After breakfast we travel over Peruvian highlands before descending deep

into the Marañon Canyon. When we reach the river we will load up the

gear, 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.

Optional morning hike to cliff-top ruins at Playa Cura, after lunch 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!

A short float full of fun, continuous class III rapids until we reach the village of Tupén. We stop here for a traditional home cooked lunch, In the afternoon we  have the option to explore the area. This involves a hike through the fields of Tupén until we reach Huaman’s Waterfall. On the way we will take a tour of Emer’s Cacao plantation, try fresh cacao and see the first steps of where chocolate comes from. If we stay in town this evening, it is likely that a soccer game with the local kids will ensue!

Today is a huge day of whitewater. 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 have worked hard to keep the source of the Amazon running beautiful and free. Camp on a stunning deserted beach in the heart of the canyon.

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 Conservation Area. Here we can relax early and enjoy one of the most stunning sunsets and vistas of the trip. 

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 view of the Marañón flowing timelessly by.

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. 

After navigating the final rapids of our journey, we will arrive at Puerto Malleta for a celebratory lunch. We will then drive 2 hours to Jaén, Tonight we stay in a comfortable hotel and  have a farewell dinner, debrief and take stock of this incredible journey.

From Jaén you can fly directly back to Lima, take an overnight bus to Lima or continue traveling in the north of Peru. There are some incredible sights to be seen in the north, see our add ons below for a 4 day itinerary of ruins and stunning hikes!