SOUTH AMERICA: Ulta-Short Tram Tour
7. - 13. November 2026

The comprehensive tram tour though South America begins on 3. November and is already confirmed. Due to the numerous layovers necessitated by complex flight connections within South America, I decided to utilize these stops, for instance, to check out the trolleybus in Quito, visit the tram museum in La Paz, or take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca. Many participants enjoy this, but not everyone does. For "purists," any day without a tram is a wasted day—and a general sightseeing program is completely out of the question.

Therefore, in collaboration with my local agencies, I have created an ultra-short itinerary focusing on the three tram systems on the South American mainland, containing absolutely no "other activities" unrelated to trams: in Medellín, Cuenca, and Cochabamba, it is all about the tram... Naturally, an "ultra-short" program also means we won't be stopping at every connecting airport for sightseeing or having a break at a hotel. There will be a lot of flying involved!

TOUR PROGRAM

Day 1
Saturday, 7. November 2026
Individual arrivals in Cuenca. A transfer from the airport to the city is available for every participant, regardless of arrival time. The main group begins the tram-program in Cuenca today; thus an arrival at Cuenca Airport at 7:00 a.m. would be ideal for this (requiring a departure from Europe the previous day, 6. November). An optional overnight stay at the group hotel in Cuenca from November 6 to 7 is available for an additional fee. I am happy to book flight tickets at current market rates.

The Cuenca tram system, "Tranvía de Cuenca," is one of the highest-altitude tram systems in the world, situated at 2,550 meters above sea level. Part of the route utilizes the *Alimentation Par Sol* (APS) system—a ground-level power supply system that eliminates the need for overhead lines in the historic city center. The tramway operates 14 Alstom Citadis X051 articulated vehicles along the 10.3 km route, which features 20 stops. The line runs largely on dedicated rights-of-way and utilizes grass tracks outside the city center. Currently, there are no concrete plans to expand the Cuenca tram network; the existing line only fully entered service in 2020, and the municipal administration is currently focusing on optimizing operations and improving integration with other modes of transport. A full day of filming, photographing and riding the *Tranvía de Cuenca*. Dinner and overnight stay in Cuenca.

Day 2
Sunday, 8. November 2026
Another day is available for visting the regular tram operations in the city. Dinner and overnight stay in Cuenca. 

Day 3
Monday, 9. November 2026
Today the group splits up: the "Ultra-Short" tour participants fly to Medellín via Quito and Bogotá. Arrival there is around 8:00 p.m. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Medellín.

Day 4
Tuesday, 10. November 2026
Medellín’s tramway is the first and, to date, only Translohr system in South America. Translohr was awarded the contract because it was hoped the system could handle Medellín’s steep hills better than conventional trams. The double-track line is just 4.3 km long and serves nine stops. Twelve five-section, bi-directional STE5-type vehicles are in operation. Cable car lines ascending the city's hills also begin at two of the tram stops. In the evening, the group continues by air to Cochabamba via Bogotá and Santa Cruz. Arrival there is around 6:00 a.m. the following morning.

Days 5–6
Wednesday–Thursday, 11.-12. November 2026
The standard-gauge Cochabamba light rail system (Tren Metropolitano de Cochabamba) serves the metropolitan area of ​​the Bolivian city of Cochabamba. Construction on the network, comprising three lines and 43 stops spanning a total length of approximately 42 kilometers, began in 2017. Operations on parts of the Green Line and on the Red Line commenced on September 13, 2022. Marketed under the brand name "Mi Tren" (My Train), the light rail network is Bolivia's first rail-based local transit system.

The network's central hub and the starting point for all three lines is the newly built Estación Central San Antonio, located south of Cochabamba's former main railway station. The three lines connect the city of Cochabamba with the surrounding municipalities of Colcapirhua, Quillacollo, Vinto, Sipe Sipe, and... Sacaba. Dinner and overnight stay in Cochabamba.

Day 7
Friday, 13 November 2026
The itinerary for this ultra-short trip concludes in Cochabamba. Cochabamba is certainly not a major aviation hub in South America - or even in Bolivia... the return flight to Europe requires at least two local flights to reach the nearest international gateway. You will be arriving in Europe the next day. These flights are not included in the tour price; I am happy to book tickets at current daily rates.

TOUR PRICE
3.860 € per person in a shared double room
   550 € single room supplement.
Minimum of 3 participants, maximum of 10. Registration deadline: 31. July 2026, thereafter on request.

Extra night in Cuenca (November 6–7, 2026)
   280 Euro per person in a shared double room
     80 Euro single room supplement
Includes airport-hotel transfer in Cuenca and breakfast in Cuenca.

INCLUDED SERVICES:

• 6 economy-class flights within South America (CUE-UIO-BOG-MDE-BOG-VVI-CBB), each with a 20 kg baggage allowance
• 5 nights in mid-range hotels (double room with breakfast; single room available for a supplement)
• Additional meals as specified in the itinerary
• All professional visits, sightseeing tours, and permits as per the program
• Transfers and excursions in SUVs or minibuses meeting local standards
• Local tour guidance provided by English-speaking guides

NOT INCLUDED

• Long-haul flights
• Tips (average approx. €15–20 per day per participant)
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance (baggage, international medical, trip cancellation)
• Tour guidance during the intra-South American flights

NOTES
Please check your immigration requiredments for the countries visited: Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. A valid passport is mandatory; it must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry and contain sufficient blank pages for multiple stamps. Passports in poor condition—such as those with frayed pages, stains, or damage—may result in entry being denied. An electronic entry form is now required for almost all these countries. 

South America is not a simple or "cheap" travel destination; the flights required for our program alone cost over 1.000 Euro. I decided to include these flights in the tour price, even though this makes the "headline" price appear higher than might be expected. Many regions in South America have now reached a high standard in the tourism sector, despite the poverty that sometimes prevails elsewhere. While local services can be inexpensive, domestic flights and major tourist attractions cost disproportionately more.

This trip will be physically demanding. Due to the long distances and sometimes less-than-ideal transport options, we will be traveling for extended periods with irregular mealtimes on some days of our itinerary. We will be traveling from sea level to altitudes of over 3,000 meters above sea level and will rarely have sufficient time to acclimatize. Occasional short nights are to be expected. I would be delighted if you would like to join us, however, I urge you to be honest with yourself and assess whether you are up to these physical challenges. Please be sure to consult your doctor!

South America is a continent full of contrasts and surprises. The people are friendly and hospitable, but it's important to be prepared for some cultural differences. Time often plays a different role here. The word "mañana" ("tomorrow") was certainly invented in South America or introduced by the colonialists. Please let go of the idea that everything has to be done immediately and as agreed during this trip. And if certain things need to be discussed for the tenth time, then so be it. We won't get anywhere with pedantry and insistence on being right. And if something gets stuck and doesn't go as planned, please remain calm. It's much better to adopt some Latin American ease and let things take their course than to become frantic without any prospect of success. Be patient and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. 

South America doesn't exactly have a reputation as a "safe" travel destination. Our tour guides are very well connected locally and will make sure we don't wander off into the wrong neighborhoods. Pay particular attention to your valuables and be vigilant, especially in large cities and at tourist attractions. With a bit of caution and common sense, you can enjoy your trip without worry.

Please have a valid travel insurance: no one is immune to unpleasant health surprises or life events that make travel impossible. Cheap flights are often only partially reimbursed by the airline, and hospital and doctor visits abroad can quickly become very expensive. I work with the affordable and professional Hanse-Merkur insurance company, which offers attractive rates for all types of travel insurance: you can find an offer for international health insurance here , and for trip cancellation insurance (and all other plans) here.

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please note that our trip involves boarding and disembarking on uneven ground, with high-entry vehicles, or in environments that do not conform to German standards. If you are unsure whether this trip is suitable for you, please contact me.

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