Wonders of Colombia (MedellÍn, Cartagena & Panama Extensions)

Arrive in Medellín, a city that harmoniously blends modern innovation with colonial elegance. Wander its lively streets, soak in the colorful architecture, and feel the energy of a city celebrated for its creativity, culture, and forward-thinking spirit. Meet fellow travelers and your local hosts at a relaxed welcome reception. Enjoy light refreshments, receive an overview of the journey ahead, and connect with the group in a comfortable setting before the adventure begins.

Excursions:

• Hotel Check-in

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 neighborhoods. Once a setting of political corruption's influence on the city, the neighborhood has now been elevated to a place of strengthened community, music and art. See this vibrant atmosphere for yourself on your guided tour.

Excursions:

• Medellín City Tour - Your local-led tour takes in Medellín's Casa de la Memoria Museum, opened in 2012 to honor the city's history and its people's resilience, and Comuna 3's Manrique neighborhood, once among the city's most marginalized, now home to the Constellations mural project spanning more than 600 building facades.

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 a guided excursion. Before the majority of coffee farms moved south, the state of Antioquia was where coffee growth in Colombia first begin, 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. This delightful coffee is also certified by organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance, which ensures that the coffee is grown in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

Excursions:

• Coffee Region Tour & Tasting

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.

Excursions:

• Flight to Cartagena
• Walled City Walking Tour

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. You will also visit the Caribbean Naval Museum. Follow the story of this fascinating country and its incredible naval history from pre-Hispanic times until the present.

Excursions:

• San Felipe Castle Visit OR Gold Museum and Caribbean Naval Museum

Arrive in Cartagena, the beautiful capital of the Bolivar region located on Colombia's Caribbean coast. After settling into your stateroom, enjoy a tour through the breathtaking Getsemaní neighborhood. 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. Upon returning to your ship, embark on your journey along the magical Magdalena River.

Excursions:

• Hotel Check Out
• The Vaults Walking Tour
• Getsemaní Tour
• Sundown Cruise

In the morning, dock in Mahates, your gateway to the town of Palenque, the first “free town” in the Americas. Founded by those who fled a life of slavery during colonial times, the spirit and appearance of this town has been preserved through time. In 1713, the Spanish crown issued a Royal Decree that officially freed the people of Palenque from slavery.

Immerse yourself in the town's deeply rooted culture and traditions, from symbolic hairstyles to ancestral medicine, which are so distinct that UNESCO declared Palenque to be a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. You will also visit a local home during this excursion.

An important piece of Palenque's heritage is the music and rhythmic style that was developed in this city, which you will enjoy during a special performance that brings the town's spirit to life. Later in the day, cruise to Calamar. Located at the entrance of the Canal del Dique, this town was first settled in 1840. Witness historic sites such as the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Conception as you tour this beautiful destination by paola (a bicycle taxi for two).

Excursions:

• Palenque cultural experience
• Historic Tour by Paola

Experience the vibrant sounds and sights of Colombian nature from one of our intimate excursion boats as you immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Boca de Tacaloa (the mouth of Tacaloa) – a striking natural wonder surrounded by rich landscapes, local legend and untamed energy in the Magangué region. This nature tour offers a rare opportunity to encounter fascinating species, such as beautiful birds that are unique to this region of the country, making for an unforgettable immersion in wildlife. Then, enjoy scenic cruising en route to the island town of Mompox. There you will be welcomed with open arms and lively music as local musicians treat you to an exclusive jazz performance.

Excursions:

• Nature excursion
• Exclusive Jazz Street Performance

A town frozen in time, Mompox embodies the appearance of what many villages looked like during colonial times. Founded in 1540, this remote village became an important Spanish trading post. Some Spaniards found Mompox to be a haven for keeping gold and other treasure protected from the pirates that pillaged coastal cities like Cartagena, and with this precious metal and the work of skilled artisans from Spain came beautifully crafted artifacts. Since then, the town has become famous for its incredible filigree jewelry, which you can learn more about during your tour of this town.

While visiting the largest inland island in Latin America, journey through the beautiful wetlands, exploring the massive lake that is home to a variety of flora and fauna native to the region, with opportunities to birdwatch at sunrise, early morning and sunset. In either the morning or the afternoon, you can choose to take a stroll through this storied town on a guided tour beginning with a tuk-tuk ride from Plaza de San Francisco, visiting key landmarks.

You may also visit a filigree workshop in either the morning or afternoon, witnessing the intricate jewelry artistry that defines Mompox's renowned craftsmanship. With stunning colonial churches, breathtaking nature surrounding the town, and delicious local delights such as capa cheese and butifarra, Mompox is sure to be a highlight of your journey along the magnificent Magdalena River.

Excursions:

• Nature Experience
• Historic Walking Tour with tuk tuk ride
• Filigree workshop

Bid farewell to Mompox before embarking on a scenic cruise down one of the most breathtaking stretches of the Magdalena River – La Mojana Region. Learn more about the history of cumbia, an iconic genre of music and dance that has now been popularized around the world. What began as a courtship dance practiced by African slaves later incorporated American steps and European and African instruments has become a world-wide sensation, which is especially popular in the Andean region of Colombia. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive cumbia performance by locals.

Excursions:

• Scenic Cruising
• Exclusive Cumbia Performance

Embark on one of our private excursion boats to visit Santa Barbara de Pinto, located on the banks of the Mompox arm of the Magdalena River. Enjoy an immersive tour of the town that includes learning the traditional craft of fishing net weaving and watching skilled artisans hand roll tobacco. You will also visit a historic church. Plus, shop for intricate handmade wares crafted by local townspeople while delighting in the pastel-toned Spanish architecture throughout the town. If you prefer a more active adventure, exploring the natural beauty surrounding this riverside town on a guided hike through its lush landscapes.

Excursions:

• "Traditions of Pinto" experience
• Scenic Cruising to Sitio Nuevo

In the morning, visit a charming village on a guided tour that highlights the beauty and warmth of Colombia. Learn more about the local culture and the lives of the residents. Later in the day, venture to the beautiful seaside city of Barranquilla, a vibrant destination home to notable musicians, writers and artists. Immerse yourself in the warmth and culture of the city's atmosphere as you venture through this magnificent location, where you may see the bocas de cenizas, the point at which the magical Magdalena River meets the breathtaking Caribbean Sea. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive Carnaval celebration just for AmaWaterways guests as we bring the full traditional experience to our guests all year round.

Excursions:

• Village tour
• Exclusive “Carnaval” Celebration

Disembark your ship and fly to Panama City, famous for the canal that separates North and South America. Start your Panama journey in Panama Casco Viejo. Located in the middle of skyscrapers, this charming UNESCO World Heritage Site still conserves its initial mystical flavor. Casco Viejo preserves the first institutions and buildings that laid the foundation for the Panama that we know today. Explore the city walls that were built to protect the city from pirate attacks.

Walk through Plaza de Francia, a beautiful public square that pays homage to France's role in building the iconic Panama Canal, and Plaza Carlos V, named for the most powerful monarch in Europe during the 16th century. Take in the stunning la compañia architecture prominent in this historic area of the city, showcased in breathtaking buildings such as the Catedral Basílica Santa María la Antigua de Panamá. Immerse yourself in the vivid colors of Casco Viejo as you make your way to your hotel, where you will be staying during your time in this incredible city.

Excursions:

• Flight to Panama
• Old Town Panama

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, embark on an intimate boat expedition on Gatun Lake, once the world's largest artificial lake. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the lake serves as a vibrant habitat for the local wildlife, including 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 international commerce.

Excursions:

• Full-Day Panama Canal Tour

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. These people came from another location when Gatun Lake was created, finding a new home next to this bridge of water. Savor 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.

Excursions:

• Rainforest and Emberá Excursion

Bid Panama farewell and prepare for your flight home.