AmaWater ways is the first operator to offer river cruises along the Magdalena River, and md Australia and New Zealand Steve Richards was himself so impressed by the product and the experience, that he says he’s now something of a self-appointed Colombia ambassador.
“I think agents should offer everyone who is looking for a raw, authentic experience, our Colombia cruise. It’s ideal for travellers who’ve already done the main rivers, for expedition clients—or for those who just want to be the first to do the next thing,” says Richards. “English isn’t widely spoken but that’s what makes it fun—it’s like if you river cruised in Europe 50 years ago.”
. . . The Detail
Richards says the ships are built from a European design, and that Ama’s dining continues to be a highlight in Colombia too.
“They did a mix of Western food with the local cuisine. There were these amazing beef cheeks and sensational tuna, as well as a Caribbean Colombian style breakfast, served al fresco—and fruit. There’s 400 different fruit in Colombia. Music was also woven through the itinerary.
Music is everywhere, it’s part of the culture and an important part of the experience.”
. . . Viva Colombia
Viva Expeditions Pia Knarston was one of the first passengers globally to experience the itinerary and she was impressed. “I loved Colombia, the people and how much variety there was throughout the trip. Travelling along the Magdalena River gave us the chance to experience a side of Colombia that you don’t always see on a more traditional itinerary.
Learning about the culture, history and everyday life were highlights, as well as the scenery, food ‘and, most importantly, so may genuinely warm and welcoming people’. “I came away thinking that Colombia has so much to offer, and I really hope we can send more clients there to experience it for themselves,” she adds.
. . . Connection
Knarston says the cruise delivers if clients are looking for a connection to the people and places they are travelling to. “We weren’t simply looking at the scenery from the ship.
We were getting off and meeting local people, visiting towns, learning about traditions and seeing what daily life looks like along the river.”
While there were small boat trips to meet local fishermen and farm visits she says Mompox was one of her top experiences. “It’s a beautiful UNESCO-listed colonial town with old buildings, churches and a really interesting history connected to the Magdalena River.” Here the passengers created their own traditional filigree jewellery.
Knarston says Ama did a great job of offering a trip that went beyond cruising the river. “There was a real focus on culture and local experiences, [it] gave us opportunities to meet people, learn about traditional crafts, music and history, and explore places that many travellers may not otherwise visit,” she says.
The ship was ‘a very comfortable base’, she says, adding that the food was ‘excellent’ and there was a good balance between time on board and time exploring off the ship.
