Colombia: inventia adds Río Magdalena cruises to South America programme

International

Two eight-day itineraries between Cartagena and Barranquilla combine river landscapes with colonial heritage, wildlife and local culture

The Río Magdalena is one of Colombia’s great lifelines. For centuries, the river connected the Caribbean lowlands with the country’s interior, yet as a cruise destination it remains largely uncharted territory. inventia Journeys | Beyond Ordinary is now expanding its South America portfolio with two eight-day river cruises along the Magdalena.

The itineraries operate either downstream from Cartagena to Barranquilla or upstream from Barranquilla to Cartagena. Depending on the departure date, guests travel aboard AmaMagdalena or AmaMelodia, two boutique vessels purpose-built for the Río Magdalena and operating on the river since 2025.

“River cruising on the Río Magdalena is still young – it was only in 2025 that these two boutique ships, purpose-built for this river, began operating here,” says Stephanie Gräf, owner of inventia.

From Cartagena via Mompox to Barranquilla

The itinerary from Cartagena begins with an evening in the city’s artistic Getsemaní district. From the Caribbean port, the journey continues to Palenque, regarded as the first free town in the Americas, before reaching Mompox.

The historic town on the Magdalena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its traditional silver filigree craftsmanship. Guests visit workshops where jewellery is created from delicate strands of silver, while an open-air jazz performance in the town’s streets adds another cultural dimension to the programme.

Travellers choosing the reverse itinerary begin in Barranquilla, close to where the Magdalena flows into the Caribbean. The cruise concludes with two full days in Cartagena, including its walled old town, Castillo San Felipe and the Getsemaní district.

Wetlands, fishing villages and Cumbia

Nature plays an equally important role along the river. A boat excursion through the Boca de Tacaloa wetlands offers opportunities to spot monkeys, iguanas, herons and other bird species in the riverside habitat.

Encounters with local communities provide insights into everyday life along the Magdalena. In Santa Bárbara de Pinto, guests can watch fishermen knotting their nets by hand and observe traditional tobacco processing. A Cumbia evening brings local families aboard for music and dancing.

In Barranquilla, the programme also includes a private Carnaval celebration. The city’s carnival is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Depending on the direction of travel, the celebration either marks the finale of the cruise or opens the first evening on board.

Two boutique ships for up to 64 guests

AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia each feature 30 cabins and accommodate a maximum of 60 and 64 passengers respectively, with 30 crew members on each vessel.

Every cabin has a Twin Balcony combining a French balcony with a walk-out exterior balcony. All meals on board are included, along with beer and wine at lunch and dinner and a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour.

Guided shore excursions are available at each port of call. English is the language used on board.

Cruises available year-round

The river cruise departing from Cartagena can be booked throughout the year. For new bookings made by 30 September 2026, inventia is offering an introductory discount of up to EUR 850, plus USD 125 in onboard credit per person.

With the two new itineraries, the Essen-based boutique tour operator is further expanding its portfolio of small-ship and expedition travel. inventia Journeys was named “Best Small Ship Cruise & Expedition Specialist” at the EU Travel Awards in both 2025 and 2026.