
100km Jungle Expedition into the Heart of Colombia
- Colombia
- 7 nights
Trek through untouched rainforest in South America and raft one of the world’s last truly wild rivers
What's Included?
- Activities & Certified GuidesAll itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides
- All Lodging2 nights in hotels in Medellin, 3 nights wild camping, and 2 nights at a homestay with local farmers
- Meals7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners
- TransfersTo and from the airport and everything in between
- GearAll the camping and rafting gear you need
- Small Like-minded GroupsSolo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From…excluding flights
Highlights
Be among the first intrepid explorers to trailblaze through an extraordinarily untouched corner of Colombia
Hike and raft through the untamed wilderness, supporting local communities and protecting free-flowing waterways lined with pristine rainforest
Book a small group trip to trek through one of the most biodiverse regions in South America and raft along the wild Samana River, led by a local guide.
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Medellin
HotelTwin shareShow Day 1 detailHide detail
Drive through the lush Medellin valley and into one of Latin America’s most exciting cities. Explore the friendly, green spaces of the Manila district, then after a team briefing to prepare you for the expedition ahead, spend the night in a boutique hotel in the heart of Medellin’s trendiest neighborhood, El Poblado.
Day 2
Into the wilderness
Driving2-3hrsHiking7hrs · 14mi · 656ft up · 2625ft downHomestayTwin or triple shareAll meals includedShow Day 2 detailHide detail
Head into the Samana Watershed, a tropical paradise that few foreign eyes have ever seen. Push through the humid, jungle-covered mountains as you hike into the valley of the Rio Verde of Los Henados. Spend the night in a remote finca, where you’ll enjoy a home-cooked meal alongside a local family and hear fascinating stories about this hidden area of Colombia (it was once a stronghold of FARC, but is now entirely safe, so everyone has a story to share).
Day 3
Journey through the jungle
Hiking7hrs · 14mi · 2297ft up · 984ft downWild campingHammockAll meals includedShow Day 3 detailHide detail
Start your day with some strong, local coffee or a hot chocolate, then head back into the jungle. From now on, your group will be completely self-sufficient and encounter very few people. Follow the trail (or create one) and learn from your guide about the abundance of plants traditionally used in local culture and medicine. Keep an eye out for clouds of butterflies and families of otters along the water’s edge. After lunch, cross the river on a suspension bridge, set up camp, and learn how to sling the perfect hammock between the trees.
Day 4
The big push
Hiking6hrs · 11mi · 1969ft up · 1969ft downRafting3hrs · 3miWild campingHammockAll meals includedShow Day 4 detailHide detail
Navigate through a section of pristine rainforest. If you’re lucky, you might even see a tigrillo, tapir, or monkey. Push on to the Rio Verde where your raft will be waiting. Then, after a refreshing swim in the cool emerald waters, set off along the wild Samana River. In the evening, set up your hammock on the riverbank and fall asleep to the sound of the jungle orchestra.
Day 5
Raft to the Samana Bridge
Rafting7hrs · 20miHomestayMixed dormAll meals includedShow Day 5 detailHide detail
Wake yourself up with a morning dip in the river and then take a short hike through the jungle to a dramatic canyon. Return to the Rio Samana—a powerhouse of a river cloaked in dense jungle and constricted between low granite walls—stopping to explore the secluded beaches and swim in hidden waterfalls. Brace yourself for whitewater as you tackle some Class IV rapids, passing prospectors panning for gold on the calmer stretches. Rest and resupply in Puente Samana where you'll spend the night in a rural homestay with a view over the river. Accommodation will either be in mixed dorms or in hammocks under a hard roof.
Day 6
Through the Grand Gorge
Rafting7hrs · 14miWild campingHammockAll meals includedShow Day 6 detailHide detail
Descend some more Class IV+ rapids as you cross through a rainforest teeming with life, into a beautiful silver-blue canyon. Witness the rare birds, butterflies, and exotic plants that live in this lowland forest and camp close to a secluded lagoon and natural pool. Finish the day with a swim as you watch the sun set through the canopy.
Day 7
Paddle to the village of Narices
Rafting4hrs · 10miHotelTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 7 detailHide detail
Continue along the canyon and watch as cascading waterfalls drop from high mountain peaks into blue swimming pools only accessible from the river. Leave your raft in the small village of Narices and enjoy a final walk to a hidden waterfall while lunch is being prepared. Say goodbye to the jungle and head back to Medellin for a final evening with your team.
Day 8
Goodbye Colombia
Breakfast includedShow Day 8 detailHide detail
Free day today to explore some more of Medellin. Or just relax, you've earned it! Your final transfer will leave in time to arrive at the airport at 5:00 PM.
Getting There
- Nearest airport
- Jose Maria Córdova International Airport (MDE)
- Pick up
- Medellin Airport (Jose Maria Córdova International Airport, Rio Negro)
09:00 on Day 1 - Drop off
- Medellin Airport (Jose Maria Córdova International Airport, Rio Negro)
17:00 on Day 8
What is and isn't Included?
What's included
- Guided hike into the valley of the Rio Verde of Los Henados
- 2 days of guided hiking through the jungle
- 4 days of guided rafting along the Samana River
- Expert, local, English-speaking guides
- 2 nights in hotels
- 3 nights wild camping in hammocks
- 2 nights at a homestay with local campesinos
All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:
- 7 filling breakfasts
- 6 fresh, local lunches
- 6 traditional dinners
- Group arrival transfer from Medellin Airport on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Medellin Airport on Day 8
- All transfers during the trip
- All camping gear
- All rafting gear
What's not included
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we'd suggest $3-$5USD per person per day as a guideline, however, if you would like to bring a gift from the UK as a thank you, this will also go a long way!
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travelers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (opens in new tab) (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield (opens in new tab), both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Where You'll Stay
Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.
What You'll Eat
Meals will be largely based around locally grown products. Each day you’ll discover new fruits, nuts and other tasty local treats that all grow in the area, including cacao and of course, coffee. On the trek, you’ll also come across sugar cane planta…
Optional Extras
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation
- Extra night Medellin (double/ twin or single room). Prices From:
- …/per night
Upgrades
- Optional Solo Private Room Upgrade
- …/per person
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked only for the two nights in Medellin - see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability). For wild camping, you'll have your own hammock and tarp set up.
Transfers
- Private transfer between Medellin airport and hostel
- …
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
This Trip is Graded Level 6
Ratings & Reviews
- 3 stars (0)
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- 1 star (0)
Category rating
- Food
- 5.0
- Guides & crew
- 5.0
- Accommodation
- 4.0
- Itinerary
- 5.0
Latest Reviews
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Departure dates
Friday 19th June 2026
to Friday 26th June 2026
Last minute - Host approval required
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Got a Group of 6 or More?
What to Pack

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
FAQs
What should I do about drinking water?
There are plenty of safe options to fill up while in the jungle and fresh water is abundant. Your host will provide water purification tablets for those who would like them although they are not really necessary.
Can I leave my excess luggage somewhere?
Sure thing! You will be able to leave anything you don’t need at the hotel in Medellin where it will be kept safe until your return post-expedition.
Is Colombia safe?
Modern-day Colombia is not 1980s Narcos. For decades, Colombia was in the international press for all the wrong reasons—drugs, kidnappings, and civil war. Now, with a peace agreement in place between the FARC and the government, Colombia is much safer, and tourism has skyrocketed in the last ten years.
Can I book on my own?
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Who is running the trip?
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
What is the official travel advice?
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).
If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.
For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.
What vaccinations do I need?
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
How are the trips priced?
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
Why are your adventures only for adults?
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
Who else will be on my trip?
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
What's the weather like?
Thanks to its geographic location on the equator, the country enjoys consistently warm temperatures throughout the year, making every season a good season for travel, although occasional rain showers are always possible at any time.
Medellín is known as 'La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera', the city of eternal spring. The city has a comfortable climate that is consistent year-round, thanks to its location at a high elevation and near the equator.
Semana experiences a dry season from December-March and June-August and a wet season from April- May and September-November.This expedition takes place entirely within the southeastern Oriente subregion of Antioquia; as you head into the wilderness the climate will be overall hot and humid. There could be a chance of rain showers all year round, but it's likely there will be more distinct downpours (generally in the afternoon or evening) during the wet season. Temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year with high humidity – around 77-95°F, dropping to 61-64°F at night.
What's the carbon footprint for this trip?
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 118kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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