A Moment in History
AmaWaterways will be the first major river cruise company to welcome guests on the enchanting Magdalena River, cruising through the colorful scenery as you take in the natural beauty of a thriving ecosystem untouched by the effects of industrialism. This Colombian river has not hosted an overnight cruise in over 50 years, since the era of steamboats, and now, you can be one of the first to rediscover river cruising along this breathtaking waterway. From the vibrant cities of Cartagena and Barranquilla to the off-the-beaten-path villages such as Mompox and Nueva Venecia, these journeys offer experiences that you can only enjoy with this luxury river cruise line.
What Awaits You in Colombia
When you plan your Magdalena River cruise, you can choose between AmaWaterways’ Magic of Colombia itinerary, which cruises from Barranquilla to Cartagena, and Wonders of Colombia river cruise, cruising from Cartagena to Barranquilla. With the personal touch for which the river cruise line is renowned, experience the wonders and magic of Colombia aboard one of two stunning ships, AmaMagdalena or AmaMelodia, while being pampered by the attentive crew, an expert Wellness Host and a dedicated Cruise Manager, locals familiar with the river and the surrounding destinations. Throughout the entire cruise, experienced local guides will accompany you, and you will be immersed in the energy of this fascinating country on a wide variety of included and authentic excursions.
A Floating Theater for Your Colombian Story to Meet Those Challenges?
When designing the stunning ships that will be your home-away-from-home as you delve into this magical region, AmaWaterways was inspired by the unique ecosystem of the Magdalena River. Not only were they held to impressive standards to protect the environment, even the interior amenities and furnishings were picked to enhance your experience, bringing the natural beauty and wonder found outdoors on board.
Camilo Restrepo, an award-winning architect and co-founder of AGENdA Agencia de Arquitectura in Medellín, Colombia, envisioned the stunning AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia as integral parts of the storytelling experience along this magnificent river. With this vision in mind, he added vivid elements such as elegant silk curtains along the walls of the lounge that change as you cruise further along the Magdalena. Each day, different curtains adorn the shared interior space, gradually gaining brighter colors and embodying the vibrant wildlife that you have seen along the river.
Moving to the Music
As the only major river cruise line embarking on the Magdalena River, AmaWaterways invites you to immerse yourself in authentic experiences only offered on these special itineraries–many of which focus on music. Vibrant colors, exciting drumming, and lively folk dancing are all central to the proud heritage of the “Land of a Thousand Rhythms.” Along your AmaWaterways cruise on the Magdalena River, you have a wide variety of ways to experience this aspect of Colombian culture during many excursions and performances exclusive to the river cruise line.
Mompox is home to an annual international jazz festival that attracts music-lovers from around the world. When you arrive at this island town, you will be welcomed with open arms and dynamic music during an exclusive jazz performance played by local musicians, which is an experience offered on every sailing year-round.
Cumbia music and dance is at the heart of Colombian culture. Originating centuries ago in the country, cumbia is a unique mix of Spanish, African and indigenous tradition. On your river cruise, be treated to a special cumbia performance on board your ship–available during every AmaWaterways journey!
Enhancing Your South American Journey
If you want to enhance your river cruise experience through this gorgeous region and take advantage of your international airfare, extend your journey with an optional land package! Stay in 4- and 5-star hotels and be treated to daily breakfast, excursions, convenient transfers and luggage service between your hotel and river cruise ship.
A city known for its rich civic culture, Medellín is known for seamlessly blending urbanity with nature. During your optional 3-night land package before AmaWaterways’ Magic of Colombia itinerary, you will be struck by the stunning mountainous backdrop contrasting Medellín’s colorful urban landscape. While there, you can immerse yourself in the city’s story of transformation on a guided tour and take an excursion to a coffee farm, where the beans for the rich beverage are grown.
After your river cruise, you can choose to journey with AmaWaterways to Panama City, where you can witness the man-made majesty of the Panama Canal and see this beautiful isthmus where North and South America meet on an optional 3-night land package. Explore the new and the old aspects of Panama City and delve into the tropical rainforest of the Chagres National Park during your stay here with AmaWaterways.
For those embarking on AmaWaterways’ Wonders of Colombia river cruise, you can also enjoy two nights in the Caribbean city of Cartagena before you embark. From its fortified city walls to the imposing protection of San Felipe Castle, Cartagena has withstood the test of time and the plundering of pirates. Immerse yourself in the city’s royal history as you explore what it has to offer on a variety of excursions such as city tours, museum visits and so much more!
With so many wonderful adventures awaiting on these all-new river cruises, the “Land of a Thousand Rhythms” is the perfect place to find your inner flow. And there is no better way to experience it all than with AmaWaterways.
Contact your preferred travel advisor or visit www.AmaWaterways.com/colombia to start planning your journey today!
