Cartagena’s magnificent city walls and fortresses, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enclose a well-restored historic center (the Cuidad Amurallada, or walled city) with plazas, churches, museums, and shops that have made it a lively coastal vacation spot for South Americans and others. New hotels and restaurants make the walled city a desirable place to stay, and the formerly down-at-the-heels Getsemaní neighborhood attracts those seeking a bohemian buzz. The historic center is a small section of Cartagena; many hotels are in the Bocagrande district, an elongated peninsula where high-rise hotels overlook a long, gray-sand beach.When it was founded in 1533 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena was the only port on the South American mainland. Gold and silver looted from indigenous peoples passed through here en route to Spain and attracted pirates, including Sir Francis Drake, who in 1586 torched 200 buildings. Cartagena’s walls protected the city’s riches as well as the New World’s most important African slave market.
CARTAGENA – EMBARKATION. 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. (D)
GAMBOTE (PALENQUE) – CALAMAR. 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 paola (a bicycle taxi for two). (B, L, D)
SANTA BARBARA DE PINTO – 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 during an exclusive jazz performance played by local musicians. (B,L,D)
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 artifacts. Since then, the town has become famous for its incredible filigree jewelry, which you can learn more about during your tour of this town. While visiting the largest inland island in Latin America, journey through the beautiful wetlands, exploring the massive lake that is home to a variety of flora and fauna native to the region, with opportunities to birdwatch at sunrise, early morning and sunset. In either the morning or the afternoon, you can choose to 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. (B, L, D)
MOMPOX. 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. Learn more about the history 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 cumbia performance by locals. (B, L, D)
MAGANGUE. Witness the sights, hear the bird calls, and watch the wildlife around you as spend 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. (B,L,D)
SITIO NUEVO – BARRANQUILLA. In the morning, visit a charming village on a guided tour that highlights the beauty and warmth of Colombia. Learn more about the local culture and the lives of the residents. 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 see the bocas de cenizas, the point at which the magical Magdalena River meets the breathtaking Caribbean Sea. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive Carnaval celebration just for AmaWaterways guests as we bring the full traditional experience to our guests all year round. (B, L, D)
BARRANQUILLA – DISEMBARKATION. Bid your ship and crew farewell as you disembark and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Spacious Staterooms and Suites
Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.
Balconies and Panoramic Views
Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.
Comfort and Understated Luxury
Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

Spacious Staterooms and Suites
Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.
Balconies and Panoramic Views
Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.
Comfort and Understated Luxury
Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

Spacious Staterooms and Suites
Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.
Balconies and Panoramic Views
Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.
Comfort and Understated Luxury
Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

Spacious Staterooms and Suites
Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.
Balconies and Panoramic Views
Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.
Comfort and Understated Luxury
Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

Spacious Staterooms and Suites
Unwind in thoughtfully designed rooms with room to relax and enjoy the river views. Elegant décor and comfortable spaces create a peaceful retreat to start and end the day.
Balconies and Panoramic Views
Take in ever-changing scenery from your room, whether through a picture window, French balcony, or our signature twin balcony design. Each offers its own beautiful perspective of the river.
Comfort and Understated Luxury
Experience the art of subtle indulgence in every room. Soft fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, and thoughtful touches elevate each room into a sanctuary of effortless luxury.

Experience award-winning cuisine inspired by the regions you sail through. Every dish is crafted from the freshest local ingredients and presented with elegance, turning each meal into a celebration of flavor, artistry, and place.
Regional Flavors and Fresh Ingredients
Taste the essence of every destination through cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients and using regional traditions, bringing the authentic flavors of your travel destination directly to your table.
Perfectly Paired Wines and Beverages
Pair dishes with regional wines, beers, or handcrafted cocktails, thoughtfully chosen by our sommeliers to complement each dish and enhance your dining experience throughout the journey.

Discover Colonial-Era Charm in Mompox
UNESCO-listed and riverside, Mompox invites you to explore its cobbled streets, graceful plazas, and traditions alive with music.
Afro-Caribbean Traditions in Palenque
Meet locals in a heritage village alive with music, dance, and crafts, where centuries of Afro-Caribbean culture are proudly preserved.
Exclusive Carnaval Celebration
Experience the joy of Carnaval year-round with a lively performance in Barranquilla featuring local dancers and musicians.
Spot Wildlife Along the Magdalena
Join a guided excursion to see monkeys leaping through the trees, iguanas basking in the sun, and colorful tropical birds unique to the region.

Magdalena River Nature Walks
Explore riverside trails and nature reserves while spotting native wildlife and visiting communities that showcase Colombia’s vibrant traditions.
Plant and Bird-Spoting on Mompox’s Jungle Trail
Venture along a riverside jungle path near this small Colombian, led by local guides who point out tropical plants and beautiful birds along the way.

With fewer guests on board, you can enjoy the luxury of space to unwind, relax and reconnect with your loved ones. Our public areas, including lounges and restaurants, are never overcrowded.

Find calm in beautifully designed areas made for rest and reflection, whether it’s a quiet lounge, the Sun Deck, or simply watching the river drift by.

Stay energized with fitness classes, a session in the gym, or an afternoon pickleball game on board, or seek an active hike or bike ride on shore.

Whether you’d like to dress up for the captain’s special dinner or a night out on the town, you can complete your look by getting your hair styled in our salon.

Rejuvenate body and spirit with soothing spa and massage treatments, offering the perfect balance of indulgence and serenity.
Guests must be at least 4 years old to travel with AmaWaterways, unless otherwise approved. Children under 18 must share a stateroom with an adult and remain supervised at all times, as balcony staterooms may be unsafe for unattended minors. On Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises, the minimum age is 12 due to safety considerations. AmaWaterways does not provide child-specific programs or childcare services.
Smoking is not permitted inside any AmaWaterways ship. It is only allowed in designated areas located at the aft of the Sun Deck. For the comfort and safety of all guests, we kindly ask that you observe this no-smoking policy while on board.
AmaWaterways will do its best to accommodate most dietary needs and food allergies when advised in advance. While gluten-free, vegetarian, and other special requests can be arranged, kosher meals cannot be provided due to onboard preparation limitations. Please note that cross-contamination cannot be completely avoided.
AmaWaterways’ itineraries are as varied and active as you want them to be. Shore excursions and land packages require a moderate-to-challenging amount of walking and sites may have steps and/or uneven terrain. The embarkation/disembarkation points between ship and shore may not be able to accommodate guests with mobility issues.
Due to uneven terrain, cobblestones, stairs, temples, dirt roads and a lack of accessible facilities, our itineraries are not recommended for guests with limited mobility requiring the use of mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters or any other mechanical devices. We kindly request guests requiring special assistance be accompanied by a companion who is physically able to provide such assistance, as AmaWaterways crew is unable to assist guests with personal tasks or hygiene needs. If there is uncertainty of a prospective guest’s fitness to travel or ability to independently care for their personal needs, please inform AmaWaterways as soon as possible. This will allow us to consider and discuss possible accommodations to ensure your safety and comfort during the cruise.
Throughout your river cruise it is likely the ship will be docked next to one or two other river ships. It is important to note that in these cases, disembarkation/embarkation may include walking up the stairs and through the adjacent ship(s) lobby or Sun Deck to reach the shore. You may also need to embark or disembark via a narrow gangway or occasionally cross an uneven surface to enter or exit the ship. These are typical situations that are beyond the control of AmaWaterways.
Due to lack of space and facilities, shipboard accommodations and storage for mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters or any other mechanical devices are unavailable and accessible facilities are extremely limited in most destinations. In addition, motorcoaches, boats and minibuses used for transfers and shore excursions are not equipped with the devices and tools necessary for full accessibility.
It is always advisable to travel light in South America, so “if in doubt, leave it out.” Colombia is a tropical country with hot and humid weather.
Bring lightweight easy-care clothing that includes some long-sleeved items for protection from mosquitoes and sun, raingear, and sturdy and comfortable walking shoes that you won’t mind getting wet or muddy. You might also pack a few casually elegant items to wear at the Welcome and Farewell dinners.
There is no doctor or nurse aboard your cruise. In the event you need medical assistance, the closest medical facility will be contacted. We strongly urge you to obtain adequate travel protection to cover any medical treatment and/or medical evacuation while in South America.
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available in your room and in all public areas, making it easy to stay connected, share photos, or check in with loved ones during your journey.
Onboard laundry services are available for a fee. A price list can be found in your stateroom. Please note that clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board.
The ship’s Daily Program contains updated information about each day’s scheduled activities, shore excursions, tour departure times and more.
A sightseeing tour is included at each location on your itinerary. These tours can involve walking and/or travel by motorcoach or a small boat. Each tour is led by a qualified English-speaking guide. Note that scheduled activities and tours are always subject to change, particularly in the event of low water levels or inclement weather.
Your cruise includes all meals, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions in every port. Premium beverages, gratuities, and optional tours may be additional, but most of what you need for a seamless journey is already included.
The official language on board all AmaWaterways ships is English, and most crew members, guides, and Cruise Managers are fluent. Announcements and lectures are conducted in English. On Latin Experience cruises, a bilingual atmosphere is offered, with both English and Spanish spoken.
Colombia: Colombian Pesos (COP)
Panama: Panamanian Balboa (PAB)
We suggest bringing some crisp U.S. dollars in newer condition and in small denominations. Please be advised that larger bills and bills in poor condition (i.e. folded, ripped or washed) may not be accepted. Traveler’s checks are generally not accepted anywhere in South America.
We warmly welcome solo travellers who wish to explore the world, meet kindred cruisers and become a part of our extended AmaWaterways family. With a variety of itineraries in fascinating destinations, you have every reason to take advantage of special savings reserved exclusively for solo travellers.
A Warm Welcome
Begin your river cruise with a guided ship tour created for solo travelers, offering a friendly introduction that helps you feel comfortable and confident from the very start.
Social Time, Your Way
Select invitations to cocktail gatherings or the Captain’s Table offer friendly ways to meet others, but you always have the freedom to enjoy time independently.
Small Groups, Big Connections
Our small onshore experience groups make it easier to meet fellow travelers and connect with knowledgeable local guides, creating meaningful opportunities to explore and learn at your own pace.
Dining That Feels Natural
Select dining tables are thoughtfully set for five, offering comfortable spaces that encourage easy conversation without the pressure of joining a larger group on your own.
Care That Feels Personal
Our Cruise Manager and crew offer thoughtful attention to solo travelers, providing warm guidance and support to ensure you feel comfortable and welcome throughout your journey.


