Ten days kayaking through the Amazon rain forest to reach the start of the Amazon river.

Overview
The Expedition

This is a unique expedition, one which has been developed and run only by Quest so far – do you dare?

This challenge is to travel by sea kayak down the Huallaga and Maranon rivers to the the very start of the Amazon river itself. While some sections will be done by motor boat due to practical and safety reasons, the large majority of this 500km route will be under your own steam, in 1 or 2 person sea kayaks.

This route is located in Peru, and takes you alongside the largest national reserve in Peru, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Flying into Tarapoto in northern Peru, we enter the water in the town of Yurimaguas. Approximately 8 days later, we reach the beginning of the Amazon river, close to the town of Nauta, after which we fly home from Iquitos. En route, we will be crossing paths with local Amazon communities, enjoying the company of pink and grey river dolphins, as well as a multitude of wildlife which can only be enjoyed when travelling so silently though the jungle.

Camping almost throughout, on a combination or riverside beaches and local communities, with a couple of nights in an Amazon lodge en route so we can explore the forest on foot as well, it is a true Amazon experience not for the faint hearted.

Cuzco extension

While the Amazon challenge is a 9 day adventure, if you have the time you may want to join our Cuzco and Machu Picchu extension to make it a two week extravaganza!

Book this Adventure »
Itinerary


Time Location Activities
Day 1 Lima Fly into Lima, transfer to hotel near the airport.
Day 2 Lima-Tarapoto Fly from Lima to Tarapoto in northeast Peru. Here, we transfer to Yurimaguas to meet with our kayak team for the trip briefing. Sleep in Yurimaguas.
Day 3 River Huallaga Entering the water in Yurimaguas, we begin our expedition. Travelling by motorised dugout canoe, we make our way to our first camp.
Days 4-7 River Maranon Entering the faster moving River Maranon, we really begin to motor. Here, we are also kayaking alongside the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, so wildlife spotting will be greater.
Days 8 Pacaya Samiria Lodge A break from the kayaking, we have two nights in the the comfort of the Pacaya Samiria Lodge, with a day in between to explore the jungle on foot.
Day 9 Amazon River and Iquitos Our final section of kayaking, we finally arrive at the Amazon river. Transferring onto our vehicle in Nauta, we then drive to Iquitos for our final night in the jungle.
Day 10 Iquitos-Lima Fly to Lima to connect with your international flight home.
For those staying on for the Cuzco extension, transfer this same day to Cuzco .
Day 11 (extension) Cuzco A full day to explore the city of Cuzco.
Day 12 Sacred Valley of the Incas A tour of the market town of Pisac, as well as the ruins of the same name. Continue onto Ollantaytambo and take an afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu.
Day 13 Machu Pichhu Visit the iconic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, return to Cuzco.
Day 14 Cuzco Morning in Cuzco, afternoon internal flight to Lima, connecting with flight home.
Dates and Costs

 

Team Name Start date End Date Quest Overseas Payment Quest4Change Contribution
Amazon Kayak Adventure Coming in 2022 £3,600 N/A

 

Prices are based on a minimum group size of 6 and maximum 12.

Included

All internal flights and land transport
Two person sea kayaks with spraydecks
Full camping support
Hotel accommodation
All meals, except lunch and dinner in cities

EXTENSION
Hotel accommodation (based on 3-star standard in double rooms)
All excursions and entrances
Train travel to Machu Picchu, entrance and guided tour

Not included

International flights
Lunch and dinner while in cities
Personal travel insurance
Personal kit
Personal expenses (nights out, internet, laundry etc)

 

Please get in touch for prices in other currencies.

Who is this trip for?

This is a challenging adventure, where you should have some previous experience of kayking. The rivers are flat on the whole so are not technically challenging, but we could be kayaking 50-60km per day (down river) for several days so you need to be prepared for this.

While we will be providing comfortable tented accommodation with dining tents each night, jungle camping can be tough, with mosquitoes and heat adding to the challenge. The views and rewards are more than worth the hardship, but you have been warned!