Name: Grow with the Flow joins the Marañón River Tour!
Start: 2020-10-16T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2020-10-28T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Cajamarca, Peru

Marañón Experience

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23 reviews

Oct 16 - 28, 2020

Group size: 4 - 25

Grow with the Flow joins the Marañón River Tour!

Cajamarca, Peru

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Marañón Experience

Email address verified

23 reviews

Oct 16 - 28, 2020

Group size: 4 - 25

The Marañón springs to life high up in the Andes mountains and cuts between two of its ranges all the way North where it becomes the Amazon. We embark on a 7-day river journey that will bring you to isolated riverside villages, cascading waterfalls, natural swimming holes, ancient rock art and ruins, along with flora and fauna not found elsewhere in the world. During this journey, we take part in the Marañón River Tour, a 34-day action to say no to 20 proposed hydropower dams. You have a chance to join three events in the local villages where we meet with the local river defenders. On the water, we will fall into our own rhythm of running rapids, exploring the land around the river and sleeping at magnificent beaches under starry skies. This is your one time opportunity to experience this unique river journey with a purpose!

After 7 days on the river, it is time to get our legs working. We will use them to visit some unique places in the Kingdom of Clouds, including a 771-meter waterfall, the ancient city of Kuelap and a cloudforest exploration to some undiscovered ruins. We will be based in the town of Cocachimba in front of the Gocta waterfall and do an overnight hike to Kuélap, staying at the Huiquilla Conservation Area. Have a look at our day to day program and get as excited as we are!

What is the Marañón River Tour?
Magnificent enough on its own already, putting the Marañón River in the context of this world-famous Amazon ecosystem makes it is easy to understand that this river supports life in many forms. These ecosystems are however threatened by 22 proposed dams. It is thanks to many locals who stood up for the river and the work of Marañón Waterkeeper to get their voices heard, that the dam plans are getting less realistic and hopefully soon forever vanish. The Marañón River Tour will celebrate that the river remains free-flowing together with all these locals during a 33-day descent from the source down to puerto Malleta. It is organised by Marañón Waterkeeper and we are very happy to invite you to the last stage of this tour!

This custom trip will be hosted by Marañón Experience, put together for Grow with the Flow, organised by Vera Knook- contact Vera for more information:
vera@growwtflow.nl or +31 6 125 24 381

Check out our Brochure for full itinerary, packing list, arrival and departure information

This trip is happening in the second half of October. Weather is usually warm, dry and sunny in the river canyon in high 20s or low 30s (degrees celsius). There are some chances of rain, since is the start of the rainy season.

Once you go up into the Kingdom of the Cloud you are surrounded by cloud forest where it is a bit cooler (bring a jacket!) . Days are normally warm and sunny, however there is always some possibility of rain.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance which covers rafting up to grade 4 in case a medical evacuation is needed.
Alcoholic Beverages
We provide a small selection of drinks on the rafting trip, and will help you to purchase beer, wine and spirits in Cajamarca.
Sleeping Bag
Bring your own on the rafting trip, or rent one from us.
Personal Medications
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.
River trip Packing List
Check the Packing list for all other items that you will need to bring on the river trip. https://maranonexperience.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Brochure-2018-19.pdf
International Flights

Rafting

If you are rafting Marañón River on a fully guided raft choose this package. (No experience necessary!)

€2,400

Deposit:€500

Past Trip

Kayaking

If you are kayaking the Marañón River choose this option. You will receive paddle, pfd, skirt and your choice from a selection of Kayaks.

You will have a kayak guide showing you lines and doing safety, but you still must have some experience in whitewater kayaking to choose this option. You must be a strong class III+ paddler who can reliably roll.

€2,580

Deposit:€500

Past Trip

Hire Sleeping Bag

€15

Single Supplement - (2 Hotel Nights)

€70

Single Supplement - (tent to yourself)

€50

Upgrade Hotel in Cajamarca to 4.5 stars

€80

Day 1 (Oct 16th) & 2
Day 1 (Oct 16th) & 2
Meeting, Travel to Cajamarca & Welcome Dinner
The group will meet in Lima, then take an overnight sleeper bus to Cajamarca (these are not your average busses! On journey entertainment and 180 degree reclining seat/bed awaits!) You will arrive to Cajamarca early in the morning on day 2 and check into the comfortable hotel we have booked for you.

You can explore this Andean City with a unique blend of Peruvian and Colonial Architecture, or visit the Hot Springs that the Incas used at 'Baños del Inca'.

In the evening we will meet at 6pm in the hotel lobby for a briefing and Welcome Dinner.
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Day 3
Day 3
Get to the river and begin Rafting or Kayaking!
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. The kayakers will practice their skills to be ready for big volume paddling.
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Day 4
Day 4
Playa Cura, El Choclon and event in Mendán
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 to join the Marañón River Tour event,, here we can find coconuts, seasonal fruits, a tour of the village and a cold beer of course!
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Day 5
Day 5
Tupén event, a celebration for a free flowing Marañón
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 and be part of the Marañón River Tour event, there will be screenings, soccer, volleyball matchs and of course a party! People that decide to not join the event, can relax and stay at camp enjoying the quiet.
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Day 6
Day 6
Whitewater fun!
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.
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Day 7
Day 7
Lin Lin and arrival to Marañón Libre Conservation Area
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.
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Day 8
Day 8
Las Cascadas and to Tingo Palaguas for final party
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. Tonight we camp in the Tingo Palaguas, where we´ll have the option to join the Marañon River Tour closure party, explore ancient rock paintings and the amazing Palaguas Canyon.
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Day 9
Day 9
Final Rapids then travel to Chachapoyas Region
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. We will then drive into the Chachapoyas region, to the town of Cocachimba, to begin our next phase of the tour- hiking and exploring!

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Day 10 - Gocta
Day 10 - Gocta
Gocta Waterfall
Take the day to hike around the incredible Gocta Waterfall
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Day 11 - Colcamar
Day 11 - Colcamar
Hiking and exploration
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 walk follow the ridge of the Condorpuna-Vilaya mountain range until the Huiquilla Conservation Area, where we will stay for the night.
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Day 12 - Kuélap
Day 12 - Kuélap
Bike and Explore ruins at Kuelap & colonial city of Chachapoyas
After a local healthy breafast, we will grab our mountain bikes and pedal for 15km until we reach the ancient Lost city 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.
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Return to Lima
Return to Lima
Drive to Jaén then Flight to Lima
Today we will drive to Jaén then take a short 1hr 20minute flight to Lima.

You can arrange you 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!
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Day 1 (Oct 16th) & 2

Meeting, Travel to Cajamarca & Welcome Dinner

The group will meet in Lima, then take an overnight sleeper bus to Cajamarca (these are not your average busses! On journey entertainment and 180 degree reclining seat/bed awaits!) You will arrive to Cajamarca early in the morning on day 2 and check into the comfortable hotel we have booked for you.

You can explore this Andean City with a unique blend of Peruvian and Colonial Architecture, or visit the Hot Springs that the Incas used at 'Baños del Inca'.

In the evening we will meet at 6pm in the hotel lobby for a briefing and Welcome Dinner.

Ron G.

My experience on the Maranon was absolutely incredible! This is all thanks to my incredible guides Vera and Miki!! They were so much fun to be around for the 7 days we were on the river and their hospitality was even extended off the river when my group decided to spend a few days in Cocachimba. Vera was the perfect leader in the way she was able to gauge our rowing level and know if we were able to read and run the rapids, if we needed to scout, or if we were be safe to just maneuver through with some simple beta (i.e. avoid the Left wall). The scenery throughout the trip was just magical. The combination of trips and desert while being surrounded by unbelievable canyon walls was never forgettable. I hope that we can protect this river from being damned, because this place is truly one of a kind in this world.

By Kari S for Row your Own Heart of the Marañón - SRC Fundraising Trip on Nov 11, 2024

I went on a kayaking trip with Maranon Experience in May 2024 and I had a fantastic time! What an adventure it was, with lots of "firsts" for me: my first time paddling abroad (I am based in the UK), my first time on big volume and my first multi-day paddling trip. The guides were awesome and I felt safe, while still challenging myself and having a lot of fun! I feel that my confidence and skills have grown throughout the journey and now I can't wait to go on another long trip! No two days were the same on the river. Apart from the fun and excitement of running many rapids, we also had the opportunity to visit some local villages, hike to ancient ruins and rock art and chill out in natural pools. The scenery throughout the journey was truly spectacular. Our journey was supported by rafts, that carried our camping gear and food supplies. All meals were provided and cooked for us and they were delicious, well above any expectations! We spent the last few days in the Kingdom of the Clouds, where we did some beautiful hikes and sightseeing and even had a chance to paddle one more river before heading back home. In conclusion: great paddling, awesome guides, beautiful scenery and a lot of fun! I highly recommend this trip, I hope I will be back one day!

By Marta F for Grand Canyon of the Marañón and Kingdom of the Clouds, Northern Peru on Jul 10, 2024

This trip was the experience of a lifetime! Our crew from Thompson Rivers University came out to immerse ourselves in the beauty of the river and it delivered. Luigi and Vera are wonderful guides who loved to share their passion for the river and conservation efforts being made to oppose the proposed dams on the Marañón River. Our crew got to see first hand the villages and its people who would be greatly impacted by the flooding caused by these proposed dams. Our trip was everything we had hoped for and more. Mandalena rapid will always have a special place in our hearts.

By Oliver C for TRU 2024 Whitewater Expedition on May 23, 2024

Thank you Oliver! Was a real pleasure to share the Marañón with you and the TRU crew! Hope to see you sometime soon!

By Marañón Experience on May 29, 2024

A lifetime experience. Amazing trip with unvaluable crew paddling strong through the heart of the Marañon!!! You must live the experience to understand how grateful I am with Luigi and Vera for sharing their passion for rivers and purpose protecting the Marañon as a free flowing river (I reckon no need for large hydro dams anymore). Down the river you get friendly whitewater up to class 4 rapids you definetely would like to scout. Actually, whitewater not so white by december (aprox 400 m3/s / 17,000 ft/s), so adrenaline levels definetely rised up during this trip....Heads up, with this flow you must paddle hard to stay away from some walls, still you'll have enough time to make a sweet clean line. Besides whitewater, the experience provides many highlights: beautiful beaches for camp sites, clear skies, delicious foods and drinks (I really really mean it), recently discovered ruins and cavern paintings, friendly villages (saved from dam flooding) and limitless biodiversity for investigation & research (endemisms zone). Hope to be back soon, GRACIAS TOTALES!!

By Juan Miguel N for Jule & Friends - Row your Own Heart of the Marañón on Dec 19, 2023

Gracias ingeniero!!! Fue un gustaso. Coordinaremos el 2nd lap!!

By Marañón Experience on Jan 17, 2024

the sounds of magic river in the nigths, stars and moon. clouds of imagination and waking up in the nature itself. Epic rapids, so much fun in the day, adventure, joy and happiness. what a crew, so profesionals, so nice, so cool. I re-learn that nature is the source of all benefits and this experience takes you in such unique prestige places... EPIC TRIP!!!

By Nicolàs L for Art + Conservation Coast 2 Coast / Marañón Waterkeeper trip on Oct 25, 2023

EPIC trip con las mejores vibras e intenciones mi hermano!!!

By Marañón Experience on Jan 17, 2024

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It was a great experience! The river flows through a very beautiful area and contains a large number if smaller and bigger rapids. Even in the major rapids I never felt unsafe because of the instructors. Every evening we camped on a nice beach. The food was delicious, the organization was even able to take my dietary requirements into account. All in all it was a great experience and definitely worth repeating!

By Sanne B on 13 Jul, 2024

Hice el viaje este año, la experiencia fue fantástica, altamente recomendable, Luigi y Vera así como todo su equipo son muy profesionales!

By CHINO P on 09 Jul, 2024

Luigi and his team were amazing! We enjoyed a 3 night and 4 day adventure in the Marañon River in Peru. It was my first time rafting and I felt really save under his guidance. They customized the tour for us, since it was our honey moon. It was an adventure of a lifetime with so many beautiful memories! You’ll be deep in the nature, contemplating mesmerizing sunsets, wildlife and welcoming communities. Thank you, Luigi and team!

By Paula M on 22 Apr, 2023

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