THE MAGIC OF
COLOMBIA
Sailing the Magdalena River
Exclusive to
Embrace the magic of Colombia as you explore the country along the magical
Magdalena River during this special 7-night journey. Move to the beat of a variety of
Latin American musical styles including umbia and vallenato, and revel in exciting
performances at a colourful Carnaval experience in Barranquilla just for Ama
Waterways guests. Drink a steaming cup of the country’s famous coffee. Listen for the
calls of distinctive birds and wildlife not found anywhere else on the planet. Discover
timeless traditions while getting to know the friendly guides and residents from
diverse backgrounds who live beyond the riverbanks. Enjoy the soul and spirit of
Colombia as you sail this river along with Ama Waterways.
THE EXPERT’S EXPERIENCE
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS:
Step into the story of Palenque, the first
“free town” in the Americas, where music,
language and traditions tell a tale of
resilience.
Discover local craftsmanship, from fishermen
weaving nets by hand to tobacco rollers and
skilled craftspeople creating intricate
handmade wares.
Experience an exclusive Carnaval
celebration in Barranquilla, filled with music,
colour and local traditions.
Drift through the emerald wetlands of Boca
de Tacaloa, where vibrant birdlife and
untamed nature create a living sanctuary.
Video
ITINERARY
DAY 1 BARRANQUILLA –
EMBARKATION:
Arrive in Barranquilla and settle into your
stateroom as you prepare for your
journey along the Magdalena River. In
the evening, enjoy a special Carnaval
celebration, bringing the full traditional
experience exclusively to AmaWaterways’
guests all-year round. Widely considered
one of Colombia’s most important
folkloric celebrations, the Carnaval of
Barranquilla has also been declared a
UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and
Intangible Heritage of Humanity, and you
will get to revel in this truly authentic
experience as you learn the Carnaval’s
motto: Quien lo vive, es quien lo goza
(Those who live it are those who enjoy it)
Included: Dinner
DAY 2 SABANAGRANDE:
Today, visit a local village along the river. 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 are on display and taste the local delicacies as you embrace this
village and its unique culture.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3 MAGANGUÉ REGION - MOMPOX:
Experience the vibrant sounds and sights of Colombian
nature from one of our intimate excursion boats as you immerse yourself in the wild
beauty of Boca de Tacaloa (the mouth of Tacaloa) – a striking natural wonder
surrounded by rich landscapes, local legend and untamed energy in the Magangué
region. This nature tour offers a rare opportunity to encounter fascinating species,
such as beautiful birds that are unique to this region of the country, making for an
unforgettable immersion in wildlife. Then, enjoy scenic cruising en route to the island
town of Mompox. There you will be welcomed with open arms and lively music as
local musicians treat you to an exclusive jazz performance.
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 jewellery, which you
can learn more about during your tour of this town.
While visiting the largest inland island in Latin
America, journey through the beautiful wetlands,
exploring the massive lake that is home to a variety
of flora and fauna native to the region, with
opportunities to birdwatch at sunrise, early morning
and sunset. In either the morning or the afternoon,
you can choose to take a stroll through this storied
town on a guided tour beginning with a tuk-tuk
ride from Plaza de San Francisco, visiting key
landmarks. You may also visit a filigree workshop in
either the morning or afternoon, witnessing the
intricate jewellery artistry that defines Mompox’s
renowned craftsmanship. With stunning colonial
churches, breathtaking nature surrounding the
town, and delicious local delights such ascapa
cheese and butifarra, Mompox is sure to be a
highlight of your journey along the magnificent
Magdalena River.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5 MOMPOX -
SANTA BARBARA DE
PINTO:
Bid farewell to Mompox before embarking
on a scenic cruise. Later, embark on one of
our private excursion boats to visit Santa
Barbara de Pinto, a typical Magdalena
riverside village. Enjoy an immersive tour of
the town that includes learning the
traditional craft of fishing net weaving and
watching skilled artisans hand roll tobacco.
You will also visit a historic church. Plus,
shop for intricate handmade wares crafted
by local townspeople while delighting in the
pastel-toned Spanish architecture
throughout the town. If you prefer a more
active adventure, explore the natural
beauty surrounding this riverside town on a
guided hike through its lush landscapes.
DAY 6 CALAMAR – MAHATES (PALENQUE):
In the morning, board a paola (a bicycle taxi for
two) for a historic tour of Calamar, starting with a
scenic ride along the Malecon to the House of
Culture. Later, depart Calamar and cruise to
Mahates, your gateway to 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, from symbolic
hairstyles to ancestral medicine, which are so distinct that UNESCO declared Palenque
to be a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. You will also
visit a local home during this excursion. An important piece of Palenque’s heritage is
the music and rhythmic style that was developed in this city.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Later in the day, we will invite on board 20 local families from El Banco who are
keepers of La Cumbia –the soul of Colombian music and the heart of this region. You
will have the chance to experience this cultural treasure first hand, right on board,
with authentic music, stories and celebration.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7 CARTAGENA:
Take the day to delight in the beautiful coastal
city of Cartagena. Many Spaniards flocked to
this location when they heard tales of gold
found in the tombs of indigenous leaders,
expanding this small port into a thriving city.
Start your day with a tour of the city, you may
witness iconic landmarks such as the Catedral de
Cartagena or the stone walls built to protect the
city from the plundering of pirates. In the
afternoon, witness the incredible UNESCO-
designated San Felipe Castle, the fortress that
defended Cartagena from French and British
attacks. You will also enjoy a tour through the
breathtaking Getsemaní neighbourhood. With
the vibrant colours of the homes and street art
as well as the mouthwatering local delicacies
that can be found throughout the area, this
historic neighbourhood will delight all your
senses.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Bid your ship and crew farewell as you disembark and prepare for your flight home.
Included: Breakfast
DAY 8 CARTAGENA – DISEMBARKATION:
YOUR ITINERARY:
Day 1 | Barranquilla | RIVER CRUISE EMBARKATION
• Exclusive Carnaval Celebration
Day 2 | Sabanagrande
• Guided Village Tour
Day 3 | Magangué Region
• Nature Excursion
• Mompox
• Exclusive Jazz Street Performance
Day 4 | Mompox
• Nature Experience
• Historic Walking Tour with Tuk Tuk Ride
• Filigree Workshop
Day 5 | Mompox
• Scenic Cruising
• Exclusive Cumbia Performance
Day 5 | Santa Bárbara de Pinto
• "Traditions of Pinto" Cultural Experience
Day 6 | Calamar
• Scenic Cruising
• Historic Tour with Paola
DAY 6 | Mahates
• Palenque Cultural Experience
Day 7 | Cartagena
• Walled City Tour
• San Felipe Castle & Getsemaní Tour
Day 8 | Cartagena | RIVER CRUISE DISEMBARKATION
Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the itinerary schedule
provided with your final travel documents.
Exclusive to
• 7 nights’ luxury accommodation
• Immersive shore experiences in every destination
• Return flights from the UK plus overseas transfers
• Personalised service from a highly trained Cruise Manager
• A variety of experiences, including birdwatching and boat tours (exclusive
year-round)
• Carnaval Celebration in Barranquilla
• All onboard dining featuring regionally inspired cuisine, sourced locally
• Daily entertainment including cultural performances
• Unlimited fine wine and beer with lunch and dinner
• Soft drinks included throughout cruise 24/7 Colombian Coffee & tea station
• Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi access
• The Chef’s Table speciality restaurant
• Wellness Programme with a dedicated Wellness Host Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail
Hour
This Package Includes:
Category C: £4,986pp
Category B: £5,601pp
Category JS: £6,678pp
Designed for the Magdalena River, AmaMelodia welcomes just 64 guests in a setting
created to keep Colombia’s landscapes close at hand. Staterooms feature a signature
twin‐balcony design, with both a French balcony and a full outside balcony for ever‐
changing river views. On board, enjoy locally inspired cuisine alongside familiar Western
favourites in the Journeys Restaurant. Music fills the evenings in the Caracara Lounge,
and the sun‐deck pool offers a relaxed place to unwind as the river passes by.
SHIP OVERVIEW
A M A M E L O D I A
Included Features:
» Warm and welcoming crew, professionally
trained to deliver impeccable service
» Exquisite Western-style and regionally
inspired cuisine
» Intimate speciality dining experience
» Wine, beer and soft drinks included during
lunch and dinner
» Welcome cocktail and Gala Dinner
» Nightly entertainment
» Fitness room and massage room
offering a variety of services*
» Sun-deck pool
Stateroom Accommodations:
The rhythm of the Magdalena River invites
you to slow down and enjoy the landscape
from your stateroom, each featuring both
a French balcony and a full outside
balcony. Thoughtfully appointed
accommodations also include a separate
sitting area, desk mini‐fridge, safe,
bathroom with shower and individually
controlled air conditioning, creating a
calm and comfortable retreat.
Exclusive to
Get in touch to book today!
This Designer Travel Holiday is operated by AMA Waterways & is ATOL protected 11232