Honda dazzles at every turn—with golden river light, hummingbird-filled gardens, and colonial streets echoing with centuries of trade and legend. Experience the Magdalena on a river cruise, explore architectural treasures, and try regional delicacies.
Your day in Honda—one of Colombia’s oldest towns—reveals not just fabulous nature but a crossroads of history. Cradled between the Magdalena and Gualí rivers and framed by steamy forests, Honda was for centuries Colombia’s gateway between the Caribbean and the Andes. Countless traders, pirates, and presidents traversed its famed bridges and winding streets, leaving behind a patchwork of colonial mansions, bustling plazas, and haunted legends.
Begin with a visit to the Magdalena River Museum, where stories flow as powerfully as the currents outside: artifacts from river navigation, indigenous traditions, and the evolution of Colombia’s waterways provide a deep sense of place. Stroll the city’s historic center, with whitewashed walls, floral balconies, and the unmistakable hum of life moving between past and present.
Lunch is a feast for the senses: savor “viudo de pescado,” the celebrated fisherman’s stew from the Magdalena’s waters, or sample fresh tilapia paired with green plantains, coconut rice, and locally grown tropical fruits.
In the afternoon, embark on a river cruise, keeping your eyes peeled for ospreys, herons, and playful river dolphins—this mighty waterway supports a dazzling spectrum of wildlife and is the backdrop for countless Colombian stories.
Wander markets exploding with mangos and tamarind, chat with craftspeople, and gaze from the “Puente Navarro”—a national monument and testament to the city’s golden age. It all unfolds against the backdrop of the Andes, whose cloud-wreathed peaks feed these rivers with snowmelt.
By journey’s end, the heat, the river’s song, and the weight of history linger. Honda changes you—its vibrant collision of nature and culture ensures you’ll carry its spirit home.
