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Colombia - Culture and Cruising
Overview
Introduction
Colombia has emerged as a sought-after destination, now enjoying stability and economic growth after years of conflict. Our experts have been exploring Colombia for quite some time and highly recommend visiting before it becomes overcrowded.
Embrace the magic and cultures of Colombia as you explore the country including a 7 night cruise along the magical Magdalena River. Move to the beat of a variety of Latin American musical styles including cumbia and vallenato, and revel in exciting performances at a colourful Carnavil experience in Barranquilla just for our cruise guests. Drink a steaming cup of the country’s famous coffee. Listen for the calls of distinctive birds and wildlife not found anywhere else on the planet. Discover timeless traditions while getting to know the friendly guides and residents from diverse backgrounds who live beyond the riverbanks. Enjoy the soul and spirit of Colombia in this sense provoking itinerary.
As with all our holidays we offer complete flexibility and the itinerary can be tailored to suit personal tastes and interests.
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast, Full BoardAgenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival - Bogota
On arrival at Bogota Airport you will met and transferred to your hotel.
Hotel La Opera is a charming colonial hotel in La Candelaria, next to the Teatro Colón and just one block from the Plaza Bolívar. Set around a small internal courtyard the hotel is made up of two houses, an original colonial building from the 17th century, which has been beautifully renovated maintaining many original features, and a more modern building from the 19th century. There are two restaurants, one which is on the top floor with wonderful views, a small indoor swimming pool, spa and gym.
Overnight at Hotel La Opera, Bogota. Bed & Breakfast
Bogota, Colombia
Day 2 - Private guided tour of Bogota including a visit to the Monserrate Sanctuary
Bogota is a sprawling, vibrant capital of almost 8 million inhabitants set on an enormous plateau and surrounded by high peaks. Bogotá is probably the least known of the South American capitals, but it has all the attributes of a large capital city. You can eat well, visit excellent museums, participate in a vibrant night-life and explore La Candelaria, the old quarter. There is an enormous police presence in La Candelaria so, to put it bluntly, you feel safe because there are police at every corner! The police are friendly as well, no hard or threatening faces. Colombia and especially Bogotá are on a charm offensive. La Candelaria is a mixture of beautiful, restored colonial buildings and others in the process of being restored. The colours are eye catching, vibrant and brash but somehow blend together. Imaginative urban street art abounds. This is a city regaining its confidence beginning to feel that it will be a big player in the South American market. Towering above the east of the city is the peak of Monserrate at 3,152 metres. You can walk up the 1,500 steps to reach the top in an hour or take the cable car or funicular. The view from the top over the sprawling 1,700 sq. km capital is spectacular - on a clear day views can extend to well over 100km. There are two excellent restaurants at the summit. The Botero museum is a must. He was Colombia's most famous artist with a highly entertaining style depicting all his subjects as over fat! The collection, including works by famous artists like Picasso, Chagall and Miro was bequeathed to the nation provided free entry was allowed. There is the gold museum with priceless ornaments manufactured by the many tribes that inhabited Colombia before the Spanish invasion. And, of course there are the richly decorated churches. Bogotá is also a base from which to visit the impressive salt cathedral at Zipaquirá on a day trip possibly combined with a fascinating visit to a rose plantation. Colombia is the world's second largest producer of cut flowers and some say the Dutch import from Colombia and then export in their own name! Finally, no stay in Bogotá is complete without a night at the restaurant Andres Carne de Res. It is hard to describe this phantasmagorical restaurant with a capacity close to 5,000 covers. You won't hear yourselves speak but the decor, music, dancing and the characters who work and eat there are to be seen to be believed.
Overnight at Hotel La Opera, Bogota. Bed & Breakfast
Salt Cathedral, Zipaquirá
Day 3 - Barranquilla - begin your 7 night river cruise
This morning you will be transferred from your hotel to Bogota Airport for your flight to Barranquilla.
Arrive in 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).
Ama Waterways Cruise in a twin Balcony Cabin on a Full Board basis
Barranquilla Carnival
Day 4 - Floating Village of Nueva Venecia
Visit the Floating Village of Nueva Venecia. A charming town filled with inviting locals, Nueva Venecia, or “New Venice,” can only be navigated by boat. With its beautiful colonial houses, vivid architecture and local sanctuary protecting the native flora and fauna, this town highlights the beauty and warmth of Colombia. While here, explore this village and learn more about the lives of its people during a guided tour. Enjoy the traditional crafts and art that is on display, learn about the techniques the fishermen of Nueva Venecia use, and taste the local delicacies as you embrace this village and its unique culture.
Ama Waterways Cruise in a twin Balcony Cabin on a Full Board basis
Nueva Venecia
Day 5 - 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 hand-made 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 as local musicians treat you to an exclusive jazz performance.
Ama Waterways Cruise in a twin Balcony Cabin on a Full Board basis
Mompox
Day 6 - Explore Mompox
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 artefacts. Since then, the town has become famous for its incredible filigree jewellery, which you can learn more about during your tour of this town in the afternoon. While visiting the largest inland island in Latin America, journey through the incredible ecological Ciénaga Pijiño region, exploring the massive lake that is home to a variety of flora and fauna native to the region. In the evening, take a stroll through this storied town on a guided walking tour. 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.
Ama Waterways Cruise in a twin Balcony Cabin on a Full Board basis
Mompox
Day 7 - El Banco
Bid farewell to Mompox before embarking on a scenic cruise down one of the most breathtaking stretches of the Magdalena River – a picturesque part of the La Mojana Region – and reaching the town of El Banco, nestled at the intersection of the Magdalena and César rivers. Founded in a location strategic for both the native people and the Spaniards, the town was repeatedly destroyed in their struggles and then rebuilt atop its ashes. In 1749, a freed black slave named José Domingo Ortiz led a group of settlers to this special location, carrying with him a statue of the Virgin Mary, staking this place as their new home. Because of this connection, the Virgin of Candelaria, a special invocation of the Virgin Mary, is specially venerated in this region. Embark on a guided walking tour of this incredible destination and learn more about its history as the birthplace of 'cumbia', an iconic genre of music and dance that has now been popularised 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 dinner in town and witness an incredible cumbia performance by locals.
Ama Waterways Cruise in a twin Balcony Cabin on a Full Board basis
A display of 'cumbia' music and dance
Day 8 - Birdwatching and bicycle 'taxi' tour
Witness the sights, hear the bird calls, and watch the wildlife around you as we spend the beginning of 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. You can also take a hiking tour through the picturesque Ciénaga, teeming with Colombian life. Later in the day, visit 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).
Ama Waterways Cruise in a twin Balcony Cabin on a Full Board basis
Birdwatching tour
Day 9 - Cartagena
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. Start your day by exploring the incredible UNESCO-designated San Felipe Castle, the fortress that defended Cartagena from French and British attacks. As you continue to tour the city, you may witness iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral 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. Delve deeper into the enriching history of this Caribbean city as you briefly visit the Gold Museum, which features ancient gold artefacts from the indigenous cultures found in this region, and the Caribbean Naval Museum. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour through the breathtaking Getsemaní neighbourhood. With the vibrant colours of the homes and street art as well as the mouthwatering local delicacies that can be found throughout the area, this historic neighbourhood will delight all your senses. In the evening, watch the sun set on Cartagena from the deck of your stunning AmaWaterways ship.
Ama Waterways Cruise in a twin Balcony Cabin on a Full Board basis
San Felipe Castle, Cartagena
Day 10 - Disembark your river cruise - Cartagena
Bid your ship and crew farewell as you disembark and take a transfer to your hotel in Cartagena.
Hotel Alfiz is a delightful boutique hotel in Cartagena's historic district which was once home to the British Ambassador to Colombia. There is a small internal garden, lap pool, sun deck and library featuring hundreds of Gabriel García Márquez books in numerous languages. Only breakfast is served but there are many good restaurants nearby.
Overnight at Hotel Alfiz, Cartagena. Bed & Breakfast
Hotel Alfiz, Cartagena
Day 11 - Private half day guided tour of Cartagena
Located to the north of Colombia on the Caribbean Coast, Cartagena is the most romantic, vibrant, colourful and beautiful city in South America. A rich historical legacy, excellent boutique hotels and restaurants and an electric mix of Spanish, African and Caribbean cultures make Cartagena perhaps Colombia's premier tourist attraction. So yes, it is a city for the tourist, but you will never tire of exploring the colourful squares, labyrinthine, flower- bedecked streets, quaint corners, the pastel coloured houses of the colonial nobility and the beautiful churches. Cartagena must also be the world's capital of beautiful doors and antique brass door knockers, which can be found for sale in antique shops in the town. It is the fifth largest city in Colombia, with a population of over a million, but it is the old town, within 12 kilometres of massively-thick walls, which is of interest. This is the area to explore and which is perfectly safe, due to its substantial (but benign) police presence. Outside the walls there is Bocagrande, a Miami-like district of high-rise apartments for wealthier citizens and visitors which line the Caribbean beach, plus the poorer, residential outskirts of the city. Cartagena, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded in 1533 and was the main gateway out of South America for the gold and jewels pillaged by the Spanish Conquistadors; it was, therefore, heavily fortified. Built by slaves in 1536, the fortress of San Felipe de Barajas is the largest and most sophisticated fort built by Spain in the Americas and is a UNESCO World Heritage monument in its own right. In 1741 the British, under Admiral Vernon, failed to take Cartagena, much to the embarrassment of the Crown at the time – but, in the early days, Francis Drake plundered and ransacked the city. There is much to do in and around Cartagena other than people watch from the numerous cafés. A sight not to be missed is the Caribbean sunset from the ramparts of the old town. The sea and grey sand beaches around the city are not particularly exciting, so take a day trip for snorkelling and sunbathing to the 27 offshore coral islands with their white sand beaches and crystal clear waters that make up the national park of the Rosario archipelago. Why Cartagena de Indias? Because there was already a Cartagena in Spain, of course, and this was to differentiate the two cities on their two very different continents. It holds its own against Brazil’s Ouro Preto and Peru’s Cuzco for the continent’s most enthralling and preserved colonial destination.
Overnight at Hotel Alfiz, Cartagena. Bed & Breakfast
Cartagena
Day 12 - Explore Cartagena
Free day at leisure to enjoy your hotel and the surrounding area.
Overnight at Hotel Alfiz, Cartagena. Bed & Breakfast
Cartagena
Day 13 - Day of departure
Transfer from your hotel to Cartagena Airport for your international flight home.
Accommodation
Hotel de la Opera - Night 1 to 2
The Hotel De la Ópera underwent a meticulous restoration in 1997, a collaborative effort between architects and owners. The focus was on preserving the aesthetics while blending the Colonial and Republican houses to create a welcoming and distinctive hotel, a first in the heart of Bogotá's center. Situated near the Teatro Colón, across from the Palacio de San Carlos, and a block away from Plaza de Bolívar, it is nestled in the historic core of Bogotá.
The Hotel De la Ópera underwent a meticulous restoration in 1997, a collaborative effort between architects and owners. The focus was on preserving the aesthetics while blending the Colonial and Republican houses to create a welcoming and distinctive hotel, a first in the heart of Bogotá's center. Situated near the Teatro Colón, across from the Palacio de San Carlos, and a block away from Plaza de Bolívar, it is nestled in the historic core of Bogotá.
Positioned at the intersection of Tenth Street and Sixth Street, Hotel de la Ópera is on a charming pedestrian street frequented by numerous tourists and locals who appreciate the colonial and historical allure that surrounds them daily. Adjacent to the Teatro Colón and facing the Palacio de San Carlos, it is also diagonally opposite the Colonial Museum, fifty meters from the San Ignacio temple, and a stone's throw away from Plaza de Bolívar. The hotel boasts two gourmet restaurants beautifully restored to complement their historic surroundings, offering spacious interiors that establish it as one of the premier accommodations in the city.
Featuring 42 rooms adorned with elegant Italian-made furniture, central heating, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and safety deposit boxes, guests can enjoy the comfort of Bogotá's finest hotel tradition. The variety of architectural styles spanning three centuries of urban history ensures that the rooms cater to the tastes of even the most discerning travelers.
The hotel houses 27 rooms around the courtyards from the Colonial and Republican eras on Coliseo Street, along with 15 Deco-style rooms affording views of Plaza de Bolívar and the eastern hills, home to the prominent Sanctuary of Monserrate.
Beyond the enchanting streets, guests can savour Mediterranean and traditional Colombian cuisine at La Scala Restaurants on the first floor, exuding the warmth of Republican architecture, and El Mirador on the upper floor, offering panoramic views of colonial rooftops, the domes of the Church of San Ignacio, and the Primada Cathedral.
Alfiz Hotel - Night 10 to 12
Immerse yourself in a unique lodging experience in Cartagena's old town at the charming 3-star Alfiz Hotel. The former 17th-century house has been restored to combine the comfort and elegance of a typical Cartagena colonial house with the services of a modern top boutique hotel.
Immerse yourself in a unique lodging experience in Cartagena's old town at the charming 3-star Alfiz Hotel. The former 17th-century house has been restored to combine the comfort and elegance of a typical Cartagena colonial house with the services of a modern top boutique hotel.
In 1824 it was the residence of the British Consul, Edward Watts who was a great supporter of Bolivar and the independence movement. The building then served as a pharmacy, a hardware store and a bar until its restoration during which many of the artefacts which decorate the building were discovered.
The décor and furnishings, with antiques and charming period pieces, and the 8 thematic rooms allows guests to encounter Colombian history and culture while staying in one of the best hotels in Cartagena.
All rooms are with air-conditioning, ceiling fan(s) bathroom with shower and bath, room safe, mini bar, satellite TV, telephone and WIFI.
There is a small plunge pool in the inner courtyard, a library and reading room, sun-deck and Jacuzzi. Breakfast is individually cooked and there is a bar and room service.
A comfortable and very friendly hotel which is ideally located for exploring this historic city.