Why You Must Visit The Magdalena River In Colombia

The majestic Magdalena River is one of Colombia’s treasures – a connector of cities, a wildlife haven and a vital player in the rich history of the country. Here’s why you should visit.

The importance of the 1,528km (949mi) long Magdalena River dates back to before colonial times, thanks to its advantageous flow from the heart of Colombia to the Caribbean Sea. It became a key strategic route for the Spanish conquistadors when they arrived in the early 16th century. Since then, the grandness of the river has inspired artists and writers, including the prominent Colombian writer Gabriel García Marquez. And with a mere glimpse, visitors are able to appreciate its significance and charm.

Why Magdalena is the most important river in Colombia

Beautiful colonial architecture sits on the Magdalena River

In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors used the river as a highway to transport goods from Europe to inland Colombia and back. On its course, they founded several towns and built dozens of ports that later became the scene of the country’s fight for independence.

Best towns to visit near the Magdalena River

Honda, a town on the river banks, is one of the top spots for tourists in the area

Many of the towns surrounding the Magdalena River are hot tourist spots – mainly those located in areas close to Bogotà. After a number of conservation and restoration efforts, towns such as Honda – which you can visit as part of Culture Trip’s exclusive eight-day Colombian Andes tour – San Agustín and Mompox are now among the top choices for travelers.

To visit Mompox, you should take a canoe or chalupa (a small water taxi-style boat). While both San Agustín and Honda are easily reachable by car.

A representative of magic realism

2A3HB55 Colombia, Bolivar, Santa Cruz de Mompox, registered World Heritage by UNESCO, canoes permitting to cross the Rio Magdalena from one bank to another

The Magdalena River is the stage for some of the most important Colombian literature. Writer Gabriel García Marquez has always marveled at the surrounding jungle, ominously dark waters and sporadic colonial towns lost in the riverbanks. All of these sights became a source of inspiration and the founding stones of Magic Realism, a genre that has become a symbol of Colombia’s uniqueness.

Seeing the Magdalena River first-hand provides an insight into the past and present of Colombia – and a way to discover towns and sights that have been hidden for decades. The river has a magic of its own that will undoubtedly enchant visitors who travel on its waters.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.