Day 1: Arrivals to Cajmarca:

Most people fly into Cajamarca (overnight bus also available). If you arrive early, you can spend the afternoon sampling Cajamarca’s renowned cheese and chocolate. We meet at 6 p.m. in the hotel lobby for a group welcome dinner and orientation.

Day 2: From Cajamarca to the River Put In:

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.

Day 3: Hike to Mendan :

Optional morning hike to cliff-top ruins at Playa el Cura, after lunch we continue downriver, encountering several class II-III rapids as we wind our way through the geological wonder that is the Marañon Canyon. You will not 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 Mendan, where we can find coconuts, seasonal fruits, and a tour of the village and of course a cold beer.

Day 4: Tour of Emer’s Cacao:

A short float full of fun, continuous class III rapids until we reach the village of Tupen. 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 Tupen 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!

Day 5: Day of whitewater:

Today is a huge day of whitewater. We encounter a handfull of notable class III-IV rapids including ‘Tupen 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.

Day 6: Marañon 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.

Day 7: Toward the Marañon:

After breakfast, we explore the geological phenomenon that is ‘Las Cascadas’. Dozens of natural pools and waterfalls form as small creeks cascade toward the Marañon. There is nothing better than soaking in the pools while you take in the view of the Marañon flowing timelessly by. After lunch, we get back on the river and navigate through arguably one of the most scenic sections of the entire Marañon 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.

Day 8: Puerto Malleta:

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 Jaen; tonight we stay in a comfortable hotel and have a farewell dinner, debrief and take stock of this incredible journey.

Day 9: Departures or Extension to Chachapoyas:

From Jaen you can fly directly back to Lima, take an overnight bus to Lima or continue traveling in the north of Peru.