100km Jungle Expedition into the Heart of Colombia

An amazing hike and rafting experience. The 3 day hike is tough, so be prepared for long hot days of difficult terrain at a fast pace. The rafting is great fun with some exciting rapids and in-between the actual rafting the guides give you plenty of other challenges, rock jumping, waterfall diving, swimming challenges. A great way to fill the days. Our guides Jonathan and Didi were so cool. Nothing phased them, nothing was too much trouble for them. They were both so much fun and joined in with the group dynamics, which I must say, our group, albeit only 5 in total, were amazing. You will often find on these MBA trips, it's the team (Dream Team) that makes them work so well. So thanks again MBA for another brilliant experience that I will always remember. On to the next. . .

I had the absolute best time hiking and rafting with Jonathan and Didi. They took such good care of everyone on the trip, even when people were sick, finding the walk hard, or scared when they fell out of the raft. They’re super professional, total heroes really, and I felt so safe with them. I’m super privileged to have got to know them a little and seen some of their side of Colombia.

Great people, perfect guides, extraordinary views, and nonstop adventure - this trip was incredible. Just go but don't skip the training. The level six rating is real.

It’s really difficult to put into words how amazing this trip was from the adventure to the fatigue to the laughing until we cried, it really had it all.

A huge part of what made the trip so incredible was our guides Johnathan and Didir. They never slept, never stopped smiling their dedication to ensuring we had an amazing time was above and beyond. They were both absolutely incredible, I could not recommend this trip more!

Awesome adventure that you will struggle to forget.

Super remote dense jungle / rainforest. 3 tough days trekking with 3 days rafting.

Hiking was fun, but tough. More elevation gain than you’ll be expecting even after reading the reviews, however I didn’t find it as hard as expected. Be prepared for it to be super tough and you may surprise yourself. (Train hard, fight easy).

Rafting was super fun and also pretty chilled. Couple gnarly rapids thrown in to get the adrenaline pumping. Much shorter rafting days than expected due to so much rain and the river moving a lot faster than usual.

Tonnes of birds and bugs but not much else wildlife wise. Incredible, huge, fast flowing waterfalls during the rafting sections that we were allowed to jump into and climb up to. These are hidden gems that very few people will ever have seen deep in the dense rainforest.

Be prepared for plans to change, we had to miss the final day rafting due to landslides blocking multiple main roads into the city. So we hiked out and got a vehicle back via a longer route, ended up being 8 hours driving.

Take good bug spray - mine did absolutely nothing. I had approx 60-70 bites even though I wore long sleeves and trousers with bug spray. They do love me though, some of the group got away relatively unscathed.

Hiking boots and some decent water shoes will do the trick footwear wise. Terrain was pretty brutal especially as it was so wet - so I’d advise boots over trainers to be safe.

Guides were absolutely awesome. Didi, Steven and Mael. Absolute heroes all of them. Mael did a great job as the lead guide. Professional, but also had a laugh and integrated extremely well with the group. Acted well when some group members got injured and judged the pace of the group perfectly.

This was by far the coolest trip I’ve ever been on!

Mael, Didier, and Steven are the best! Any issues that came up were handled promptly and with professionalism by them, and I always felt safe in their care (despite never having rafted before). Every day was an adventure and I was sad it had to come to an end. I would go back in a heartbeat and do it all over again.

The group of people on this trip were also amazing, and it was such a gift to spend time with like minded individuals.

I personally felt the difficulty rating was appropriate, as there was nothing technical we had to do. There were a lot of elevation changes, but if you know that going in, I feel like you’ll be ready to handle it. I was sore by the end of the first day, but late night stretching was helpful and I couldn’t feel the soreness after the first 5 minutes of hiking at the start of the next day. The rafting was absolutely amazing. Not having ever rafted, it was easy to pick up. But I will say the raft guides (Steven and Didier) did the majority of the work there. We just paddled forward or back. Their knowledge of the rivers was insanely impressive.

One constructive criticism I have is the packing list, because there were items definitely not included. Here’s a guide for anyone as confused as we were:

Essentially, you divide your gear into two sections: trekking and rafting. Your backpack has everything you’ll need for the first 2. 5 trekking days. Your drybag will have everything you need for the remainder 3. 5 rafting days and will be brought to you with the rafts on day 2. 5. They want you to keep it small, but 10L was not enough space to store everything and close the bag. I would recommend at least a 15L bag, or 20L as long as you don’t fully pack it. For the trekking bit, you don’t necessarily need hiking boots because they won’t be water proof (no matter what the label says) but they will be heavy. I did my trek in trail runners, and it worked great. Mael, our guide, also wore trail runners. Poles aren’t necessary, but I personally despise poles. If you find you need them halfway through, you can always find walking sticks on the trail. That said, you’re literally going up and down 2 mountains a day so if you’re used to doing that with poles, bring them. Flip flops are a good thing to have for the night portion and water socks with a good grippy sole are good for the rafting portion. I sent my trail runners back on day 2. 5 with my backpack. I used only 3 pairs of socks since I didn’t need them on the raft after the trekking portion. The rainjacket was nice to keep my phone in since I didn’t have pockets in my leggings, but I never actually wore it despite the rain. You’ll be wet no matter what, so it never really mattered to me. I didn’t pack any long-sleeved shirts, but it was sunny only one day and for that day I used sunblock. For me, bugs weren’t really an issue, but some people on the trip definitely did not go unscathed. You will want clothes to sleep in and a towel to dry off with. I was going to bring a camera, but decided to just bring my phone. We stayed in a couple places with outlets, so I was able to leave it in airplane mode and charge it at night. You also want clean clothes to travel in but leave those at the hotel because anything that touches your backpack or even dry bag will smell godawful. There are also a couple of swimming holes along the way, so bring a swimsuit if you want to stay semi dry while trekking. I would say try to bring some amoxycillin in your first aid kit. You can buy some at Medellin before you leave. Once an infection starts, you’ll need antibiotics. Also try to get COP in small denominations from your bank before you leave your home so you can tip the guides and everyone hosting you along the way. The exchange rate at Medellin sucks, and it’s just one less thing to worry about. I brought 900,000 COP (about $240 USD), but had to pay the taxi back to the airport with my credit card because I ran out, so if you want to pay for everything with cash, I’d suggest closer to 1,070,000COP. Otherwise, my total tips for the guides and hosts and the drinks we had on the second rafting day in the village were 360,000COP.

Again, this was an amazing trip, filled with experiences and memories I’ll treasure forever.

Really enjoyed this hike and raft through the Colombian jungle. The hike is challenging with elevation changes and rough jungle trails. The rafting is a lot of fun with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Had an unforgettable experience. Thanks to our great guides Mael, Didier and Juan Es. Food was amazing and our group always felt safe and enjoyed ourselves throughout the trip Will definitely be visiting Colombia again.

Wow I can't believe its over and I can't believe i did this, not for the faint hearted. I trained for this but after the first day felt I should have trained harder. The guides Mael and our rafting guide Juanes couldnt do enough for you making sure you were safe and had everything we needed. I was in a grouo of 12 raising money for charity we raised £30,000 + still rising!! Things id recommend having are 100% walking poles in couldnt have done it without them the terrain is tough, wet shoes for rafting, I took some sachets of lattes for the evening I was glad of these 😅 the first day was the hardest of the trekking days. Make sure you take a pair of trousers to hike in and a pair to wear in the evening and shorts for rafting and trousers and long sleeved shirt for the evening else you'll get eaten alive!! I also took snacks in rucksack for the trekking which helped but could have done with jelly babies 🤣 you'll need the boost. The sense of achievement after completing this is epic 😎 highly recommend and would do it all again tomorrow.

It was brilliant! Immersed in untouched natur, from cloud forrest to rain forrest and more, staying in simple homestays with the locals and thrilling hanmock campa at the river side and lots and lots of hills to hike. Tough and yet satisfying trip. I will never forget this unique experience. The rafting was very exciting with some spectacular sights and side trips to jump waterfulls and swim in natural pools. Thanks for the safe organisation and proffessional handling from the start to the end.

The trip was awesome, the pictures don't do it justice! The hiking was though at times, but all the sweat and mud created a great group dynamic instantly. Unfortunately because of the high water level, we couldn't do the whole rafting route. However the alternative was evenly great. The nature is stunning, the sleeping locations are unique and the food is good. Special shout out to the awesome guides, Mael, Jonathan and Didier. They really were the cherry on top of this trip :-)

Very well organised, and one of the most fun trips I've ever had! I have only great memories.

The whole experience was first class the hiking was tough but rewarding and the rafting was so much fun. all the guides where helpful and fantastic people anyone thinking of booking you'll not regret it.

An amazing trip that consists of several days of intense and challenging, but rewarding, hiking and several days of rafting. The guides were super knowledgeable and fun, and everything was very well organized despite the obvious complexity of doing so. This was my first MBA trip and I would highly recommend it.

This was my first MBA trip and I was very impressed, especially with the communication and local guides. Everything was handled professionally and it was easy to get in touch with both MBA and the local guides with questions. The trip itself was awesome. The hike was very remote, muddy, rough, but super rewarding with really cool views - more waterfalls than I can count. Definitely deep out in the jungle and it was challenging for me (I hike mountains a few times a month in the NE U. S. ). The distances aren't huge but the terrain makes it slow and tiring. You will need to have some trekking experience. This was my first time rafting and the guides made me feel comfortable and I learned alot. Like someone else mentioned, you might want to have separate water shoes for rafting. You can wear the same shoes the whole time but everything you wear will be completely soaked. The group was 9 of us and everyone was in great shape with a good attitude. I'll definitely think of doing another MBA trip! 100% recommend this one if you want to experience the jungle and don't mind being muddy! Also if you want to try whitewater with local experts!

10/10 as expected…honestly this is my third MBA trip and I really think I need not elaborate further; it’s 10/10.

Had the best time with the MBA team, thank you so much! The guides were professional, fun and experienced, the food was great, staying in the homestays was really special, and the scenery was incredible. The walking was really fun and satisfying, and the rafting was a fantastic adrenaline rush with great little side trips each day. Loved it!

Mael and his team have done a brilliant job developing this trip to high light the rare beauty of the free flowing Samana river. But that beauty is wild and untamed, you can expect steep thick jungle. Roaring rivers crossed by rickety rope bridges and cascading waterfalls that few people have ever seen. A true jungle adventure. Mael calls it a dynamic environment. The river can rise 10 metres overnight. Roads get blocked or washed away. So Mael always has a plan A,B and C for each stage of the trip, designed to keep you safe while showing off the beauty of the region. To enjoy the jungle you will need to bring your own sense of adventure. The trekking is tuff and you will be dirty and wet almost the whole time. The home stays are completely authentic ( rustic ). Giving you a real insight into the lives of the people who live there. The food too is completely authentic and plentiful ( I brought lots of snacks but didn’t need them). In saying that, vegetarians seem to be well accommodated and we got a glass of wine with our evening meals. Be fit, don’t carry too much( just be wet and dirty). bring trekking poles. Bring boots with good grips for the trek. And water shoes with good grips for the rafting ( side treks to waterfalls were more like canyoning). And enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet

Mael took us through mountains and along rivers that vanishingly few non-Colombians have been. A path he and his mates designed out of mule paths of mountain villagers, we were completely enveloped in the cloud forest, hidden farm houses and rickety bridges straight out of Indiana Jones. The rainforest is not a light excursion so expect to be wet, bruised, bitten, muddy and sore and you’ll be in heaven. The food was authentic and delicious with plenty to spare. Our home stays were clean and perfectly rustic. Mael and his river guides’ Oscar and Didier’s knowledge of the flora and fauna was profound. I learned much of a culture and environment much removed from the bustling city of Medellin. Be in good shape, bring clothes you’re prepared to get roughed up, good hikers and I would suggest shoes for some tough canyoning up gushing and slippery streams while on the rafting portion. Avoid open-toed or those with no tread. Toe socks and plenty of blister tape are a must and walking poles will save you many a fall in the mud. As of today I would say the pictures on this site severely undersell the majestic beauty of the Samana Watershed. Would love to come back for some more rips down those rapids and watching thunderstorms from a hammock.

We were very lucky with the weather, not so much sun made the jungle part so much more enjoyable. Great trekking tour with amazing views and to see how the flora literally changed hourly. Rafting was also great not in term of rapid and techniques, but just to enjoy the 22C water (unlike in Europe where it is 5-10C). Great to see all the little streams and waterfalls. There was only 4 people in our group, which meant more attention from crew at times, at other times I missed some energy from group dynamics.

Been on about 9 MBA trips so far all of which were amazing but this was probably my favourite if not in the top 3. The guides Diana, Mael, Oscar and Didier were really friendly and experienced at what they do. The local communities were very welcoming and it was a unique experience to stay with them. The scenery during the hikes were stunning despite the heat with some waterfalls to cool down in, rafting was super fun especially in the rapids aswell as some cliff jumping along the way. It was a pleasure to meet everyone in the group and glad I got to see such a beautiful country with them!

This was an amazing experience I’d recommend to everyone! Great group of people and the guides were excellent- really fun, knowledgeable and did everything they could to make it a memorable trip. Itinerary description is spot on with some added extras along the way. The country is stunning and this is the perfect way to see it getting off grid and immersed in nature with like minded people! The accommodation in Medellín was great as well so made for a fun time outwith the jungle too! Brilliant adventure, everyone loved it. If you’re thinking about signing up then definitely go for it!

I was very lucky to be part of a fantastic group of 12 who just bonded from the start. The guides and local hosts were really friendly and enhanced to experience when least expected. I loved the food that the families prepared and the prepared lunches. Wet underfoot due to heavy rainfall in the weeks leading up to the walking, I would definitely recommend walking poles. Colombian trekking is either up or down so be well prepared! The rafting was fantastic, amazing views and challenging enough to raise the pulse. I loved how the guides would set camp and the hammocks - made all the difference after a long day. This was my first trip of this type, I hope to do a few more

Had a great time on this trip. Was lucky to join a group who all made the effort and looked out for one another. The guides were really professional, friendly and made every effort to make sure we were all having a good time. Hiking through the jungle was hot but we stopped a good few times at perfect water holes to cool down. The rafting was good craic, some great rapids. I'd recommend bringing walking poles to help on a few of the downhill sections, and wearing long pants to avoid sunburn while rafting. Top trip, would definitely recommend.

This was a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime experience. I joined as a solo traveler and all four other guys on the trip were the same. Everyone was around the age of 30ish and quite like-minded. The trip consisted of 2-3 days of hiking followed by another few more days rafting and exploring around the river before heading back. On around day 5, overnight rainfall meant that we had to divert onto a different river, which was done really efficiently. The team of guides were fantastic, skilled and really enthusiastic about the area and preservation of the area. The activities themselves were tough at times. The hikes were long and had plenty of uphill sections. The terrain was also tricky. The rafting was really fun and the guides really knew what they were doing. When I was there the rain was quite strong over most nights with some thunder. However, it would typically clear up by morning. Our first and last nights were both in Medellin, which is a fantastic, vibrant city. The hotel we stayed in had a brilliant rooftop bar and was nearby several great cafes, bars, restaurants etc. All-in-all it's not for the faint-hearted, but an awesome experience that I'll never forget!

This was one of the best weeks of my life!

Hiking through the jungle was stunning. It was a very challenging but rewarding hike with many special views and waterfall swim stops. You felt very remote, only seeing the odd farmer or miner often traveling on donkey and very little else.

The group that were on the trip were all like minded people and really made the trip as enjoyable as it was. The team on the ground were also amazing! They were all passionate and full of enthusiasm for the trip and the country, their company over the week further enhanced the experience. They were also very diligent adapting the schedule to suit the ability of our group. The logistics were almost seamless from the rustic homestays, to camping on the side of the river to picking up food from a donkey in the jungle everything went without a hitch. Even when the heavens opened and we had to swap rivers due to the high water.

I would highly recommend this trip to anybody who wants a wild adventure in a beautiful country with some amazing people!

Brilliant trip - a real adventure. Trekking was great and hard work - don't expect to just turn up with no training and cruise it. Lots of ups and downs through amazing scenery with some tricky paths in places. Rafting was much more sedate! Although we had to swap to an easier river for the last 2 days due to rain making the original one unsafe. I think those days were to be more thrilling. Rafting was still great though, just not as difficult as the trekking - lots of jumping into the river if that's your thing.

Amazing experience. Definitely a challenge. Jungle trek very remote and challenging terrain. Long steep downs and ups. Very long days, but the group support was brilliant. 3 very long tiring but great days trekking. Rafting really good, although due to days of rain had to do less challenging river on last day for safety.

Amazing trip! Totally recommended. Colombia is a beautiful country and the outdoor spaces are just incredible. The hosts were great, they really taught us about the country, customs, people and area. The hike was more difficult than I had expected due to the terrain: lots of narrow paths, wet slippery rocks, loose pebbles etc. But still completely manageable. Sleeping in a hammock was a different experience but I did enjoy it. The rafting is just fun, not physically difficult at all.

Definitely off the beaten track, a real wilderness experience!