On these dates we will be supporting the Amachay Yumi Festival. We are running our amazing 'Heart of the Marañón' Package as normal: same attractions, great service, delicious menu and quality accomodations. The big difference is that you will be travelling with the team running this festival and journalists reporting on it. You will have the opportunity to participate in fiestas (film screening & party) in three local villages along the way and be a part of this festival which will help to protect Peruvian Rivers.
This trip has it all; the colourful culture of the high Andes, heart warming visits to remote riverside villages, endemic dry forests and waterfalls in lush the Amazonas jungle.
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 pristine beaches, untouched and unspoiled and an enjoy impossibly classy menu. Most days offer side hikes into stunning canyons, waterfalls, natural pools and 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.
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, experts in sustainable eco-tourism in this area; their mission is to ensure the Marañón River, Source of the Amazon is protected in its free flowing state, and everything they 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. Garlic lemon shrimp, fried halloumi, honey soy salmon, prosciutto olive tapenade ciabatta, fresh fruit salad with homemade granola and local yogurt, eggs benedict with a side hash browns - and all that's within the first couple of days!
We're happy to cater for all kinds of dietary requirements, just let us know what you need!
This trip is a once off! The Amachay Yumi tour will never be repeated,
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 beachside campsites, deep wild canyons and Heart warming interactions in remote riverside villages await.
When we arrive to Amazonas 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.
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
This option includes the 7 day rafting expedition through the Heart of the Marañón, all up a 9D/8N package with hotel stay in arrival and departure city.
This option includes a $240 donation to help fund the position of a journalist on this trip. Journalists will be reporting on the festival to ensure that the message reaches the highest levels.
This option includes the 7 day rafting expedition through the Heart of the Marañón, all up a 9D/8N package with hotel stay in arrival and departure city.
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