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Private Journeys

Magdalena River Cruise: Colombia’s Hidden Gems

13 days from £4,500pp

(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Colombia

  • Horse-drawn carts in Cartagena, Colombia
  • Lady in Cartagena
  • Arches in Mompos' main cathedral
  • COL_Magdalena River_Honda_shutterstock_326148080
  • ShutterStock ©
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Overview & Highlights

Available from September 2025!

Enjoy a cruise along Colombia’s mythical Magdalena River through historic colonial towns pulsating with Latin rhythms.

Begin by exploring historic Cartagena before your enchanting eight-day river cruise, then discover the wildlife-rich jungle of Tayrona National Park and relax on Caribbean beaches.

Arrive in the colonial walled city of Cartagena and discover its fascinating history on a series of walking tours. Then embark on your river boat for an unforgettable eight-day cruise through northern Colombia’s heartlands.

Step through the streets of Palenque, the first free city in Colombia, then explore historic Calamar by paola bicycle taxi.

Browse hand-made crafts in Santa Barbara de Pinto, then spend two unforgettable days in Mompox. Discover this stunning town’s lively music scene, colonial architecture, traditional jewellery, and nearby wildlife at Ciénaga Pijiño.

Next it’s time to experience the beat of El Banco, famous as the birthplace of cumbia music, and enjoy live performances from the town’s friendly locals.

Go birdwatching in Magangue and discover the colonial charms of Nueva Venecia before finishing your cruise in the Caribbean city of Barranquilla.

Relax with three days in wonderful Tayrona National Park, a pristine haven of Caribbean beaches backed by thick tropical jungle filled with wildlife.

  • Explore historic Cartagena.
  • Visit a series of charming historic towns, including bucolic Mompox.
  • Go birdwatching in Magangue.
  • Enjoy a day of relaxation on the beaches of Tayrona.

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Juliet Ellwood

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Hotel Alfiz
Ama Magdalena
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Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

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Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

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Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

  • Sallly
    Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

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