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South America River Cruises

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Amazon Riverboat Adventure In Depth

Discover the galápagos & peru 2025, from the inca empire to the peruvian amazon with galápagos cruise 2025, peruvian rivers & rainforest discovery (2024) (lima to lima, 2024), peruvian rivers & rainforest discovery (2025) (lima to lima, 2025), amazon ultimate adventure for thrill seekers 6 days/5 nights, amazon boat cruise - 6 days, amazon boat cruise - 4 days, wonders of colombia 2025, peru & amazon experience 2025.

“Beautiful Amazon river tours. Nice crew members.” linda luong, traveled in October 2022

• River Cruise
• Christmas & New Year
• Visit a shaman in an indigenous village
• Spot wildlife on a night river safari
• Cook traditional Peruvian dishes in Lima

• Sightseeing
• Walk through Machu Picchu's ruins
• Snorkel with sea lions in Galápagos
• Explore Lima's colonial architecture

• Walk Quito's colonial streets
• Explore Lima's historic center on foot
• Witness Machu Picchu's sunrise

• Kayak and wildlife watch on Ucayali River
• Fish and night sail on the Marañón River
• Explore Lima's historic City of Kings

• Kayak and wildlife watch on the Ucayali River
• Fish and night sail in the Pacaya Samiria Reserve
• Tour Iquitos and embark on the Aria Amazon

• Learn jungle survival from a guide
• Camp and dine in the Amazon jungle
• Spot wildlife on a nocturnal safari

• See the Meeting of the Waters
• Fish for piranhas at sunset
• Camp and barbecue in the jungle

“All the meals were prepared to perfection and the excursions were at my request.” Vera Burgess, traveled in May 2024

• Camp and barbecue in the jungle at night
• Explore January Lake's floating houses
• Participate in an indigenous ritual dance

• Explore the vibrant Getsemaní neighborhood
• Experience the historic town of Palenque
• Discover the colonial charm of Mompox

• Cruise the Amazon River on a luxury ship
• Discover Machu Picchu with expert guides
• Explore Lima's colonial and modern wonders

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AmaWaterways to Start Immersive Sailings on Colombia's Magdalena River

Come 2023, it will be the first luxury river cruise on the Magdalena

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways, a stalwart of European river cruising, is heading to South America. The beloved boutique river cruise line has announced that starting in December 2023, it will sail along the beautiful banks of the Magdalena River in Colombia. And, thanks to its partnership with Metropolitan Touring, the leading tour operator in South America, passengers who dip their feet in the new all-suite experience can take a fully immersive plunge into Colombian culture from both land and water.

“Drawing on each company’s expertise, AmaWaterways and Metropolitan Touring have together created a unique river cruise and land program that will immerse travelers in the beauty of the “River of a Thousand Rhythms,” said Camilo Calderon, General Manager of Metropolitan Touring Colombia. “Our guests will enjoy the modern comforts of an upscale river cruise ship, with exclusive experiences and unparalleled service, hallmarks of both companies, to the very heart of Colombia’s soul.”

River cruise options will include a choice between two different seven-night itineraries on the Magdalena, while Metropolitan Touring will offer up the land component via their selection of pre- and post-cruise tours.

“Not since my early university days of exploring the Amazon River have I felt the excitement of discovering a new destination that is so rich in biodiversity and culture, as I found on the Magdalena River in Colombia,” said Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “I’m absolutely captivated by the rich history, wildlife, and friendly welcome that awaits our guests when our intimate, all-suite ship sets sail in December 2023.”

While we’re not quite convinced Schreiner was the first to “discover” this gorgeous Colombian area, we have it on good authority that AmaWaterways will be the first modern luxury river cruise operator to share it with nature- and culture-loving tourists.

The news was too good to keep to themselves—AmaWaterways is still working on the exact schedule of itineraries—though passengers can expect to be lead by a skilled team of experts, having an onboard wellness manager at their service, and the opportunity to connect with the rich culture, wildlife, people found along the banks of the Magdalena River, as well as the chance snag some local fresh air while kayaking, hiking, or birdwatching.

For now, though, all we can do is wait since these new cruise experiences won’t kick off until December 2023—but, hey, we’re all good at waiting around by now, right? Feeling antsy? Head over to the official AmaWaterways site to keep your eyes out for any itinerary updates and get a sneak peek of what’s already been made official.

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Wonders of Colombia

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Explore ancient ruins, local markets and historic sites
• Visit famous landmarks such as Bocas de Cenizas and Carnaval Museum
• Witness Columbian nature and wildlife or take a hike through Cienága
• Festival Visits
• Wildlife Viewing
• Village Visits
• South America

Full Itinerary

Day 1: cartagena| embark.

• Accommodation

Day 2: Gambote | Palenque | Calamar

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Santa Barbara de Pinto | Mompox

Day 4: mompox, day 5: mompox | el banco, day 6: magangue, day 7: nueva venecia | barranquilla, day 8: barranquilla| disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

MS AmaMagdalena

Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000.00 charge

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• AMA Waterways - Terms & Conditions - AMA Waterways

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
• 7 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• Onboard Entertainment 
• Bottled water replenished daily
• Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
• Beverages: Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
• Knowledgeable guides
• Internet and Wi-Fi access
• Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
• 24/7 Colombian coffee and tea station
• All fine dining on board, plus a special dinner on shore in El Banco
• Exclusive year-round Carnaval Celebration in Barranquilla and cumbia performance in El Banco
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Additional excursions during free time
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
• Laundry 

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Favorite Colombia All Trips

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Why Travel With Adventure Life

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Cruise the Magdalena River aboard a Premium River Vessel

Wonders of colombia.

From $3,599

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Arrive: Cartagena, Colombia

Depart: Barranquilla, Colombia

• 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

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.

Dates & Pricing

Payment & cancel schedule.

At time of reservation: $400 100 days prior to departure: Balance Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Minimum fee: $200 per person 90-120 days prior to departure: $400 per person 60-89 days prior to departure: 35% of trip cost 30-59 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 7-29 days prior to departure: 80% of trip cost 6 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

• 7-night river cruise in elegantly appointed twin balcony stateroom
• All fine dining on board, with dinner on shore in El Banco
• Wine, beer and soft drinks included during lunch and dinner
• A variety of excursion, including bird watching and boat tours
• Immersive excursions in every destination
• Exclusive year-round Carnaval Celebration in Barranquilla
• Cumbia performance in El Banco
• Knowledgeable guides
• Entertainment-on-demand in all staterooms
• Sip 7 Sail cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
• Free high-speed internet access, movies, and music library
• Complimentary Wellness Program with dedicated Wellness Host leading classes
• Nightly entertainment including cultural performances
• Sun-deck pool, fitness room
• 24/7 Colombian coffee and tea station

Not Included

• Airfare to/from points of embarkation and debarkation of the boat
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to shipboard personnel
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

AmaMagdalena

Days 1-7 (7 nights)

What the Trip is Like

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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.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
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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.

• Our African safaris
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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
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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.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

South America

Explore the wonders of Colombia with a cruise along the Magdalena River. You'll travel on an upscale ship to see incredible sights and attractions.

The upfront price covers your accommodations, transportation, guided touring and most meals, as well as beer and wine with lunch and dinner on board.

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South America River Adventure on Colombia’s Magdalena River

Jul 10, 2021 | 0

Colombia’s Magdalena River

by Anne Kalosh.

AmaWaterways and South America’s Metropolitan Touring are teaming up to offer an exciting new destination —  Colombia’s Magdalena River.

“Not since my early university days of exploring the Amazon River have I felt the excitement of discovering a new destination that is so rich in biodiversity and culture as I found on the Magdalena River in Colombia,” enthused Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder of AmaWaterways, who’s often called the “godfather of river cruising.”

The Magdalena is the prime river in Latin America which combines culture and nature, AmaWaterways’ Rudi Schreiner said. * Photo: AmaWaterways

Rudi Knows Rivers

Having spent more than a year on the Amazon over multiple trips, he’s also scouted rivers throughout South America, including Venezuela’s Orinoco and the Paraná, flowing through Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.

Something Exciting & Different Every Day

He considers the Magdalena “the prime river in Latin America” for its combination of nature and culture. “This is a perfect mix,” he said. “Every day you have something exciting, something different.”

Colombia’s principal river, the Magdalena feeds a fertile valley that supports many crops and is incredibly rich in biodiversity, with nearly 2,000 species of birds alone.

The Gabriel García Márquez novel The General In His Labyrinth is a fictionalized account of Simón Bolívar’s final voyage — along the Magdalena.

History, warm hospitality, music, art, fine rums and chocolate made from the native cacao are other enticements of Colombia.

All-Balcony-Suite AmaMagdalena

Starting in December 2023, AmaWaterways and Metropolitan Touring plan to carry travelers aboard AmaMagdalena , an all-suite, eco-friendly river vessel to be built in Colombia.

There will be a choice of two seven-night itineraries with a skilled team providing in-depth connections with nature, wildlife, culture, flavors and people, plus activities like kayaking, hiking and birdwatching. The vessel will carry bicycles and offer AmaWaterways’ wellness program, too.

Pre- and post-cruise land programs delving into Colombia’s cultural and natural heritage will be available, as well.

Ecuador-based Metropolitan Touring is a leading South American tour operator that’s noted for its Galápagos cruises going back decades.

“Colombia has always been a country close to my heart and every trip I’ve made to the Magdalena over many years has been full of amazing, life-affirming experiences that touched my soul,” said Paulina Burbano de Lara, CEO of Metropolitan Touring. “Finding the right partner to develop the first-ever eco-friendly river cruise experience for Colombia was therefore of utmost importance to me and our company.”

AmaWaterways is branching out to Colombia’s Magdalena River, in partnership with Metropolitan Touring. * Photo: AmaWaterways

RELATED: AmaWaterways New AmaMagna on the Danube River.  By Gene Sloan.

“River Of A Thousand Rhythms”

Drawing on each company’s expertise, AmaWaterways and Metropolitan Touring created a river cruise and land program that will immerse travelers in the beauty of the “River of a Thousand Rhythms,” added Camilo Calderon, general manager of Metropolitan Touring Colombia. “Our guests will enjoy the modern comforts of an upscale river cruise ship, with exclusive experiences and unparalleled service, hallmarks of both companies.”

Schreiner said the custom-designed AmaMagdalena will carry fewer than 100 passengers — approximately 80 — in all-balcony suites. It will serve international cuisine highlighting Colombian specialties. The crew will be Colombian.

Itineraries will be detailed in the coming weeks, and bookings are expected to open in late fall this year.

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© This article is protected by copyright, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the author. All Rights Reserved. QuirkyCruise.com.

About The Author

Anne Kalosh

Anne Kalosh has written about cruises for decades and her favorites involve small ships. She is the editor of Seatrade-Cruise.com and senior associate editor of Seatrade Cruise Review.

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Navigating through the Amazon River provides an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the surrounding nature and enjoy a thrilling vacation within the Amazon rainforest.

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of South America's stunning landscapes on our luxurious river cruises. The Voyagers Travel Company offers unparalleled journeys on the majestic Magdalena River in Colombia and the mighty Amazon, traversing Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador.

The Magdalena River Cruise: A Colombian Gem – Coming Soon!

Embark on a voyage down the Magdalena River, Colombia's principal waterway. This journey is not just about stunning vistas; it’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture as you visit quaint riverside towns teeming with vibrant art scenes and lively markets.

Brazilian Amazon Cruise: An Adventure from Manaus

Your journey into Brazil starts at Manaus, where you'll board your luxurious vessel for a thrilling cruise along the Amazon River. You’ll experience wildlife encounters like no other – imagine waking up to sights of pink dolphins frolicking alongside your boat!

Ecuador & Peruvian Amazon Cruises: Unforgettable Experiences Await

• Ecuador Amazon Cruise : Depart from Coca for an expedition along Napo & Coca Rivers. Witness exotic wildlife such as colorful macaws or elusive jaguars while enjoying world-class service aboard our boutique riverboats.
• Peru Amazon Cruise : Your adventure begins at Iquitos cruising Ucayali and Marañon rivers that form part of the vast Amazon basin. Experience unique cultural interactions with indigenous communities living harmoniously within this biodiverse ecosystem.

Why Book a River Cruise with Voyagers Travel

Our river cruises are designed for those who seek adventure and luxury in equal measure. They offer a unique perspective on the regions they traverse, providing intimate access to some of South America's most untouched wilderness areas while ensuring comfort and style every step of the way.

Experience the magic of the Bolivian amazon Jungle on board our Flotel to explore the Rainforest and participate in the adventurous activities that can be done during your cruise: Lagoon swimming, jungle hikes, visit a remote white-sand jingle beach, birdwatching, hiking, canoeing and more!

You can also take the tour it as a relaxing cruise and stay onboard the Reina for your whole stay, or you can make Indiana Jones envious by going full-bore with camera, binoculars, hiking boots and explore the Jungle. At the end of each day, we often meet upstairs on the viewing deck to have a drink, share the day’s adventures, and observe a remarkably vivid Milky Way.

Enjoy the comfort of your cabin with private facilities and the ample social areas and restaurant while on board. Reina de Enin works with CYMA, a small group of university-trained, native Bolivian biologists that provide expert bilingual guiding to our groups.

All feature in suite sitting areas and Panoramic view floor to ceiling windows with separate balcony overlooking the Amazon River. 4 interconnected suites ideally for families 1 suite has disabled facilities.

Master suites (4): 23 m2 / 247.57 ft2 with 90-degree front-facing windows, all are air conditioned with en-suite bathroom and living room. A crew of 20 including  Cruise Director  will meet all of your onboard needs, and two naturalist bilingual guides (english- spanish) are there to introduce you the area’s natural wonders.

The riverboat design of the vessel with three full decks gives the vessel a large interior space. This extra space goes into ample overhead ceilings, large cabins, and full size bathrooms. The vessel is not a luxury vessel and some of the cabins are larger than the others, but most travelers agree that the boat is comfortable and elegant.

An especially important feature of the vessel is that the riverboat style allows the M/Y Tucano to have many large windows. There are over seventy windows all of which are three feet high and can be opened and closed. Though the vessel is air- conditioned, many passengers choose to open the windows in order to enjoy the scent of Amazon blossoms. Every cabin has at least four of these windows which makes the vessel bright and airy, which is a very different experience than yachts with port holes and sealed skylights. Tucano’s large interior space enables the guest to relax in comfort on our expedition cruises.

The adventure begins in the city of Manaus, capital of Amazonas, famous fot its spectacular Opera House, designated as Brazilian historical heritage. Departing from Manaus, the Iberostar Grand Amazon stops at several points along the amazing Amazon jungle, and offers excursions on small boats to explore the dense, virgin vegetation. You and other adventure seekers will come into contact with the most exhuberant species of trees, plants, exotic animals and the local river communities, friendly and hospitable people. A paradise for those who like adventure with all the comfort of a five star hotel

Today, you can be a temporary guest in this magical wonderland for young and old. Our Amazon Manatee Explorer, designed for adventure, yet featuring the comforts and advantages of modern technology – is the result of over 20 years of experience in running expeditions others think are extinct. Come aboard for an experience of a lifetime!

The new Manatee Amazon Explorer riverboat has been specially built for cruises in the Ecuadorian rainforest on the Rio Napo. You will visit Monkey Island,  Yasuni National Park and Biosphere Reserve, walk jungle trails and explore virgin rain forest. The Manatee Amazon Explorer is 90 feet long (27 m) 24 feet wide (7 m) and accommodates 30 lucky guests in comfortable cabins with private bathrooms and running hot water, individual air conditioning, on board laundry service, large dining room, inviting bar and lounge area, panoramic terrace, delicious cuisine and the finest multilingual naturalist guides.  Plus the highest safety standards, personable service and efficiency.

La Perla is a boat conceived with the comfort in mind of a traveler who wants to enter the heart of the Amazon jungle, arriving at virgin spots that possess their own magic. Its small draft allows to visit places that are difficult to access and where not all the boats can navigate.

Auxiliary boats with outboard motor are the ideal complement to reach the most remote areas of the Amazon, allowing you to navigate to lagoons, narrow canals, streams, and flooded forests.

Our 40 guests aboard the 148 foot-long M/V Anakonda Amazon River Cruise may enjoy a wide variety of wine and fine dining, complete with the all-inclusive comfort of a five-star boutique hotel. Our 18 suites, each with an area over 215 square feet, feature sitting areas, large and comfortable beds, and wall-to-wall panoramic windows. The observation deck with the outdoor Jacuzzi and our al fresco lounge are ideal places to have a cocktail, to relax with a good book or simply enjoy the spectacular view

AmaWaterways newest venture: River cruising in Colombia, South America

At the recently concluded Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Fort Lauderdale, Janet Bava, chief marketing officer for AmaWaterways, talked about how a ship becomes “an extension of the destination.” That’s just one reason the cruise line is so excited about their newest venture: River cruising in Colombia, South America.

Next year, AmaWaterways will become the first major river cruise line to sail guests on Colombia’s Magdalena River. Ms. Bava said they will have two ships “because of so much demand,” adding, “it will be phenomenal.”

The two ships — the AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia — will sail 7-day cruises between Cartagena and Barranquilla, offering a variety of cultural experiences, including sampling local cuisine and observing the hundreds of bird species, some of which are exclusive to the region. “Included are shore excursions, Wifi and all the amenities guests are used to having in the luxury cruise space,” said Ms. Bava.

In addition to the biodiversity and beautiful villages along the river, Ms. Bava said guests who love culinary experiences can sample from 350 different fruit species that are native to the area — “you could taste something different every day of the year.”

Getting there is easy as well, as Ms. Bava pointed out that Cartagena is only a two-and-a-half hour flight from Miami.

Meanwhile In Europe, where AmaWaterways has long been a leader in river cruising, the line’s second Seven River Journey is set to embark April 20 from Avignon, France. Guests will sail on three ships over 46 days through 14 countries, ending June 4 in Giurgiu, Romania.

Ms. Bava said there are several factors driving the decision for guests to take longer cruises, including the ability to work remotely and “younger people not waiting to retire to travel.” Also, given the higher cost of flying, people going to Europe “want to be there as long as they can.” It also helps that the value of the dollar is strong, she said.

They’ve also seen a trend of guests who want to customize their cruise, choosing more back-to-back voyages. “We’ve designed our itineraries and departure dates so people can create their own journey,” Ms. Bava said.

Two of the most popular rivers they transverse are the Rhine and the Danube, including a 21-day cruise on the Danube, where guests experience eight countries from Germany to Romania. Another popular itinerary is on the Douro River in Portugal, which has seen so much demand “we have had to extend the season,” she said.

Along with immersing guests in local culture, they can also choose to add extra days to their trip to further enhance their travel experience.

AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and president, a river cruising pioneer, and Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president. along with Jimmy Murphy. With the addition of two Colombia ships, they operate a fleet of 28 vessels in Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, including sailings on the Mekong and Nile Rivers. All 20 river ships in AmaWaterways’ European fleet have earned the Green Award certification, recognizing “quality, safety and environmental performance.”

Photo of Janet Bava by Pamela Barker

Artist Conception courtesy of AmaWaterways

See cruises here: AmaWaterways Cruises AMA (cruisecompete.com)

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Three Amazing Ways to Cruise South America

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Galapagos, Patagonia and Amazon cruises are life-changing experiences in the Southern Hemisphere.

Rebounding from a post-pandemic slump, the cruise industry racked up a record number of passengers for 2023 – more than 31 million passengers around the globe. While large ships that carry as many as 7,600 cruisers accounted for the largest numerical increase, the biggest percentage growth was in the “expedition cruise” sector.

If you’ve never heard that term before, an expedition cruise is a smaller ship (normally under 200 passengers) that explores more adventurous areas, in many cases, places where the larger ships won’t fit.

From the Indonesian archipelago and the South Pacific isles to Canada’s Northwest Passage and the Antarctic, these regions offer ideal conditions for expedition cruises. Yet one of the best places – an area that pioneered small, adventurous cruises many decades ago – is South America.

Patagonia Anchoring the bottom end of South America, Patagonia boasts spectacular scenery, incredible wildlife and hundreds of pristine islands protected within the confines of huge national parks.

One of the only ways to explore these remote islands is an expedition cruise between Punta Arenas in Southern Chile and Ushuaia on the Argentine side of Tierra del Fuego Island.

Starting out with crossing the fabled Strait of Magellan, southbound ships slowly make their way through the islands. Several times each day, everyone piles into inflatable Zodiac boats for shore excursions led by nature guides.

And they’re all surprisingly different. Thousands of Magellanic penguins raise their chicks on the tiny Tucker Islets. Ainsworth Bay is renowned for its resident elephant seals, as well as a chance to spot majestic birds like the caracara falcon and Andean condor.

Farther south is the Beagle Channel – named for the Royal Navy ship that took Charles Darwin along this same route in 1833 – and a string of frozen, giant tidewater ice sheets called Glacier Alley. Reaching Wulaia Bay, there’s time for a hike through a moss-draped forest to a lofty viewpoint and browse through a small museum with exhibits on the Yaghan people who first settled this island around 10,000 years ago.

For many, the ultimate highlight of the cruise is a visit to legendary Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America. Steep wooden stairs lead to a tiny lighthouse atop the island and a chance to meet the lightkeeper and his family, posted to the remote island for an entire year.

Reversing course and heading north, the ship eventually reaches Ushuaia, a town that’s made a remarkable transition from remote penal colony (the old prison is now a museum) to the outdoor adventure sports hub of Tierra del Fuego (hiking, mountain biking, fishing, skiing, snowboarding and more).

Australis Cruises voyages through the Patagonian isles between late September and early April in two modern expedition ships that hold 200 passengers. Rates for the four five-day cruises start at around $1,638 per person.

The Amazon It may not be the world’s longest (that honor goes to Africa’s Nile), but the Amazon carries more water by volume than any other river and is without a doubt one of the most exotic, adventurous places where you can cruise.

Some of the big cruise companies send ships up the Amazon almost 1,000 miles upriver to Northern Brazil’s Manaus. But the river is so wide at that point (almost two miles) and the area so built up (the city now boasts more than two million people), it’s hard to commune with the Amazonian rainforest.

The best way to get up close and personal with the world’s most celebrated jungle is an expedition cruise farther along the river. Like those that depart from Nauta, a tiny waterfront outpost near Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon.

Nauta’s claim to fame is that it marks the start of the actual Amazon, the spot where two other mighty watercourses (the Ucayali and Marañón) merge to form one of the world’s largest rivers.

Pacaya–Samiria National Reserve – one of the largest national parks in the entire Amazon Basin – lies just upstream from Nauta.

A typical cruise chugs along the Marañón to secluded Amerindian settlements where you get a glimpse of daily life in the Amazon. But most of the shore landings focus on nature. Pacaya–Samiria is home to millions of creatures, including apex predators like the jaguar and anaconda, although they tend to be wary of humans. This means you’re more likely to see giant river otters, pink river dolphins, sloths, monkeys and a wide variety of tropical birds.

During the daytime, passengers can undertake guided jungle hikes, try their luck at local-style fishing or take a swim in the river. After dark, smaller boats probe tributaries for nocturnal creatures and members of the cruise boat staff entertain passengers with folk songs.

Iquitos-based Jungle Experiences offers cruises along the Ucayali and Marañón in modern riverboats, like the family-oriented, 30-passenger La Perla and luxury 40-passenger Zafiro. Voyages range from four to eight days with rates starting at $1,480 per person.

Galapagos The most awesome thing about the Galapagos Islands – and there are many – is the fact that most of the animals seem to have no fear of human beings. You’re not allowed to touch the wildlife. But the critters don’t abide by that same restriction: they can waddle, splash or crawl up to you. And many do, curious about these human creatures that walk or swim among them.

In the remote archipelago located around 500 miles off the coast of Ecuador, close encounters of the animal kind are frequent and often life-altering. Sunbathe on a secluded beach with sea lions, snorkel with penguins or those gnarly looking “mini Godzillas” (a.k.a. marine iguanas), or stroll through a cluster of blue-footed boobie nests without the parent birds so much as flinching.

While it is possible to undertake a land-based exploration of the Galapagos – taking day trips around Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal, the two most populated islands – the best way to discover the most intriguing places is a private yacht or small ship cruise.

Normally around a week in length, the itineraries almost always include big Isabella and Fernandina islands with their live volcanoes and vast lava fields, as well as smaller outlying landfalls. They also host creepy colonies of marine and land iguanas.

Formed around a sunken caldera, Genovesa is also called “Bird Island” because thousands of birds nest there, including iconic species like the frigatebird, tropicbird, red-footed booby and Darwin’s finches. Floreana is famed for copious birdlife and its historic post office barrel, started in the 18th century by whalers and other seafarers as a makeshift way to get letters back home during their years at sea.

Flights to the Galapagos depart from Quito or Guayaquil on the Ecuador mainland and touch down at either Balta/Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal, the two departure points for expedition cruises. While the largest vessel can accommodate 90 passengers, most carry 20 or fewer people, making for a very exclusive experience.

Adventures By Disney offers a nine-day, family-oriented Galapagos expedition cruise for kids as young as seven on a 100-passenger ship with rates from $8,999. Enchanted Expeditions explores the archipelago on three luxury motor yachts that carry 14 to 16 passengers, starting from $3,500 for six days.

-Joe Yogerst

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Overview Wonders of Colombia

7-night cruise, 7-night cruise with 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise, 7-night cruise with 3 nights in medellín, 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise, 7-night cruise with 3 nights in panama city post cruise, 7-night cruise with 3 nights in medellín, 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise and 3 nights in panama city post cruise, 7-night cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise with 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights in medellín, 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights in panama city post cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights in medellín, 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise and 3 nights in panama city post cruise 7-night cruise with 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights in medellín, 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights in panama city post cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights in medellín, 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise and 3 nights in panama city post cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights in medellín, 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise 7-night cruise with 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights in panama city post cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights in medellín, 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise and 3 nights in panama city post cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights in panama city post cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise 7-night cruise with 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights in medellín, 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights in medellín, 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise and 3 nights in panama city post cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights in medellín, 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise and 3 nights in panama city post cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise 7-night cruise with 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights in medellín, 2 nights in cartagena pre cruise 7-night cruise with 3 nights in panama city post cruise, cruise from: cartagena to barranquilla, countries: colombia colombia colombia colombia colombia, rivers: magdalena, wonders of colombia at a glance.

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Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

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