photographer | speaker | educator
darina neyret
Colombia
a creative adventure & retreat
March 2027
Hosted by award-winning photographer Darina Neyret and yoga instructor Stephanie Flanders Martin, with an itinerary curated by Ama Waterways, this is a remarkable chance to explore a fascinating and beautiful part of the world with a hand-picked group of like-minded people.
This creative retreat does not focus only on instruction and is not a workshop, but rather is geared towards an unforgettable experience that fosters inspiration, community and adventure.
You will have numerous opportunities to learn and practice photojournalistic photography and practice and collaborate with other participants, discuss any number of topics, explore beautiful locations and enjoy award-winning cuisine.
Reconnect, refresh, and awaken your spirit with a Creative Retreat on a magdalena River Cruise.
What to expect
Immerse yourself in the wonders that this South American country holds as you journey along the magnificent Magdalena River. Step through the streets of Palenque, the first free city in Colombia, moving to the rhythms of cumbia and vallenato, world-renown musical styles. Delight in the colorful neighborhood of Getsemaní in Cartagena, drinking in the vivid colors and culture displayed so artfully on the walls of homes, cafes and family-owned shops. Discover how Spanish and pre-colonial cultures combined to bring us the music, minds, and culture that exist in the country today. Let these breathtaking destinations inspire you as you embrace the soul of this mesmerizing river and the heart-warming people who live alongside it.
A town frozen in time, Mompox embodies the appearance of what many villages looked like during colonial times. Founded in 1540, this remote village became an important Spanish trading post. Some Spaniards found Mompox to be a haven for keeping gold and other treasure protected from the pirates that pillaged coastal cities like Cartagena, and with this precious metal and the work of skilled artisans from Spain came beautifully crafted artifacts. Since then, the town has become famous for its incredible filigree jewelry, which you can learn more about during your tour of this town. While visiting the largest inland island in Latin America, journey through the beautiful wetlands, exploring the massive lake that is home to a variety of flora and fauna native to the region, with opportunities to birdwatch at sunrise, early morning and sunset. In either the morning or the afternoon, you can choose to take a stroll through this storied town on a guided walking tour. With stunning colonial churches, breathtaking nature surrounding the town, and delicious local delights such as capa cheese and butifarra, Mompox is sure to be a highlight of your journey along the magnificent Magdalena River.
Day four
MOMPOX
Arrive in Cartagena, the beautiful capital of the Bolivar region located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. After settling into your stateroom, enjoy a tour through the breathtaking Getsemaní neighborhood. With the vibrant colors of the homes and street art as well as the mouthwatering local delicacies that can be found throughout the area, this historic neighborhood will delight all your senses. Upon returning to your ship, embark on your journey along the magical Magdalena River.
Day One
CARTAGENA – EMBARKATION
In the morning, experience the town of Palenque, the first “free town” in the Americas. Founded by those who fled a life of slavery during colonial times, the spirit and appearance of this town has been preserved through time. In 1713, the Spanish crown issued a Royal Decree that officially freed the people of Palenque from slavery. Immerse yourself in the town’s deeply rooted culture and traditions, which are so distinct that UNESCO declared Palenque to be a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. An important piece of their heritage is the music and rhythmic style that was developed in this city, which you will enjoy during a special performance by local musicians. Later in the day, visit Calamar. Located at the entrance of the Canal del Dique, this town was first settled in 1840. Witness historic sites such as the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Conception as you tour this beautiful destination by paola (a bicycle taxi for two).
Day TWO
GAMBOTE (PALENQUE) – CALAMAR
Spend your morning in Santa Barbara de Pinto, located on the banks of the Mompox arm of the Magdalena River. Enjoy a walking tour through this traditional town, where you may see local landmarks such as the Santa Barbara Church and enjoy intricate hand-made crafts created in the town. In the afternoon, arrive at the island town of Mompox, where you will be welcomed with open arms and lively music during an exclusive jazz performance played by local musicians.
Day three
SANTA BARBARA DE PINTO - MOMPOX
Bid farewell to Mompox before embarking on a scenic cruise down one of the most breathtaking stretches of the Magdalena River – a picturesque part of the La Mojana Region. Learn more about the history of cumbia, an iconic genre of music and dance that has now been popularized around the world. What began as a courtship dance practiced by African slaves later incorporated American steps and European and African instruments has become a world-wide sensation, which is especially popular in the Andean region of Colombia. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive cumbia performance by locals.
Day five
MOMPOX
In the morning, visit a charming village on a guided tour that highlights the beauty and warmth of Colombia. Learn more about the local culture and the lives of the residents. Later in the day, venture to the beautiful seaside city of Barranquilla, a vibrant destination home to notable musicians, writers and artists. Immerse yourself in the warmth and culture of the city’s atmosphere as you venture through this magnificent location, where you may see the bocas de cenizas, the point at which the magical Magdalena River meets the breathtaking Caribbean Sea. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive Carnaval celebration just for AmaWaterways guests as we bring the full traditional experience to our guests all year round.
Day seven
SITIO NUEVO – BARRANQUILLA
Witness the sights, hear the bird calls, and watch the wildlife around you as spend the day docked near Magangue. Immerse yourself in the presence of Colombian nature surrounding this city on a birdwatching tour, giving you a unique opportunity to see birds only found in this specific part of the country.
Day six
MAGANGUE
Bid your ship and crew farewell as you disembark and prepare for your flight home.
Day eight
BARRANQUILLA – DISEMBARKATION
I want to go! let's book it!
More info
coming soon!
I'm Darina, a citizen of the world and internationally known, award-winning photographer based in Vancouver, WA (near Portland, OR). My love for travel and diverse cultures fueled my lifelong obsession with music, movies, and pop culture – I guess you could call me a 'culture vulture'!
My journey from hobbyist to professional began when my soul sister, Sylvia, asked me to photograph her wedding in Tulum. Witnessing the emotional impact of those photos sparked such enthusiasm!
I work to move people with my camera at every shoot.
With an unwavering love for telling plucky, memorable stories, I continue to chase inspiration every day, camera first. Running my own business (solopreneur life!) can be challenging, but I have a fantastic network of photographers for support. I began in my living room, shoving the couch aside and learning the magic of light and illusion. Now, my spacious studio allows me to create freely.
When I'm in session with people, it's pure joy. I celebrate you, fill the room with music, and get those real expressions and laughter we all love. This job truly is my greatest love (except for my best friend and husband of 18 years, of course!).
As Emma Thompson's character in Late Night says, "I hope I earned the privilege of your time".
Stephanie has been in the health and wellness field for the past 8 years, after a 32 year career in the restaurant industry. Stephanie loves to teach Myofascia/Yoga Blended Classes, Restorative and Vinyasa Flow Classes. She is also our travel agent!
Stephanie holds her 200 hour yoga certification from Full Circle Yoga and her 500 hour certification with Yoga Medicine, studying with Tiffany Cruikshank and so many other amazing instructors at Yoga Medicine. She is a Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialist and has continued on her journey with Yoga Medicine as she now works towards her 1000 hour certification.
Her current training includes: Barre Above Certified, Restorative Yoga and the Nervous System-Yoga Medicine, Yin Yoga with Jennifer Raye, Spine and Yoga-Yoga Medicine, Mental Health & Yoga-Yoga Medicine, Mindful Trauma Informed Yoga-Yoga Medicine, Yin and Meditation-Yoga Medicine, Anatomy-Yoga International with Tiffany Cruickshank, Functional Anatomy-Yoga International with Tiffany Cruickshank, Sequencing-Yoga Medicine, Lymphatics & Yoga-Yoga Medicine, + over 100 hours of training in MyoFascial Release & Yoga training with Yoga Medicine and RAD Yoga-a division of RAD.
In addition to her Stress Management, Yoga Certifications, and Mindfulness Meditation certification, her Stephanie and her husband own TEAM Referral Network Franchises.
Check out the book I made for all my clients that I took to Vietnam and Cambodia! This was truly life-changing for all of us. Everyone who came got a copy of this lovingly created book.
