Peru - Rio Marañón Expedition - Heart of the Marañón and Kingdom of the Clouds
An expedition through the heart of the Rio Marañón and Kingdom of the Clouds, Northern Peru (Grade 3/4)
A trip delivered in Partnership with Marañòn Experience.
Check back soon for 2026 dates
This is an 11 day fully inclusive whitewater adventure including a 145km descent of the Heart of the Rio Marañon, the source of the Amazon River. This epic river journey completed over 7 days will be combined with a visit to Northern Peru's Kingdom of the Clouds where we'll find a magical waterfall, an ancient archaeological site and another beautiful river to explore before heading for home. Experience remote landscapes, see traces of ancient civilisations, camp under stars, disconnect from modern life, and paddle beautiful big volume whitewater. Northern Peru is far wilder than the more touristic south, and for this trip we're looking for a true adventure.
Trip summary
This trip is for anyone with whitewater experience and a thirst for adventure. Confident grade 3 kayakers who can roll in whitewater will absolutely love learning to adapt their skills to big volume. They'll also get the chance to step up to grade 4 rapids if they feel like it. All kayakers will have access to coaching and river guiding from us, and local knowledge and a fully inclusive raft supported service from our Marañon Experience partners. Simply put, this trip is designed to change your life.
If you or your favourite adventure buddy is not quite at this standard, not to worry! Our partners at Marañón Experience can give them a fantastic experience as a rafter, allowing the opportunity to join the experience without the added stress of potential capsize.
Included in the price:
-Use of a whitewater kayak and paddle all sizes available
-Airport pickup and drop off on scheduled arrival and departure days.
-Private transport for the duration of the trip.
-All meals from your arrival evening until the final breakfast on day 11.
-Accommodation in shared two person rooms (including river camping and 4 nights in hotels. A supplemental charge can be paid for those wishing for their own room.
- Top class professional coaching and guiding from qualified and experienced Paddle365 Coach, who will work with you to develop your skills and love of the river.
-Raft supported expedition Including tents, delux sleeping pad, sleeping bag and drybags to keep your gear dry and all safety equipment.
-All National Park entrance fees to cultural sites and local guides to explain the history of these sites.
-Digital copies of our photos throughout the trip.
-A whole lot of fun!
Not included in the price:
-Alcoholic drinks and additional drinks out with normal mealtime inclusive drinks..
-Personal kayaking gear with the exception of a kayak and paddle only.
We carry spares for an emergency but not enough for everyone.
-Flights to Cajamarca, and back from Chachapoyas, both via Lima.
-Personal travel insurance. (It is essential you take out a fully comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for kayaking on waters of up to gd4.)
Total cost: $2490 USD
(roughly £2000 GBP though payment will be taken in dollars and value in GBP is subject to change)
Rafting customer tariff $2290
"This trip was just so incredible! I'd recommend the course to any of my friends that are wanting to progress their paddling..." - Elizabeth Lennon
"I loved the course - learning to paddle big volume white water in a totally different style was really helpful as well as interesting! Every aspect of the trip was well thought out and totally captivating!" - Ailsa Brown
Marañón Experience is the first, and to date only, local rafting company that offers trips on this unique river. It came to life alongside Marañón Waterkeeper, the NGO sister, with the goal to protect the river from dam construction, a threat that was very real until only a few years ago. Partly thanks to their work and the efforts of several riverside communities, the river remains free-flowing and there is good reason to believe that it will flow free forever. Included in the price of every river trip is a donation that is used to invest in the riverside communities and keep them informed about the legal status of the river. This way, every visitor will contribute to the protection of one of the most important rivers worldwide, and will learn about all efforts throughout the journey. 'El Rugir del Marañón' is a recent documentary that tells the story (trailer and full version).