This trip has it all: the colourful culture of the high Andes, exciting class III - IV rapids navigating one of the last free flowing rivers in the world, heart warming visits to remote riverside villages, hikes to ruins, waterfalls and pools in lush Amazonas seasonally tropical dry forest and ancient Cities atop mountain peaks in the Kingdom of the Clouds. 9 or 11 day options available.
We begin the adventure by rafting through the 'Heart of the Marañón' on a 7 day whitewater rafting expedition where jaw dropping views can be found around every bend. We camp on remote sandy beaches and enjoy a surprisingly tasty menu. Most days offer side hikes into stunning canyons, waterfalls, natural pools and/or friendly villages. This river journey through the Grand Canyon of South America is unforgettable and for good reason - Rio Marañón as source of the Amazon is one of the most important and endangered rivers on the planet.
After 140km on the river we arrive to the Amazonas Region and travel into the mountains. We hike into the cloud forest to experience Gocta Waterfall, at 771m it is one of the tallest on the planet. We will also walk around the ancient Citadel of Kuelap; a remnant of the fascinating Chachapoyan Culture with 20m high stone walls and over 420 circular stone buildings. Kuelap is thought to have been an important Chachapoya ceremonial center with some 3,000 inhabitants with some dedicated to rituals and solar observations.
This is truly one of the most unforgettable multi-sport adventures out there, in a pocket of the world which is still largely untouched and unknown. You will be travelling with Marañón Experience/Marañón Waterkeeper guides, experts in sustainable eco-tourism in this area; our mission is to ensure the Marañón River, Source of the Amazon, is protected in its free flowing state, and everything we do forms a part of this mission - from interactions in local villages, to sharing this wealth of knowledge with guests.
Download our Brochure for the river section, packing list, arrival and departure information
This is one aspect of the trip you definitely don't need to worry about.
Our menu will knock you socks off considering that we carry everything we need with us on the rafts, including coolers with frozen goods and ice to allow for cold beers and beverages. We will eat breakfasts with fresh fruit salad, homemade granola, local yogurt, srambled eggs, pancakes or french toasts. For lunch we prepare sandwiches or pasta/rice/quinua cold salads. The warm dinners can be the worldwide known Ceasar salad, dutch oven lasagna, chili, or peruvian classics lomo saltado, arroz chaufa or ají de gallina. Mid morning snacks like fresh fruits, snack bars and nuts keep us going until lunch and appetizers and dips allow us a relaxing afternoon after setting up camp while dinner is getting ready.
We're happy to cater for all kinds of dietary requirements and restrictions (no dairy, no gluten, vegetarian, etc), just let us know what you need!
This trip connects some of the most iconic Peruvian landscapes and cultural sites, in unforgettable style. A raft trip down the Grand Canyon of South America is like no other; incredible menu, stunning riverbeach campsites, deep wild canyons and heart warming interactions in remote riverside villages await.
When we arrive to the Amazonas region and journey into the Kingdom of the Clouds you will experience ruins that rival Machu Picchu, but without the huge crowds, and trek to one of the highest waterfalls on the planet.
The best season for this rafting expedition is May to November when the water levels and weather are optimal.
The upper Marañón is an Andean fed river where the rainy season happens during the southern hemisphere summer, between December and April, though the first rains can start in early October and finish in Late May. Even though the river can be run at high levels, during the rainy months there are high chances of having flood stages where the river runs off its banks and gives no room for error or comfy camp sites. Thus, it´s not recommended to run the river during these months, unless you are prepared and ready for a potential epic.
May - June can provide some of the best high - medium flow runs, with almost certainty of no flood stages, running the tail of the rainy season while the water level drops into the dry season. Little rises can occur with the last rains, but most likely the water level will stay at fun runnable levels.
July - September are the driest months, with most likely sunny days and low clear water. This months are perfect for everyone trying to have an easy float, great weather and summer beach days.
October - November are the most uncertain, as it can still by dry, or the rainy season kicks off. Dry hot days with low water levels are possible, as well as rainy weather and rising water levels, that normally stay within fun runnable levels.
We are more than happy to arrange custom departure dates. Send us a message to line up your perfect dates.
2023 Season
May 12th
May 26th - BOOKED
June 9th
June 23th
July 7th
July 21st
August 4th
August 18th - BOOKED
September 1st
September 15th
September 29th
October 13th - BOOKED
October 27th
November 10th - BOOKED
November 24th - BOOKED
Daypack (small) or fanny pack
Water bottle with a locking carabiner (To clip onto raft throughout the day.
Carabiner must be able to lock when clipped onto raft)
Headlamp or flashlight with batteries (rechargeable is ok)
Sunglasses with securing strap
Toiletries (natural ingredients & biodegradeable where possible)
Small towel and washcloth
Sunscreen and lip balm: waterproof and SPF 30 or higher (travel size)
Moisturizer for hands and face. (travel size)
Insect repellent (non-DEET repellent is preferable, can buy in Peru)
Small personal first aid kit with band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen,
diarrhea & anti-nausea medication, etc.
A spare pair of glasses or contacts if you use these (It is possible that
water and sand can cause problems for people using contacts)
Footwear:
On River shoes (Water shoes or sandals)
Lightweigth Hiking boo ts or Shoes (for side hikes)
Sandals or flip-flops for around camp
Socks
Neoprene or wool socks for the river (optional)
Clothing
Long-sleeved shirt & long pants for off river
Long pants or shorts + leggings & long sle eve shirt for on river (long sleeves & pants important for sun and bug protection)
Medium weight fleece, sweater or jacket
T-shirt and/or lightweight quick-dry top
Board Shorts
Undergarments as many as required for the trip
Bathing suit
Optional Items
Lightweight Jacket, windproof and waterproof. (highly recommended if
travelling in wet season November-May)!
Tent. (Tents are provided, however feel free to bring your own lightweight
shelter if you prefer.)
Sleeping pad. (Basic foam sleeping pads are included, or Delux sleeping
pad is available for hire)
Sarong
Bandana and Bug Net
Camera (spare battery recommended) and/or Binoculars.
Paddling gloves for sun & water protection
Reading, writing, drawing, painting materials
Small travel-sized game
Cap or visor that can fit under a helmet
While in kingdom of the clouds:
Comfortable shoes for Hiking
Rain Jacket
Hiking Pants / Shorts
Hiking Shirt + mid layer
Warm Coat, Sweater or Jacket
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Clothing for evenings after the days activities
Toiletries & underwear
Twin Share accomodation.
Includes tents, delux sleeping pad, sleeping bag and drybags to keep your gear dry and all safety equipment
Our trained, bi-lingual river guides will help you safely navigate the whitewater, and also get the best cultural and natural interpretation of the area.
Restaurant Welcome Dinner in Cajamarca and all meals on the river trip.
All park entrance fees to cultural sites and local guides to explain the history of these sites.
Pickup and Dropoff to Airports
You will need to purchase your flights to arrive in Cajamarca, Peru on Day 1; and you can depart from Jaén, Peru in the afternoon on day 11
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance which covers rafting up to grade 4 and medical evacuations.
We provide a small selection of drinks on the trip. You are welcome to purchase your own supplies in Cajamarca or email us and make a beverage pre-order.
Bring all your own personal medications, it is best to transport these in your carry on, so there is very low chance of losing them.
Check the Packing list for all other items that you will need to bring.
Upon arrival to Cajamarca Airport a private taxi will be waiting to take you to the hotel. You have free time throughout the day to explore Cajamarca. Perhaps a swim in the hot-springs used by Atahualpa, the last Incan emperor, the chance to wander through the city marvelling at its colonial architecture, vibrant Andean textiles and delicious local cheese.
We will meet in lobby of our stunning hotel at 6pm and head to the restaurant for a welcome dinner and briefing about the adventure to come.
10 minute taxi transfer to hotel
After breakfast we make an incredibly scenic drive over Peruvian highlands before descending deep into the Marañon Canyon.
When we reach the river we will have lunch and load up the gear, but not before enjoying a cold coconut. Expert guides will give safety briefings and begin training the crew for the rapids ahead. The journey truly starts when we pass under the bridge and plunge into the Balsas rapid (III), just a taste of what is to come. A short way downstream we will complete a set of rescue drills, allowing each raft crew to unite as a team and prepare for the journey ahead. As a passenger, you will be travelling in a 16’ oar assisted raft, guided by a highly trained and experienced river guide.
4hr scenic drive over the Andes and into Marañón Canyon. Altitude Loss: 1900m.
2 hours /16km Rafting
Optional sunrise hike to cliff-top ruins at Playa el Cura which overlook the river canyon.
1.5 hours / 2km steep/difficult hike.
After the hike we continue downriver, encountering several class II-III rapids as we wind our way through the geological wonder that is the Marañón Canyon. You won’t forget that you are in a remote, wild canyon, especially if we encounter strong afternoon winds that are notorious in this stretch. Today we aim to reach the village of Mendán, where we can find coconuts, seasonal fruits, a tour of the village and a cold beer of course!
The village is friendly and welcoming, we will enjoy a home cooked meal in town, and most likely the kids will be keen for a game of soccer (they may be small, but they will give most visitors a run for their money!). The hardest part is sometimes saying goodbye to the new friends we find in town.
6 hours/ 29km Rafting with breaks. Evening village visit.
After a lazy morning and an indulgent breakfast, we have a short float full of fun, continuous class III rapids until we reach the village of Tupén.
In the afternoon we have the option to explore the area. It's an enchanting walk through the fields until we reach the city center and visit the schools. The kids are always excited to practice english, share a game of soccer or show off their incredible treehouse! There are most challengin hike available for more adventurous guests, just let your guide know!
Tonight we can relax and take in the beautiful Amazonian surrounds from the beach. You can begin to see the ecosystem transitioning from Dry Forest to Amazon.
1.5hr / 8km Rafting, afternoon village experience.
Today is a huge day of whitewater fun. We encounter a handfull of notable class III-IV rapids including ‘Tupén Grande’, ‘San Lucas’, ‘Playa el Inca’ and ‘Shingate’ and ‘Magdelena’ We will also pass by the proposed Chadin II dam site, giving thanks to the local people who fought hard to keep this iconic river running beautiful and free. Tonight we will camp on a stunning deserted beach in the heart of the canyon, deep between canyon walls.
27km / 6 hours Rafting with breaks
Today we float the deepest and most isolated part of the canyon. Keep your eyes focused on the scenery as vegetation and rock subtly changes to lush jungle. Soon we arrive at LinLin, the largest rapid we will encounter on this section of the river. After the adrenalin of LinLin, we will bounce through several more rapids before arriving at Marañon Libre, a Conservation Area that our team has played a pivotal role in creating. Here we can relax early and enjoy one of the most stunning sunsets and vistas of the trip.
38km / 6 hours Rafting with breaks
After breakfast we explore the geological phenomenon that is ‘Las Cascadas’. Dozens of natural pools and waterfalls form as small creeks cascade toward the Marañón. There is nothing better than soaking in the pools while you take in the stunning view over the Marañón Valley.
After lunch we get back on the river and navigate through arguably one of the most scenic sections of the entire Marañón River. Red walled sandstone and lush green shrubs clinging to cliffs give an unmistakable prehistoric feel. Tonight we camp in the heart of the Red Canyon.
4 hours hiking, exploring waterfalls & natural pools / 9km/1hr Rafting
After navigating the final rapids of our journey, we will arrive to Puerto Malleta for a celebratory lunch. After lunch and saying goodbye to our river family, we take private transport for four hours to the village of Cocachimba. On the drive we will enjoy stunning views of the Shipago mountain range as we leave the dry forests of the Marañón behind. Once in Cocachimba, we will arrive to our beautiful lodgings surrounded by native cloudforest. Cocachimba will be our base for the next 3 nights as we explore the Kingdom of the Clouds.
Guests who are only joining for the river trip can travel 2 hours to Jaen, arriving around 5pm and can arrange to fly out the following day, or get dropped off in Cocachimba.
2.5hours /17km Rafting. 4 hour scenic drive to Cocachimba
Wake up with the sounds of the dozens of colorful Cloudforest Birds and prepare for our trek to the 2531 ft tall Gocta Waterfall (this can be done by horse as well). The hike has two options, the longer more challenging circuit beginning in San Pablo, or shorter direct access from Cocachimba- which can also be completed on horseback. We recommend starting early in the morning to have higher chances of spotting native birdlife including the beautiful Andean Cock of the Rock (Rupicola Peruvianus), Peru’s National bird, who lives in the ravines that we cross on the way to Gocta. On the last leg of the hike there is the possibility of fresh sugar cane juice or local aguardientes to help us make it up the final hills. The afternoon is free for relaxing or other optional hikes.
12km/ 6hrs hiking or 14km/ 8hrs hiking.
Early morning option to enjoy birdlife before we drive 1.5 hours to the town of Nuevo Tingo. Here we will catch the gondola to the top of the mountain, where the Citadel of Kuélap, the main arqueological site of the Chachapoyas waits for our visit. After a brief visit to the interpretation center, we do an easy hike to arrive to the main door of the ancient fortified city built around 500AD. A local Chachapoyan guide will be with us, teaching us local stories and secrets of the site with 60ft high stone walls and over 420 circular stone buildings. Kuelap is thought to have been an important Chachapoya ceremonial center with some 3,000 inhabitants dedicated to rituals and solar observations which enabled them to establish an agricultural calendar. After we have fully explored the Citadel we head down for lunch and then drive to the Leymebamba Museum, one of the best museums in Peru. In the evening we return to Cocachimba to enjoy our last evening in the Kingdom of the Clouds.
4 hours exploring cultural sites 3 hours transfers.
Wake up in the peaceful surrounds of Cocachimba, with option to take an early morning stroll to enjoy your last views Gocta and moments in this incredible Cloudforest. We depart at 10am to arrive to Jaén around 2:30pm, in time for you to take and afternoon flight back to Lima.
4 hour transfer to Jaén
