There are journeys that are memorable for the places they visit, and others that become more rewarding because of the contrast between them. AmaWaterways’ new Machu Picchu post-cruise extension brings both ideas together, pairing the colour and culture of Colombia with the extraordinary landscapes and ancient heritage of Peru.
Launching in 2027, this six-day, five-night land experience adds a new dimension to the Magic of Colombia river cruise. After exploring Colombia by river, guests can continue to Peru, travelling from the coastal capital of Lima to the historic streets of Cusco and the remarkable Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
It is an appealing proposition for travelers who prefer their holidays to tell a larger story. Rather than flying home after the cruise, they can continue into the Andes, discovering another South American culture and a landscape that feels worlds away from the Caribbean coast.
A New Chapter After the Magic of Colombia
AmaWaterways has built its reputation around river journeys that bring travelers closer to the character of a destination. The new extension takes that philosophy beyond the river, connecting two South American countries through a carefully planned combination of hotels, guided sightseeing, rail travel and cultural encounters.
The journey begins after guests disembark in Cartagena, Colombia. From there, they fly to Lima, Peru, with the flight included in the land package.
The transition is part of the appeal. Cartagena’s colorful colonial architecture and Caribbean atmosphere give way to Lima’s coastal setting, sophisticated dining scene and distinctive neighborhoods. Further inland, the journey moves towards Cusco and the Sacred Valley, where Inca history and the dramatic scenery of the Andes become central to the experience.
Machu Picchu may be the headline attraction, but the places encountered along the way help give the journey its depth.
For travelers already considering Colombia, the extension also creates an opportunity to explore more of South America without arranging an entirely separate holiday from scratch.
Lima: A Taste of Contemporary Peru
Peru’s capital deserves more than a brief stop between flights. Lima combines a lively contemporary culture with historic architecture, coastal views and one of South America’s most celebrated culinary traditions.
Depending on the accommodation option selected, the program includes opportunities to explore districts such as Miraflores and Barranco. Miraflores is known for its ocean-facing parks and promenades, while Barranco offers an artistic atmosphere, galleries and colorful streets. Its famous Bridge of Sighs is among the neighborhood’s best-known landmarks.
Food is another important part of Lima’s identity. Peruvian cuisine draws on Indigenous traditions and influences from Europe, Africa and Asia, resulting in a distinctive range of regional dishes and techniques. Guests can gain a sense of this culinary culture through the experiences included in their chosen package.
Lima also provides a useful introduction to the country’s geographical variety. The Pacific coast feels markedly different from the high-altitude landscapes that await inland, making the onward journey to Cusco part of the adventure.
Cusco and the Sacred Valley: Where Inca History Comes Alive
From Lima, the journey continues by air to Cusco and the surrounding Andean region. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco remains one of Peru’s most historically significant cities, where Inca stonework sits alongside colonial buildings and lively public squares.
Its historic center rewards a slower pace. Visitors can explore the Plaza de Armas, admire the architecture of Cusco Cathedral and discover Koricancha, the former Inca Temple of the Sun, whose surviving stonework reflects the precision of Inca construction.
The nearby Sacred Valley offers a different perspective. Here, mountain slopes, fertile farmland and archaeological sites reveal the relationship between the Inca civilization and its environment.
Depending on the selected package, highlights include Ollantaytambo, the Maras salt pans and Moray’s remarkable circular agricultural terraces. At Ollantaytambo, imposing stone terraces and ceremonial structures recall the strategic and cultural importance of the settlement. At Maras, hundreds of shallow salt pools form a striking patchwork across the hillside, while Moray’s concentric terraces demonstrate the ingenuity of Inca agricultural experimentation.
These places provide valuable context before the journey reaches Machu Picchu. The famous citadel is extraordinary in its own right, but understanding the wider world in which it developed makes the experience richer.
The Journey to Machu Picchu
For many travelers, Machu Picchu is one of those places that has lived in the imagination long before the journey begins. Set high in the Andes above the Urubamba River valley, the ancient Inca citadel is renowned for its finely fitted stone structures, agricultural terraces and dramatic mountain setting.
AmaWaterways’ new extension makes the journey there a central part of the experience.
Guests can choose between two accommodation and touring options, each with its own approach to the route.
The Iconic option features stays at Belmond properties and travel aboard the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train. Designed as a luxury rail experience, the train combines the journey through the Andean landscape with onboard dining and entertainment. On arrival, guests enjoy a private, expert-led tour of Machu Picchu before returning by train.
The Boutique option offers a different interpretation of the experience, with accommodation at properties including Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, and Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel. The itinerary features first-class travel with Inca Rail and a privately guided visit to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Both options combine the archaeological highlight with time spent discovering the region’s history and landscapes. The choice is less about seeing a different destination and more about the style of hotels, rail travel and cultural experiences that appeal to each traveler.
As with any visit to Machu Picchu, access arrangements and the precise touring schedule should be confirmed for the selected departure.
Two Ways to Experience Peru
The choice between the Boutique and Iconic packages gives travelers some control over how their time in Peru unfolds.
The Boutique option combines The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center with Tambo del Inka in the Sacred Valley and Palacio del Inka in Cusco. Its experiences include local food and cultural encounters, visits to archaeological sites and first-class travel with Inca Rail.
The Iconic option features Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, in Lima and Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, in Cusco. The Hiram Bingham train journey adds a particularly distinctive element, with onboard dining and entertainment accompanying the route towards Machu Picchu.
Both packages include hotel accommodation, daily breakfasts, selected lunches and dinners, guided experiences and transfers within Peru. The flight from Colombia to Peru is included in the extension.
The best fit will depend on individual preferences, including the importance of the train experience, hotel style and the balance of guided sightseeing and time at leisure. Travelers should compare the full itinerary and inclusions before choosing.
Why Combine a River Cruise with Machu Picchu?
A river cruise and an Andean land journey offer different ways of understanding South America. On the Magic of Colombia, the river provides a perspective on the country’s communities, landscapes and cultural life. In Peru, the emphasis shifts to archaeological heritage, mountain scenery and the history of the Inca civilization.
Together, they create a more varied journey than either experience alone.
There is also a practical advantage to extending the holiday through a coordinated program. With accommodation, internal transfers and guided touring organized as part of the package, travelers have fewer separate arrangements to manage. The included flight from Cartagena to Lima helps connect the two countries, although travelers should still confirm international flights, luggage arrangements and any additional requirements for their own plans.
The extension is particularly appealing to those who want to make a longer journey of a South American holiday. It could suit experienced travelers returning to the continent, couples celebrating a special occasion or anyone who has long wanted to see Machu Picchu but would prefer to combine it with another destination.
Planning Ahead for 2027 and 2028
The new Machu Picchu extension is scheduled to begin on selected Magic of Colombia departures from April 2027. From 2028, AmaWaterways plans to offer the extension with every sailing of this itinerary.
Because the extension involves flights, hotel stays, rail travel and entry to a major archaeological site, it is worth considering the land program when selecting the river cruise rather than leaving the decision until the end of the voyage.
Altitude is another important planning consideration. Cusco and Machu Picchu sit at significantly higher elevations than Lima, and travelers may experience the effects of altitude differently. Allowing time to adjust, discussing individual health concerns with a medical professional before departure and following local guidance can help make the journey more comfortable.
Travelers should also check passport and entry requirements, the latest Machu Picchu visitor arrangements and any relevant travel advice before departure. The exact schedule, hotel availability and inclusions should be verified for the chosen sailing.
For those who have been considering a river cruise through Colombia, the addition of Peru offers a compelling reason to look at the itinerary afresh. It turns the end of the cruise into the beginning of another chapter, one that leads from the Caribbean coast towards the ancient heart of the Andes.
Availability, pricing and inclusions vary by departure and package. Check the details of your chosen AmaWaterways itinerary when planning your journey.
Discover South America with AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways’ new Machu Picchu extension brings together two very different sides of South America: Colombia’s river landscapes and cultural heritage, and Peru’s extraordinary Inca sites and Andean scenery.
With a choice of Boutique and Iconic experiences, the program offers travelers different ways to explore Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu after their Magic of Colombia cruise.
For anyone planning a South American journey with a little more time for discovery, it is an exciting new option to consider.
Call us on 888-717-5074 to speak with our luxury cruise specialists about AmaWaterways’ Magic of Colombia itineraries and the new Machu Picchu extension, and find a journey that fits your travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When does the AmaWaterways Machu Picchu extension begin?
A: The six-day, five-night extension is scheduled to be available on selected Magic of Colombia departures from April 2027. From 2028, it is planned to be available with every departure of this itinerary.
Q: What does the Machu Picchu extension include?
A: The program includes hotel stays, guided sightseeing, transfers within Peru, selected meals and flights between Cartagena and Lima. Exact inclusions depend on the selected package.
Q: What is the difference between the Boutique and Iconic packages?
A: The Boutique package features Luxury Collection hotels and first-class Inca Rail travel. The Iconic package includes Belmond hotels and the Hiram Bingham luxury train experience. Both include a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Q: Where does the extension begin?
A: It begins after the Magic of Colombia river cruise, following disembarkation in Cartagena, Colombia. Guests then fly to Lima, Peru, to start the land program.
Q: Is Machu Picchu suitable for every traveler?
A: The experience involves travel at altitude and visits to archaeological sites that may include uneven surfaces and walking. Travelers should consider their mobility and health, seek medical advice if concerned about altitude, and check the physical requirements of their chosen itinerary.
