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Marañón River, Peru

By: Tyler Bradt

By KAVU

June 24^th, 2025

A 10-day paddling trip on Peru's Marañón River

Earlier this month, myself and a few friends traveled to Peru to paddle one of the longest, lesser-known multi-day rivers in the world: the Marañón. It was a journey through breathtaking landscapes and a chance to experience one of the most powerful rivers on Earth. With its towering canyon walls, churning brown waters, and world-class whitewater, the Marañón offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking to journey deep into the Andes and connect with a wild, remarkable place. We had the honor of paddling 420 kilometers through this stunning region, a trip that reminded me of the profound importance of seeking new experiences and spending extended time outside.

A Powerful Place...

The Marañón River is one of Peru’s most significant waterways, often dubbed the "Grand Canyon of South America" for its deep, dramatic canyons and awe-inspiring scenery. As a primary source of the mighty Amazon River and one of its most distant tributaries, it originates high in the Andes Mountains and carves its way through rugged terrain before flowing into the Amazon basin.

Peru itself is a country of extraordinary diversity and beauty. Nestled in South America, it’s home to the towering peaks of the Andes, the lush expanse of the Amazon rain forest, and a stunning Pacific coastline. Beyond its natural wonders, Peru boasts a rich cultural tapestry, from the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu to vibrant indigenous communities that thrive to this day. The Marañón River, set against this backdrop, is a testament to Peru’s reputation as a land of exploration and discovery.

The Journey...

With a solid four days of travel on each side of the trip, our 10-day journey saw us paddling 420 kilometers through the heart of the Marañón’s majestic canyons, a distance that speaks to both the scale of the river and the commitment required to navigate it. The water, a chalky brown hue from the sediment washed down from the Andes, flowed beneath canyon walls that rose like giants on either side of us. These immense cliffs framed our journey, creating a sense of being enveloped by the earth itself.

The river offered a dynamic mix of whitewater. Long rolling wave trains provided a rhythmic joy connecting some truly great sections of whitewater. Each day unfolded with new stretches of river to explore and unique stunning scenery around every corner. None of us in the group had paddled the river before, adding to the sense of awe and mystery.

The campsites were a highlight in their own right. After hours on the water, we’d pull our kayaks onto sandy beaches tucked beneath towering canyon walls. These spots were more than just places to rest; they were sanctuaries of peace and beauty. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden light across the cliffs, we’d set up camp and settle in for the night. Under a sky filled with stars and the gentle sound of the river.

A Reminder of What Matters...

Paddling through this remote and beautiful landscape over 10 days brought a clarity that’s hard to find in everyday life. In a world increasingly tethered to technology—phones buzzing, screens glowing, and notifications demanding attention—the Marañón offered a needed escape.

There, disconnected from communication and the digital world, I was reminded of how incredible these journeys are and why they are more important than ever as a reset for the mind and soul.

Life on the river is beautifully simple: wake with the sunrise, paddle through the day, eat, and rest beneath the stars. Abiding by the simple laws of nature and life: food, water, shelter, friends and happiness. A river journey connects us to a natural rhythm, leaving plenty of space for reflection and a connection to the natural world. This journey underscored an essential truth—sometimes, to reconnect with ourselves, we need to disconnect from everything else.

Tyler Bradt

KAVU Adventure Ready

Footnotes

Tyler is not only one of the best and most accomplished expedition Kayakers in the world, he spreads positive energy and kindness wherever he visits. T Bradt is simply KAVU to his core.

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FootNotes

Tyler is not only one of the best and most accomplished expedition Kayakers in the world, he spreads positive energy and kindness wherever he visits. T Bradt is simply KAVU to his core.

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