"Dropping the Bag in Mompos Blues" Mompós by richiecdisc

Mompós Travel Guide: 63 reviews and 250 photos

Mompos sits steaming on the mighty but sauntering Rio Magdalena, an ode to its former glorious colonial self, parts in decay but others gleaming as any World Heritage Unesco Site might. This is a Colombia found nowhere else, half Bayou swamp and half romance novel ala Garcia Marquez, rolled into a somewhat inaccessible gem that more and more people are finding their way to. While many extol the adventure of getting here and surely that is half the fun, the town itself would be a stunner even if on a more mainstream path in a country that until recently was considered a no-go due to dangers having little to do with remote river travel.

reflective Rio Magdalena

colonial delights of Mompos

Mompos may not be approaching the popularity of its nearby rival Cartagena, but for those inclined to dig deeper into a country's treasures, it is garnering its fair share of attention and adherents. Lulled into languid submission by the meandering river that runs through it and charmed by an intriguing conglomeration of colonial architecture, visitors find it easy to get lost in the ambiance of another time for more time than they allotted this sleepy backwater town. It should matter not. When you spend the time and effort to get here, why not linger in a town likely to change a lot as Colombia grows into one of South America's top destinations.

Last visit to Mompós: Jan 2010
Intro Updated Oct 27, 2010
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Reviews (26)

a romantic person to share it with What to Pack (1)

Getting to Mompos is no easy task and you'll want to travel light. A backpack will make such a trip easier it's not like... more travel advice

eyes wide open Favorites (2)

It's not unusual for something you've read about for awhile to disappoint you especially when it comes to the world of... more travel advice

Dropping the Water Bag Mompos Blues Favorites (2)

Mompos does not have many sights per se but it does have lots of atmosphere to soak up. There's no better way then... more travel advice

locals use many ways to get around town - Mompós

the "road" to Cartagena Transportation (2)

The trip from Mompos to Cartagena is a lot easier and more straight forward than to Bucamaranga and many travelers just... more travel advice

Local Customs (1)
Semana Santa
Things to Do (10)
See All Plaza Real de la Concepcion
Hotels (2)
See All the upscale option

Nightlife (2)
See All the spot on the river
Restaurants (6)
See All keeping hydrated is easy but necessary
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Comments (6)

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Bwana_Brown Nov 9, 2010 at 5:28 PM

I like the sound of Mompós, from how to get there until you left again! What an amazing place to visit. La Casa Amarilla looks like it was well worth the cost & great Restaurant tips too! I know Sue & I would have loved to visit this unique OTBP location.
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DoreenDe Oct 31, 2010 at 11:29 AM

I would not mind going for a nice stroll along the river, having some lemonade and coconut rice...and right now I would even enjoy this humid heat :)
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Nemorino Oct 29, 2010 at 12:04 PM

Mompós sounds like a great place to soak up the colonial atmosphere and even do some birdwatching. Fine tips and photos as always!
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Gili_S Oct 29, 2010 at 12:26 AM

A real off the beaten path place, seems relax and interesting, I like the kingfisher :)
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Trekki Oct 28, 2010 at 11:19 PM

What a cute town this is! Looks almost like made with cake icing or gingerbread :-)) And again I see that the food is really not my exact liking, but the fruits and the fresh juices are and I miss them dearly. Loverly cemetery!!
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willy_wonka Oct 27, 2010 at 11:17 PM

oh that kingfisher... stunning! // in some ways this sounds similar to iquitos - the steamyness, the river, local stalls selling juices etc. loved this page!