Explore Colombia
Like Never Before

Example

Embark on the journey of a lifetime through the "Land of a Thousand Rhythms" and join AmaWaterways in 2025 as we become the first major river cruise line to explore Colombia along its magnificent Magdalena River. Be among the first to sail our two brand-new 7-night itineraries between Cartagena and Barranquilla – now accepting reservations!

Leading the river cruise industry in innovation and introducing fascinating new destinations to our guests for more than 20 years, we are passionate about creating unparalleled experiences on the rivers of Europe, Asia, Africa, and now, for the first time, South America. While on board our stunning river cruise ships, you will enjoy exquisite, locally sourced cuisine inspired by the Colombian Caribbean coast. At each port of call along the magnificent Magdalena River, you will explore Colombia's rich history, traditions, local delicacies and more on a variety of included excursions each day, always returning to a warm welcome and the unparalleled service of your extraordinary Cruise Manager and crew onboard your beautiful ship.

Why Cruise Colombia?

Brimming with life and color, Colombia has become a popular destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and deeply rooted heritage of South America. Learn more about the unforgettable experience through this beautiful country and along the magnificent Magdalena River.

Land of a Thousand Rhythms

With an exceptionally diverse population, vibrant cultural traditions and festivals, and more than 1,000 styles of music performed and enjoyed throughout its borders, it is no wonder that Colombia is considered the "Land of a Thousand Rhythms." The country's rich musical and cultural heritage, history and natural beauty intrigued us, drawing our Co-Founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst to explore the Magdalena River. As owners of our family-owned and operated river cruise line, they closely identified with how important family is to Colombian society, where multiple generations and extended families often live within the same household and pass down their trade and traditions for centuries. Following their unforgettable experience in Colombia, Rudi and Kristin knew they had to share it with our cherished guests.

Outstanding Universal Value

On our specially curated itinerary, guests will experience sites and cultural traditions that have been recognized by UNESCO for their outstanding universal value. From the military architecture and strategic location of Cartagena to the cultural heritage of the village of Palenque, to the historic center of Santa Cruz de Mompox, we are delighted to share these incredible places with you. In addition, both the region's vallenato music and Barranquilla's Carnaval celebration are inscribed on UNESCO's list for their intangible cultural heritage – and you will experience both during your journey with us through Colombia.

Nature and Birdlife

The great Magdalena basin harbors many species of flora and fauna not found anywhere else on the planet –perhaps most significant are its birds, making our river cruises the ideal vacation for birdwatchers. While sailing along the river through specific regions, you may have the good fortune to spot beautifully colored Cianeguo hummingbirds as well as the Northern screamer, known locally as Chauna chavaria – which you can only see in this region of the world.

Magdalena River

There is perhaps no river that embraces diversity more than the Magdalena, described by novelist Gabriel García Márquez as the "River of Life." Many explorers sailed along its northerly path, paving the way for trade and communication between the Andes and the Caribbean Sea – and in fact the river basin today is home to approximately 80% of Colombia's population, a melting pot comprised of Indigenous, European and African ancestry.

Two Incredible Ships

Offering the luxury of space and ever-changing views of the Colombian landscape for a total of just 60 and 64 guests respectively, our remarkable newly designed AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia are the premier ships on the Magdalena River. Each ship features spacious staterooms with balconies, a Main Restaurant, a fitness center with a spa treatment room and a Sun Deck with a relaxing pool. We look forward to sharing more details with you soon!

Magic of Colombia

7 NIGHTS | Barranquilla to Cartagena
View Dates
AVAILABLE LAND PACKAGES: Pre-Cruise: 3 Nights Medellín Post-Cruise: 3 Night Panama

Wonders of Colombia

7 NIGHTS | Cartagena to Barranquilla
View Dates
AVAILABLE LAND PACKAGES: Pre-Cruise: 3 Nights Medellín; 2 Nights Cartagena Post-Cruise: 3 Night Panama

Cruise from: Barranquilla to Cartagena

Embrace the magic of Colombia as you explore the country along the magical Magdalena River during this special 7-night journey. Move to the beat of a variety of Latin American musical styles including cumbia and vallenato, and revel in exciting performances at a colorful Carnaval experience in Barranquilla just for AmaWaterways guests. Drink a steaming cup of the country's famous coffee. Listen for the calls of distinctive birds and wildlife not found anywhere else on the planet. Discover timeless traditions while getting to know the friendly guides and residents from diverse backgrounds who live beyond the riverbanks. Enjoy the soul and spirit of Colombia as you sail this river along with AmaWaterways, the Heart of the River™.

SEE ITINERARY

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DAY CITY INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
1 Barranquilla EMBARKATION
Exclusive "Carnaval" Celebration
2 Sitio Nuevo Floating Village Tour
3 Magangué Region
Mompox
Nature Excursion
Exclusive Jazz Street Performance
4 Mompox Nature Experience
Historic Walking Tour with tuk tuk ride
Filigree workshop
5 Mompox

Santa Barbara de Pinto
Scenic Cruising
Exclusive Cumbia Performance
"Traditions of Pinto" experience
6 Calamar

Mahates
Scenic Cruising
Historic Tour by Paola
Palenque cultural experience
7 Cartagena Walled City tour
San Felipe Castle and Getsemaní Tour
8 Cartagena DISEMBARKATION

Cruise from: Cartagena to Barranquilla

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.

SEE ITINERARY

Click on map to expand

DAY CITY INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
1 Cartagena
EMBARKATION
Getsemaní Tour
2 Mahates Palenque cultural experience
Calamar Historic Tour by Paola
3 Magangué Region Nature Excursion
Mompox Exclusive Jazz Street Performance
4 Mompox
Nature Experience
Historic Walking tour with tuk tuk ride
Filigree workshop
5 Mompox
Scenic Cruising
Exclusive Cumbia Performance
6 Santa Barbara de Pinto

"Traditions of Pinto" experience
Scenic Cruising to Sitio Nuevo
7 Sitio Nuevo Floating Village Tour
Barranquilla Exclusive "Carnaval" Celebration
8 Barranquilla DISEMBARKATION

Cruise from: Barranquilla to Cartagena

Embrace the magic of Colombia as you explore the country along the magical Magdalena River during this special 7-night journey. Move to the beat of a variety of Latin American musical styles including cumbia and vallenato, and revel in exciting performances at a colorful Carnaval experience in Barranquilla just for AmaWaterways guests. Drink a steaming cup of the country's famous coffee. Listen for the calls of distinctive birds and wildlife not found anywhere else on the planet. Discover timeless traditions while getting to know the friendly guides and residents from diverse backgrounds who live beyond the riverbanks. Enjoy the soul and spirit of Colombia as you sail this river along with AmaWaterways, the Heart of the River™.

SEE ITINERARY

Click on map to expand

DAY CITY INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
1 Barranquilla EMBARKATION
Exclusive "Carnaval" Celebration
2 Sitio Nuevo Floating Village Tour
3 Magangué Region
Mompox
Nature Excursion
Exclusive Jazz Street Performance
4 Mompox Nature Experience
Historic Walking Tour with tuk tuk ride
Filigree workshop
5 Mompox

Santa Barbara de Pinto
Scenic Cruising
Exclusive Cumbia Performance
"Traditions of Pinto" experience
6 Calamar

Mahates
Scenic Cruising
Historic Tour by Paola
Palenque cultural experience
7 Cartagena Walled City tour
San Felipe Castle and Getsemaní Tour
8 Cartagena DISEMBARKATION

Discover more Connections

Golden artifacts and pastel hues decorate the city of Cartagena, the vibrant jewel of Colombia's coastline.
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Discover colorful festivities and all-around Felicidad during Colombian celebrations, all brimming with life.
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Immerse yourself in the highlights of Colombia along this magnificent river.
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Experience More Connections

Life-sized elephant bas-reliefs carved out of temple walls at the aptly named Terrace of the Elephants.
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Explore the history and wonders of the French islet of St. Malo.
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Four of our longest-serving shoreside staff share why they love AmaWaterways.
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