How to plan a two-country trip to Peru and Colombia

Focus on a 14-day itinerary by flying into Bogota and out of Lima, utilizing regional carriers like LATAM or Avianca to save time. You need to account for significant altitude changes and distinct climate zones by packing layers and booking your internal connection flight at least 3 weeks in advance.

1. Book an open-jaw flight. Do not book a round-trip ticket to one city. Book a 'multi-city' flight arriving in Bogota (BOG) and departing from Lima (LIM). This prevents the need to backtrack across two massive countries.
2. Secure the cross-border flight. There are no efficient trains or buses between Colombia and Peru due to the Amazon basin. Book a direct flight from Bogota (BOG) to Lima (LIM) via LATAM or Avianca. These flights take approximately 3.5 hours.
3. Map your altitude strategy. Colombia's high-altitude cities (Bogota, Medellin) prepare you slightly for Cusco, but the altitude in Cusco (11,152 ft) is significantly higher. Schedule your most strenuous physical activities in Peru for at least 48 hours after arrival.
4. Verify entry requirements. Both countries use the Andean Migration Card (TAM/PIP). Keep your digital or paper copy safe; you will need it to prove you haven't overstayed your welcome when checking into hotels or leaving the country.

Is it safe to drink the water?

No. Stick to bottled or filtered water in both countries to avoid stomach issues.

Can I use the same currency?

No. Colombia uses the Colombian Peso (COP) and Peru uses the Sol (PEN). Both are cash-heavy societies; carry local currency for markets.