learn about the mysterious sand images on a Nazca Lines tour and perhaps take an overhead flight to fully appreciate the scale of this puzzling creation.

Day 41 Puerto Inca

The windswept graves at the Chauchilla Cemetery display the eerie skeletons and mummified bodies of the Nazca people, some of which date from 1,000 AD. Camp overnight near Puerto Inca.

Day 42-43 Arequipa

Explore the scenic city of Arequipa and perhaps stop by the Museo Santury to view Juanita, the ice princess. The body of this frozen Inca maiden is thought to be more than 500 years old, and was found at a sacrificial site on the summit of Nevado Ampato.

Day 44-45 Chivay

Try to spot the mighty Andean condors as they silently take to the sky thousands of metres above the floor of the breathtaking Colca Canyon.

Day 46 Raqchi

Get to know a local family as guests at a homestay in Raqchi. Spend the evening huddled around a crackling fire, sharing a meal, and discovering traditional Peruvian song and dance.

Day 47-48 Cuzco

Arrive in the city set high city in the mountains of Peru, Cuzco. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with massive Inca stone walls and Spanish-colonial architecture. Perhaps enjoy a traditional dance performance or sign up for one of the many adventure activities on offer in Cuzco, including quad-biking and whitewater rafting.

Day 49-52 Inca Trail

Follow in the footsteps of the Incas on an alternate Inca trail trek through the Andes. Go trekking through the snow-capped Cordillera Urubamba mountains, along winding mountain paths, past herds of grazing llamas. Meet local Quechua communities during the four-day hike before descending into the Sacred Valley to explore the massive Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo.

Day 53-54 Cuzco

Explore the crumbling ruins of Peru's most frequented attraction, Machu Picchu, the 'lost Inca city'. Why not find a spot near the Sun Gate to sit back and soak up the magical atmosphere.