Doug and Cathy Ellison’s cruise onboard AmaWaterways in Colombia
Doug and I had a unique river cruise experience with AmaWaterways on the Magdalena River in Colombia this fall.
We were fortunate to sail aboard the AmaMelodia, one of just two intimate ships sailing this remarkable river. With only 64 guests onboard, the experience felt personal and exclusive from the moment we stepped aboard.
We began in Cartagena, cruising the scenic Magdalena River and stopping in villages where we were welcomed warmly by locals. The genuine hospitality of the Colombian people was evident everywhere we went. We toured a village in a Tuktuk where local children ran alongside us showing off their home, waving and calling out to us with infectious enthusiasm. Other villages included walking tours and always included a cultural performance with music, dancing and traditional costumes that showcased Colombia’s rich heritage.
We tendered to one village where we were met at the dock by an entire school singing us a welcome. Students walked us into the centre of the village where we saw demonstrations of cigar making, how to cast a fish net and a visit to a market. A teacher at the school was our tour guide and her students were absolutely delightful, walking along with us and taking the opportunity to practice their English and tell us their stories. It was clear that AmaWaterways has built meaningful relationships with these communities, and the pride the locals take in sharing their culture was genuinely touching.
One of the highlights of our journey was exploring Mompox, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where time seems to stand still. The colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and the evening jazz performance arranged exclusively for our group made for an unforgettable experience. We spent two nights docked here, giving us plenty of time to wander and soak in the atmosphere.
Back onboard, daily tenders at sunrise and sunset took passengers into the tributaries of the Magdalena to see the many different species of birds and monkeys, passing by locals who live in these remote areas. Colombia is home to more bird species than any other country on Earth, and our naturalist guides helped us spot colourful toucans, herons and other exotic wildlife. The early morning excursions, when the river was calm and the light was soft, were particularly magical.
Our evenings onboard included cultural shows and dance demonstrations which the crew participated in, clearly showcasing their love of music and dance. The crew felt like family, sharing their stories with us and providing exceptional service. The food onboard was equally memorable, with the chefs preparing regionally inspired Latin American dishes that introduced us to new flavours alongside familiar favourites.
Our cruise ended in Barranquilla, a city famous for its annual Carnival in February, but the AmaMelodia was greeted with a Carnival exclusively for us, complete with elaborate costumes and traditional music, dancing and food. It was a very special goodbye to a country that welcomed us warmly and left us eager to return.
This was unlike any river cruise we have taken before. Colombia is a destination that truly surprised us with its warmth, beauty and culture. We would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for something off the beaten path.
Are you looking to discover Colombia aboard AmaWaterways? Contact us and let’s start planning!
