Cruise Journeys · Culture & Tradition · South America
Magdalena River Cruise: Faith & Culture in Colombia
OVERVIEW
Magdalena River Cruise: Faith & Culture in Colombia
March 16 - 25, 2026
From $5,793 USD/$8,023 CAD
From Colombia’s Caribbean coast to its faith-shaped heartland, Magdalena River Cruise: Faith & Culture in Colombia invites you on a soulful exploration—by river, by story, and by shared humanity. Begin in Barranquilla, where cultures converge and you’ll meet a local Mennonite congregation, gaining insight into everyday faith and resilience.
Then journey upstream aboard the AmaMelodia, a 64-passenger luxury vessel offering an intimate, reflective experience. Celebrate with a vibrant Carnaval-style event, visit UNESCO-recognized towns and floating villages, and encounter Colombia’s living history. Guided by Jack and Irene, this pilgrimage invites connection, reflection, and transformation along the timeless Magdalena River.
Jack & Irene Suderman
Tour Experts
10 Days
Duration
Colombia
Countries Visited
Leisurely
Activity Level
Trip Highlights
Connect with Local Faith Communities – Visit a Mennonite congregation in Barranquilla and hear personal stories of hope, simplicity, and resilience.
Cruise the Historic Magdalena River – Sail aboard the intimate AmaMelodia on a 7-night journey through Colombia’s cultural and spiritual heartland.
Experience a Vibrant Carnaval Celebration – Enjoy music, dance, and colorful expression inspired by Barranquilla’s world-famous festivities.
Explore Colombia’s Living History – Discover UNESCO-recognized towns, floating villages, and wildlife-rich wetlands along the riverbanks.
Reflect and Renew – Deepen your faith and understanding through guided reflections and shared moments led by Jack and Irene.
DAY 1 • March 16, 2026
Barranquilla
Welcome & Orientation
Arrive in Colombia’s vibrant coastal city of Barranquilla, known as the northern gateway to the Magdalena River. Arrive to your centrally located boutique hotel. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner hosted by Jack & Irene Suderman where you will share introductions, review the journey ahead, and reflect on the themes of faith and culture that will anchor this experience.
DAY 2 • March 17, 2026
Barranquilla
Faith & Culture Immersion
Step into the rhythms of daily life in Barranquilla beyond the tourist track. Spend the day with a local Mennonite congregation located in a working-class neighborhood on the city’s outskirts. Hear stories of commitment, resilience, and community service from local leaders who live their faith in practical ways. While the full program will be shaped by local leaders, it may include dialogue with church members, exposure to local ministries and social challenges along with a shared meal encounter. This will be a day of personal engagement, learning, and mutual encouragement.
DAY 3 • March 18, 2026
Barranquilla
Embarkation & Carnaval Celebration
Transfer to the port to board the AmaMelodia, your luxury vessel for a 7-night upstream voyage. After settling in, enjoy an onboard Carnaval-style performance—a dazzling introduction to Barranquilla’s vibrant culture through music, costumes, and dance. Widely considered one of Colombia’s most important folkloric celebrations, the Carnaval of Barranquilla has also been declared a UNESCO masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage of humanity, and you will get to revel in this truly authentic experience.
DAY 4 • March 19, 2026
Nueva Venecia
Life on the Water
Visit the extraordinary floating village of Nueva Venecia, where homes, schools, and churches are built on stilts. Interact with community members whose daily life is defined by water. Experience the spiritual and social dynamics of this unique setting.
DAY 5 • March 20, 2026
Magangué Region
Wetlands & Wildlife
Begin your day immersed in the natural splendor of the Magangué region. A guided boat excursion into the Boca de Tacaloa reveals a striking landscape shaped by the river’s wild energy—where waterways wind through lush wetlands teeming with birds and other wildlife unique to this part of Colombia. This is a place where legend and nature meet, inviting you to slow down and simply observe.
In the afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising upriver as the island town of Mompox draws near. Upon arrival, be welcomed with music and warmth as local musicians offer a special jazz performance, setting the tone for your time in this historic colonial gem.
DAY 6 • March 21, 2026
Mompox
Historic & Cultural Exploration
Discover the timeless beauty of Mompox, a UNESCO-listed town that preserves the essence of colonial Colombia. Once a secure haven for Spanish treasure, Mompox is now known for its quiet streets, historic churches, and masterful filigree jewelry.
Explore the town by tuk-tuk, visit local landmarks, and witness traditional jewelry-making in action. Later, venture into the surrounding wetlands, with opportunities for birdwatching and nature walks. Rich in culture, faith, and artistry, Mompox offers a deep sense of place and peace.
DAY 7 • March 22, 2026
Mompox & Santa Bárbara de Pinto
Community & Celebration
After a reflective morning cruise from Mompox, arrive at Santa Bárbara de Pinto, a colorful riverside town rooted in tradition. Explore the village’s daily life through demonstrations of fishing net weaving, tobacco rolling, and visits to artisan stalls and a historic church.
For those seeking nature, an optional guided hike through the lush countryside offers another lens on local life.
In the evening, welcome aboard local families from El Banco, bearers of La Cumbia, Colombia’s iconic music tradition. Through rhythm, dance, and storytelling, experience this joyful cultural heritage firsthand in an unforgettable onboard celebration.
DAY 8 • March 23, 2026
Calamar & Palenque
Stories of Freedom & Identity
Begin your day with a bicycle taxi tour through Calamar, riding along the scenic Malecón to the town’s cultural center. Then continue upriver to Mahates, gateway to San Basilio de Palenque—the first free Black town in the Americas.
Founded by escaped enslaved Africans, Palenque has preserved its unique language, music, healing traditions, and spiritual practices. Recognized by UNESCO for its living cultural heritage, the town offers a powerful story of resistance and resilience. Visit a local home, engage with community members, and experience a vibrant musical performance that brings Palenque’s proud identity to life.
DAY 9 • March 24, 2026
Cartagena
Walled City Wonders & Cultural Color
Spend the day discovering the rich history and vibrant character of Cartagena, a coastal gem shaped by conquest, commerce, and cultural fusion. Begin with a guided tour of the walled Old City, where landmarks like the Catedral de Cartagena and imposing stone fortifications speak to its colonial past and strategic importance.
In the afternoon, explore the UNESCO-designated San Felipe Castle, a formidable fortress built to defend the city from French and British attacks. Then continue into the colorful and expressive Getsemaní neighborhood, where vivid street art, local flavors, and everyday life create a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere.
This final full day invites both reflection and celebration as you trace the enduring spirit of one of Colombia’s most iconic cities.
DAY 10 • March 25, 2026
Cartagena
Disembark
After breakfast, bid farewell to fellow travellers. Disembark and transfer to Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport for your return flight or onward travel.
Pricing
Stateroom Categories
Total tour fare (land & river) based on double & single occupancy.
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SOLD OUT
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Double Occupancy (per person):
$5,793 USD / $8,023 CAD
Single Occupancy (per person):
$8,377 USD / $11,601 CAD
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SOLD OUT
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SOLD OUT
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SOLD OUT
AmaMelodia Deck Plan
Inclusions
Pre-Cruise Land Program – Barranquilla (2 Nights)
2 nights in a premium, well-located & beautifully appointed hotel
Daily breakfast, welcome dinner, and a Mennonite-hosted lunch and dinner
Full-day faith and cultural encounter with a local Mennonite congregation, including guided activities, transportation, and shared meals
Donation to the Mennonite congregation in appreciation of their ministry and hospitality
Group transfer from hotel to cruise port on March 18
The spiritual leadership and group guidance of Jack & Irene Suderman during the land and cruise program
7-Night AmaWaterways River Cruise (March 18–25, 2026)
7-night river cruise aboard the elegantly appointed AmaMelodia, featuring twin-balcony staterooms
Fresh water replenished daily in staterooms
All onboard fine dining, with wine, beer, and soft drinks included at lunch and dinner
24/7 Colombian coffee and tea station
A variety of immersive shore excursions in every destination, including birdwatching, walking tours, and boat excursions
Exclusive year-round Carnaval Celebration in Barranquilla and live cumbia performance onboard
Nightly entertainment, including local cultural performances and a jazz night
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Fitness room, sun deck with pool, and main lounge with panoramic views
A knowledgeable local guide accompanying you throughout the cruise itinerary
Luggage handling at embarkation and disembarkation
$250 USD per person port charge (included in tour fare)
Exclusions
International airfare
Airport transfers unless otherwise specified
Gratuities for hotel and cruise crew and any personal activities
Visas (if required)
TOUR EXPERTS
Jack & Irene Suderman
Bridge Builders · Global Educators · Cross-Cultural Nurturers · Peace Advocates
Jack and Irene Suderman have, jointly, dedicated more than 110 years to the work of the church. If you ask them why, they will talk about things like: inter-cultural hospitality; bridge-building; contextually sensitive leadership development; biblical engagement; radical initiatives for peace; and empathetic ministry with the dispossessed and dying. They have lived in 5 countries, and engaged in leadership training in 3 dozen more.
Questions?
Reach out to our team at office@tourmagination.com
or by phone at (877) 668-2732.