Explore Colombia's Magdalena River aboard AmaWaterways, discovering colonial towns, wildlife and vibrant culture
Exclusive Carnaval celebration declared UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage
Birdwatching tours to see species found only in this region
Colonial towns including Mompox, famous for filigree jewelry and preserved Spanish architecture
Trip Details
Departs
Wed 5 Jan 2028
Returns
Wed 12 Jan 2028
Embarks
Barranquilla
Disembarks
Cartagena
Ship
AmaMelodia
Operator
AMAWaterways
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.
This river cruise journeys through Colombia, calling at Barranquilla, Sitio Nuevo, Santa Barbara de Pinto, Mompox, Mompox, Magangue, Cartagena and Cartagena.
You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaMelodia and AmaMagdalena.
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In Colombia, our included excursions encompass historic walking tours, live music, birdwatching and boat tours, ensuring your days will be full of discovery and wonder as you immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage along the Magdalena River.
Life in transit
Your transportsAmaMelodia
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaMelodia
Deck plans
3
AmaMelodia · Deck plans
Salsa Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026.
Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaMagdalena
Deck plans
3
AmaMagdalena · Deck plans
Salsa Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026.
Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Day by day
Itinerary
1
Barranquilla
Wed 5 Jan
BARRANQUILLA – EMBARKATION. Arrive in Barranquilla and settle into your stateroom as you prepare for your journey along the Magdalena River. In the evening, enjoy a special Carnaval celebration, bringing the full traditional experience exclusively to AmaWaterways’ guests all-year round. Widely considered one of Colombia’s most important folkloric celebrations, the Carnaval of Barranquilla has also been declared a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, and you will get to revel in this truly authentic experience as you learn the Carnaval’s motto: Quien lo vive, es quien lo goza (Those who live it are those who enjoy it).
2
Sitio Nuevo
Thu 6 Jan
SITIO NUEVO. Today, visit a local village along the river. While here, explore this village and learn more about the lives of its people during a guided tour. Enjoy the traditional crafts and art that are on display and taste the local delicacies as you embrace this village and its unique culture.
3
Santa Barbara de Pinto
Fri 7 Jan
SANTA BARBARA DE PINTO - MOMPOX. 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 in the island town of Mompox, where you will be welcomed with open arms and lively music as local musicians treat you to an exclusive jazz performance.
4
Mompox
Sat 8 Jan
MOMPOX. 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.
5
Mompox
Sun 9 Jan
MOMPOX. Bid farewell to in Mompox before embarking on a scenic cruise down one of the most breathtaking stretches of the Magdalena River, 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.
6
Magangue
Mon 10 Jan
MAGANGUE - CALAMAR. Witness the sights, hear the bird calls, and watch the wildlife around you as you spend the day in 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. 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).
7
Cartagena
Tue 11 Jan
CARTAGENA. Take the day to delight in the beautiful coastal city of Cartagena. Many Spaniards flocked to this location when they heard tales of gold found in the tombs of indigenous leaders, expanding this small port into a thriving city. Start your day with a tour the city, you may witness iconic landmarks such as the Catedral de Cartagena or the stone walls built to protect the city from the plundering of pirates. In the afternoon, witness the incredible UNESCO-designated San Felipe Castle, the fortress that defended Cartagena from French and British attacks. You will also 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.
8
Cartagena
Wed 12 Jan
CARTAGENA – DISEMBARKATION. Bid your ship and crew farewell as you disembark and prepare for your flight home.
What you get for the price
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Exclusive “Carnaval” Celebration.
Village Tour.
Walking tour.
Exclusive Jazz Street Performance.
Sunrise Nature Experience.
Morning Nature Experience.
Where you’ll stay
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaMelodia and AmaMagdalena.
Stateroom categories available
Category A
Category B
Category C
Junior Suite
Luxury Suite
Grand Suite
Wonders of Colombia stateroom
From the operator
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 05 Jan 2028 and 30 Dec 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Ready to lock in?
Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
