Sailing Through Colombia

Why the Magdalena River Is Your Next Great Travel Story

Let’s just say this upfront—Colombia is not the same country your great-aunt might remember from the evening news in the ’90s. It’s vibrant, bold, full of rhythm, and finally ready to be explored from a whole new vantage point: the river.

In a historic first, AmaWaterways is charting a luxurious new course through the heart of Colombia, cruising the legendary Magdalena River aboard two brand-new ships launching in 2025. These are not your average riverboats—think chic boutique hotel meets expedition-style adventure, with a sprinkle of salsa on top.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture buff, a foodie, a music junkie, or just someone who enjoys sipping Colombian rum on a sundeck while exotic birds fly by, this is your sign. Colombia is calling.

River Cruise Ship on the Magdalena River

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—think National Geographic meets luxury cruise.

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.

Check out the Itineraries Here

AmaWaterways

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.

Oh, and did we mention the complimentary onboard wellness program? Think Afro-Colombian dance classes, aqua stretching on the sundeck, and endorphins with a side of palm trees.

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. Now that’s what I call a travel hack.

A hummingbird near a Bird of Paradise Flower

Who Will Love This?

Who Will Love This?
Birdwatchers (Colombia has more bird species than the U.S. and Canada combined)
Food and wine enthusiasts
Cultural travelers & music lovers
Spanish speakers and those craving connection through language
LGBTQ+ travelers (Colombia is one of the most inclusive destinations in Latin America)
Seasoned cruisers looking for something brand new and exciting

Let’s Talk Timing

This isn't a "wait until next summer" kind of thing. AmaWaterways’ Magdalena River cruises run nearly year-round—yes, even over the holidays! Thanksgiving dinner with a side of Colombian salsa dancing? Sí, por favor.

Final Thought: Come Curious, Leave Changed

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.y.

Let's Talk About Colombia!

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DMG Travel Escapes LLC

Dawn Garvey

Travel Advisor

Dawn@DMGTravelEscapes.com

240-734-0007

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