tourism
April 15, 2026
The First Year of the AmaMagdalena Cruise Transforming Tourism in Bolívar
The AmaMagdalena cruise's river route celebrates its first year, having become one of Bolívar's most ambitious tourism projects. What began as a bid to diversify the department's offerings is now consolidating as a development engine positioning new destinations on the international map.
TL;DR
- The AmaMagdalena cruise, operated by AmaWaterways, marks its first anniversary as an ambitious tourism project in Bolívar.
- The cruise travels the Magdalena River, expanding tourism to historically less visible but culturally rich territories.
- Municipalities like Santa Cruz de Mompox (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and San Basilio de Palenque have seen a significant rise in international tourist arrivals.
- This influx has stimulated sectors such as hospitality, gastronomy, and local commerce.
- The project promotes an inclusive and sustainable development model, benefiting artisans, tour guides, and service providers.
- Governor Yamil Arana emphasized the initiative's role in generating employment and strengthening cultural identities.
- The AmaMagdalena is becoming a benchmark for sustainable tourism in Colombia, showcasing Bolívar's potential as a diverse global destination.