Colombia / Mompox

Mompox: Colonial jewel on the Río Magdalena

2 days

Today, Santa Cruz de Mompox is a beautiful, sleepy little town in the lowlands along the Brazo de Mompox, a branch of the Río Magdalena. Just how important a stop it once was on the route from the coast to the interior is clear from Simón Bolívar's many visits: between 1812 and 1830 he stopped here eight times, including on his final journey to Santa Marta on May 18, 1830. Its handsome colonial streets, handcrafted silver jewelry and boat trips through bird-rich river and lake landscapes make it well worth a visit, whether en route from Barrancabermeja to Cartagena or as a round trip from Cartagena.