Sailing Through Colombia
Why the Magdalena River Is Your Next Great Travel Story
Colombia has come a long way from the headlines of decades past. Today, it’s a vibrant, welcoming country bursting with music, culture, and natural beauty and now there’s a whole new way to experience it: by river.
AmaWaterways is the first luxury cruise line to sail the legendary Magdalena River, with two custom-built ships designed for comfort, style, and immersive adventure. Picture a boutique hotel on water, offering a front-row seat to Colombia’s landscapes, wildlife, and rhythms.
Whether you’re into history, food, music and nature, or just love the idea of sipping Colombian rum on deck as tropical birds fly overhead, this is a journey unlike any other. Colombia is ready. The only question is: are you?
Why the Magdalena River?
Often called the “spine” of Colombia, the Magdalena River winds through tropical wetlands, colonial towns, birdwatcher paradises, and music-soaked villages. With nine custom-designed excursion boats, AmaWaterways takes you deep into corners of Colombia rarely seen by tourists.
This isn’t just a vacation. It’s a celebration of Colombia’s biodiversity, culture, and flavor and it’s designed to leave your passport, and your senses forever changed.
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Choose Your Adventure: Two Itineraries, Endless Magic
1. Magic of Colombia – Barranquilla to Cartagena
- Celebrate cumbia culture in its birthplace
- Witness the living history of Cartagena’s pirate-plundered, gold-glittered streets
- Learn how Colombians have shaped and been shaped by the land
- Toast with tropical fruit juice, rum, or Colombian coffee at every turn
2. Wonders of Colombia – Cartagena to Barranquilla
- Walk through Palenque, the first free town in the Americas
- Hear birds found nowhere else on earth
- Shop handmade crafts in Santa Barbara de Pinto
- Fall under the spell of Colombia’s rhythm, food, and spirit
Both journeys feature Carnaval celebrations, music performances, and off-the-beaten-path excursions that put you in touch with Colombia’s soulful core.
And Then There’s the Food…
If Colombia’s cumbia stirs the soul, then its food feeds it. Each ship features a tiny, 16-seat fine-dining restaurant helmed by a Colombian chef, guiding you through a curated culinary adventure. Sip locally produced rum and fruit brandies, taste artisanal chocolate, and discover what makes this country’s cuisine unlike anywhere else in the world.
Extend the Magic: Land Packages Worth Packing For
Want to linger longer? AmaWaterways offers optional land extensions that make this experience even more unforgettable:
Medellín (3 nights, pre-cruise)
A comeback story for the ages, Medellín dazzles with vibrant neighborhoods, world-class coffee, and a sense of reinvention you can feel in the air.
Cartagena (2 nights, pre-cruise)
Dive deeper into one of the Caribbean’s most romantic cities, where cobblestone streets, fortress walls, and pirate legends collide.
Panama City (3 nights, post-cruise)
Explore the iconic Panama Canal, the lush rainforests of Chagres National Park, and get a taste of Central America with a Colombian twist.
Bonus: Panama is your chance to see the canal without an ocean cruise.
Final Thoughts
Colombia isn’t just a destination, it’s an invitation. And cruising the Magdalena River is your all-access pass to experience it with comfort, depth, and a whole lot of heart.
Ready to sail where few have sailed before?
Let’s plan your journey into the “Land of a Thousand Rhythms.” Because sometimes, your next great story starts with a river you didn’t know you needed to see
DMG Travel Escapes LLC
Dawn Garvey
Travel Advisor
Dawn@DMGTravelEscapes.com
