AmaWaterways is expanding its South American offerings by introducing a six-day land extension to Machu Picchu for guests on its 'Magic of Colombia' river cruise. This new add-on will be available on select sailings starting in April 2027 and will become a standard option for every sailing of the itinerary beginning in 2028.
The extension begins after guests disembark from their river cruise in Cartagena, Colombia. From there, travelers will fly to Peru to explore the ancient Incan citadel. This addition transforms a primarily Colombian river experience into a combined river-and-land adventure, allowing passengers to see two distinct cultural highlights in a single trip.
The 'Magic of Colombia' itinerary focuses on the Magdalena River, the country's longest waterway, offering views of colonial towns and lush landscapes. By adding the Peru land journey, the cruise line addresses a common desire among travelers to experience the region's most famous archaeological site without needing to book a separate, complex trip.
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Editor Take
This development matters because it simplifies planning for a major South American trip. Instead of booking a river cruise in Colombia and a separate, independently arranged tour to Peru, you can now book both as a single package. This reduces the logistical stress of coordinating flights and hotels between two countries. For travelers, the key action is to check if the 2027 'select sailings' include your preferred departure date, as the extension won't be available on every ship until 2028.
Key Takeaways
- Verify if your preferred 2027 departure date is part of the 'select sailings' that include the Machu Picchu extension, as it will not be available on every sailing until 2028.
- Confirm that your travel insurance policy covers the additional land portion of the trip, as the extension involves international flights and land-based activities separate from the river cruise.
- Check if the extension is included in the base fare or requires an additional payment, as post-cruise land tours often have separate pricing structures.
- Review the flight details between Cartagena and Peru, as the extension involves a domestic flight within South America that may have specific baggage or timing requirements.
What Travelers Ask
Will this extension be available for all 2027 sailings?
No, the extension will only be available on select sailings starting in April 2027. It will become available on every sailing of the 'Magic of Colombia' itinerary in 2028.
How does the extension work after the cruise ends?
After disembarking in Cartagena, Colombia, guests will fly to Peru to begin the six-day land journey to Machu Picchu. The cruise line coordinates this transition as part of the extension package.
Is the Machu Picchu extension included in the original cruise price?
The source text does not specify the pricing structure. Typically, post-cruise land extensions are sold as add-ons with their own cost, so you should inquire about the specific price difference when booking.
What happens if I don't want to do the extension?
Guests who do not wish to take the extension can simply disembark in Cartagena and make their own travel arrangements to return home or continue their trip independently.