River Rafting on the Marañon River (9 Days / 8 Nights)

Celendín plaza transport tour Balsas After a car ride through the highlands of Peru, we descend into the
picturesque Marañón Valley.

During our tour, you will get an idea of the scale of this immense river corridor as it makes its way through the Andes.
Halfway through the tour, we stop for a brief tour of the historic city of Celenín.

Back on the road, we continue to descend through several different areas, from cloudy farmland high up in the mountain, to the dry
forests of the Marañón River.

Once in Balsas we will assemble the boats and begin the trip on the river. Rapids of various classes up to III . Campe in Wease. (B + L +
D)

We will hike and explore the pre-Inca ruin sites of Playa El Cura.

There are ruins of old adobe dwellings, spiritual centers, and a watchtower high on a cliff overlooking the river.

After lunch we will do fun rapids classes III to IV, which will continue in the afternoon until we reach the town of Mendán. Rapids: El Cura
(III), Wall Movement (III), El Choclón (IV), Yangas (III), Hoodos (III) and many unnamed class IIs. Camp in Mendán or La Mushka Beach km
45 or km 53. (B +L+D)

Cultural Enhancement

It is a short walk into town through picturesque fruit and coca plantations, trees laden with oranges, mangoes, bananas, and coconuts, where we will be greeted in town for a visit.

Many participants claim that this is their favorite day of the trip due to interactions with the locals. Guests tell us that they have never had the opportunity to visit the locals in their familiar surroundings
before.

These villagers are truly unique in that they live close to nature in a self-sustaining lifestyle from the fertile land of the Marañón River Valley and fish from the rich waters of the Marañón.

Later we will return to our boats and continue downstream through a class III section to camp on the white sand beach of the Rapido Primero San Lucas. Rapids: Tupen Grande (IV), Chipche (IV) and many unnamed class II and III. Camp at Rapido San Lucas ~ km 62.
(B + L + D)

Site of the Chadin II Dam

Today we have class III-IV rapids; action packed fun until we get to the proposed Chadin II dam site.

The water diminishes at this point and the canyon walls narrow; marvel at the unique beauty of the cliffs that would otherwise be disfigured by the proposed dam.

Think of the fun rapids upriver that would be flooded by the reservoir.

Just before camp you can take a short hike on Magdalena Creek.

camp on a wonderfully scenic beach, just above exciting Magdalena Rapid.

Tonight, participate in a discussion on ways to support Peruvian and international conservation movements to save this fabulous river corridor from the proposed dams. Rapids: San Lucas (IV), Playa El Inca (IV) and many unnamed class III. Camp at Magdalena
Beach ~ km 80. (B + L + D)

The day begins with the white waters of Magdalena with class IV-V rapids, then we run several class III rapids, and mid-morning we arrive at the most challenging rapid of the whole trip, Lin Lin, a long
class V rapid.

We will stop to explore our line and take photos.

Everyone has the option to walk, if they are not comfortable running it. In the afternoon we will arrive at the camp below the Saura Rapid.

Let the sounds of the gentle river lull you to sleep. Rapids: Magdalena (IV-V), Lin Lin (V), Saura (III) and many unnamed IIIs.

Camp in Rapido Saura – km 110. (B + L + D)

Spectacular rocky waterfalls and the Amazon cave Today, we get up early to paddle a few kilometers to the Rock Falls.

We spend the morning walking and exploring this magnificent geological phenomenon where the Aquablanca stream falls from the plateau above, forming a series of waterfalls.

Each waterfall ends in a pool perfect for swimming or relaxing.

Continuing downstream, we will stop and stay at the impressive Amazon Cave; we will take photos, explore its depth, and marvel at another fabulous feature along the Marañón River.

As we continue downstream, the landscape changes, the cacti and dry forests along the Marañón River give way to lush green vegetation.

Witness red sandstone walls, lush trees, and riparian shrubs teeming with birds of all varieties. Rapids: Palaguas (III) and several other class II. Sandstone Cliffs Camp ~ km 125. (B + L + D)

Last Day of Rio transfer and Farewell dinner After paddling about 15 kilometers, we reach Puerto Malleta with our packed lunch.

We begin the cleaning process.

Clients will board the vehicles for the 3-hour drive to Jaén, where a room and a shower await them.

All participants will have a shared room at the hotel in Jaén.

Some of the guides will stay to organize and pack the equipment for transport the next day.

After checking in and relaxing for a few hours, there will be a farewell dinner with the guides and other team members while planning the next stage of your trip.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not schedule your departure from the expedition on this date, as we cannot guarantee that we will return to Jaén early enough to establish your connection. Hotel Prim in Jaén. (B + L + D)

Depart from Jaen

Although the expedition officially ended the night before, this is the day to book your departure from Jaén. Remember, we cannot guarantee that you will make your connection if you book a departure on the 8th day.

From Jaén you can take flights to your country or continue to your next destination in Peru.

There is a lot to offer in northern Peru; visit the jungle and pre-Inca ruins, tour Kuélap (the Machu Picchu of the north), or experience the magnificent waterfalls of Yumbilla and Gocta.

Travel south to Cusco / Macchu Pichu and the Sacred Valley; colonial experience in Arequipa; or enjoy the coastal resorts of Peru.

Please let us know if you are interested in any additional tours, as we can make planning the rest of your trip in Peru easy