Colombia River Cruise

with Panama City 14 day cruise/tour - January 30, 2028

Special Ship Charter

Our owners have been to Colombia several times. There are two cities that can compete with being one of the best cities to visit in the world – the old town of Cartagena and the city of Bogotá. But, with nothing else to go with these fantastic stops, putting a tour together to do Colombia just wasn’t feasible. That all changed when AmaWaterways built two river cruise ships to sail on the Magdalena River in Colombia.

This last year, our owners returned again to Colombia to sail on one of their new river cruise ships on the Magdalena River. They loved the smaller ship with all double balcony cabins that holds a total of 60 passengers. They loved it so much they decided to charter the whole ship for just our passengers. While in the area, they also dropped over to Panama City in Panama. They had been through the Panama Canal several times but never stayed in Panama City. What they loved most was going off the beaten path by boat to visit some of the indigenous tribes found in Panama. The tribes still live much as they did hundreds of years ago. On your tour you will have the opportunity to swim across a small lake to climb into a beautiful waterfall.

With the addition of AmaWaterways’ wonderful cruise ship, there is now more than enough for everyone to want to visit Colombia. Our tour will first fly into Panama City, where we will spend 3 nights touring, along with time to visit the indigenous tribes AND for our adventurous passengers, let them swim to the waterfall. Then it is off to Bogota, one of our favorite cities in the world. You will not only love the city, you will love the mountains and surrounding areas. A huge highlight outside of Bogota is the impressive Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral. Inside a salt mine outside of Bogata, about 600 feet underground, miners built by hand 14 different chapels. It is divided into three sections, representing the birth, life and death of Jesus. The icons, ornaments, and architectural details are hand-carved in the rock walls.

From Bogata we head to the city of Barranquilla, where your wonderful ship awaits you. Barranquilla is well known for its Carnival Celebration. Before departing, you will enjoy the color and pageantry of Carnival, as there is a special celebration put on for those on the AmaWaterways cruise. For the next 7 nights, you will be sailing on the Magdalena River, visiting small villages, enjoying their colorful clothing and customs. One of the places you will visit is Palenque, the first free town in the Americas. The cruise ends in the ancient walled city of Cartagena. A HUGE highlight!

Package Price Includes:

8 Day 7 Nights on the deluxe river cruise ship the AmaMagdalena.
Charter with only 60 passengers.
Cat C double balcony cabin.
$290 in port charges and taxes.
All Shore Excursions.
Three meals a day plus snacks and drinks.
3 nights 4 Star Deluxe Hotel Panama City, Panama.
3 nights 4 Star Deluxe Hotel Bogota, Colombia.
$590 in two airfares:
- Panama City to Bogota, Colombia.
- Bogotá Colombia to Barranquilla, Colombia.
Transfers from Panama hotel to the airport to fly to Bogota.
Buses, guides and entrance fees in Panama.
Boat ride into the jungles to experience a Panamanian.Indigenous tribe.
Transfers if you booked our group airfare or your flight arrives on or before and departs on or after our group flights.
Buses, guides and entrance fees in Colombia.
Special tour to the underground Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.
Guest Educator: Glenn Rawson.
Fun For Less Tours Staff.

Package Price: $6,995*

*Package price is a cash or check price based on double occupancy. Does not include international airfare, tips and visas.

Includes Cat C Double Balcony Cabin.

Cabin Upgrade Pricing:

CAT B double balcony: $899 pp
CAT A double balcony: $1,200 pp
Luxury Suite double balcony: $2,999 pp
Grand Suite double balcony: 3,999 pp

Day-by-Day Itinerary: Always subject to change.

Day 1: January 30: Fly to PANAMA
Fly from the U.S. to Panama City, Panama. Upon arrival, transfer to your 4-Star Deluxe hotel.

Day 2: January 31: Panama City
Start your Panama journey in Panama La Vieja, the site of the original Panama City. Located in the middle of skyscrapers, this charming UNESCO World Heritage Site still conserves its original mystical flavor. Built on an indigenous village, Panama La Vieja was the first city founded by the Spanish on the Pacific Coast in 1519. Continue to Causeway Amador, a road that unites Panama City to the islands of Naos, Perico, and Flamenco, as you immerse yourself in the modern sights of this wonderful city. In the afternoon, take in the man-made majesty of the Panama Canal. 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. When we are done touring, we will return to our hotel overnight. (B)

Day 3: February 1: 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, a 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 then enjoy. Immerse yourself in the ritual dances, local music, handicrafts, and more as you experience and embrace this unique culture. (B)

Day 4: February 2: Panama – Bogata, Colombia
This morning we will finish our tours in Panama, and then in the early afternoon, we fly to Bogata, Colombia. Upon arrival, we will transfer to your 4-Star Deluxe Hotel.

Day 5: February 3: BOGOTÁ
Two of Colombia’s top attractions are the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and Lake Guatavita. The day begins with a descent into the otherworldly Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral. The Salt Cathedral is an underground church built inside a salt mine and made entirely of salt. There are 14 small, unique chapels connected by tunnels over 600 feet underground. Later we visit another huge highlight, Lake Guatavita, the site of the legend of El Dorado. Overnight Bogota

Day 6: February 4: BOGOTÁ
Today is a full-day tour of Bogota. The tour includes a trip by cable car or funicular up the hill of Monserrate, a city highlights tour and a visit to the Gold Museum.

Day 7: February 5: Bogota – Barranquilla
Late this morning, we will fly to Barranquilla, where your Amawaterways deluxe ship is waiting for you. Settle into your stateroom and feel the city’s energy come alive. As evening falls, an exclusive Carnaval celebration bursts into color, 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 your journey.

Day 8: February 6: Sabanagrande, Colombia
Today we will explore the charming village of Sabanagrande. Discover the gentle rhythms of life along the Magdalena in Sitio Nuevo. Wander through quiet streets, watch artisans at work, and savor the scents and flavors of local delicacies. The village’s warm hospitality and timeless traditions offer an intimate glimpse into Colombia’s vibrant cultural heart.

Day 9: February 7: Boca de Tacaloa – Mompax
Today we will board small boats and drift through the emerald wetlands of the Boca de Tacaloa, where vibrant birdlife and untamed nature create a living sanctuary. In the afternoon, we continue sailing on the Magdalena. As evening falls, we will arrive in Mompox and feel the streets come alive with an exclusive open-air jazz performance.

Day 10: February 8: Mompox
Step into the timeless rhythm of Mompox, where riverside streets and artisans’ workshops seem untouched by time. Glide through quiet corners and watch delicate filigree craftsmanship come to life, feeling the enduring spirit and vibrant culture of this storied town. You will enjoy a historic walking tour with a tuk-tuk ride. You will have time to wonder about the timeless riverside streets steeped in artisanal charm.

Day 11: February 9: Santa Bárbara de Pinto
Begin the day drifting along tranquil waters before reaching Santa Bárbara de Pinto, where riverside life and age-old crafts carry on. Later, return aboard to be enveloped in the vibrant spirit of La Colombia, as local families share music, stories and dance that bring the region’s soul to life.

Day 12: February 10: Calamar by Paola – Palenque
Ride through Calamar by Paola, soaking in the streets and riverside rhythm, before our ship drifts onward to Palenque, the first free town in the Americas. Experience its enduring traditions, from symbolic hairstyles to ancestral practices, and feel the vibrant heartbeat of its music, a UNESCO – recognized treasure of the region.

Day 13: February 11: Cartagena
Today is a highlight day as we spend the day in the ancient walled city of Cartagena. You will enjoy your special walled city tour. After the tour, you will have free time to continue exploring this fantastic walled city on your own.

Day 14: February 12: Cartagena – Home
Today we disembark our wonderful ship and head to the airport to fly back home, taking with us the magic of Colombia.