A Melting Pot
It’s either warm or very warm along Colombia’s Magdalena River. This is precisely what creates the verdant, lively, spectacular setting for an experience like no other.
Couple the joy of river cruising that offers a unique perspective of a destination’s landscape and people, with a new place to explore by river, and you have a match made in bird-watching, jazz playing, Caribbean-inspired heaven.
There is perhaps no river that embraces diversity more than the Magdalena, described by novelist Gabriel García Márquez as the ‘River of Life’. Many explorers sailed along its northerly path, paving the way for trade and communication between the Andes and the Caribbean Sea. In fact, the river basin today is home to approximately 80% of Colombia’s population, a melting pot comprised of Indigenous, European and African ancestry.
Rio Magdalena, Mompox
The Luxury of Cultural Immersion
There are plenty of inviting spots to relax into your AmaWaterways Magdalena River cruise onboard the AmaMagdalena. Designed entirely with locally-inspired touches like the artwork purchased from street-side vendors and the furniture handcrafted by Colombian woodworkers, she is your home for an entire week as you journey through a vibrant Colombia, exploring the vast history, culture and towns that bring it to life.
Colombia is proud to be known as the Land of a Thousand Rhythms. The exclusive experiences provided on an AmaWaterways river cruise in Colombia ensure guests participate in authentic moments including cumbia and Carnaval performances, and tasting local delicacies such as chocolate, coffee and Caribbean favourites.
A Historian’s Paradise
Coming to life during the Spanish conquest, Cartagena boasts a fascinating history as it learned to defend against pirate raids. Explore the resulting fortification still on display today. Meanwhile, your river cruise will also take you to the town of Mompox – developed as a safe haven for gold that needed to be hidden. Nowdays, Mompox is famous for its filigree jewellery – a must-buy on this trip. Those interested in the history of cities will also love the visit to Palenque, the first “free town” in the Americas.
A Bird Watching Paradise
Grab the binoculars provided in every stateroom onboard and spot some of the most diverse birdlife in the world. 1,930 species of birds in Colombia are vital to the river’s ecological system, many of which will be spotted during your river cruise.
The cianeguo hummingbird, also known as the sapphire-bellied hummingbird, is a small, colourful and endangered species found only in the mangroves of Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta and its neighbouring arid scrublands. The Northern screamer, known locally as chauna chavaria, also finds its home along the majestic Magdalena River. This stout-bodied bird thrives in the water, feeding on the leaves, stems and roots of aquatic plants. Listen out for its distinctive call of kleer-a-ruk, cherio!
Delight in these and many more incredible surprises including toucans, eagles, quails, tinamou and more along this stunning river.
An Expanding Fleet
As travellers seek authentic experiences in storybook destinations, AmaWaterways continues to meet their expectations with new river ships and itineraries tailored to their needs. AmaMagdalena’s sister ship, AmaMelodia, will debut on the Magdalena River later this year, offering more opportunities for visitors to experience this less-discovered corner of the world.
Along with the addition of these new Colombian ships, AmaWaterways will be launching other ships in Europe in 2025: AmaStella, and AmaVenita on the Rhine River; AmaReina on the Danube; and AmaSintra on the Douro River.
In 2026, there will be the debut of the AmaSofia on the Rhine and Danube Rivers and the AmaMaya on the Mekong River.
And in 2027, AmaWaterways will be debuting a second double-wide ship on the Danube. The AmaRudi is set to be an upgrade of the AmaMagna, a first of her kind, offering enhanced personal space with more than 50% luxury suite accommodations as well as four unique dining venues, a chic onboard cinema and an expansive Zen Wellness Studio.
AmaMagdalena Sundeck
Proud Pioneers of The River Cruise Industry
Cruising with AmaWaterways includes fine dining in multiple venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks, a daily variety of small group excursions, including hiking, biking and special interest tours, high-quality Wi-Fi, a Wellness Program with a variety of host-led fitness classes, airport transfers, and much more.
Plan your Colombian river cruise adventure today.
