Colombia

Travellers gather in Toronto for our flights to the "City of Eternal Spring," Medellin, travelling via Bogota.    

Upon arrival in Bogota, we board our connecting flight to Medellin. This afternoon, we delve into the region's artistic heritage with a guided visit to the Museum of Antioquia.  Here, we admire an incredible collection by Colombia’s most renowned artist, Fernando Botero, known worldwide for his signature volumetric style. This evening, we gather for a welcome dinner. 

Hotel Park 10 (2 nights) 

Today, we venture into the lush countryside, enjoying scenery of rolling green hills and blue lakes on our way to the massive Peñol Boulder. For the adventurous, an opportunity awaits to conquer over 700 steps leading to its summit for panoramic views. After, we sail the calm waters of the Guatape Reservoir, a relaxing excursion with great photo opportunities. Our drive continues to the charming Guatape village, famous for its iconic white and red church and the vibrant zocalos adorning its colourful homes.

Our floating home awaits as we gather for a short flight to Barranquilla. Upon arrival, we transfer to our ship and settle into our staterooms. As evening falls, an exclusive Carnaval celebration bursts into colour, music, and dance, filling the air with joy and rhythm. This UNESCO-recognized tradition immerses you in the lively spirit of Colombia, setting the perfect tone for our journey.  

AmaMelodia (7 nights) 

Discover the gentle rhythms of life along the Magdalena River in Sitio Nuevo. We explore the village and learn about its residents during a guided tour, enjoying traditional art and tasting local delicacies. The warm hospitality and traditions found here offer an intimate glimpse into the heart of Colombia’s river culture. 
 

We navigate the waters of Boca de Tacaloa (mouth of Tacaloa) by excursion boat, immersing ourselves in the wild beauty of the Magangué region. Surrounded by landscapes rich in folklore, this journey offers a rare chance to encounter bird species unique to this habitat. Back on board, we enjoy a scenic sail to the island town of Mompox. Upon arrival, we are welcomed with open arms and lively music as local artists treat us to an exclusive jazz performance. 

A town frozen in time, Mompox preserves the appearance of the colonial era. Founded around 1540, this remote village became a vital Spanish trading post and a haven for gold and treasure, safe from the pirates pillaging coastal cities like Cartagena. With this wealth came skilled artisans who crafted the intricate filigree jewellery for which the town is now world-renowned. While visiting the largest river island in Latin America, we journey through beautiful wetlands and explore the massive lake, home to diverse flora and fauna. We discover this storied town on a guided tour, beginning with a tuk-tuk ride from the Plaza de San Francisco. Later, we visit a filigree workshop to witness the intricate artistry that defines Mompox’s renowned craftsmanship. With stunning colonial churches, breathtaking surroundings, and delicious local delights, Mompox is sure to be a highlight of this journey.   

We embark on one of our private excursion boats to visit Santa Barbara de Pinto, a traditional Magdalena riverside village. Here, we enjoy an immersive tour that includes learning the craft of fishing net weaving and watching skilled artisans hand-roll tobacco. We also visit a historic church and browse intricate handmade wares while admiring the pastel-toned Spanish architecture. For those preferring a more active adventure, a guided hike explores the lush landscapes surrounding the town. Later, we invite 20 local families from El Banco on board. As keepers of La Cumbia—the soul of Colombian music—they share this cultural treasure with us through authentic music, stories, and celebration.  

This morning, we board a paola (a bicycle taxi for two) for a historic tour of Calamar, starting with a scenic ride along the Malecon to the House of Culture. Later, we depart Calamar and cruise to Mahates, our gateway to the town of Palenque, the first “free town” in the Americas. Founded by escaped slaves and officially freed by the Spanish Crown in 1713, Palenque has remarkably preserved its distinct colonial spirit and appearance. We immerse ourselves 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. We also visit a local home during this excursion. An important piece of Palenque’s heritage is the music and rhythmic style developed here, which we enjoy during a special performance that brings the town’s spirit to life.

We take the day to delight in the beautiful coastal city of Cartagena. We start our day with a city tour, witnessing iconic landmarks such as the Catedral de Cartagena and the stone walls that protect the city. In the afternoon, we explore the incredible UNESCO-designated San Felipe Castle, the fortress that defended Cartagena from French and British invasions. Our journey continues with a tour through the Getsemaní neighbourhood. With its vibrant homes, street art, and local delicacies, this historic district delights all the senses. 

Following breakfast, we disembark and fly to the capital city of Bogota. This afternoon, we explore La Candelaria, the city's historic heart. We wander its cobbled streets to the Plaza de Bolivar, the grand main square surrounded by colonial buildings. Should time allow, we visit the Botero Museum to view its impressive artistic collection.

Hotel B.O.G (2 nights)

On the outskirts of Bogota, we descend nearly 180 metres underground to the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral. Built as a mine by pre-Columbian peoples, this architectural wonder stunningly combines engineering with sacred art. We tour its halls adorned with salt and marble sculptures before visiting the on-site museums to deepen our cultural understanding. Later we gather for our farewell dinner.  

Early this morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight, filled with memories of our time in Colombia.