Rhythms you can feel
Celebrate the spirit of Barranquilla's famed Carnaval, hear the music born along these riverbanks, and meet the Afro-Colombian community of San Basilio de Palenque, recognized by UNESCO for its living culture.
Join us on Colombia's legendary Magdalena River for seven nights of music, color, craft, and wild beauty aboard an intimate AmaWaterways ship, with an optional three-night prelude in Medellín.
Some journeys show you a place. This one lets you feel it.
In February 2028, I would love for you to join our Guided Path group aboard AmaWaterways on Colombia's Magdalena River, the great waterway that shaped the country's music, its craft traditions, and its history. AmaWaterways was the first to bring luxury river cruising to these waters, and it is one of the most talked-about new journeys in travel.
Along the way, we will be welcomed with the joyful spirit of Carnaval, wander the cobblestone streets of colonial Mompox, glide through wetlands alive with birdlife, and finish in the walled city of Cartagena. For those who want to begin a little earlier, three nights in Medellín add coffee country and one of South America's most inspiring cities to the story.
With only about 60 guests on board, our group will feel less like a tour and more like a gathering of friends. Bring your curiosity, your sense of adventure, and someone you love to travel with. I will take care of every detail.
Adventure awaits, and I will show you the way.
The Magdalena is Colombia's soul, a river where village life, living traditions, and remarkable wildlife meet along every bend.
Celebrate the spirit of Barranquilla's famed Carnaval, hear the music born along these riverbanks, and meet the Afro-Colombian community of San Basilio de Palenque, recognized by UNESCO for its living culture.
Cruise past lush riverbanks and explore wetlands teeming with herons, egrets, and tropical birdlife. Each day on the Magdalena brings a new landscape and a quiet moment on deck to take it all in.
Wander the UNESCO-listed town of Mompox, where artisans still craft delicate silver filigree by hand, then explore Cartagena's walled Old City and the colorful, art-filled streets of Getsemaní.
Seven nights aboard AmaWaterways' Magic of Colombia voyage, sailing the Magdalena River and arriving in Cartagena by way of the historic Canal del Dique.
Board your ship in Barranquilla, home of one of the world's great carnivals. The voyage begins with a festive Carnaval welcome full of music, color, and dance.
Step ashore in a riverside town where daily life still moves to the rhythm of the river, and meet the people who call it home.
Explore wetlands alive with herons, egrets, and other birdlife, then let the evening fill with the sounds of local music.
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage town of Santa Cruz de Mompox, with its whitewashed colonial churches, shaded plazas, and workshops where artisans craft silver filigree by hand.
A second day to savor Mompox and the river landscapes around it, as the music and traditions of the region carry you through the day.
Uncover the stories of the river's past, including the chance to visit San Basilio de Palenque, celebrated as the first free town in the Americas.
Explore Cartagena's UNESCO-listed walled city and fortifications, then stroll the vibrant, mural-covered streets of Getsemaní.
Disembark after breakfast. Extend your stay in Cartagena, or head home with a heart full of memories.
Take a closer look at AmaWaterways’ intimate Colombian river ships and the extraordinary places we will discover together.
Tour the staterooms, dining venues, and Sun Deck pool of Colombia's first luxury river cruise ship.
Watch on YouTube
See the colonial towns, riverside villages, music, and wildlife that bring this voyage to life.
Watch on YouTubeAdd three nights in Colombia's City of Eternal Spring before the cruise. Framed by the green peaks of the Andes, Medellín is a city shaped by bold urban ideas, creativity, and some of the world's finest coffee.
Arrive in Colombia's second-largest city and settle in, with the evening free to enjoy its mild mountain air.
Journey into the Antioquia countryside to visit a coffee farm, learn how Colombia's celebrated beans are grown, and taste the results.
Tour the city's highlights, including Comuna 13, where outdoor escalators, cable cars, and vibrant street art tell a remarkable story of renewal.
A short flight brings you to Barranquilla, where your ship and the Magdalena await.
AmaWaterways' Colombian ships carry only about 60 guests, blending warm local hospitality and design with the comfort AmaWaterways is known for.
As a River Cruise Specialist and Certified AmaWaterways Advisor, I will match you with the right stateroom, arrange flights and extra hotel nights, and provide travel insurance quotes so you can travel with complete peace of mind.
You will have one trusted point of contact for every question, before you leave and while you are away.
With so few staterooms on board, space for our group is limited. Reach out today to hold your place, ask any questions, or learn more about the Medellín extension.
Itinerary highlights are based on AmaWaterways' Magic of Colombia program and are subject to change. Group sailing date, pricing, and availability are confirmed at the time of inquiry.