October 12-19, 2024: Cartagena to Barranquila

November 16-23, 2024: Barranquila to Cartagena (reverse itinerary)

3 nights Medellin, 2 nights Cartagena Pre-Cruise (Cartagena to Barranquilla only) – add $2859 per person

DAY 2: MEDELLÍN

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 Medellin 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. (B, L)

DAY 3: MEDELLÍN

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 Comuna 13. This neighborhood was once the center of political corruption’s influence on the city, and it has now been elevated to a place of strengthened community, music, and art. Ride a cable car through this unique area and witness how it has grown. (B)

DAY 4: MEDELLIN – CARTAGENA
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
Start your day by exploring the incredible UNESCO-designated San Felipe Castle, the fortress that defended Cartagena from French and British attacks. In the afternoon, delve deeper into the enriching history of this Caribbean city as you 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. (B)

DAY 6: CARTAGENA – 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 can witness today. After settling into your stateroom, enjoy a tour through 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 during a special cruise excursion. Upon returning to your ship, embark on your journey along the magical Magdalena River. (B,D)

2 nights Cartagena Pre-cruise (Cartagena to Barranquilla only) – add $1144 per person

DAY 1: CARTAGENA
Arrive in 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 2: CARTAGENA
Start your day by exploring the incredible UNESCO-designated San Felipe Castle, the fortress that defended Cartagena from French and British attacks. In the afternoon, delve deeper into the enriching history of this Caribbean city as you 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. (B)

DAY 3: CARTAGENA – 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 can witness today. After settling into your stateroom, enjoy a tour through 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 during a special cruise excursion. Upon returning to your ship, embark on your journey along the magical Magdalena River. (B,D)

3-nights Medellin Pre-Cruise (Barranquilla to Cartagena only) – add $1715 per person

DAY 2: MEDELLÍN

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 Medellin 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. (B, L)

DAY 3: MEDELLÍN

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 Comuna 13. This neighborhood was once the center of political corruption’s influence on the city, and it has now been elevated to a place of strengthened community, music, and art. Ride a cable car through this unique area and witness how it has grown. (B)

DAY 4: MEDELLÍN – BARRANQUILLA – EMBARKATION
Fly to the beautiful city of Barranquilla and settle into your stateroom as you prepare for your journey along the Magdalena River. In the evening, enjoy a special Carnaval celebration, bringing the full traditional experience exclusively to AmaWaterways’ guests all-year round. Widely considered one of Colombia’s most important folkloric celebrations, the Carnaval of Barranquilla has also been declared a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, and you will get to revel in this truly authentic experience as you learn the Carnaval’s motto: Quien lo vive, es quien lo goza (Those who live it are those who enjoy it).

3-nights Panama Post-Cruise – add $2154  per person

Take in the man-made majesty of the Panama Canal during this full day of incredible excursions. Before this marvel of engineering was constructed, ships were forced to sail the southernmost tip of South America along the Drake Passage or the Strait of Magellan. Once the Panama Canal was opened in 1914 after over 30 years of construction directed by multiple countries, international trade changed forever. Visit the building where the chief engineer, George W. Goethals, centralized the canal’s administrative activities before embarking along this legendary canal for yourself. Journey along the Panama Canal as you witness the breathtaking Gatun Lake. Known as the largest artificial lake in the world, this body of water is surrounded by the beauty of petrified trees frozen in time, tropical rainforest, and the unique flora and fauna found along its banks. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort and discover more about the history, biodiversity and operation of the Panama Canal during a private tour of the Miraflores Visitor Center. (B, L)

DAY 10: PANAMA

Be dazzled by the breathtaking rainforest of Chagres National Park, taking in the amazing scenery that surrounds you. Navigate the Chagres River through this magical jungle aboard a piragua, traditional canoe, captained by a knowledgeable Emberá (an indigenous tribe) guide. Stop at a magnificent waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool water and absorb the energy of this natural wonder, before continuing to an Emberá village. The Emberá are a riverine people of Panama, historically building their houses along banks of rivers. Learn how to cook a traditional Emberá lunch, that you will enjoy. Immerse yourself in the ritual dances, local music, handcrafts and more as you experience and embrace this unique culture. (B, L)