Are you searching for a unique experience for your next vacation? Are you looking to get some quality time with your spouse or girlfriends? Well, a river cruise through Colombia may check off all your boxes. This magical destination in the northern section of South America is the perfect spot for romance, fun, and adventures! Today, I am going to share all the fantastic towns in Colombia you can visit during a river cruise. Each Colombian town will have you doing something unique, as you enjoy this wonderful time away from home.

Explore These Towns in Colombia During a River Cruise

Barranquilla

Okay, so Barranquilla is not a town in Colombia. However, it is the major city you will visit to either embark or disembark the ship for your river cruise. So, I had to add it to this list, because you know you will explore a little if you have the time!

This city is also called the Golden Gate, the Sandy, and Curramba the beautiful. You will learn why as soon as you begin to walk around.

I recommend beginning in the city’s historic center. Directly on Paseo de Bolívar, you will be able to see City Hall, Plaza de San Roque, and the Church of San Nicolas. Lots of culture and art can be experienced within the Barranquilla Modern Art Museum and Caribbean Museum.

I recommend trying one of the local dishes prior to the start of your river cruise. The pigeon pea soup with salted meat or cheese filled cassava balls are two options worth considering.

Nueva Venecia

The charming area of Nueva Venecia is located on the waters of Ciénaga Grande. All the homes and stores are located directly on the water.

You must take a boat ride to this Colombian town. That is why a river cruise in Colombia is perfect for seeing destinations like this!

Once you arrive in Nueva Venecia, you can get onto a smaller boat to take an in-depth tour of the town. Just keep in mind that you cannot swim in the water here. It is forbidden.

Santa Barbara de Pinto

Santa Barbara de Pinto is a town on the Mompox arm of the Magdalena River. The best way to see the sights in this town is via a walking tour. The Santa Barbara Church will be the main attraction. However, I know you will appreciate all the hand-made crafts you discover during your walk through this Colombian town.

Mompox

Most river cruises will have you spending more than one day in the town of Mompox in Colombia. This is ample time to wander around this hidden gem and discover all it has to offer.

One of the best things to do in Mompox is spend time with the locals. You will find many of them sitting in chairs in front of their houses. Stop and talk with them, as you are walking around.

You may also want to sit in one of the squares at some point. Parque de la Concepción and Plaza de San Francisco are two of the most popular ones. Throughout the day, or evening, you may find yourself participating in a dance class or playing a local game.

The last thing you should do before leaving Mompox is purchase a bottle of the local wine. Vino de Mompox is made from tropical fruits, bananas, oranges, and apples. And yet, the wine is not that sweet. You will be amazed from the first taste and may end up wanting to buy more to take home with you.

Magangue

There isn’t much to see and do in Magangue. However, this town in Colombia is full of history, which is why it is worthy of a stop.

Start your visit at the Our Lady of La Candelaria Cathedral. The building is beautiful inside and out. Then head down to the docks to watch the locals load luggage, passengers, and other items onto chalupas. The long narrow boats will take the people and their belongings to the other small towns along the Magdalena River.

Calamar

Your time will be short in the small Colombian town of Calamar. This town is located on the Canal del Dique. There are plenty of historical sites there, including the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Conception.

I recommend touring this town via a bicycle taxi for two, which is a paola. It is the best way to see the sights in a short amount of time.

Cartagena

Cartagena is another city in Colombia that many people visit while on a river cruise. During your visit, you can check out the colonial architecture, explore the lush landscapes, and experience vibrant night life. Of course, you won’t want to miss relaxing on one of the sandy beaches!

Since this is usually the first, or last, stop of a river cruise, you can build time into your vacation to see a few of the sights. Consider adding the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas to your itinerary. Although, you may prefer to take a horse drawn carriage ride to experience the charm of the city.

While this Colombian city has much to offer, you may also want to visit the nearby islands if you have the chance. Barú Island, Tierra Bomba Island, and Múcura Island are the best of them all.

Palenque

Palenque was the very first free town in the Americas. It was founded during colonial times. The history of this town has been carefully preserved.

You will find this town in the foothills of the Montes de María. It is to the south of Cartagena. Not many people choose to visit this town in Colombia. This is perfect when your river cruise arrives because there won’t be crowds of people.

The history of this town also includes being the birthplace of a few famous actors, musicians, and boxers. A statue of Antonio Cervantes, a well-known boxer and trainer in Colombia, can be found on the street.

One of the best things to eat in Palenque is coconut sweets. The recipe has been developed over hundreds of years, making it perfect at this point. And we all know you don’t mess with perfection when it comes to food!

I highly recommend visiting Palenque during the Festival de Tambores y Expresiones Culturales, which is the Festival of Drums and Cultural Expression. The festival is held for three days during the month of October.

These are the towns in Colombia you may find yourself exploring during a river cruise. Each river cruise won’t stop in all these Colombian towns, but I can help you find one that stops in many of the towns you want to see the most.

 So, are you ready to head out on a river cruise to explore these towns in Colombia?

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