Colombia and Peru Unveil AmaWaterways River Cruise and Machu Picchu Extension – All You Need To Know

Traveling in South America is entering a new era of discovery and wonder. With a new connection between the warm and lively vibes of Colombia and the majestic landscapes of Peru, AmaWaterways is offering a one-of-a-kind 6 day land extension to Machu Picchu from April 2027. This unique opportunity is available for all guests on the 7 night “Magic of Colombia”, a river cruise along the Magdalena River. Beginning in 2028, this enriching land tour will be offered alongside every single sailing on the itinerary. According to the latest reports from PROCOLOMBIA, Colombia’s official tourism promotion agency, and Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, MINCETUR, the demand for heritage tourism is on a steady rise.

Catherine Powell, Chief Executive Officer of AmaWaterways, described Machu Picchu as one of the most iconic places on Earth. She noted that adding this curated experience reflects how the cruise line is evolving luxury river travel. She emphasized that memorable journeys must connect guests deeply to the places they visit. She added that pairing top hotels, cuisine, and guided visits in Peru creates an unforgettable adventure.

Driving South American Tourism Forward

This combined tour builds vital tourism connections between Colombia and Peru. According to data from the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, cultural tourism provides essential economic support to historic communities. By uniting two diverse nations in one journey, AmaWaterways significantly boosts international tourist arrivals for both South American countries.

Local tour guides, native artisans, and boutique hotel employees benefit directly from these extended guest stays. Foreign travelers gain rich historical insights into indigenous cultures and colonial heritage. The new itinerary encourages longer vacation stays and higher spending across multiple regional economies.

Overview of Cruise Vessels and Itinerary Structure

Complete Day-by-Day Itinerary

Part 1: The Magic of Colombia River Cruise (Days 1 to 8)

• Day 1: Arrival in BarranquillaGuests arrive in Barranquilla and step aboard their boutique river ship. The evening begins with a welcome dinner showcasing fresh Caribbean flavors. Guests unpack once and prepare for a week of cultural discovery.
• Day 2: Barranquilla to Nueva VeneciaMorning brings an exclusive live Carnaval performance created just for AmaWaterways guests. Dancers in vibrant costumes perform traditional rhythms. Later, the ship cruises toward the stilt-house village of Nueva Venecia. Guests take a boat tour through this unique aquatic community.
• Day 3: Santa Cruz de MompoxThe vessel reaches Mompox, a historic town trapped in time. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture. Guests stroll through the historic town and visit local filigree silversmith workshops.
• Day 4: Mompox Exploration and JazzTravelers enjoy a historic tuk-tuks tour through quiet colonial plazas. They learn about local river commerce and preserved traditions. As evening approaches, guests enjoy an exclusive open-air street jazz concert under the stars.
• Day 5: El Banco and MaganguéThe ship docks in El Banco, known as the town of cumbia music. Guests take a walking tour to meet local residents and musicians. Onboard that evening, native dancers present an energetic Cumbia performance.
• Day 6: San Basilio de Palenque to CalamarTravelers journey to San Basilio de Palenque. This town was the very first free African settlement in the Americas. Guests learn about ancient drumming, language, and hair-braiding traditions from local elders.
• Day 7: Cartagena de IndiasThe cruise enters historic Cartagena. Guided walking tours lead guests through the colorful Getsemaní neighborhood and the historic Walled City. The excursion includes a visit to the fortress of San Felipe de Barajas.
• Day 8: Cartagena DisembarkationGuests disembark their river ship in Cartagena. Those taking the Peru extension head directly to the airport for the next leg of their adventure.

Part 2: Machu Picchu Post-Cruise Extension (Days 8 to 13)

• Day 8 (Continued): Cartagena, Colombia to Lima, PeruTravelers board an included flight from Cartagena to Lima. Upon arrival, private transfers take guests to their luxury hotel. Guests enjoy a relaxing evening by the Pacific Ocean coast.
• Day 9: Historic Lima ExplorationA private guide leads guests through Lima’s UNESCO-listed historic center. Travelers view ornate wooden balconies and historic monasteries. The afternoon features celebrated Peruvian culinary dishes at fine dining venues.
• Day 10: Lima to Sacred Valley (via Cusco)Guests board a short morning flight to Cusco. They immediately descend into the scenic Sacred Valley of the Incas. The lower altitude helps travelers acclimate comfortably while enjoying luxury resort amenities.
• Day 11: Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu CitadelTravelers board either the iconic Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train or first-class Inca Rail. The train winds through dramatic mountain gorges. Upon arrival, a private guide leads guests through the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Day 12: Sacred Valley to CuscoThe journey continues into the historic Inca capital of Cusco. Guests tour the massive stone fortress of Sacsayhuaman and the ancient temple of Koricancha. The day ends with a walking tour of Cusco’s artisan quarters.
• Day 13: Cusco to Lima and Homeward FlightsTravelers take a morning flight back to Lima. Guests catch their international connecting flights home with lifelong memories of South America.

Hotel Package Comparison

Onboard Amenities and Inclusive Features

• Gourmet Regional Cuisine: Daily menus feature local Colombian dishes paired with complimentary fine wines and local beers during lunch and dinner.
• Daily Sip & Sail Hour: Guests enjoy complimentary cocktails, spirits, and wines each evening before dinner.
• Small-Group Excursions: Shore visits feature personal audio headset devices and small group sizes for intimate sightseeing.
• Wellness Facilities: Ships feature an outdoor sun deck pool, fitness center, massage room, and morning exercise classes.
• Cultural Lectures: Local experts host onboard talks covering river ecology, regional history, and native folklore.

A Bright Future for Regional Travel

Travel opens up our hearts to new perspectives and human connections in the world. Going on a trip from the sunbathed rivers in Columbia to the mountain peaks in Peru can create memories that last a lifetime and show how beautifully complex this world we live in really is with AmaWaterways.