£3999pp—Culture, coffee & wildlife: Colombia river cruise

You might not have heard of the Magdalena River yet, However, the cruise industry is sure you will soon. It has thousands of rare birds, unique traditional music, and villages unchanged for centuries. Only two ships sail there now, both from the 5-star cruise line AmaWaterways. This deal saves you £1200 on regular prices.

What's included

• Outbound flight to Medellín; return flight from Cartagena, with 23kg checked baggage
• Transfers throughout
• Three nights in Medellín at Medellín Marriott Hotel, in a Standard Room
• Daily breakfast in Medellín
• A Medellín city tour
• A coffee region tour, with tastings
• Connecting flight from Medellín to Barranquilla
• A 7-night Magdalena River cruise aboard a 5-star AmaWaterways ship, in a Twin Balcony Cabin (Category A or B)
• All meals, drinks with meals, and daily snacks and refreshments
• A daily pre-dinner cocktail hour
• Captain's welcome cocktail and dinner
• A wellness programme
• Wi-Fi 
• Excursions as per itinerary
• Port taxes and service charges

When
Fly from London Heathrow on 1, 12 September; 24, 27 October, 2026.

Other departure dates are available:

• £4699 per person… select dates August; November, 2026
• £4749 per person… select dates December, 2026
• £5399 per person… select dates April–May, 2027
• £5499 per person… select dates June, 2027

For more information, see our partner's website.

Itinerary
First, spend three nights in Medellín, the second-largest city in Colombia. It is surrounded by mountains, and famed for street art and bachata clubs. You'll tour the city on the first day, then get out the next day to explore the coffee farms. Colombian coffee is some of the best in the world.

Next, fly to Barranquilla to board your AmaWaterways ship on the Magdalena River. This 1000-mile river starts in the Andes and flows to the Caribbean. It's the country's most important river—70% of the population live in the river basin. The Times put it in their top three cruise destinations for 2026. Condé Nast Traveller feature it on their 2026 Hot List.

There will be a Carnival celebration as you depart. Ports over the 7-night sailing include:

• Sitionuevo... tour the village and learn about life in northern Colombia. It is really off the beaten path, and you'll get an authentic look at local life.
• Magangué region... known as the Capital of the Rivers, where the Cauca and San Jorge rivers merge with the Magdalena River. Go bird-spotting by boat in the Boca de Tacaloa.
• Mompox... the night you arrive, you'll see an exclusive jazz street performance. The next day, tour the city by tuk tuk. It is extraordinarily well-preserved, and gives a taste of a Spanish colonial city in the 1500s. There's a traditional filigree workshop in the afternoon.
• Santa Barbara de Pinto... attend an exclusive Cumbia performance. This is the quintessential Colombian dance music. It is danced in pairs, and follows a distinct chu-chucu-chu rhythm. 
• Calamar... board a paola (a bicycle taxi for two) to explore the Old Town. In the afternoon, head to Palenque. This is the first free town in the Americas, founded by liberated slaves.
• Cartagena... tour the walled city, visiting San Felipe Castle and Getsemaní barrio. This neighbourhood is packed with colourful buildings and umbrella-lined streets. 

Ship details
On 1 September and 27 October you'll sail on AmaMagdalena. On 12 September and 24 October, you'll sail on AmaMelodia. These sister ships launched in 2024–2025, and both carry around 60 passengers at full capacity. That's small even for a river cruise.

Both ships are custom-built for the Magdalena River, and interiors are inspired by Colombia. They have spacious sun decks with climate-controlled lounges, shaded seating areas, and a raised pool. 

Dining puts Colombian cuisine front and centre (though international meals are also available). At breakfast, you can order arepas, carimañolas, and queso costeño alongside regular fare. There's also a huge variety of tropical fruit. At lunch and dinner, enjoy delicious stews and platters of beef, pork belly, and red beans.

Transfers & baggage
Group transfers are included throughout, as is 23kg checked baggage.