Journey along Colombia's Magdalena River discovering colonial towns, vibrant culture and world-renowned music traditions
Explore Palenque, the first free city in the Americas
Experience colourful Getsemani neighbourhood and colonial Mompox
Enjoy included live music performances and guided cultural tours
Trip Details
Departs
Sat 29 Jan 2028
Returns
Sat 5 Feb 2028
Embarks
Cartagena
Disembarks
Barranquilla
Ship
AmaMagdalena
Operator
AMA Waterways
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.
This river cruise journeys through Colombia, calling at Cartagena, Gambote - Palenque, Santa Barbara de Pinto, Mompox, Mompox, Magangue, Sitio Nuevo and Barranquilla.
You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia.
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 transportsAmaMagdalena
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.
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.
Day by day
Itinerary
1
Cartagena
Sat 29 Jan
CARTAGENA – EMBARKATION. 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.
2
Gambote - Palenque
Sun 30 Jan
GAMBOTE (PALENQUE) – CALAMAR. 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).
3
Santa Barbara de Pinto
Mon 31 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 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.
4
Mompox
Tue 1 Feb
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
Wed 2 Feb
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.
6
Magangue
Thu 3 Feb
MAGANGUE. 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.
7
Sitio Nuevo
Fri 4 Feb
SITIO NUEVO – BARRANQUILLA. 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.
8
Barranquilla
Sat 5 Feb
BARRANQUILLA – 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
Getsemaní Tour.
Drum Rhythms and Freedom.
Historic Tour by Paola.
Walking tour.
Exclusive Jazz Street Performance.
Sunrise Nature Experience.
Where you’ll stay
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia.
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 01 Jan 2028 and 06 Jan 2029, 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.
