SOUTH AMERICA: RIVERS, RUINS & RHYTHMS – 23 Aug 2027 – Cruise Traveller

SOUTH AMERICA: RIVERS, RUINS & RHYTHMS

Cruise Line
AmaWaterways
Ship
AmaMelodia
Package Departs
23 Aug 2027
Package Duration
25 Nights
Embark Ship
Cartagena, Colombia
Disembark Ship
Barranquilla, Colombia
Category C Category B Category A Junior Suite
AU $19,699
per person
AU $20,699
per person
AU $21,299
per person
AU $22,399
per person

Twin C Balcony – was $21,730 – your special price from $19,699*pp
Twin B Balcony – was $23,100 – your special price from $20,699*pp
Twin A Balcony – was $23,930 – your special price from $21,299*pp
Twin JS Suite – was $25,440 – your special price from $22,399*pp

Single C Balcony – was $30,049 – your special price from $26,999*pp
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Cruise, Tour & Stay Package includes:
– 2-night luxury hotel stay in Cartagena with breakfast
– 7 night luxury river cruise aboard AmaMelodia from Cartagena to Barranquilla
– 1 night luxury hotel stay in Barranquilla with breakfast
– One-way economy class flight from Barranquilla to Lima
– 16-day Small group Grand Tour of South America from Lima to Rio de Janiero includes:
– 15 nights’ hand-picked 4- and 5-star accommodation
– Small-group touring with a maximum of 20 guests
– All specified internal flights
– 15 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner
– Experienced local guides in each destination
– Guided sightseeing, excursions and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary
– Vistadome train journey to Machu Picchu
– Scenic PeruRail Titicaca train journey across the Altiplano
– Hydrofoil cruise on Lake Titicaca and a visit to the Uros Iruitos floating islands
– Overnight stay at Machu Picchu
– Two-night stay inside Iguazú National Park
– Guided city tours of Lima, Cuzco, La Paz, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro
– Visits to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Iguazú Falls, Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain
– Transportation and transfers throughout the tour as specified
– Porterage at hotels

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AmaWaterways inclusions:
– All onboard dining in a variety of venues
– Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
– The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
– Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
– La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
– Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
– Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
– Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
– Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
– Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
– Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
– Internet and Wi-Fi access
– Sun deck pool
– Fitness room
– Main lounge with panoramic views and bar
– Daily entertainment including cultural performances
– Immersive tours in every destination
– Guided hikes
– Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
– Bike tours and hikes
– Special Interest Tours
– Knowledgeable guides
– Personal headset for easy exploration
– Port taxes and ship gratuities

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DESCRIPTION CRUISE:
Set sail along the legendary Magdalena River and into the heart of Colombia. Along your journey, you’ll experience music, cuisine, and traditions shaped by centuries of storytelling and resilience.

DESCRIPTION TOUR:
This tour focuses on South America`s cultural and natural highlights, revealing the continent`s diversity, and passing from high Andean scenery down to the thundering Iguazu Falls. Stop in buzzing cities along the way including Bolivia’s capital of La Paz, cosmopolitan Buenos Aires in Argentina and the exotic Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

Special Conditions

*Conditions Apply: All prices shown here are per person share twin (unless stated as single) in AUD, based on best available cruise fare at time of publication (27 August 2026). Some cabins may have obstructed views. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. International flights are not included in this package. All other airfares/taxes are due in full 24 hours from reservation if within date range and strict cancellation/change fees apply. Selected routing and airlines apply to package offers - any variances requested by guest will incur surcharges. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Travel packages advertised may include multiple products provided by several suppliers to provide a travel itinerary. Each component of the package will be treated independent of each other, and the specific terms & conditions of each product supplier will apply. Hotels may charge resort fees, or a security bond not included or mentioned in this package, payable direct upon check-in. Please note that the prices shown here are not shown in real time. While we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ from the prices in our booking system at time of reservation. Offer ends 26 October 2026 or sold out/withdrawn and is subject to availability at time of booking. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.

Special Validity Dates

Special is valid from 25 Aug 2026 to 26 Oct 2026 or until sold out/withdrawn.

Pre-cruise Itinerary

DateActivityArriveDepart
23 Aug 2027 On arrival in Cartagena make your way to your hotel
24 Aug 2027 Day at leisure
25 Aug 2027 Make your way to Cartagena port for embarkation

Cruise Itinerary

DateActivityArriveDepart
25 Aug 2027
Cartagena, Colombia
Embark
26 Aug 2027
Gambote, Colombia
26 Aug 2027
Calamar, Colombia
27 Aug 2027
Santa Barbara De Pinto, Colombia
27 Aug 2027
Mompox, Colombia
Overnight
28 Aug 2027
Mompox, Colombia
Overnight
29 Aug 2027
Mompox, Colombia
29 Aug 2027
El Banco, Colombia
30 Aug 2027
Magangue, Colombia
31 Aug 2027
Nueva Venecia, Colombia
31 Aug 2027
Barranquilla, Colombia
Overnight
01 Sep 2027
Barranquilla, Colombia
Disembark

Post-cruise Itinerary

DateActivityArriveDepart
01 Sep 2027 Upon disembarking make your way to your hotel
02 Sep 2027 Make your way to the airport. Fly from Barranquilla to Lima
02 Sep 2027 On arrival in Lima make your way to your hotel
03 Sep 2027 Enjoy a morning tour of Lima
04 Sep 2027 Fly to Cuzco- Sacred Valley
05 Sep 2027 Machu Picchu
06 Sep 2027 Cuzco
07 Sep 2027 Cuzco
08 Sep 2027 Train journey to Puco
09 Sep 2027 Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
10 Sep 2027 Uros Iruitos, La Paz
11 Sep 2027 Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina
12 Sep 2027 Buenos Aires
13 Sep 2027 Fly to Iguazu
14 Sep 2027 Iguazu Falls
15 Sep 2027 Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
16 Sep 2027 Rio de Janeiro
17 Sep 2027 Tour ends - make your way to the airport

All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

Please select your preferred category and cabin configuration/price. Then scroll down and select Continue to provide your contact details and preference. Our cruise specialists will check availability and respond to you as soon as possible.

Category Twin Per Person     Single Per Person
Category C
   
Category B
   
Category A
   
Junior Suite
   

7 Night Cruise sailing from Cartagena Turistica to Barranquilla aboard AmaMelodia.

Day 1: Cartagena, Colombia
The coastal splendor of Cartagena. Experience Caribbean charm and vibrant culture. Begin your Colombian adventure in Cartagena, the jewel of the Caribbean coast. Wander through the lively Getsemani neighborhood, where colonial walls burst with color, local art fills every corner, and the scent of coastal cuisine fills the air. After an evening of exploration, settle aboard your luxurious ship and set sail on the legendary Magdalena River.

Day 2: Calamar, Colombia
Echoes of freedom. Discover a celebration of heritage and heart. Step into the story of Palenque, the first “free town” in the Americas, where music, language, and traditions tell a tale of resilience and pride. Experience the rhythm of Afro-Colombian culture through vibrant performances and heartfelt encounters. Later, journey to Calamar to admire its historic charm, from graceful churches to colorful streets best explored by paola, a local bicycle taxi built for two.

Day 3: Magangue, Colombia
Nature and music on the Magdalena. Drift through vibrant wetlands and lively streets. Board a small boat and drift through the emerald wetlands of Boca de Tacaloa, where vibrant birdlife and untamed nature create a living sanctuary. As evening falls, arrive in Mompox and feel the streets come alive with an exclusive open-air jazz performance.

Day 4: Mompox, Colombia
Historic beauty and timeless traditions. Wander timeless riverside streets steeped in artisanal charm. Step into the timeless rhythm of Mompox, where riverside streets and artisan workshops seem untouched by time. Glide through quiet corners and watch delicate filigree craftsmanship come to life, feeling the enduring spirit and vibrant culture of this storied town.

Day 5: Mompox, Colombia
Scenic cruising and cultural rhythms. ​​Discover craft, color, and the soul of Cumbia. Journey through the tranquil La Mojana Region, a landscape alive with the pulse of Colombian culture. Here, the story of cumbia unfolds–a dance that bridges continents and generations, carrying the spirit of joy and connection. End the day immersed in its rhythm during an exclusive performance by local musicians and dancers.

Day 6: Santa Barbara De Pinto, Colombia
Handcrafted traditions of the heartland. Discover artistry and nature along the river. Experience life in the riverside town of Santa Bárbara de Pinto, where local artisans keep generations-old traditions alive. Watch fishermen weave nets by hand, tobacco rollers at work, and skilled craftspeople create intricate handmade wares. Whether you choose to stroll the pastel streets or explore the lush surrounding landscapes on a guided hike, the spirit of Colombia’s heartland awaits.

Day 7: Sabanagrande, Colombia
The vibrant soul of Colombia. Discover the joyful spirit of Barranquilla. Sail toward the Caribbean as you visit a charming village and witness everyday Colombian life before arriving in the vibrant city of Barranquilla. Discover the energy of this coastal hub, where art, music, and joy fill the air. As your journey nears its end, celebrate with a private Carnaval celebration–a dazzling evening of color and rhythm.

Day 8: Barranquilla, Colombia
Disembark and carry home the magic of Colombia.

Luxurious, intimate, yet full of vibrancy, the newly launched AmaMelodia captures the spirit of Colombia both on ship and off. Whether watching a cultural performance in the Main Lounge or dining al fresco, this ship embraces the warmth and vibrancy of the Magdalena River.

Ship Profile & Stats

  • Length: 223 ft
  • Passenger Capacity (dbl): 64

Their Story Proudly celebrating more than 21 years on the river, family-owned and operated AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by three families; however, their river cruise story began well before that. Co-Founder and President Rudi Schreiner was born in Vienna, at the heart of the Danube. His love of design drew him to architecture, but his even greater love of travel drew him to places far and wide. In 1975, he travelled to South America for a journalism assignment on the Amazon. It was here he designed his first ship, using what he could find to build a raft that would take him up and down the river during the next 7 months. Soon thereafter, he started working in travel, creating unique tour experiences in Europe.

A Turning Point Rudi started the North American operations for many of today’s major river cruise companies, developing itineraries and ships that would become the templates for what we know river cruising to be today. After years of success as a driving force in the industry, Rudi decided to start his own venture — one that would provide guests with a higher standard of luxury travel by river. That’s when he teamed up with Co-Owners and Co-Founders Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy to start AmaWaterways.

In 2016, Rudi was inducted into the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Hall of Fame and was honoured with their Lifetime Achievement Award for his years of devotion to the river cruising industry.

A Team of Pioneers Kristin was born in Germany and brings extensive experience in travel, river cruising and customer service to the company in her role as Executive Vice President. Jimmy Murphy was a brilliant travel entrepreneur, having built Brendan Vacations, one of the most successful tour operators in the U.S. Jimmy’s son, Gary, who also played a major part at Brendan, took on an executive sales role at AmaWaterways. Together with Rudi, a true team of pioneers emerged.

The Story Continues From the beginning, their goal was to create a river cruise company that they themselves would enjoy. To then, that meant the highest-quality, locally sourced food and wine; elegantly appointed ships with staterooms offering maximum views to enjoy the ever-changing countryside; and a crew who goes above and beyond, treating every guest like they are part of THEIR family.

With that in mind, for two wonderful decades, they have been building one-of-a-kind ships with added comforts and conveniences ranging from our signature view-enhancing twin balconies to the Chef’s Table specialty restaurant to their award-winning AmaMagna – redefining the river cruise experience. They continue to lead the way in innovation, pioneering the first sailings on Colombia’s Magdalena River in 2025. As they look ahead to the future, they are more committed than ever to offering innovative and sustainable ways for their guests to experience the rich culture and history found along the banks of the world’s most iconic rivers.

Select the Cabin to view detail.

* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.

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