Journey through the soul of Colombia on the AmaMelodia, a purpose-built luxury river cruise that ventures along the iconic Magdalena River, one of South America’s great waterwars immortalised in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s classic novel “Love in the time of cholera”. Your voyage winds past remote colonial towns, rolling countryside and riverine communities as you enter Colombia’s traditonal heartland, a region rich in music, culture and living history. Daily excursions immerse you in Colombia’s landscapes, wildlife, and rich heritage, while back on board you’re treated to the country’s vibrant cuisine, infectious music, and warm hospitality.
Itinerary Highlights
Wander the cobbled streets of historic Cartagena.
Delve into the unique UNESCO musical traditions of Palenque
Explore the sleepy colonial charms of Mompox
Go bird-watching in the lush Cienaga de La Virgen wetlands
Explore the floating village of “Nueva Venecia”
What’s included
Shared small group tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
7
Nights
Price Guide
from $5531pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Arrive
Bogota
Day 1
Arrive Cartagena & Board your Vessel
Arrive in Cartagena, the beautiful capital of the Bolivar region located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. After settling into your stateroom, enjoy a tour through the breathtaking Getsemaní neighborhood. With the vibrant colors of the homes and street art as well as the mouthwatering local delicacies that can be found throughout the area, this historic neighborhood will delight all your senses. Upon returning to your ship, embark on your journey along the magical Magdalena River.
Day 2
Cruise the Rio Magdalena, Gambote & Calamar
In the morning, experience the town of Palenque, the first “free town” in the Americas. Founded by those who fled a life of slavery during colonial times, the spirit and appearance of this town has been preserved through time. In 1713, the Spanish crown issued a Royal Decree that officially freed the people of Palenque from slavery. Immerse yourself in the town’s deeply rooted culture and traditions, which are so distinct that UNESCO declared Palenque to be a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. An important piece of their heritage is the music and rhythmic style that was developed in this city, which you will enjoy during a special performance by local musicians. Later in the day, visit Calamar. Located at the entrance of the Canal del Dique, this town was first settled in 1840. Witness historic sites such as the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Conception as you tour this beautiful destination by paola (a bicycle taxi for two).
Day 3
Santa Barbara de Pinto & Mompox
Spend your morning in Santa Barbara de Pinto, located on the banks of the Mompox arm of the Magdalena River. Enjoy a walking tour through this traditional town, where you may see local landmarks such as the Santa Barbara Church and enjoy intricate hand-made crafts created in the town. In the afternoon, arrive at the island town of Mompox, where you will be welcomed with open arms and lively music during an exclusive jazz performance played by local musicians.
Day 4
Colonial Mompox – a town Frozen in time
A town frozen in time, Mompox embodies the appearance of what many villages looked like during colonial times. Founded in 1540, this remote village became an important Spanish trading post. Some Spaniards found Mompox to be a haven for keeping gold and other treasure protected from the pirates that pillaged coastal cities like Cartagena, and with this precious metal and the work of skilled artisans from Spain came beautifully crafted artifacts. Since then, the town has become famous for its incredible filigree jewelry, which you can learn more about during your tour of this town in the afternoon. While visiting the largest inland island in Latin America, journey through the incredible ecological Ciénaga Pijiño region, exploring the massive lake that is home to a variety of flora and fauna native to the region. In the afternoon, take a stroll through this storied town on a guided walking tour. With stunning colonial churches, breathtaking nature surrounding the town, and delicious local delights such as capa cheese and butifarra, Mompox is sure to be a highlight of your journey along the magnificent Magdalena River.
Day 5
Mompox to el Banco
Bid farewell to Mompox before embarking on a scenic cruise down one of the most breathtaking stretches of the Magdalena River – a picturesque part of the La Mojana region – and reaching the town of El Banco, nestled at the intersection of the Magdalena and César rivers. Founded in a strategic location for both the native people and the Spaniards, the town was repeatedly destroyed in their struggles and then rebuilt atop its ashes. In 1749, a freed black slave named José Domingo Ortiz led a group of settlers to this special location, carrying with him a statue of the Virgin Mary, staking this place as their new home. Because of this connection, the Virgin of Candelaria — a special invocation of the Virgin Mary — is specially venerated in this region. Embark on a guided walking tour of this incredible destination and learn more about its history as the birthplace of cumbia, an iconic genre of music and dance that has now been popularized around the world. What began as a courtship dance practiced by African slaves later incorporated American steps and European and African instruments has become a worldwide sensation, which is especially popular in the Andean region of Colombia. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive dinner in town and witness an incredible cumbia performance by locals.
Day 6
Magangue – History, Culture & Wildlife
Witness the sights, hear the bird calls, and watch the wildlife around you as spend the day docked near Magangue. Immerse yourself in the presence of Colombian nature surrounding this city on a birdwatching tour, giving you a unique opportunity to see birds only found in this specific part of the country. You can also choose to explore the picturesque Ciénaga, teeming with Colombian life, on another fascinating excursion.
Day 7
Nueva Venecia to Barranquilla
In the morning, visit the Floating Village of Nueva Venecia. A charming town filled with inviting locals, Nueva Venecia, or “New Venice,” can only be navigated by boat. With its beautiful colonial houses, vivid architecture and local sanctuary protecting the native flora and fauna, this town highlights the beauty and warmth of Colombia. Witness its splendor as you tour the village. While here, explore this village and learn more about the lives of its people during a guided tour. Enjoy the traditional crafts and art that is on display, learn about the techniques the fishermen of Nueva Venecia use, and taste the local delicacies as you embrace this village and its unique culture. Later in the day, venture to the beautiful seaside city of Barranquilla, a vibrant destination home to notable musicians, writers and artists. Immerse yourself in the warmth and culture of the city’s atmosphere as you venture through this magnificent location, where you may visit famous landmarks such as the bocas de cenizas, the point at which the magical Magdalena River meets the breathtaking Caribbean Sea, and the “Carnaval” Museum, which showcases the unique history of this incredible festival. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive “Carnaval” celebration just for AmaWaterways guests as we bring the full traditional experience to our guests all-year round.
Day 8
Disembark Barranquilla
Bid your ship and crew farewell as you disembark and prepare for your flight home.
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide from $5531 per person
When to travel
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Colombia is a year-round destination whose climate is determined largely by altitude. The dry season (or summer) runs from December to March while the wet season takes over from April to November. In Bogotá and the Andes along the spine of Colombia, the climate is cooler with average highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. As ever, the higher you climb into the mountains, the lower the temperatures especially at night. On the Caribbean coast around Cartagena, Colombia enjoys a tropical climate. Temperatures reach the early 30’s in summer yet coincide with short, sharp tempestuous downpours in winter which often come as a welcome relief! The Pacific coast follows a similar pattern yet is wetter while the Amazon is hot and steamy year round.
The weather in Colombia during the month of January can vary depending on the region. However, on average, temperatures range from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius. It is typically warm and sunny, with occasional rain showers in some areas. It is advisable to pack light clothing and sunscreen if you plan to visit Colombia during January.
In February, Colombia experiences a similar temperature range as in January, averaging from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius. The weather is generally warm and sunny, with occasional rain showers in some regions. It is recommended to pack light clothing and sunscreen for a comfortable trip.
In March, the temperature range in Colombia is similar to February, averaging from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius. The weather remains mostly warm and sunny, with some regions experiencing occasional rain showers. Travelers are advised to pack light clothing and sunscreen for a comfortable trip.
In April, the temperature in Colombia typically ranges from 19 to 31 degrees Celsius. The weather is generally warm and sunny, with some areas experiencing occasional rain showers. It is recommended to pack light clothing and sun protection for a comfortable trip.
In May, Colombia experiences warm temperatures ranging from 20 to 32 degrees Celsius. The weather is mostly sunny, with occasional rain showers in some areas. It is best to pack light clothing and sun protection to stay comfortable during your trip.
During June, Colombia's temperatures range from 20 to 32 degrees Celsius. The weather is typically sunny with occasional rain showers in some regions. It is advisable to pack breathable clothing and sun protection to stay cool during your travels.
In July, Colombia experiences temperatures ranging from 19 to 31 degrees Celsius. It is a sunny month with occasional showers in certain areas. It is recommended to wear lightweight clothing and use sunscreen to avoid getting sunburned while traveling.
In August, Colombia experiences temperatures ranging from 19 to 30 degrees Celsius. It is also a sunny month with occasional showers in certain areas. Travelers are advised to wear lightweight clothing and protect themselves from the sun with sunscreen.
In September, temperatures in Colombia usually range from 19 to 29 degrees Celsius. The weather is generally warm and sunny, with occasional rain showers in some regions. Travelers are advised to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and protect themselves from the sun with sunscreen. It is also a good idea to bring a light rain jacket or umbrella in case of unexpected rain. Overall, September is a pleasant month to visit Colombia, with comfortable temperatures and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
In Colombia, October is a transitional month from the rainy to the dry season. Temperatures during this time range from 19 to 28 degrees Celsius with occasional rainfall. Travelers should still pack lightweight and comfortable clothing, but also bring a light rain jacket or umbrella as the weather can be unpredictable. Sunscreen is also necessary to protect against the strong sun rays that may still be present during this time. Overall, October is a great time to visit Colombia for those who enjoy mild weather and outdoor activities.
In November, the weather in Colombia is generally warm with an average temperature of around 25°C. However, temperatures can vary depending on the specific location in the country. It is important to note that November falls within the rainy season in Colombia, so visitors should be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. It is recommended to bring rain gear and plan accordingly for outdoor activities.
The weather in Colombia during December is typically warm, with an average temperature of around 24°C. While temperatures may vary depending on the specific location in the country, visitors should still be prepared for occasional rainfall as December falls within the rainy season. It is recommended to bring appropriate rain gear and plan outdoor activities accordingly.
Add on’s
From Barranquilla, there are direct connections to Medellin, arguably Colombia’s most up-and-coming city or you may prefer to head along the coast to reach the lush forest and golden sands of Tayrona National Park via Santa Marta, the oldest city in the Americas.
Or, why not fly direct to Panama City to explore the Canal and the fascinating isthmus separating the Atlantic from the Pacific? Here, you can wander amidst the ruins of Old Panama, plundered by the pirate (or buccaneer) Captain Morgan, explore the Boquete Cloud Forest or tour the idyllic islands of San Blas or Bocas del Toro.
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