This tour provides a glimpse of the third most important port and second tourist city of Colombia. You will board your motor coach to begin your tour.  You will visit The Gold Museum to admire the museum’s pre-Colombian artifact exhibit and a small, priceless, collection of Tayrona gold and pottery pieces. Then you will head to the first church in the city, the Church of Santa Ana, built in 1529 by Fray Thomas Ortiz, a Dominican friar. Your next stop will be at San Pedro de Alejandrino Villa. Dating back to the 17th century, San Pedro de Alejandrino had its origins as a country estate outside the city limits. In 1830, the great liberator Simon Bolivar used it as a refuge for his last days. The interior of the house has been restored and the extensive gardens have been returned to their former glory. Following the tour, enjoy a delightful display of Colombia’s history and culture during a folklore show featuring traditional songs and dances, soft drinks are included. Then reboard your coach for the trip back to the pier.

 

Please note: The terrain at the villa is uneven and there are steps to get up to the gold Museum. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

 

 

 

Spend the day exploring the Eco Lodge within Tayronaka Indian Reserve, taking in the natural environment and the biodiversity while learning a bit about the Tayrona culture. Departing from the pier, you’ll have a 90-minute drive from Santa Marta through the "Troncal del Caribe." As you travel along this route, you’ll see beautiful landscapes that contrast the authentic, working-class neighborhoods that surround the city. Upon arrival, you will take a pleasant 30-minute walk along an ecological path, during which you will start to appreciate the flora and fauna of the region. Due to its climate and fertile soil, the area cultivates colorful tropical flowers which can be observed everywhere within the reserve. Today, it has also become a sanctuary for the Tayrona culture which is more than 1,000 years old. Upon arrival, you will be treated to a local snack in a thatched-roof pavilion. Following a guided tour of the small Tayrona museum, you will be free to explore further on your own, or perhaps take a swim in the river. After approximately 2 hours, you’ll walk with your guide back to your minibus and travel back to the yacht.
 
Please note: This tour includes approximately 1.5 hours of moderate walking that includes some steps and uneven and natural surfaces. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. The local operator has imposed a maximum age limit of 70 years of age - Exceptions to this limit would be for those considered in peak physical condition. Light weight clothing; a swimsuit and towel for those who wish to swim, sun cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and flat, comfortable walking shoes with a non-slip sole are recommended. Those who take part in any water activities do so at their own risk and responsibility.
 
 

 

 

 

You will board a bus for the 1-hour drive to Valencia Waterfall. This impressive cascade of crystalline water among rocks and crags, offers an unequaled spectacle making this place a must see.  The natural waterfall, descends from the Sierra Nevada, which is the tallest mountain bordering the sea in the world with perpetual snows, forming a series of natural pools that are suitable for enjoying a refreshing swim and observing a variety of fishes.   It is surrounded by a variety of exotic vegetation and fruits, such as cacao and plantain. Quebrada Valencia belongs to the countless ecological and tourist destinations that Santa Marta offers. You will take a 30-minute hike then you will have free time to get to know the area, dive into its waters and enjoy the beauty of the landscape.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and water shoes if you have them.

 

 

 

With this excursion you will fill your cup with the bold history of Cartagena and the rich goodness of pure Colombian Coffee. Your adventure will begin with a 15-minute motor coach ride to San Felipe Fortress, built in the 17th century. You will make a photo stop there before continuing on for a sightseeing tour of the Old City. You will visit a beautifully restored colonial house where you will get a good idea about colonial architecture and restoration. Then on to an experience to awaken the senses, touch, sight, taste, and smell and discover the amazing flavors of excellent Colombian Coffee.  You will have a introduction to Colombian Coffee, an overview of the coffee process, raw materials, quality assessments, smelling and tasting exercises, finishing with tasting 3 different coffees through alternative coffee rituals.  You will then have the opportunity for a walking tour along the narrow streets and squares of the walled city, followed by a panoramic sightseeing  tour of modern Cartagena and its bay.

Please note:  This tour is not wheelchair accessible.Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

Depart from the port of Cartagena for the short drive to the famous Getsemaní district. This neighborhood represents a different side a Cartagena.  You will have time to explore this area which embodies the greatest cultural heritage of the city. From the colonial architecture and history, to the brightness of its streets and the colorful personality of its people, this populous sector of the city is a magical place that every visitor will appreciate. After your guided walk through the narrow streets of Getsemaní, you will arrive at a point to observe the Convent La Popa located at the highest point of Cartagena, San Felipe Fort, and San Sebastian del Pastelillo Port, where the tour guide will give all the historical information on these three highly relevant city monuments. After your walking tour around Getsemani, enjoy a refreshment drink at Chachara Restaurant. Your tour will bring you to the barracks of Bóvedas, former jail cells now converted to colorful handicraft stores and galleries.  This construction consists of 47 arches and 23 vaults, considered the last work of the period of the Colony. You will have time to browse and shop. Your tour will continue as you follow the wall and make a walk through the main streets and squares of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After your free time for shopping or wondering around Cartagena's Open Air Museum, enjoy a panoramic tour before returning to the ship.

Please note:  This tour is not wheelchair accessible.  Please wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and bring your camera.

You will board your motor coach for the 15-minute drive to San Felipe Fortress, the largest Spanish fort built in the 17th century.  You will have time to take photos before taking a sightseeing drive through the Old City, admiring the marvelous Republican architecture of the houses in the Manga residential area. You will be taken to the Emerald Museum – Bocagrande to learn about emeralds.You will go into an actual size replica of a mine tunnel and experience what mining is like as you watch the emerald-bearing veins. Then you will be taken to a special room for a lecture and a video on emeralds. You will learn how emeralds are extracted from the mines and brought to the different cutting and polishing centers. You will see the cutting and polishing machines and be shown step by step how each stone is cut and polished and you will have the opportunity to practice cutting a stone if you wish. Visit the jewelry making workshop and watch the process of fabricating sterling silver or 18k gold emerald jewelry before you visit the spacious and comfortable showroom. Then, enjoy a cocktail and have the opportunity to shop with an extra discount for you, before returning to the ship. On your way back to the ship you will have a sightseeing tour of modern Cartagena - Bocagrande, Laguito, Castillo Grande and the bay.

Please note:  This tour is not wheelchair accessible.  Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

On an air conditioned bus, during this 40-minute ride to the wonderful island of Baru, the newest tourist development area in Colombia, you may sit back and enjoy the scenery of other areas of Cartagena, take a look to the growing industrial area and finally arrive to the National Aviary, one of the best aviaries in the world given its high number of species. Colombia is the country in the world holding the highest bird diversity, with more than 1,900 species and The National Aviary displays an important sample of this variety.  Once you arrive to the National Aviary, you may initiate your tour and explore the different bird observation stations arranged by habitat and species on your own such as:

• Tropical Forest, where you may find different kinds of Macaws, Harpy Eagles, Tangaras and other varieties of species as well as different kinds of palm trees, waterfalls and the Macaque Monkeys.

• Coastlines and Mangroves, the habitat of different kind of Ducks, Cormorants and Pelicans.

• Coastline, where you will be able to observe different kinds of Herons, Doves, Storks and the migrating Teals.

• Dessert Station an environment where different species such as the Cardinals, Mockingbirds and Partridges live

• Andean Region, in this station you may admire the Owls, Eagles and the famous Andean Condor, king of our mountains.

After this marvelous trip surrounded by birds, beautiful landscapes, palm trees and waterfalls you will have time for enjoying some beverages or drinking some delicious Colombian Coffee to later on get on your bus back to Cartagena and be ready to enjoy a wonderful short photo stop at the San Felipe Fort then a sightseeing of The Old City of Cartagena before returning to the ship.

Please note:  This tour is not wheelchair accessible.  Please wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and bring your camera.

The magnificent city of Cartagena, once a preferred target for pirates and the treasure chest of the Spanish Main, is yours to explore as you embark an air-conditioned bus or mini-bus today. On tour, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide as you travel past marvelous Republican architecture. You will see the Manga residential area, where some of the aging mansions have been restored to their original splendor. Stop for a half hour to explore the Fort of San Felipe de Barajas, a 17th century construction acknowledged to be the most important work of Spanish Military engineering in Latin America. At Las Bovedas (the Dungeons), about 20 minutes is allowed for handicraft shopping and for rubbing elbows with the local artisans who proudly display their works for you. Pass through Simón Bolívar Square and the Inquisition Palace before continuing on to the Cathedral, also called The Minor Basilica, it was the first church built in the city in 1537. Next stop is the Church of San Pedro Claver—the patron saint of slaves. You will find Colombia’s famous native gem—the emerald—along with handicrafts and leather goods shops. You will have approximately 40 minutes to shop before returning to the ship.

 

Please note: Guests who remain in town for shopping will have to return to the ship on their own.