Cruise Journeys · Culture & Tradition · South America
The Colombian Story Along the Magdalena River
A Journey of Faith and Culture
OVERVIEW
The Colombian Story Along the Magdalena River
A Journey of Faith and Culture
March 15 - 24, 2027
From $5,244 USD | $7,263 CAD
From Colombia’s Caribbean coast to its faith-shaped heartland, this journey along the Magdalena River invites you into a story of culture, faith, and connection. Begin in Barranquilla, where cultures meet and local faith comes to life.
Then embark aboard the intimate AmaMelodia, where you will sail the Magdalena River, exploring vibrant celebrations, UNESCO-listed towns, and riverside communities. Along the way, engage with artisans and local traditions. Hosted by Jack and Irene Suderman, this pilgrimage offers reflection, meaningful encounters, and a hopeful glimpse into a transforming Colombia.
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 15, 2027
Arrival in Barranquilla
Arrive in Barranquilla, Colombia’s vibrant coastal gateway to the Magdalena River. Settle into your boutique hotel before gathering for a welcome dinner with Jack & Irene Suderman. Share introductions, preview the journey ahead, and begin reflecting on the themes of faith, culture, and connection that will shape your experience.
Overnight: Barranquilla
DAY 2 • March 16, 2027
Faith & Culture Immersion
Spend the day with a local Mennonite congregation in a working-class neighborhood. Through conversation, shared meals, and community engagement, encounter lived expressions of faith, resilience, and service. Guided by local leaders, this day offers meaningful connection, learning, and insight into everyday life beyond the tourist path.
Overnight: Barranquilla
DAY 3 • March 17, 2027
Embarkation & Carnaval Celebration
Board the AmaMelodia and begin your river journey. After settling in, experience a vibrant Carnaval-style performance celebrating Barranquilla’s rich cultural traditions. Through music, dance, and storytelling, this UNESCO-recognized heritage comes alive, offering a joyful introduction to the rhythms and spirit of the region.
Overnight: Aboard Ship (Barranquilla)
DAY 4 • March 18, 2027
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.
Overnight: Aboard Ship (Floating Village - Nueva Venecia)
DAY 5 • March 19, 2027
Wetlands & Wildlife
Begin your day in the natural splendor of the Magangué region. Explore the wetlands of Boca de Tacaloa on a guided boat excursion through winding waterways rich with birdlife and natural beauty. In the afternoon, cruise toward Mompox, arriving to a warm welcome and an evening jazz performance that introduces the spirit of this historic riverside town.
Overnight: Aboard Ship (Mompox)
DAY 6 • March 20, 2027
Historic & Cultural Exploration
Discover Mompox, a UNESCO-listed town steeped in colonial history and quiet beauty. Explore by tuk-tuk, visit historic churches, and witness traditional filigree craftsmanship. Later, venture into nearby wetlands for birdwatching and nature walks, experiencing the deep cultural and spiritual rhythms of this timeless place.
Overnight: Aboard Ship (Mompox)
DAY 7 • March 21, 2027
Community & Celebration
Arrive in Santa Bárbara de Pinto and explore daily life through artisan traditions like fishing net weaving and tobacco rolling. Visit local markets and a historic church or join an optional countryside hike. In the evening, enjoy an onboard Cumbia performance shared by local families from El Banco.
Overnight: Aboard Ship (El Banco)
DAY 8 • March 22, 2027
Stories of Freedom & Identity
Travel through Calamar and Mahates to San Basilio de Palenque, the first free Black town in the Americas. Engage with community members, visit a local home, and experience music and storytelling that reflect a powerful heritage of resistance, identity, and enduring cultural pride.
Overnight: Aboard Ship (Calamar)
DAY 9 • March 23, 2027
Walled City Wonders & Cultural Color
Explore Cartagena’s historic walled city, where colonial architecture and storied landmarks reveal its layered past. Visit UNESCO-designated San Felipe Castle and wander through the vibrant Getsemaní district, alive with color and local life. This final day invites reflection on the journey and celebration of Colombia’s enduring spirit.
Overnight: Aboard Ship (Cartagena)
DAY 10 • March 24, 2027
Departure from Cartagena
Disembark in Cartagena and begin your journey home, carrying with you lasting memories of Colombia’s river landscapes, vibrant cultures, and the meaningful connections experienced along the Magdalena River.
Pricing
Stateroom Categories
Total tour fare based on shared and single occupancy.
Early Bird Rate: Save 10% off your Tour Fare until October 23, 2026
-
Shared Occupancy (per person):
$6,343 USD | $8,785 CAD
Single Occupancy (per person):
$8,172 USD | $11,318 CAD
Save 10% off your Tour Fare until October 23, 2026
-
Shared Occupancy (per person):
$6,043 USD | $8,370 CAD
Single Occupancy (per person):
$7,722 USD | $10,695 CAD
Save 10% off your Tour Fare until October 23, 2026
-
Shared Occupancy (per person):
$5,244 USD | $7,263 CAD
Single Occupancy (per person):
$6,524 USD | $9,035 CAD
Save 10% off your Tour Fare until October 23, 2026
Inclusions
PRE-CRUISE LAND TOUR IN BARRANQUILLA3 nights in a premium, well-located & beautifully appointed hotel
Daily breakfast and all dinners
Services of a TourMagination tour hosts and knowledgeable local guide
Comfortable coach & local transportation
Group transfer to the cruise port
All excursions and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary (gratuities included)
LUXURY RIVER CRUISE ON THE MAGDALENA RIVER7 nights aboard the AmaMelodia river cruise ship in your selected stateroom
All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners onboard
Award-winning dining with regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant experience
Complimentary wine, beer and cocktails with lunch and dinner
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager and crew
Guided shore excursions with knowledgeable guides in every destination
Exclusions
Port charge of $250 USD | $340 CAD (per person)
International airfare
Airport transfers unless otherwise specified
Gratuities for hotel and cruise crew and any personal activities
Gratuities to hotel staff in Barranquilla, Cruise Crew & Manager, or personal service gratuities not explicitly listed
Beverages with meals during pre-cruise portion (water is included)
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.