Colombia’s Magdalena River
by Anne Kalosh.
AmaWaterways and South America’s Metropolitan Touring are teaming up to offer an exciting new destination — Colombia’s Magdalena River.
“Not since my early university days of exploring the Amazon River have I felt the excitement of discovering a new destination that is so rich in biodiversity and culture as I found on the Magdalena River in Colombia,” enthused Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder of AmaWaterways, who’s often called the “godfather of river cruising.”
The Magdalena is the prime river in Latin America which combines culture and nature, AmaWaterways’ Rudi Schreiner said. * Photo: AmaWaterways
Rudi Knows Rivers
Having spent more than a year on the Amazon over multiple trips, he’s also scouted rivers throughout South America, including Venezuela’s Orinoco and the Paraná, flowing through Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.
Something Exciting & Different Every Day
He considers the Magdalena “the prime river in Latin America” for its combination of nature and culture. “This is a perfect mix,” he said. “Every day you have something exciting, something different.”
Colombia’s principal river, the Magdalena feeds a fertile valley that supports many crops and is incredibly rich in biodiversity, with nearly 2,000 species of birds alone.
The Gabriel García Márquez novel The General In His Labyrinth is a fictionalized account of Simón Bolívar’s final voyage — along the Magdalena.
History, warm hospitality, music, art, fine rums and chocolate made from the native cacao are other enticements of Colombia.
All-Balcony-Suite AmaMagdalena
Starting in December 2023, AmaWaterways and Metropolitan Touring plan to carry travelers aboard AmaMagdalena, an all-suite, eco-friendly river vessel to be built in Colombia.
There will be a choice of two seven-night itineraries with a skilled team providing in-depth connections with nature, wildlife, culture, flavors and people, plus activities like kayaking, hiking and birdwatching. The vessel will carry bicycles and offer AmaWaterways’ wellness program, too.
Pre- and post-cruise land programs delving into Colombia’s cultural and natural heritage will be available, as well.
Ecuador-based Metropolitan Touring is a leading South American tour operator that’s noted for its Galápagos cruises going back decades.
“Colombia has always been a country close to my heart and every trip I’ve made to the Magdalena over many years has been full of amazing, life-affirming experiences that touched my soul,” said Paulina Burbano de Lara, CEO of Metropolitan Touring. “Finding the right partner to develop the first-ever eco-friendly river cruise experience for Colombia was therefore of utmost importance to me and our company.”
AmaWaterways is branching out to Colombia’s Magdalena River, in partnership with Metropolitan Touring. * Photo: AmaWaterways
RELATED: AmaWaterways New AmaMagna on the Danube River. By Gene Sloan.
“River Of A Thousand Rhythms”
Drawing on each company’s expertise, AmaWaterways and Metropolitan Touring created a river cruise and land program that will immerse travelers in the beauty of the “River of a Thousand Rhythms,” added Camilo Calderon, general manager of Metropolitan Touring Colombia. “Our guests will enjoy the modern comforts of an upscale river cruise ship, with exclusive experiences and unparalleled service, hallmarks of both companies.”
Schreiner said the custom-designed AmaMagdalena will carry fewer than 100 passengers — approximately 80 — in all-balcony suites. It will serve international cuisine highlighting Colombian specialties. The crew will be Colombian.
Itineraries will be detailed in the coming weeks, and bookings are expected to open in late fall this year.
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HEIDI SARNA
