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Rail South America · Escorted tour

Colombia & Panama: Rails, Rum & Coffee

19-day Colombia and Panama escorted tour featuring coffee, rum, and regional trains

Illustration of Colombia & Panama: Rails, Rum & Coffee

Rail South America's 19-day Colombia and Panama tour is an escorted expedition blending regional train travel, coffee and rum heritage, and cultural encounters across two nations. The journey begins in Bogotá, Colombia's capital, and concludes in the Gamboa Rainforest near Panama City. Days one through three center on Bogotá's landmarks and a rail ride on the Tren de la Sabana to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, a carved chapel within a colonial salt mine. Days four and five shift to Colombia's coffee region, where travelers visit Cocora Valley and tour working coffee plantations to learn production at its origin. Days six through eight are based in Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage walled city, with rum tasting experiences woven in. Days nine and ten feature an authentic Brujita train journey through the Magdalena River Valley. The itinerary then moves to Medellín, where travelers explore the city's transformation and ascend Peñol Rock, before flying to Panama City. The final days include a partial Panama Canal transit, a visit to an Emberá Indigenous village, and exploration of the Gamboa Rainforest by aerial tram.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour includes multiple internal flights (Bogotá to Armenia, Pereira to Cartagena, Cartagena to Bucaramanga, Medellín to Panama City); rail is one component among several transport modes
  • International flights to and from the region are not included
  • Group size capped at 18 travelers
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and service providers are not included in the price

Day by day

  1. Day 1rail

    Bogotá: Capital Charm & Salt Cathedral Wonders

    Immerse in Bogotá's vibrant culture, explore historic landmarks, and journey by rail to the breathtaking Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá.

  2. Day 2rail

    Bogotá: Capital Charm & Salt Cathedral Wonders

    Immerse in Bogotá's vibrant culture, explore historic landmarks, and journey by rail to the breathtaking Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá.

  3. Day 3rail

    Bogotá: Capital Charm & Salt Cathedral Wonders

    Immerse in Bogotá's vibrant culture, explore historic landmarks, and journey by rail to the breathtaking Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá.

  4. Day 4

    Coffee Country: Jeep Adventures & Gourmet Brews

    Venture into Colombia's lush coffee region, exploring the stunning Cocora Valley and discovering the art of world-class coffee production on a renowned farm.

  5. Day 5

    Coffee Country: Jeep Adventures & Gourmet Brews

    Venture into Colombia's lush coffee region, exploring the stunning Cocora Valley and discovering the art of world-class coffee production on a renowned farm.

  6. Day 6

    Cartagena: Colonial Splendor & Rum Delights

    Discover the enchanting walled city of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and indulge in unique Colombian rum tasting experiences.

  7. Day 7

    Cartagena: Colonial Splendor & Rum Delights

    Discover the enchanting walled city of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and indulge in unique Colombian rum tasting experiences.

  8. Day 8

    Cartagena: Colonial Splendor & Rum Delights

    Discover the enchanting walled city of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and indulge in unique Colombian rum tasting experiences.

  9. Day 9rail

    Magdalena River Rail: Authentic Colombian Byways

    Embark on a captivating, authentic rail journey through the picturesque Magdalena River Valley, revealing hidden gems and local life.

  10. Day 10rail

    Magdalena River Rail: Authentic Colombian Byways

    Embark on a captivating, authentic rail journey through the picturesque Magdalena River Valley, revealing hidden gems and local life.

  11. Day 11

    Medellín & Surrounds: Innovation & Natural Beauty

    Explore Medellín's incredible transformation, ascend the iconic Peñol Rock, and delve into Colombia's vibrant flower industry at a blooming farm.

  12. Day 12

    Medellín & Surrounds: Innovation & Natural Beauty

    Explore Medellín's incredible transformation, ascend the iconic Peñol Rock, and delve into Colombia's vibrant flower industry at a blooming farm.

  13. Day 13

    Medellín & Surrounds: Innovation & Natural Beauty

    Explore Medellín's incredible transformation, ascend the iconic Peñol Rock, and delve into Colombia's vibrant flower industry at a blooming farm.

  14. Day 14

    Panama City & Canal: Engineering Marvels & Historic Charm

    Experience the modern vibrancy of Panama City and witness the awe-inspiring engineering of the Panama Canal with a partial transit.

  15. Day 15

    Panama City & Canal: Engineering Marvels & Historic Charm

    Experience the modern vibrancy of Panama City and witness the awe-inspiring engineering of the Panama Canal with a partial transit.

  16. Day 16

    Panama City & Canal: Engineering Marvels & Historic Charm

    Experience the modern vibrancy of Panama City and witness the awe-inspiring engineering of the Panama Canal with a partial transit.

  17. Day 17

    Panama's Indigenous Culture & Rainforest Immersion

    Journey to an Emberá Indigenous Village for an authentic cultural encounter and explore the lush Gamboa Rainforest by aerial tram.

  18. Day 18

    Panama's Indigenous Culture & Rainforest Immersion

    Journey to an Emberá Indigenous Village for an authentic cultural encounter and explore the lush Gamboa Rainforest by aerial tram.

  19. Day 19

    Departure: Farewell to Panama

    Depart from Panama City, carrying cherished memories of your unforgettable adventure through Colombia and Panama.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Tren de la Sabana rail journey from Bogotá to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, a carved colonial-era chapel within a salt mine
  • Day 4Visits to Cocora Valley and a working coffee plantation in Colombia's coffee region to learn coffee production at its origin
  • Day 6Exploration of Cartagena's walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Colombian rum tasting experiences
  • Day 9Brujita train journey through the Magdalena River Valley, an authentic regional rail experience through local landscapes
  • Day 14Partial transit of the Panama Canal to witness the engineering of the waterway

Included

  • Dedicated English-speaking Tour Leader and knowledgeable local guides throughout your journey
  • 18 nights in hand-picked upscale hotels & boutique lodges
  • Regional meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • All internal domestic flights (Economy Class: Bogotá to Armenia, Pereira to Cartagena, Cartagena to Bucaramanga, and Medellín to Panama City)
  • All authentic rail journeys (including Tren de la Sabana, ferrobus, and Brujita experiences)
  • All private ground transfers
  • All entrance fees for specified tours and activities
  • One checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lb) per person on internal flights

Not included

  • International flights to/from Bogotá and from Panama City
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
  • Optional activities and excursions
  • Personal expenses, souvenirs, and laundry
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and service providers
  • Visa fees (if applicable)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rail South America includes all authentic rail journeys on the Tren de la Sabana, ferrobus, and Brujita, plus private ground transfers and internal domestic flights. International flights are not included.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. A dedicated English-speaking Tour Leader and knowledgeable local guides lead the entire 19-day journey. Group size is capped at 18 travelers.
What is included in the price?
The from-price of USD 6,789 covers 18 nights in upscale hotels and boutique lodges, all regional rail journeys, internal domestic flights in economy class, all private ground transfers, all entrance fees for specified tours and activities, and regional meals as detailed in the itinerary. One checked bag per person (up to 23 kg) on internal flights is included.
What is not included?
International flights to Bogotá and from Panama City, travel insurance, meals and drinks not in the itinerary, optional activities, personal expenses, souvenirs, laundry, tips and gratuities, and visa fees if applicable.
When does this tour depart?
Rail South America lists departures in June 2026 and June 2027, both at USD 6,789 per person.
What hotels are used?
The tour uses hand-picked upscale hotels and boutique lodges throughout Colombia and Panama, though the evidence does not name specific properties.

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