Cruise the Magdalena River aboard a Premium River Vessel
Wonders of Colombia
Overview
Aboard a premium river vessel, journey along Colombia's magnificent Magdalena River and immerse yourself in the wonders that this South American country holds. Step through the streets of Palenque, the first free city in Colombia, moving to the rhythms of cumbia and vallenato, world-renown musical styles. Delight in the colorful neighborhood of Getsemaní in Cartagena, drinking in the vivid colors and culture displayed so artfully on the walls of homes, cafes, and family-owned shops. Discover how Spanish and pre-colonial cultures combined to bring us the music, minds, and culture that exist in the country today. Let these breathtaking destinations inspire you as you embrace the soul of this mesmerizing river and the heart-warming people who live alongside it.
Arrive: Cartagena, Colombia
Depart: Barranquilla, Colombia
Highlights
- Tour the "walled city" of Cartagena, with its Spanish influences
- Vibrant Palenque, the first "free" city in the Americas
- Enjoy birdwatching excursions, walking tours, guided hikes
- The town of Mompox, renowned for its fine filigree jewelry
Itinerary
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
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.
In the morning, experience 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, which are so distinct that UNESCO declared Palenque to be a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. An important piece of their heritage is the music and rhythmic style that was developed in this city, which you will enjoy during a special performance by local musicians. 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 paolo (a bicycle taxi for two).
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 in the island town of Mompox, where you will be welcomed with open arms and lively music during an exclusive jazz performance played by local musicians.
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 afternoon tour. While visiting this unique island, journey through the incredible ecological Cienega Pijiño region, exploring the massive lake that is home to a variety of flora and fauna native to the region. In the afternoon, 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, a savory sausage essential to many Colombian cuisines, Mompox is sure to be a highlight of your journey along the magnificent Magdalena River.
Bid farewell to Mompox before embarking on a scenic cruise down one of the most breathtaking stretches of the Magdalena River—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 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 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 dinner in town and witness an incredible cumbia performance by locals.
Witness the sights, hear the bird calls, and watch the wildlife around you as you spend the day in 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 picturesque Cienega, a town teeming with Colombian heritage.
In the morning, 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. Witness its splendor as you tour the village. While here, explore 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. 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 visit famous landmarks such as the bocas de cenizas, the point at which the magical Magdalena River meets the breathtaking Caribbean Sea, and the Carnaval Museum, which showcases the unique history of this incredible festival. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive Carnaval celebration.
Bid farewell to your ship and crew as you disembark and prepare for your flight home.
Pre-Cruise Medellin and Cartagena Extension
Day 1 Arrive in Medellin, check into your hotel and enjoy your first night on your own.
Day 2 Full-day Coffee Region Tour & Tasting.
Day 3 Medellin City Tour.
Day 4 Flight to Cartagena and afternoon city walking tour.
Day 5 San Felipe Castle Visit and Gold Museum and Caribbean Naval Museum tours.
Day 6 Morning walking tour of the Vaults and embarkation.
Post-Cruise Panama Extension
Day 1 Disembarkation and flight to Panama with tour of Old Town Panama.
Day 2 Full-day Panama Canal tour.
Day 3 Rainforest and Embera Village Excursion.
Day 4 Bid Panama Farewell and prepare for your flight home or onward travels.
Day 1 Arrive in Medellin, check into your hotel and enjoy your first night on your own.
Day 2 Full-day Coffee Region Tour & Tasting.
Day 3 Medellin City Tour.
Day 4 Flight to Cartagena and afternoon city walking tour.
Day 5 San Felipe Castle Visit and Gold Museum and Caribbean Naval Museum tours.
Day 6 Morning walking tour of the Vaults and embarkation.
Post-Cruise Panama Extension
Day 1 Disembarkation and flight to Panama with tour of Old Town Panama.
Day 2 Full-day Panama Canal tour.
Day 3 Rainforest and Embera Village Excursion.
Day 4 Bid Panama Farewell and prepare for your flight home or onward travels.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
The trip is rated Level 1+, Easy, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active.
Review Trip Level Details
Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
Submit the form below to download itinerary
Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.