The best time to raft the Marañon River is between June and November. This is what we’d consider the dry season, the level is reliable and weather is perfect. For more information about water levels and when to run, see this article.
Trips starting in Cajamarca and Huaraz: Cajamarca and Huaraz are cities high in the Andes mountains. It is generally warm and sunny throughout the day, then quite cool at night. You will need pants and a sweater or jacket to be comfortable in evenings.
Trips finishing in Jaén: Jaén is a warm, humid city. You will not need a sweater or pants to be comfortable here.
Add on trips: If you are heading to Chachapoyas on a Kingdom of the Clouds add-on the weather can be quite varied. From warm and sunny through the day, to the odd rain storm to cool and fresh in the evening. You should prepare for all types of weather, including shorts and t-shirt for hikes, pants and sweater for evenings and cooler days, and bring a raincoat.
This section of the Marañón is warm and dry; we travel through desert-like canyons and dry forests for the majority of the journey. Throughout the day you probably want sunscreen, long sleeves, long pants/legging and a hat(while on side hikes) to protect from the sun and to protect from no-see-ums.
While on the water, most people prefer quick dry pants (or shorts with legging) and a quick-dry shirt; however, if you are prone to feeling the cold then bring a thin wetsuit top or thermal top. You can also bring a rain jacket or whitewater to wear in case the wind picks up or if we encounter a brief shower.
It is very unlikely to have any rain throughout the dry season (June-Sep).
In the wet season (October-May), it is possible to to get several days of rain on your trip and fluctuating water levels.
On public group trips, you are welcome to bring your own alcohol, this can be purchased before you trip in your starting location. Check with us about space availability!
On private and row-your-own trips you are welcome to complete a beverage pre-order where we can purchase the drinks you desire before the trip, and have them packed and ready at put-in (and chilled if you desire!) For this service, see the second tab of the Outfitting Pricing Sheet.
The best time to raft the Marañon River is between June and November. This is what we’d consider the dry season, the level is reliable and weather is perfect. For more information about water levels and when to run, see this article.
Yes! Most trips will include a small selection of drinks to highlight Peruvian specialties. You are also welcome to purchase your own drinks prior to the trip, or to use our Beverage Pre Order sheet so we can have it all ready and waiting (and possibly even cold) for you.
This section of the Marañón is warm and dry; we travel through desert-like canyons and dry forests for the majority of the journey. Throughout the day you probably want sunscreen, long sleeves, long pants/legging and a hat(while on side hikes) to protect from the sun and to protect from no-see-ums.
While on the water, most people prefer quick dry pants (or shorts with legging) and a quick-dry shirt; however, if you are prone to feeling the cold then bring a thin wetsuit top or thermal top. You can also bring a rain jacket or whitewater to wear in case the wind picks up or if we encounter a brief shower.
It is very unlikely to have any rain throughout the dry season (June-Sep).
In the wet season (October-May), it is possible to to get several days of rain on your trip and fluctuating water levels.
Yes! Most trips will include a small selection of drinks to highlight Peruvian specialties. You are also welcome to purchase your own drinks prior to the trip, or to use our Beverage Pre Order sheet so we can have it all ready and waiting (and possibly even cold) for you.
If you take any prescription drugs or other medications, be certain to bring a large enough supply to last through the entire trip. When flying, pack these medications in your carry on luggage. If lost, you may not find the same drugs available in Peru that you can purchase internationally.
When on the river, speak with your guides if you are unsure about your medications or have any health concerns at all.
Check with your own travel doctor for expert advice to confirm what you require. It is a good idea to confirm that tetanus and diphtheria are up-to-date. Yellow fever vaccinations are recommended when entering the Peruvian Amazon. You may also consider other vaccinations like hepatitis A and typhoid. Some health professionals also recommended rabies vaccinations when travelling in South America.
There is a very low potential for malaria in these sections of the Marañón canyon. We rarely see mosquitoes while on the rafting trip. Our guides do not take medication for malaria in this zone because they believe the risk to be very low, and the complications caused by Malaria medication are not worth it. Some travelers do choose to use anti-malarials, while the majority prefer to use prevention techniques such as covering up exposed skin with clothing and utilizing repellents. If completing the Heart of the Marañón section, when we arrive to the finishing city of Jaén there is a higher chance of seeing mosquitos. If you see mosquitos we encourage you to cover up exposed skin and use repellents.
If you take any prescription drugs or other medications, be certain to bring a large enough supply to last through the entire trip. When flying, pack these medications in your carry on luggage. You may not find the same drugs available in Peru that you can purchase internationally.
Please conduct you own research if unsure and consult your travel doctor for expert advice.
On public group trips, you are welcome to bring your own alcohol, this can be purchased before you trip in your starting location. Check with us about space availability!
On private and row-your-own trips you are welcome to complete a beverage pre-order where we can purchase the drinks you desire before the trip, and have them packed and ready at put-in (and chilled if you desire!) For this service, see the second tab of the Outfitting Pricing Sheet.