2025 Platinum Cruise: Magic of Colombia
About the Trip
August 20–30, 2025 | 11 Days
Discover the heart and soul of Colombia in this all-new, unforgettable 7-night journey along the Magdalena River between Cartagena and Barranquilla. From the beats of Latin American musical styles such as cumbia and vallenato to the calls of birds found only in Colombia, the Magdalena River comes to life as you sail in luxury through the “Land of a Thousand Rhythms.” Delve into the enriching history of Cartagena, where Spanish colonists chased tales of gold and pirates plundered. Experience an authentic and exclusive version of Carnaval in Barranquilla. From historic walking tours, live music, birdwatching and boat tours, your days will be full of discovery and wonder as you immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage along the Magdalena River.
CAA Premier Collection Tours
One-of-a-kind departures that offer immersive and intimate group journeys.
- Our CAA Hosts lead you on incredible adventures to iconic destinations. They will take care of every detail on each journey.
- Travel in style: Stretch out on spacious motor coaches while exploring during the day and be warmly welcomed aboard the stunning, newly designed AmaMagdalena as you cruise Colombia’s Magdalena River.
- Memorable dining: Delicious local dishes and the season’s most flavourful offerings will have you savouring every bite.
Embark on a Luxurious Adventure with AmaWaterwaysTM
Step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences and be warmly welcomed aboard the stunning newly designed AmaWaterwaysTM AmaMagdalena, an intimate 60-passenger river cruise ship offering the luxury of space and sweeping views as you cruise Colombia’s Magdalena River. This beautiful ship features a rejuvenating pool on the Sun Deck, a spacious fitness room, a Main Restaurant serving exquisite, regionally inspired Latin American cuisine and Western favourites and an intimate al fresco specialty dining experience.
Member Exclusive Benefits
We reward all our CAA Members on our Extraordinary Explorations® tours.
- Bon Voyage Gift†
- 100 CAA Dollars®^
- 25% savings on CAA Travel Insurance◊
Package Includes:
- Return airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg to Cartagena
- Pre-cruise tour:
- 3-night stay in deluxe-class accommodation in Cartagena
- Design Your Day tour inclusion
- 7-night Magic of Colombia AmaWaterways™ cruise on-board the AmaMagdalena
- Onboard meals and entertainment as per cruise itinerary
- 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners
- Land transportation via first-class motor coach and vans
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Local English-speaking guides
- Prepaid gratuities
- Destination transfers
- CAA Host
2025 Platinum Cruise: Magic of Colombia
Activity Level: Moderate. Experience Colombia like never before on a 7-night cruise from Cartagena to Barranquilla that highlights historic tours and breathtaking nature.
Day 1
Cartagena – Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg to Cartagena. Meet your guide and check into the hotel. Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception with the group in the evening.
Day 2
Cartagena – Morning walking tour exploring Cartagena’s diverse influences and landmarks. Afternoon drum workshop and sunset sail along the bay of Cartagena, then dinner at a waterfront restaurant. (B/L/D)
Day 3
Cartagena: Design Your Day – Begin your day with a leisurely hotel breakfast, then choose from one of the three included options: rum tasting tour, coffee tasting or ceviche workshop. Enjoy an afternoon private group salsa lesson followed by dinner showcasing Cartagena’s cuisine. (B/L/D)
Day 4
Barranquilla – Transfer to Barranquilla and board the AmaWaterwaysTM AmaMagdalena. Enjoy a special Carnaval celebration exclusively for cruise guests. (B/L/D)
Day 5
Nueva Venecia – Visit the floating village of Nueva Venecia for a guided tour and to enjoy local delicacies. (B/L/D)
Day 6
Santa Barbara de Pinto & Mompox – Morning walking tour in Santa Barbara de Pinto, followed by an afternoon arrival in Mompox with an exclusive jazz performance. (B/L/D)
Day 7
Mompox – Tour this remote village brimming with history and colonial architecture. Explore the incredible ecological Ciénaga Pijiño region. Enjoy an evening guided walking tour and sample local cuisine. (B/L/D)
Day 8
El Banco – Scenic cruise to El Banco and guided walking tour followed by an exclusive dinner and cumbia performance by locals. (B/L/D)
Day 9
Magangue & Calamar – Morning birdwatching and hiking near Magangue. Afternoon tour of Calamar by paola (a bicycle taxi for two). (B/L/D)
Day 10
Cartagena – Explore Cartagena’s history through its UNESCO-designated sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and iconic landmarks. Tour the breathtaking Getsemaní neighbourhood. Enjoy the sunset from your stunning ship. (B/L/D)
Day 11
Bid your ship and crew farewell as you disembark and transfer to the Cartagena airport for your flight home. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner
Terms & Conditions
*$9,359 is a Category C cabin, $12,459 is a Grand Suite cabin. **$10,039 is a Category C cabin, $13,129 is a Grand Suite cabin. Ship’s Registry: Colombia. All CAA Member prices are per person, based on double occupancy, in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated and are subject to change without prior notice until final payment is paid. All prices are correct at press time and apply to new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking. To receive CAA Member-exclusive benefits, there must be one valid CAA Member travelling per booking. Non-members booking Extraordinary Explorations will not receive Member-exclusive benefits.
†Bon Voyage gift is based on one per person.
^CAA Dollars awarded per adult Member. To earn and redeem CAA Dollars, you must be a current CAA Member in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). CAA Dollars will be credited at time of departure. For more information on CAA Dollars, please visit www.caasco.com/caadollars.
◊CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Twenty-five percent (25%) Member savings is made up of a ten percent (10%) Member savings as well as a promotional fifteen percent (15%) savings when you purchase an Extraordinary Explorations tour through CAA Travel, applies to CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). This promotional offer is valid until December 31, 2025. Ten percent (10%) Member savings applies to Members in good standing of all other CAA clubs. Savings apply to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Visitors to Canada Insurance is limited to the promotional savings. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance.
Extraordinary Explorations vacations are organized and booked by CAA Travel (South Central Ontario) Inc. and CAA Manitoba (“CAA Travel”) on behalf of CAA Club Group (o/a CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba). In the event of an increase in any of the cost factors, CAA Travel reserves the right to increase the price whereby the provisions of the Travel Industry Act shall prevail. CAA Extraordinary Explorations packages are 100% non-refundable at final payment. CAA Travel service fee for cancellation prior to final payment varies by program. For full payment terms and conditions, please ask your CAA Travel Consultant. 1 Decision to book a non-refundable air fare or flights outside the group block, advance seat selection, independent arrangements (hotel, tours, shore excursions, private transfers, etc.) may be excluded from any refund. CAA Travel reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements (minimum number of participants) or circumstances beyond its control. Additional fees for checked luggage or other incidentals may be incurred and vary according to itinerary and airline. Air schedules with some tours are not available at press time and may include several connections or forced overnight at passenger’s expense. CAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation and emergency travel and emergency medical insurance at the time of booking. Please note: Participants must be able to embark and disembark cruise ships and coaches without assistance as well as have a good level of mobility for walking tours in destinations where stairs and traditional cobblestone streets can be challenging. International transportation vehicles and facilities may not meet accessibility standards.
Flight
IncludedTour Itinerary
Day 1
Cartagena
Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg to Cartagena. Upon arrival, mee your local guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in. This afternoon, you’ll have time to relax before you gather with the group for a cocktail reception. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 2
Cartagena
This morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your walking tour of the city, where you’ll see the many influences that have given shape to Cartagena, including Roman, Moorish, Arabic and Spanish. Explore Cartagena’s past and present while visiting monuments such as the famous Clock Tower, built in 1601 to connect Getsemaní with Old Cartagena. Continue to Plaza de Bolívar and the Palace of the Inquisition, considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Visit Plaza de San Pedro Claver, dedicated to the Spanish-born monk known as “Slave of the Slaves” for his life spent ministering African slaves brought to the Spanish colonies.
Afterwards, make your way to a local restaurant to join in an exciting drum workshop led by talented musicians and dancers from La Boquilla, a fishing village with a history of cultural resistance spanning over 200 years. This is your unique opportunity to participate in the preservation of ancestral traditions by playing the drums and dancing to the African rhythms that define the region, including cumbia, bullerengue, mapalé and champeta. Enjoy a lunch featuring local specialties before you return to the hotel to relax. Enjoy a stunning Caribbean sunset tour and sail along downtown Cartagena and the historic centre. The day concludes with a welcome dinner at a waterfront restaurant before transferring back to your hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 3
Cartagena: Design Your Day
Begin your day with a leisurely hotel breakfast, then choose from one of the three included options or spend time at leisure.
Cartagena Rum Tasting Tour
Discover the world of Colombian rums in Cartagena’s Rum Tasting Tour. Sample exquisite rums with notes of coffee, caramel and vanilla, paired with local chocolates, as you learn about the rum-making process in a delightful, flavourful experience.
Colombian Coffee Exploration and Tasting
Embark on a coffee tasting tour to explore the essence of Colombian coffee. Dive into the details of production, experience diverse aromas and savour the distinct flavours in a tour perfect for coffee enthusiasts and beginners.
Ceviche Specialist Workshop
Fresh, light and perfect for the hot climate of Cartagena, ceviche is beloved in the Caribbean. This experience will give you the opportunity to prepare and enjoy your own amazing ceviche.
At lunch, reconvene at a local restaurant to enjoy a meal then return to your hotel to relax.
This evening, get ready for an exhilarating private salsa lesson with experienced dancers who will guide you through the infectious rhythm of salsa. Learn the history of this iconic music as you absorb the pulsating energy of the performance. Afterwards, enjoy dinner featuring the authentic taste of Cartagena’s culture and cuisine before returning to the hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 4
Barranquilla
After breakfast, transfer to Barranquilla where you’ll board the AmaWaterways™ AmaMagdalena. Settle into your stateroom as you prepare for an exciting journey along the Magdalena River. In the evening, enjoy a special Carnaval celebration exclusively for AmaWaterways™ guests. 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’ll revel in this truly authentic experience. (B/L/D)
Day 5
Nueva Venecia
Visit the floating village of Nueva Venecia, a charming town built on stilts that 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. Explore the village and learn more about the lives of its people during a guided tour. Enjoy the traditional crafts and art 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. (B/L/D)
Day 6
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’ll see local landmarks such as the Santa Barbara Church and admire intricate handmade crafts. In the afternoon, arrive at the island town of Mompox, where you’ll be welcomed with open arms and lively music as local musicians treat you to an exclusive jazz performance. (B/L/D)
Day 7
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 place where gold and other treasure was protected from the pirates that pillaged coastal cities like Cartagena. Since then, the town has become famous for its incredible filigree jewelry, 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. (B/L/D)
Day 8
El Banco
Bid farewell to Mompox before embarking on a scenic cruise down one of the most breathtaking stretches of the Magdalena River 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 and rebuilt. 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 and staking this place as their new home. Because of this connection, the Virgin of Candelaria, a special invocation of the Virgin Mary, is very special to this region. On your guided walking tour of this incredible destination, you’ll learn more about its history as the birthplace of cumbia, an iconic genre of music and dance that began as a courtship dance practiced by African slaves. It later incorporated American steps and European and African instruments to become a world-wide sensation and 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. (B/L/D)
Day 9
Magangue & Calamar
Witness the sights and sounds of the wildlife around you as you spend the beginning of the day docked near Magangue. Join a birdwatching tour for the unique opportunity to see some incredible bird species that are only found along the Magdalena River. You can also take a hiking tour through the picturesque Ciénaga, teeming with Colombian life. Later in the day, visit Calamar, first settled in 1840 and located at the entrance of the Canal del Dique. Here you’ll 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)
Day 10
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. Witness iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral de Cartagena or the stone walls built to protect the city from the plundering of pirates. Delve deeper into the history of this Caribbean city as you stop by the Gold Museum, featuring ancient gold artifacts from local Indigenous cultures, and the Caribbean Naval Museum. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour through the breathtaking Getsemaní neighbourhood. Filled with vibrantly coloured homes and street art, as well as delicious local delicacies, this historic neighbourhood will delight all your senses. Finish by watching the sun set on Cartagena from the deck of your stunning AmaWaterways™ ship. (B/L/D)
Day 11
Bid your ship and crew farewell as you disembark and transfer to the Cartagena airport for your flight home. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner
Day 3: Design Your Day
Begin your day with a leisurely hotel breakfast, then choose from one of the three included options or spend time at leisure.