Check out the TTG Colombia Selling Guide
The ease and delight of a river cruise, unpacking once yet moving through an ever-changing landscape, has long been associated with Europe’s waterways, the Nile in Egypt or Asia’s Mekong.
For clients seeking an adventurous but stress-free holiday in a lesser-known destination, AmaWaterways’ new Colombia cruise is an exciting prospect. It’s a unique opportunity to discover the country's Greater Caribbean region (one of Colombia's six diverse regions), home to Unesco-listed towns, wildlife and riverside communities.
Here are five reasons why you should be selling Colombia river cruises:
A unique experience
AmaWaterways is the first major river cruise operator to explore Colombia’s Magdelana River, and the line’s specially built AmaMagdalena, launched in April 2025, was the first luxury cruise vessel to do so. Sister ship AmaMelodia joined Magdalena on the route in autumn.
Up to 64 guests per sailing can experience one of two seven-night itineraries: Magic of Colombia, which voyages between Barranquilla and Cartagena and Wonders of Colombia, which takes the route in reverse. The itineraries links colourful markets, colonial era architecture and shores rich in tropical birdlife.
Clients can also linger longer, adding on packaged pre- and post-cruise stays in Medellín, Cartagena or Panama City.
Cultural highlights
A Colombia river cruise will enable your clients to travel smoothly and in style between fascinating heritage sites.
Clients can choose to take a history walking tour and tuk-tuk ride in Unesco-listed Mompox; explore charming Calamar by paola bike taxi; and experience San Basilio de Palenque, Unesco-listed as the first town in the Americas to gain freedom from Spanish rule.
Each AmaWaterways cruise ends or begins on the Caribbean coast at Cartagena, another Unesco-listed beauty, with colourful architecture, cobbled streets and 16th century walls.
Passengers also get to enjoy unique cultural experiences during their voyages, from an onboard performance celebrating the famous Barranquilla Carnival to a private jazz concert in Mompox.
Cartagena is one of Colombia's most sought-after destinations
Wildlife spotting
The Magdalena stretches from the Andes to the Caribbean with jungle-lined banks in many places. Colombia’s tourist office ProColombia is promoting the biodiverse river route as a 'hub for sustainable tourism'.
During their cruise, your clients can opt for guided excursions to spot tropical birds unique to the region, besides other wildlife such as monkeys and iguanas. They can drift on a tender through the bird-rich wetlands of Boca de Tacaloa, where their local guide will help them spot herons, storks and bird of preys such as the yellow-headed caraca. In coastal regions, they may see a beautiful scarlet ibis.
Easy access to local communities
The AmaWaterways Magdelena River cruise brings clients close to sometimes remote communities, with local guides throughout and an ethos of positive impact.
There are opportunities to see artisans at work in the village of Sitio Nuevo and in Mompox where delicate filigree is a speciality.
In either Santa Barbara de Pinto or the La Mojana region, passengers will enjoy an exclusive Cumbia performance, with stories shared through music and dance. The pastel streets of Santa Barbara de Pinto also offer opportunities to see fishing nets being mended and tobacco rollers at work.
In addition, clients can discover more about the traditions of San Basilio de Palenque (often abbreviated to Palenque) which was founded by formerly enslaved Africans. They can learn how hair braids were once used to share secret maps and messages and how the unique Palenque language is preserved today.
Latin American dishes among others are served in the main restaurant onboard AmaMagdalena
Latin-slanted luxury
A boutique home-away-from-home, AmaMagdalena has 30 staterooms sleeping up to 60 passengers. Each feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony from which to enjoy the river views. Slightly larger, AmaMelodia has 32 staterooms for up to 64 passengers.
Bringing a sense of the destination on board was important to the cruise line, so the boats were designed in collaboration with Colombian craftspeople and feature decor inspired by the country.
Latin American dishes are offered alongside Western favourites in the main restaurant. There’s also an intimate alfresco specialist dining area.
Other onboard features include a fitness room and spa treatment room. Naturally, clients can also enjoy the ever-changing view from a sundeck with pool.
Beyond full-board dining and beer and wine with meals, nightly music in the lounge, a daily cocktail hour and wifi are among thoughtful inclusions. Clients can also enjoy guided excursions in each Colombian port.
Check out the TTG Colombia Selling Guide
