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Cruise Information

TRIP OVERVIEW
Vibrant Colombia invites to you to explore the vast history, culture and towns that bring it to life. Here is a small sample of the marvels of Colombia you may experience on our all-new Magdalena River journeys debuting in 2024. 
Native culture and Spanish influences woven together through the course of history can still be witnessed along the Magdalena River. Cartagena became a major port during the Spanish conquest, funded by the Spanish crown, which led to many pirate raids on the city. To protect against these raids, the Spanish royalty ordered the construction of stone walls around Cartagena, which can still be seen today. This fortification is the reason Cartagena is also called la ciudad amurallada —“the walled city.”
Because of the fear of attacks from pirates, many Spaniards felt they needed to have a safe place to keep their gold – and the town of Mompox served that purpose. With so much gold housed here, some of it was used to craft beautiful artifacts to celebrate religious ceremonies in the newly evangelized communities. Soon, gold- and silversmiths began to flock to this destination from Spain, and the delicate and detailed style of craftsmanship they brought with them has been preserved through the years. Today, you can visit this colonial town and purchase fine filigree jewelry for which Mompox has become renowned.
Palenque has the unique honor of being the first “free town” in the Americas. The Spaniards and the former slaves agreed on a Capitulation of Peace in 1603 and, in 1713, the Spanish crown issued a Royal Decree that officially freed the people of Palenque from slavery. With the autonomy this afforded, this vibrant town was able to continue its unique traditions and preserve its culture, which UNESCO officially recognized when they declared Palenque a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005.
Visit all three of these incredible destinations on our new Magdalena River itineraries!
 

What’s included:
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
•7-night river cruise in elegantly appointed twin balcony stateroom
•Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, and music library
•Fresh water replenished daily
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
•Complimentary Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes
•The services of one of AmaWaterways’ wonderful Cruise Managers throughout your river cruise and land journey
•Nightly entertainment including cultural performances
•High-quality Wi-Fi
•Sun-deck pool
•Fitness room
•Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
AWARD-WINNING DINING
•All fine dining on board, plus a special dinner on shore in El Banco
•Wine, beer and soft drinks included during lunch and dinner
•Sip & Sail cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
•A variety of excursions, including birdwatching and boat tours
•24/7 Colombian coffee and tea station
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
•Immersive excursions in every destination
•Exclusive year-round Carnaval Celebration in Barranquilla and cumbia performance in El Banco
•A knowledgeable guide who will accompany you along your river cruise journey
•Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
 

Pricing per person based on double occupancy:
Twin Balcony Category C – prices starting at $3599 per person based on double occupancy
Rates are per person, cruise only. Air, insurance and transfers are additional. Government fees and taxes are $210 per person and fuel charge may be additional per person.
 

MEMBERSHIP CREDITS CANNOT BE USED FOR THIS VACATION
Itineraries are subject to change; port sequence, scheduled time, and/or day.  For the most updated cruise information, please visit amawaterways.com
 

Passports are required and must be valid for six months after return date.
 

Itinerary

Day 1 EMBARKATION – Cartagena
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. (D)
 

Day 2 GAMBOTE (PALENQUE) – 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). (B, L, D)
 

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. (B,L,D)
 

Day 4 MOMPOX
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. (B, L, D)
 

Day 5 MOMPOX – 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 location strategic 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 world-wide 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. (B, L, D)
 

Day 6 MAGANGUE
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 take a hiking tour through the picturesque Ciénaga, teeming with Colombian life. (B,L,D)
 

Day 7 NUEVA VENECIA – 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. (B,L,D)
 

Day 8 BARRANQUILLA – DISEMBARKATION
Bid your ship and crew farewell as you disembark and prepare for your flight home. (B)
 

Ship Information

Ship: AmaMagdalena

This stunning newly designed river cruise ship accommodates just 60 guests and boasts twin-balcony staterooms, multiple dining venues, a heated sun-deck pool, spacious fitness room and more.