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.

Rafting through the 'Heart of the Marañón' on a 7 day whitewater rafting expedition provides jaw dropping views 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. 

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, granola, local yogurt, srambled eggs, pancakes or french toasts. For lunch we prepare sandwiches or pasta/quinua cold salads. The warm dinners are e.g. Dutch oven lasagna, grilled trout, or peruvian classic lomo saltado. 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.

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.

Personal Items:

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

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 boots or shoes (for side hikes, optional)

Sandals or flip-flops for around camp

Socks

Clothing

Long-sleeved shirt & long pants for off-river

Long pants or shorts + leggings & long sleeve 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/bathing suit

Undergarments as many as required for the trip

Optional Items

Lightweight Jacket, windproof and waterproof. (highly recommended if travelling in the wet season November-May)!

Tent (Tents are provided, however feel free to bring your own lightweight

shelter if you prefer)

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 (add-on option):

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 day's activities

Toiletries & underwear