Be the first to cruise Colombia’s Magdalena River

There’s a surprise in store for adventurous river cruisers who think they’ve seen it all

Meet the Magdalena River, the beating heart of Colombia’s history and culture, its economic engine-room and a vital source of water and power.

Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez once called the Magdalena “the River of Life.” It’s home to myriad fish species, river turtles, tortoises, manatees, caiman, iguanas, and pelicans. Even today, new wildlife species are being discovered.

Cruise devotees have a chance to explore this South American hotspot firsthand, courtesy of AmaWaterways, the first river cruise line to operate in Colombia. Their launch offerings next month are two seven-night itineraries between Cartagena and Barranquilla: Magic of Colombia and Wonders of Colombia.

Also new are the ships AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia, floating boutique hotels accommodating just 60 and 64 guests respectively, with spacious staterooms and balconies from which to soak up the lush views, a restaurant, a fitness centre with spa treatment facilities, a pool and a sun deck.

They join a fleet of 29 luxury ships from the family-run AmaWaterways, which has been operating since 2002 in Europe, Asia and Africa.

True colours of Cartagena

A warm climate allows for year-round departures. In each port, explore Colombia’s history, traditions, and local delicacies.

As well its Cartagena and Barranquilla bookends, the river route introduces passengers to Palenque, Magangue, Santa Bárbara de Pinto, El Banco, Mompox and Nueva Venecia. All offer insights into Colombia’s cultural heritage which has Indigenous, European, and African influences. 

Family and its importance to Colombian society is a focus of the tour; multiple generations and extended families often live within the same household and pass down their trade and traditions over the centuries.

Cruising with an authentic eye

Shore excursions include street music performances, walking tours and history lessons, insights into Colombia’s shapeshifting culture, the art and music neighbourhood of Getsemani, an evocative gold museum and another that celebrates Caribbean naval history.

You can’t beat the birdlife in Colombia. It’s as vibrant as the culture. Colombia claims to have the highest number of bird species (more than 2000 recorded) of any country, due in part to its myriad eco-systems. Birders will be hoping for sightings of the endangered sapphire-bellied hummingbird, the northern screamer and the keel-billed toucan. In every stateroom, a pair of binoculars awaits guests wanting to enjoy birdwatching from the comfort of their accommodation.

Pack your dancing shoes! They don’t call Colombia “The Land of a Thousand Rhythms” for nothing. More than 1000 rhythms have been logged over time, grouped into 157 musical genres, many with unique instrumental accompaniment. Some of the best known are cumbia (the national dance), vallenato, champeta, joropo, porro, currulao and bambuco.

Colombia calling

Signature foods to tick off the to-do list might include bandeja paisa, a platter of rice, beans, meat, fried egg, and avocado; the flavoursome creamy chicken and potato ajiaco soup; and arepas, which are cornmeal cakes.

And stay awake! Colombia is one of the largest coffee producers in the world, thanks to rain, altitude and volcanic soils. The coffee is high quality arabica beans and noted for its mild flavour and balance.

What to take home? Coffee, of course, and emeralds, which are highly prized in Colombia. Look, too, for filigree jewellery, woven hats, chill-defying ponchos, textiles, and mochila bags handcrafted by the Indigenous Wayuu people.

For reservations and information, visit amawaterways.au/colombia