Touch down in Lima and head to your hotel in fashionable Miraflores. Depending on your arrival time, explore the parks, cafes and bars and see why Peru is constantly featured in the best culinary spots in the world.

Take a short flight to Cajamarca - don’t be surprised if your hotel is steaming, it’s built on top of a natural hot spring. Take a dip, relax and then head out for a welcome dinner to really kick-start the expedition.

Travel across the Peruvian highlands and into the Marañon Canyon. Then after a safety briefing it’s onto the river! Plunge into the Balsas rapid (Grade 3) for a taste of what’s to come and complete some rescue drills to help each raft crew work as a team. When you're finished, wild camp on the shore with the river just a stones-throw away.

Take an optional sunrise hike to the cliff-top ruins at Playa el Cura, or just grab some more sleep. When the teams are reunited, continue downriver, encountering Class 5 rapids as you wind your way through the geological wonder that is the Marañon Canyon - beware of the strong afternoon winds - this stretch is notorious for them. Dock at the village of Mendán and take the chance to look around and refuel with some fresh coconuts, seasonal fruits or a cold beer. Sit down for a home-cooked dinner in this friendly and welcoming village. Most likely the local kids will be keen for a game of football too!

After a lazy morning, take a short float through some Class 3 rapids to the village of Tupén. The afternoon is yours to explore further, with some challenging hikes for the energetic and adventurous. Closer to home, the village is an interesting place to wander around. Be sure to visit the school and let the kids show off their incredible treehouse!

Prepare for a serious challenge as you encounter class 3-4 rapids, including Tupén Grande, San Lucas, Playa el Inca and Shingate. Pass by the proposed Chadin II dam site and learn how the local people, with some help from your host, are fighting to keep this iconic river beautiful and free. Dock on a stunning deserted beach in the heart of the canyon for another night under the stars.

Raft the deepest and most isolated part of the canyon as the vegetation and rock morphs into lush jungle, then face Linlin, the largest rapid on this section of the river. After the adrenalin has finally burned away, bounce through several more rapids before arriving at the Marañon Libre Conservation Area. Relax after an epic day on the water and enjoy one of the most stunning sunsets and vistas of the entire trip.

Explore the geological phenomenon of Las Cascadas - dozens of natural pools and waterfalls that cascade toward the Marañón. Swim, enjoy the views and then travel downstream to the Carrasco family farm, where you’ll have a hearty lunch with Roy and his family - staunch defenders of the river. Back on the water, enter one of the most scenic sections so far, where lush green shrubs cling to the red sandstone cliffs giving it a prehistoric feel. Visit the ancient rock paintings discovered by Roy and his family in 2019 – one of the many reasons the dam needs to be stopped and samp in the heart of the Red Canyon.

Navigate the final rapids of your journey, arriving in Puerto Malleta for a celebratory lunch and a final goodbye to your river guides. Travel to the village of Cocachimba, with plenty of views of the Shipago and Colan mountain ranges to keep you occupied along the way. Check into your beautiful lodgings surrounded by native cloud forest - your base for the next 3 nights as you explore the Kingdom of the Clouds.

Wake up to the sound of forest birds and hike to the 2531ft tall Gocta Waterfall. The hike has two options: a longer and more challenging circuit, or the shorter direct access from Cocachimba, which can be completed on horseback if you prefer. Spot native wildlife, including the Andean Cock of the Rock, Peru’s national bird, in the ravines on the way to Gocta and then take the afternoon off, or tackle another hike if you have the energy.

Start early to reach the upper levels of El Tigre, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Amazonas. The Sarcophagi del Tigre is rarely visited due to the adventurous nature of the route and the fact that it was only discovered in 2013! Pass skeletons and ruined tomb and use ropes and ladders to climb to the upper level, home to the ancient and mysterious Chachapoyan people, who mummified their dead, much like the ancient Egyptians. Hike back to San Jeronimo feeling like Indiana Jones and then return to Cocachimba for the evening.

Wake up in peaceful Cocachimba for the last time, with the option for an early morning stroll and a final look at Gocta waterfall. After a last view of this incredible cloud forest, return to Lima in time for your flight home, or continue travelling around Peru.

What do I need to bring?

Bags

• Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
• Daypack (35+ litres)
• Drybags for the river
• Waterproof liner for kitbag/rucksack

Clothes

• Shoes for wearing on the river (Water shoes or sandals)
• Lightweight hiking boots or hiking shoes for side hikes
• Sandals or flip-flops for around camp
• Neoprene or wool socks for the river (optional)
• Long-sleeved shirt & long trousers for off river
• Long trousers (or shorts + leggings) & long sleeve shirt - important for sun and bug protection
• Medium weight fleece, sweater or jacket
• T-shirts and/or lightweight quick-dry tops
• Board shorts
• Swimwear
• Sun hat, cap or visor
• Something to sleep in
• Waterproof jacket

Other

• Water bottle with a locking carabiner, to attach to raft
• Sunglasses with securing strap
• Headtorch
• Padlock for left luggage
• Universal travel adapter
• Power bank or solar charger
• Spare camera batteries
• Passports (and visas)
• Travel Insurance documents
• Earplugs
• Insect repellent - DEET free if possible
• Suncream - Eco-friendly if possibly
• Personal first-aid kit (including blister treatment)
• Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
• Quick-dry towel
• Alcohol hand-gel
• Reusable water bottle x1 litre (2 of these if you have room)
• Biodegradable wet-wipes
• Energy bars and snacks
• Water purification tablets/treatment system