Panama Canal & the Pacific Coast

Discover the rich history, culture and architecture of Cartagena during a visit to its UNESCO-listed old town. Take a scenic drive to the legendary San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, one of the most impressive Spanish military strongholds in the Americas. Construction began in 1536 and continued for over a century, resulting in a formidable defense structure designed to protect the city from pirate attacks and foreign invasions. Hear fascinating insights during a photo stop before continuing on foot to explore Cartagena’s walled city. Enjoy a guided walk of its picturesque streets and lively plazas, colorful Spanish-style balconies and historic churches, as you listen to your guide bring historic tales to life; the city once played an integral role in safeguarding treasures bound for Spain. After, enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace, before returning to your ship.

Discover Cartagena’s past and present during a panoramic tour of this major port city. Drive with your guide to the impressive San Felipe de Barajas Fort to view its exterior. Construction began on this remarkable UNESCO site in 1536, and the fort took a total of 121 years to build. Continue to the Old City for a visit to the dungeons within the walled city. Originally built to store military provisions, today they house an upscale handicrafts market selling brightly colored cloth, woodwork and woven bags made by the Indigenous people of the region. Spend time browsing the wares made by these artisans, and if you choose, join your guide for an optional walking tour. Afterward, take a scenic drive through Bocagrande, a chic and modern beach area that mixes luxury apartments with deluxe hotels and trendy cafés. Your tour will conclude back at your ship.

Explore the colorful streets of Cartagena’s Ciudad Vieja, or Old Town, and admire the city’s eclectic architecture. Drive with your guide to the Old Town, built by Spanish settlers during the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, discover on foot one of the most spectacularly restored collections of colonial-era buildings in South America. See the San Felipe Fortress and admire the exterior as you enjoy a serving of tropical fruits. Next, head to the historic Getsemani neighborhood for a guided walk of this bustling district. Pause for refreshments before heading to La Marina Park for a stroll along its peaceful pathways. Browse a collection of ornamental trinkets at the nearby Gold Museum, then continue your walk past vibrantly colored houses adorned with floral balconies and beautiful churches. Reboard your motor coach at La Marina Park for the return journey to your ship.

See the best of Colombia’s birdlife with an amazing array of more than 2,000 birds at the National Aviary. Leave the pier for a scenic drive by motor coach through lush countryside to the eco-park, created for the study and conservation of myriad bird species. Located on the charming island of Baru, the park features more than 20 separate exhibits and an artificial lake to which hundreds of migratory birds gravitate. A walking tour takes you into several habitats. Keep an eye out for harpy eagles and colorful tropical beauties, such as scarlet macaws, pink pelicans and the more diminutive but equally vivid blue-winged mountain tanager and green jay. Then, drive to a local seaside restaurant, where you will enjoy traditional Colombian finger food, fresh fruit and fruit juice before returning to your awaiting ship.

Create your very own piece of jewelry using silver and Colombian emeralds. If beautiful green emeralds are your favorite colored gems, learn how the stone makes its way from the mine to jewelry box. Colombia is one of the world’s main sources of emeralds since the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. Once traded for gold with other empires and royalty in Egypt, Persia and India, Colombian emeralds have long been admired around the world. A video presentation will detail how the emeralds have been mined and carved for thousands of years. During the lesson, you will watch expert demonstrations, listen to instructions from your personal instructor and try your hand at creating a pretty silver ring, a pendant or a pair of earrings which you will be able to take home. Each participant will receive a jewelry making diploma before the tour concludes.

Admire the beauty of Cartagena’s skyline during a private sunset cruise on its eponymous bay. Leave the charming cobblestone streets and busy avenues behind to gain a different perspective on this bustling historic metropolis. Drive to the pier, then take a short walk meet your ship before setting out onto the bay. Watch the sun’s fading rays bathe the centuries-old facades of the Old City in warm orange and red hues as the shadows of twilight descend across the water. Admire the lights of modern Cartagena as they illuminate the darkening skyline while you journey leisurely around the bay. Savor delicious traditional street food, along with a selection of Colombian beer, rum punch and soft drinks, while taking in the city sights. Return to the pier at the conclusion of your cruise, then take a brief walk back to your awaiting ship.

Experience the hustle and bustle of Cartagena’s market scene, then enjoy a cooking demonstration and lunch. Colombia’s extraordinary cuisine is an eclectic mix of African, Middle Eastern, Spanish and other European culinary influences. Meet your guide and set out for one of the city’s traditional markets, where everything from meat, vegetables and spices to housewares and religious items can be found. Immerse yourself in the sights and aromas of this bustling community hub. Watch vendors and customers interact and get an authentic glimpse of daily life in this coastal melting pot, before transferring to your private venue. Enjoy a welcome cocktail while an expert chef leads you through a cooking demonstration. Learn how to create a typical local dish, which will be part of the menu of your mouthwatering lunch. Appetite sated, return to the pier and your ship.

Discover the folkloric traditions of a local village and Colombia’s rich biodiversity at a lush botanical garden. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to Turbaco, where residents dressed in traditional garb and playing cumbia and vallenato music will warmly greet you. Learn the history of the village during an interactive theatrical performance, then stroll through the streets on a guided tour past historic structures, including Santa Catalina church and the Town Hall. At the local museum, gain insight into the culture and history of the Yurbaco indigenous community, then visit the home of a resident to get a personal account of life in Turbaco. Then, transfer to the Botanical Garden of Cartagena de Indias, home to more than 1,200 species of flora. Enjoy a guided walk through the different gardens and an opportunity to taste local fruits, before returning to your ship.

Savor a taste of fine rums from around the region paired with delicious Colombian chocolates. Drive with your guide to the impressive San Felipe de Barajas Fort to view its exterior. Construction began in 1536, and the fort took a total of 121 years to build. Once a major defense against pirates, today it is a remarkably restored edifice and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Ciudad Vieja, or Old City, for a walk along its historic streets, admiring the many colonial-era buildings and the vibrantly colored houses adorned with flower-bedecked balconies. At a private venue, you will stop for an expert-led tasting of several award-winning rums accompanied by chocolates, allowing you to enjoy their rich flavor combinations. At the end of your tasting, you will receive a bottle of rum to take home with you, then board your motor coach and return to your ship.

Drive through colorful Getsemani in a vintage automobile before savoring a taste of delicious Cartagenan cuisine. Transfer to your starting point, where you will be greeted by your guide and a fleet of classic cars. Climb in and relax as your driver hits the road and navigates through the narrow streets of Getsemani, a vibrant barrio just outside the walls of the old city. Your guide will narrate your route via radio transmitter, describing the local history, culture and sights as you pass brightly painted colonial-era homes and admire the imaginative and bold street art that this neighborhood is renowned for. Upon arrival in Cartagena’s old town, indulge in a delectable tasting of local fare, accompanied by a refreshing beverage. Afterward, set out on a short, guided stroll of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by free time to explore on your own, before returning to your ship.

Immerse in the vibrant culture of the Caribbean coast of Colombia with a sunset drumming experience in La Boquilla. Travel by motor coach to this small fishing community, where a warm welcome awaits as you are treated to a performance from young local musicians. Savor a welcome cocktail and delicious local snacks as a community leader shares insights into the traditions of this vibrant village community. The tambora, a type of two-headed drum, and dance are central to their culture, and your involvement in this lively and invigorating performance supports these skilled performers. You will then be invited to join the younger members of the community on the beach to learn some basic drumming rhythms. Immerse yourself in the natural rhythm of the waves and feeling of the sea breeze while admiring the sunset as you enjoy this fulfilling musical performance before returning to your ship.

Discover ancient churches in Cartagena to appreciate the city’s rich history and architectural beauty. Journey by motor coach to Popa Hill, the city’s highest point, and discover the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Church, a treasure trove of religious history. Delight in the breathtaking view of the city from its grounds and wander through Plaza de Santo Domingo to encounter the oldest church of Cartegena. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture as you navigate through this historic site adorned with quaint colonial structures. Discover the city’s largest church, Cathedral Santa Catalina de Alejandría, also a national landmark of Columbia. Uncover the history of the church of San Pedro Claver, built in the early 17th century by Jesuit members in honor of St. Peter Clave. Cap your excursion with a stop to enjoy refreshments, before returning to your ship.

Discover the rich cultural heritage and hidden jewels of Cartagena. Board your motor coach and travel to a small fishing village, Punta Icacos. Here, local fishermen will show you how to make, fix, and throw nets. Sample the taste of fresh coconut water while observing their craft and learn to cast your own net. Visit the Las Americas Hotel to taste a frito, a fried Colombian snack, and receive a warm welcome from a traditional Vallenato band, who will entertain you with their music. Then head to the Emerald Museum to delve into the rich history of these gems and explore the Gold Museum to admire the goldsmithing of Colombia’s Indigenous people. Immerse yourself in the old city as you explore Portal de los Dulces to sample renowned Colombian candies. Take a leisurely stroll through the colonial city, taking in the beauty of its streets.

Experience the rich culture of Cartagena with a visit to the La Popa Monastery, Gold Museum and a folk show. Meet your guide and board your motor coach for the Candelaria Virgin Monastery at La Popa Hill. Marvel at the spectacular view of the city and the bay before continuing to the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress for a photo stop. Enjoy refreshments at the Naval Museum and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Colombian-Caribbean coast with a folklore show that features traditional songs and dance. Take a leisurely stroll with your guide through the main streets and historic squares of Cartagena, and revel in the presence of this UNESCO World Heritage City. Explore the Gold Museum to admire the incredible goldsmith work of Colombia’s Indigenous peoples and learn about their lives and cultures. Afterward, board your coach for the return to your ship.