Experience Colombia Like Never Before with AmaWaterways
Photo: Dancing in Colombia
Embrace the magic of Colombia as you explore the country along the magical Magdalena River during this special 7-night journey. Move to the beat of a variety of Latin American musical styles including cumbia and vallenato, and revel in exciting performances at a colorful Carnaval experience in Barranquilla just for AmaWaterways guests. Drink a steaming cup of the country’s famous coffee. Listen for the calls of distinctive birds and wildlife not found anywhere else on the planet. Discover timeless traditions while getting to know the friendly guides and residents from diverse backgrounds who live beyond the riverbanks. Enjoy the soul and spirit of Colombia as you sail this river along with AmaWaterways, the Heart of the River™.
Inclusions:
- 7-night river cruise in a twin-balcony stateroom or suite
- All fine dining on board, plus special dinner on shore in El Banco
- Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour
- A variety of excursions, including birdwatching and boat tours
- Nightly entertainment
- 24/7 Colombian coffee and tea station
- The services of one of AmaWaterways’ wonderful Cruise Managers throughout your river cruise and land journey
Photo: Map of the itinerary
Day 1: Barranquilla
Arrive in Barranquilla and settle into your stateroom as you prepare for your journey along the Magdalena River. In the evening, enjoy a special Carnaval celebration, bringing the full traditional experience exclusively to AmaWaterways’ guests allyear round. 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 will get to revel in this truly authentic experience as you learn the Carnaval’s motto: Quien lo vive, es quien lo goza (Those who live it are those who enjoy it).
Day 2: Nueva Venecia
Visit the Floating Village of Nueva Venecia. A charming town filled with inviting locals, Nueva Venecia, or “New Venice,” 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. While here, explore this village and learn more about the lives of its people during a guided tour. Enjoy the traditional crafts and art that is 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.
Day 3: 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 may see local landmarks such as the Santa Barbara Church and enjoy intricate handmade crafts created in the town. In the afternoon, arrive at the island town of Mompox, where you will be welcomed with open arms and lively music as local musicians treat you to an exclusive jazz performance.
Photo: Magdalena river
Day 4: 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 post. Some Spaniards found Mompox to be a haven for keeping gold and other treasure protected from the pirates that pillaged coastal cities like Cartagena, and with this precious metal and the work of skilled artisans from Spain came beautifully crafted artifacts. 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.
Day 5: Mompox - El Banco
Bid farewell to Mompox before embarking on a scenic cruise down one of the most breathtaking stretches of the Magdalena River – a picturesque part of the La Mojana Region – 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 in their struggles and then rebuilt atop its ashes. 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, staking this place as their new home. Because of this connection, the Virgin of Candelaria, a special invocation of the Virgin Mary, is specially venerated in this region. Embark on a guided walking tour of this incredible destination and learn more about its history as the birthplace of cumbia, an iconic genre of music and dance that has now been popularized around the world. What began as a courtship dance practiced by African slaves later incorporated American steps and European and African instruments has become a worldwide sensation, which 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.
Photo: Dancer in Colombia
Day 6: Magangue - Calamar
Witness the sights, hear the bird calls, and watch the wildlife around you as we spend the beginning of the day docked near Magangue. Immerse yourself in the presence of Colombian nature surrounding this city on a birdwatching tour, giving you a unique opportunity to see birds only found in this specific part of the country. You can also take a hiking tour through the picturesque Ciénaga, teeming with Colombian life. Later in the day, visit Calamar. Located at the entrance of the Canal del Dique, this town was first settled in 1840. Witness historic sites such as the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Conception as you tour this beautiful destination by paola (a bicycle taxi for two).
Day 7: 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 UNESCOdesignated San Felipe Castle, the fortress that defended Cartagena from French and British attacks. As you continue to tour the city, you may witness iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral de Cartagena or the stone walls built to protect the city from the plundering of pirates, although they did not stop Sir Francis Drake from holding the city for ransom in 1586. Delve deeper into the enriching history of this Caribbean city as you briefly visit the Gold Museum, which features ancient gold artifacts from the indigenous cultures found in this region, and the Caribbean Naval Museum. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour through the breathtaking Getsemaní neighborhood. With the vibrant colors of the homes and street art as well as the mouthwatering local delicacies that can be found throughout the area, this historic neighborhood will delight all your senses. In the evening, watch the sun set on Cartagena from the deck of your stunning AmaWaterways ship.
Day 8: Cartagena
Bid your ship and crew farewell as you disembark and prepare for your flight home.
