Immerse Yourself in the Highlights of Colombia Along this Magnificent River

Vibrant Colombia beckons you to embark on a thrilling adventure, delving into its vast history, culture, and towns that breathe life into its narrative. Here is a tantalizing glimpse of the wonders of Colombia that await you on our all-new Magdalena River journeys.

Cartagena, Colombia - Photo credit Amawaterways

Rich History
Native culture and Spanish influences woven throughout history can still be witnessed along the Magdalena River.
 Cartagena became a significant 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 why Cartagena is also called la Ciudad amurallada —“the walled city.”

Because of the fear of attacks from pirates, many Spaniards felt they needed a safe place to keep their gold – and the town of Mompox served that purpose. With so much gold housed here, some were 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 is uniquely honored to be the first “free town” in the Americas. In 1603, the Spaniards and the former slaves agreed on a Capitulation of Peace, and in 1713, the Spanish crown issued a Royal Decree that officially freed the people of Palenque from slavery. With this autonomy, this vibrant town could continue its unique traditions and preserve its culture, which UNESCO recognized formally 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!

---

A Bird Watching Paradise
With an astounding 1,930 species of birds in Colombia (more than the combined number found in the United States and Canada!), these feathered inhabitants are the lifeblood of the river’s ecological system. As our esteemed guests, you may be privileged to spot many rare or unique species, adding a touch of exclusivity to your Colombia itinerary.
 
One such bird is the cianeguo hummingbird. Also known as the sapphire-bellied hummingbird, this colorful, tiny creature is found only in the mangroves of Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta and the arid scrublands directly beside them. Considered an endangered species, this blue-green bird is believed to have a decreasing population of between 285 and 440 mature adults, so to see it in its natural habitat is a unique delight.

The Northern screamer, known locally as Chauna chavaria, also finds its home along the majestic Magdalena River. This stout-bodied thrives in the water, feeding on aquatic plants’ leaves, stems, and roots. Though it is near threatened, you will likely hear its distinctive call of kleer-a-ruk, cherio! Throughout your river journey.
Many other colorful birds flock to this magnificent river’s banks as well. On each sailing, you may enjoy unique sightings of these splendid birds and various toucans, eagles, quails, tinamou, and more!

---

Boutique Hotel Breaks & Luxury Accommodation at Mr and Mrs Smith

Taste Local Delicacies
The Magdalena River leads you to a cornucopia of beautiful destinations, each offering a delectable array of local treats. In Mompox, savor the mild capa cheese, a local favorite. The savory butifarra, a staple in many Colombian cuisines, and the spicy chorizo, a pork sausage flavored with seasonings such as smoked paprika and garlic, are also culinary delights to be relished here. And let's not forget the delightful desserts made with lemons and pineapples grown throughout the country, a sweet ending to your gastronomic journey.

In Palenque, the city’s famous palenques – women who sell goods with vast baskets of traditional treats and tropical fruit balanced on their heads – offer a variety of delicious goods along the colonial streets. At their market stalls, they enjoy irresistible sweets such as coconut cake, tamarind balls (made with tamarind fruit and spices), sugared papaya, and traditional cheeses.

Another meal you can enjoy during your Colombian journey is posta negra Cartagena. This mouthwatering dish began in Cartagena after marinating the meat in various herbs, onions, and garlic traditionally seared with its fat and butter, blending the savory flavors. Once the meat is cooked, the dish is served with a delightful sauce, perfectly blending incredible flavors into one celebrated meal.

Immerse yourself in the marvelous sights, sounds, and tastes along this magnificent river on our Colombia itineraries and come sail with me on May 17, 2025!

---

Cuban-born adventurer & storyteller, Sheyla guides you through vibrant Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Award-winning journalist, actress, and travel expert, bringing the magic of diverse cultures to life. SHEYLA ADVENTURE TRAVEL, LLC, in business since 2016, is your one-stop shop for unforgettable adventure travel experiences. Specializing in group tours to Cuba, ocean and river cruises adventures, we cater to affluent travelers over 35 who seek to give back to local communities. With access to over 500,000 hotels worldwide and a bilingual travel advisor who personally guides you, we ensure a memorable experience from start to finish.

---

#ColombiaTravel #MagdalenaRiver #RiverCruise #SouthAmerica #ExploreColombia #TravelAdventure #DiscoverSouthAmerica #ColombiaHighlights #RiverJourney #AdventureTravel #booknow #sheylaadventuretravel #grouptravel #sailwithme #southamericatravel  #sharethisbloggost #inviteafriend