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 get ready 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, while the kayakers take eddies and get a feeling of the big water. 

As a passenger, you will be travelling in a 16’ oar assisted raft, guided by a highly trained and experienced river guide. The kayakers will practice their skills to be ready for big volume paddling. 

The day starts with an 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. Here 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, as well as play a game of soccer or volleyball with the local school kids. There is also the option to simply relax and stay at camp enjoying the quiet.

Today is a huge day of whitewater. We encounter a handfull of notable class III-IV rapids including ‘Tupén Grande’, ‘San Lucas’, ‘Playa del Inca’ and ‘Magdalena’  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 for a few kilometers and a couple fun rapids. We stop in a huge cave known as "La Catedral" and then we do a short climb to some ancient rock paintings overlooking the river. Tonight we camp in the Red Canyon.

This last morning we 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. 

After navigating the final rapids of our journey, we will arrive at Puerto Malleta for a celebratory lunch. Those that only join the river trip will drive 2 hours to the hotel in Jaen, to enjoy a farewell dinner and a good night of sleep before flying back to Lima. 

Those that opted for the add-on, drive into the Chachapoyas region to the town of Cocachimba, to begin our next phase of the tour - hiking and exploring! 

Take the day to hike to the incredible Gocta Waterfall, a 771 meter waterfall that is known as being the 3rd tallest in the world. It´s an spectacular 5.5 km. hike through old growth cloudforest until we reach the bottom of the falls.

We will go to Colcamar, where our local guide will take us to explore the Conservation Area of Huaylla Belen - Colcamar, we will wonder through enchanted cloudforest and visit the ancient town of Iglesia Urco, still covered by the forest. Then, we will follow the ridge of the Condorpuna-Vilaya mountain range until the Huiquilla Conservation Area, where we stay for the night.

After a local healthy breakfast, we will grab our mountain bikes and pedal for 15km until we reach the ancient fortified citadel of Kuelap. After our visit to the archaeological site, we will drive to the colonial city of Chachapoyas, where we will enjoy a local coffee and a walk around the city. Then, we will return to our base in Cocachimba.

Today we will drive to Jaén then take a short 1hr 20 minute flight to Lima.

You can arrange your flight to return home from here, or stay overnight and take some time to explore Lima; or even head down south to Cusco, Machu Pichu and the Sacred Valley!