A river cruise through Colombia will soon offer a route into another side of South America: Peru’s coastal capital, Andean landscapes, and Inca heritage. AmaWaterways is introducing its first Peru journey in April 2027, giving guests on select Magic of Colombia departures the option to continue their travels to Machu Picchu.
The five-night, six-day land extension begins after disembarkation in Cartagena, with guests flying to Lima before continuing to Cusco and the surrounding region. Two versions—Boutique and Iconic—combine guided sightseeing, distinctive hotels, and a rail journey to the Inca citadel.
The extension will initially accompany select 2027 sailings. AmaWaterways says it plans to make the experience available after every Magic of Colombia departure beginning in 2028.
From the Magdalena River to the Andes
The new journey builds on AmaWaterways’ growing presence in South America. Its seven-night Magic of Colombia itinerary travels from Barranquilla to Cartagena along the Magdalena River, introducing guests to riverside communities and the country’s cultural traditions.
DRIFT previously covered the christening of AmaMagdalena in Colombia, a milestone in the company’s expansion onto the river. The Peru extension adds a second country to that experience, with a change of scenery from Colombia’s river towns to the mountains surrounding Cusco.
For travelers planning a longer South American vacation, the appeal lies in linking the cruise with an organized land itinerary. Hotel stays, transfers within Peru, and guided experiences form part of the program, while some leisure time allows guests to explore independently.
A First Taste of Peru in Lima
Both versions begin in Lima, where guests are met on arrival and transferred to their hotel. The capital provides the opening introduction to Peruvian food, art, and neighborhood life before the journey heads inland.
The sightseeing differs between the two options. The Boutique itinerary includes an introduction to Peruvian cacao at El Cacaotal and a visit to Barranco, with its Main Plaza, Bridge of Sighs, and galleries. The Iconic itinerary explores Miraflores and Barranco with a local guide.
From Lima, guests fly to Cusco. Boutique travelers then continue to their Sacred Valley resort, while those choosing Iconic settle into Cusco. That distinction shapes the next few days, giving each version its own approach to exploring the region.
Two Ways to Travel to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is the centerpiece of both itineraries, with a private guide accompanying guests through the ancient Inca citadel. The rail journey adds another dimension to the visit, bringing the surrounding mountain landscapes into the experience.
The Boutique option uses Inca Rail First Class and includes a visit to Ollantaytambo Fortress before the train journey. Guests return to their Sacred Valley hotel afterward.
The Iconic option features Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, with brunch and entertainment on the outward journey and dinner on the return to Cusco.
Choosing between the two involves more than selecting a train. The hotels and additional sightseeing also differ, making it worth considering the complete itinerary.
Luxury Collection Hotels or a Belmond Stay
The Boutique experience combines The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center with Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, in the Sacred Valley, and Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Cusco.
Its cultural program includes a stop at the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco in Chinchero and a walk through Cusco’s historic center. Back in Lima, a visit to Museo Larco adds a further encounter with Peru’s past before departure.
The Iconic experience features Miraflores Park, a Belmond Hotel, in Lima and Monasterio, a Belmond Hotel, in Cusco. Beyond Machu Picchu, this version visits the Maras salt pans and Moray’s concentric agricultural terraces. Cusco sightseeing includes Koricancha and the hilltop fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
These stops broaden the trip beyond its headline attraction, placing Machu Picchu alongside other expressions of the region’s history, craftsmanship, and food.
Planning a Colombia and Peru Journey
The extension is designed for guests who want to continue exploring after their river cruise, with the main arrangements coordinated across both countries. Its six-day format brings together several of Peru’s best-known destinations, with each version offering a different mix of hotels and cultural visits.
Travelers considering a broader itinerary can also explore DRIFT’s guide to what’s new in Peru travel for 2027.
Departure details and land-extension options are available through AmaWaterways’ Magic of Colombia itinerary.
