TRAVEL PROGRAM

Day 1: Arrive at Cajamarca

10 minutes to transfer from airport to hotel

• Upon arrival at Cajamarca Airport, a private taxi will be waiting to take you to Hotel Laguna Seca, a hotel fit for the president of Peru. Don’t be alarmed if the hotel is steaming when you arrive- it is built on top of a hot spring and has dozens of hot pools and creeks flowing through. You can enjoy one of the large hot pools with friends, or retreat for a relaxing hot-spring-fed bath in the privacy of your own room.
• If you’re feeling active you can head into downtown Cajamarca and wander through the city marveling at its colonial architecture, vibrant Andean textiles, and delicious local cheese.
• We will meet in the lobby of Laguna Seca at 6 pm for a welcome dinner and briefing about the adventure to come. (*Note- sometimes due to group consensus we move the briefing to one of the hot pools)
• Overnight at Laguna Seca Hotel
• Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer from Cajamarca city over the Andes and into Marañon Canyon. Altitude Loss: 1,900 m. 

2 hours / 16 km Rafting

• After breakfast, we travel over the Peruvian highlands before descending deep into the Marañon Canyon.
• When we reach the river, we will have lunch and load up the gear, but not before enjoying a cold coconut. Expert guides will 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 traveling in a 16’ oar-assisted raft, guided by a highly trained and experienced river guide.
• Overnight at the campsite
• Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Evening village visit

6 hours / 29 km Rafting

Optional sunrise hike to cliff-top ruins at Playa el Cura which overlooks the river canyon. 1.5 hours / 2km steep/difficult hike.

• After the hike we continue downriver, encountering several class IIIII rapids as we wind our way through the geological wonder that is the Marañon 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, where we can find coconuts, seasonal fruits, a tour of the village, and a cold beer of course!
• The village is friendly and welcoming, we will enjoy a home-cooked meal in town, and most likely the kids will be keen on a game of soccer (they may be small, but they will give most visitors a run for their money!). The hardest part is sometimes saying goodbye to the new friends we find in town
• Overnight at the campsite
• Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Afternoon village experience

1.5 hr. / 8 km Rafting

• After a lazy morning and an indulgent breakfast, we have a short float full of fun, continuous class III rapids until we reach the village of Tupén. In the afternoon we have the option to explore the area. It’s an enchanting walk through the fields until we reach the city center and visit the schools. The kids are always excited to practice English, share a game of soccer or show off their incredible treehouse! There are more challenging hikes available for adventurous guests, just let your guide know!
• Overnight at the campsite
• Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Amazing rapids ‘Tupén Grande’, ‘San Lucas’, ‘Playa el Inca’ and ‘Shingate’, and ‘Magdalena”.

6 hours / 27 km Rafting

• Today is a huge day of whitewater. We encounter a handful of notable class III-IV rapids including ‘Tupén Grande’, ‘San Lucas’, ‘Playa el Inca’ and ‘Shingate’, and ‘Magdalena’ We will also pass by the proposed Chadin II dam site, giving thanks to the local people who fought hard to keep this iconic river running beautiful and free. Tonight we will camp on a stunning deserted beach in the heart of the canyon, deep between canyon walls.
• Overnight at the campsite
• Meals: B, L, D

Day 6:  Amazing rapids Lin Lin rapid

6 hours / 38 km Rafting

• 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 a 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
• Overnight at the campsite
• Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: Exploring waterfalls, natural pools & 4 hiking

2 hours / 9 km Rafting

• After breakfast, we explore the geological phenomenon that is ‘Las Cascadas’. Dozens of natural pools and waterfalls cascade into the Marañón canyon. There is nothing better than soaking in an infinity pool while you take in the stunning view over the Marañón Valley. From Marañón Libre, it is a short float down to Tingo Palaguas where we can visit the Carrasco family. In 2019 the Carrascos found ancient Rock Paintings situated in an isolated corner of their property overlooking
• the Marañón. Preliminary studies estimate that these paintings are over 1000 years old and were created by the Chachapoyan people. In the afternoon 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. Tonight, we camp in the heart of the Red Canyon
• Overnight at the campsite
• Meals: B, L, D

Day 8: Arrive at Puerto Malleta

1.5 hr. / 8 km Rafting

• After navigating the final rapids of our journey, we will arrive to Puerto Malleta for a celebratory lunch. Guests who are not coming to Kingdom of the Clouds will travel 2 hours to Jaen and can arrange to book a flight Jaen-Lima after 5 pm; or stay the night with us in Jaen for a farewell dinner and comfy hotel. 2.5 hours /17km Rafting. 2-hour scenic drive to Jaén.
• Fly from Jaen to Lima or overnight at Kingdom of the Clouds Hotel
• Meals: B, L, D

What is included?

• Professional guiding.
• 7 Days whitewater rafting & all equipment.
• All meals gourmet and delicious.
• Selection of alcoholic beverages.
• 6 nights tented accommodation while on the river (twin share).
• 2 Nights hotel for arrival and departure.
• Drybag for your personal belongings.
• Expedition first aid and emergency communications

What is not included?

• Flights to Cajamarca & home from Jaén
• Travel insurance (to cover rafting up to class IV)
• Personal supply of alcoholic beverages (we can help you purchase at beginning of trip)
• Personal medications
• Personal items in packing list

Note:

At the start of the journey, everyone will be provided with a 60L Drybag to store your belongings. Everything we take should be necessary for the journey, please read the packing list carefully and avoid unnecessary items due to limited space on rafts. High value or irreplaceable items, Aerosol cans, Glass Containers of any kind, and/ or excessive amounts of soap should be avoided.

What to take?

PERSONAL ITEMS

• Daypack (small) or fanny pack
• Water bottle with a locking carabineers (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 & biodegradable where possible)
• Small towel and washcloth
• Sunscreen and lip balm: waterproof and SPF 30 or higher (travel size)
• 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)
• Lightweight Hiking boots or Shoes (for side hikes)
• Sandals or flip-flops for around camp
• Socks
• Neoprene or wool socks for the river (optional)

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
• Undergarments as many as required for the trip
• Bathing suit

OPTIONAL ITEMS

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