AmaWaterways Adds Machu Picchu Extension to Colombia River Cruises

AmaWaterways is expanding its South American offerings with a new six-day journey to Machu Picchu, available as a post-cruise extension on select Magic of Colombia sailings beginning in April 2027.

The new land package combines visits to Lima, Cusco and Peru’s Sacred Valley with luxury hotel stays, rail travel, private guided touring and cultural experiences.

The extension will initially be offered on select 2027 departures before becoming available on every post-cruise sailing of the Magic of Colombia itinerary starting in 2028.

“Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic places to visit on earth. It is so exciting to add this highly curated experience to our offerings and reflects how AmaWaterways is evolving its approach to luxury river cruising,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways, in a press release.

“We have always believed the best and most memorable experiences are those that connect our guests deeply to the places they visit. With our first ever Peruvian journey, we are bringing together exceptional hotels, food and service in an unforgettable location.”

From Colombia to Peru

Following their river cruise, guests will disembark in Cartagena, Colombia, and fly to Lima, with airfare between the two destinations included in the land package.

In Peru’s capital, travellers will have opportunities to explore the neighbourhoods of Miraflores and Barranco with a local guide before continuing by air to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire.

A highlight of the journey is a visit to Machu Picchu, reached aboard either the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, or first-class Inca Rail.

Guests will explore the ancient Inca citadel with a local guide, taking in its archaeological significance and mountainous surroundings.

The itinerary also includes visits to the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo, the Maras salt pans, Moray‘s agricultural terraces, Cusco’s historic centre, the former Inca temple of Koricancha and the fortress of Sacsayhuaman.

Throughout the journey, guests will have opportunities to experience local cuisine, architecture, art and traditions, along with free time to explore Cusco independently.

“We want to create even more opportunities like this for our guests, with experiences that are extraordinary from beginning to end,” added Powell. “Machu Picchu is an iconic destination, but there is also exciting opportunity in everything around it: the way you arrive, where you stay, what you discover, who you meet and ultimately how the experience makes you feel.”

Two Hotel Options

AmaWaterways is offering two accommodation options for the extension, giving travellers a choice of hotel experiences.

The “Boutique” option includes stays at The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Centre, Tambo del Inka, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, and Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel.

The “Iconic” option features Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, in Lima and Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, in Cusco.

Both packages combine upscale accommodations with culinary experiences and guided cultural activities.