The Wonders of Colombia

Day 1, MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA

Welcome to Colombia! Arrive in the second largest city in the country, Medellin & check into your hotel. Enjoy a welcome event and meet your fellow travellers.(WR)

Day 2, MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA

After breakfast, depart for a guided tour. Though the city was once known for violent campaigns, Medellín has undergone impressive social transformations, and you will get to examine the drastic differences as you tour one of the city’s neighbourhoods. Once influenced by political corruption, the city’s neighbourhoods have been elevated to a place of strengthened community, music and art. Witness this vibrant atmosphere for yourself on your guided tour. (B)

Day 3, MEDELLIN,  COLOMBIA

After breakfast, enjoy another enlightening tour. The region’s ideal climate and soil conditions, combined with the skill and passion of local farmers, make for a unique and delicious coffee experience, which you can learn about and enjoy for yourself during this guided excursion. Before the majority of coffee farms moved south, the state of Antioquia was where coffee growth in Colombia first began, planting the seed of tradition and culture strongly in this region. The coffee beans grown in Medellín are known for their rich and complex flavor profiles, with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and berries.  (B)

Day 4, CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

In the morning, check out of your hotel and fly to Cartagena, the beautiful capital of the Bolivar region located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
Take the day to delight in the beautiful coastal city of Cartagena. Many Spaniards flocked to this location when they heard tales of gold found in the tombs of indigenous leaders, expanding this small port into a thriving city. As you tour the city, you may witness iconic landmarks such as the Catedral de Cartagena or the stone walls built to protect the city from the plundering of pirates, although they did not stop Sir Francis Drake from holding the city for ransom in 1586. (B)

Day 5, CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

Start your day by exploring the incredible UNESCO-designated San Felipe Castle, the fortress that defended Cartagena from French and British attacks. As you walk through Cartagena, learn more about emeralds and the impact of these precious gemstones on the city’s history. Alternatively, visit the Gold Museum, which features ancient gold artifacts from the indigenous cultures found in this region. (B)

Day 6, CARTAGENA  AND EMBARKATION

Before checking out of your hotel, tour the famous vaults of Cartagena. These vaults have gone through many transformations – from being Spanish headquarters to a prison for those seeking independence from Spain to the art galleries, restaurants and shops you see today. After the tour you will check out and transfer to the AmaMagdalena. Settle into your stateroom, then enjoy a tour through the breathtaking neighborhood of Getsemani. With the vibrant colors of the homes and street art as well as the mouthwatering local delicacies that can be found throughout the area, this historic neighborhood will delight all your senses. In the evening, watch the sun set on Cartagena as we set sail on your magical Magdalena River journey on board the AmaMagdalena. (B,D)

Day 7, GAMBOTE/PALENQUE/CALAMAR

In the morning, visit Palenque, the first “free town” in the Americas, founded by those who escaped slavery during colonial times. Its spirit and appearance have been preserved over time. In 1713, the Spanish crown issued a Royal Decree freeing Palenque’s people from slavery. Experience the town’s rich culture and traditions, so unique that UNESCO declared it a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Enjoy a special performance by local musicians showcasing the town’s distinctive rhythmic style. Later, explore Calamar, settled in 1840 at the entrance of the Canal del Dique. Tour historic sites like the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción by paola (bicycle taxi for 2)  (B,L,D)

Day 8, SANTA BARBARA DE PINTO – MOMPOX

Spend your morning in Santa Barbara de Pinto, located on the banks of the Mompox arm of the Magdalena River. Enjoy a walking tour through this traditional town, where you may see local landmarks such as the Santa Barbara Church and enjoy intricate handmade crafts created in the town. In the afternoon, arrive at the island town of Mompox, where you will be welcomed with open arms and lively music during an exclusive jazz performance played by local musicians. (B,L,D)

Day 9, MOMPOX, COLOMBIA

Frozen in time, Mompox reflects the look of colonial-era villages. Founded in 1540, this remote town became a key Spanish trading post. Spaniards used Mompox to safeguard gold and treasure from pirate raids on coastal cities like Cartagena. The town later became famous for its exquisite filigree jewelry, which you’ll learn about during your visit. Explore the largest inland island in Latin America, journeying through wetlands and a vast lake rich in native flora and fauna, with birdwatching opportunities at sunrise, early morning, and sunset. Take a guided walking tour of the town, home to colonial churches, beautiful nature, and local delicacies like capa cheese and butifarra, making Mompox a highlight of your Magdalena River journey. (B,L,D)

Day 10, MOMPOX /EL BANCO

Bid farewell to Mompox and embark on a scenic cruise along the Magdalena River, passing through the picturesque La Mojana Region to El Banco, located at the intersection of the Magdalena and César rivers. Founded in a strategic location, El Banco was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. In 1749, José Domingo Ortiz, a freed black slave, led settlers to this area, bringing a statue of the Virgin Mary. Due to this connection, the Virgin of Candelaria is venerated here. Take a guided walking tour to explore the town’s history as the birthplace of cumbia, a genre of music and dance that began as a courtship dance among African slaves. Over time, it incorporated American steps and European and African instruments, becoming popular worldwide, especially in Colombia’s Andean region. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive cumbia performance by locals.  (B,L,D)

Day 11, MANANGUE

Hear the bird calls, and watch the wildlife around you as spend the day docked near Magangue. Immerse yourself in the presence of Colombian nature surrounding this city on a birdwatching tour, giving you a unique opportunity to see birds only found in this specific part of the country. (B, L,D)

Day 12, NUEVA VENECIA/BARRANQUILLA

In the morning, visit Nueva Venecia, a charming floating village only accessible by boat. With its colonial houses, vibrant architecture, and local sanctuary protecting native flora and fauna, Nueva Venecia showcases Colombia’s beauty and warmth. Take a guided tour to explore the village, learn about local fishing techniques, admire traditional crafts, and taste local delicacies. Later, head to the seaside city of Barranquilla, home to musicians, writers, and artists. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and visit landmarks like Bocas de Cenizas, where the Magdalena River meets the Caribbean Sea, and the “Carnaval” Museum, which celebrates the history of this lively festival. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive “Carnaval” celebration just for AmaWaterways’ guests, bringing the traditional experience year-round. (B,L,D)

Day 13, DISEMBARKATION OR CONTINUE ON TO PANAMA CITY

Disembark the AmaMagdalena and say “Adios” to Colombia as we head to the airport for onward flights home OR perhaps choose an optional post-cruise extension to Panama. (B)

OPTIONAL 3-DAY POST-CRUISE EXTENSION

Disembark and fly to Panama City, renowned for the canal that separates North and South America. Begin your journey in Panama’s Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled among skyscrapers, preserving its original charm. This area holds the foundations of modern Panama, with city walls built to defend against pirate attacks. Visit Plaza de Francia, honoring France’s role in building the Panama Canal, and Plaza Carlos V, named after the 16th-century European monarch. Admire the stunning la Compañía architecture, seen in landmarks like the Catedral Basílica Santa María la Antigua de Panamá. Experience the vibrant colors of Casco Viejo as you head to your hotel for the night. (B)

Day 14, PANAMA CITY

Discover one of the world’s engineering marvels, the Panama Canal, on this full-day excursion. Opened in 1914 after more than 30 years of construction, the canal revolutionized international trade by shortening voyages between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Visit the Panama Canal Administration Building, a historic landmark, and learn about the legacy of Chief Engineer George W. Goethals and the canal’s impact on global commerce. Then, take a boat expedition on Gatun Lake, once the world’s largest artificial lake. Surrounded by lush forest, the lake serves as a vibrant habitat for many species of tropical birds and monkeys. After enjoying a delicious lunch featuring regional cuisine at a local resort, continue to the Miraflores Visitor Center for a private tour, where you’ll dive deeper into the canal’s history, operation, and biodiversity and discover why it continues to be a vital waterway for (B, L )

Day 15  PANAMA CITY/CHAGRES NATIONAL PARK

Be dazzled by a breathtaking rainforest near the Chagres National Park, taking in the amazing scenery that surrounds you. Navigate the Gatun Lake through this magical jungle before continuing to an Emberá village. The Emberá are a riverine people of Panama, historically building their houses along banks of rivers. They migrated to this area when Gatun Lake was created. Savour a traditional Emberá tasting experience that is sure to delight your taste buds. Immerse yourself in the ritual dances, local music, handcrafts and more as you experience and embrace this unique culture. (B)

Day 16  DEPART PANAMA

Depart the hotel for your onward journey home, bidding farewell to your AmaWaterways Cruise Manager and this fascinating country. (B)