Rio Samaná Rafting

Overview

The Río Samaná rafting expedition is Colombia’s only multi-day Class IV–V whitewater trip. It covers 40 km over 2 days on Antioquia’s last free-flowing river. Just outside Medellín, one of Colombia’s most intact river canyons, a continuous Class IV/V whitewater rafting route through remote jungle with multi-hour technical paddling led by our expert guides.

Pioneers of the Samaná

We are the pioneering team who first descended and established multi-day expeditions on the Río Samaná. The Rio Samana is our all-time favorite rafting trip!

Learning Experience

You will learn about critically endangered species including the rare palm *Aiphanes argos*, the *Cuphea fluviatilis*, and other endemic rheophyte plant species only existing in the Río Samaná corridor. The Samaná is a biodiversity hotspot with 9 species found nowhere else on Earth and 7 plant species discovered during a recent rafting expedition on this same river section.

Day 1

• Meet us at 8:30AM at our operational base in Cocorná or book an extra private transport from Medellín.
• Traditional Colombian breakfast at our favourite restaurant, the Palacio de los Frijoles.
• 40 min 4x4 ride to Puente Samaná to the shores of the river.
• River safety briefing on essential paddling, rescue and safety skills.
• 4-5 hours rafting descent on class IV/V whitewater on the last wild river of Antioquia.
• Discover a biodiverse river corridor with endemic plant species found nowhere else on Earth.
• Make camp and take a river-side walk and swim.
• Enjoy a hearty camp dinner with a well deserved glass of wine.
• Sleep in sheltered hammocks by the river deep in the jungle, off-grid in the complete wilderness.

Day 2

• Wake up close to a secluded lagoon and natural swimming pool where you can refresh yourself.
• Enjoy a delicious camp breakfast prepared by your guides.
• Rafting descent on world-class 4+ whitewater (4-5 hours active paddling)
• Mid-rafting lunch break on a riverside beach by the river.
• Finish the raft trip beneath a spectacular waterfall and take out at the village of Puerto Garza.
• 4.5 hours ride back to our operational base.
• Return at 6 PM operational base or choose to book a private transport and get back for 7:30 PM in Medellin.

Start-point

The tour starts here at our operational base in Cocorná. Near the restaurant el Palacio de los frijoles on the Medellín-Bogotá highway. It’s easy to get there by public transport from Medellín or come in your own vehicle (free parking available).

If you're staying in Medellín, optional transport can be added at checkout, including pickup from Hostel Masaya or other locations. If you wish to organise private transport from another location please get in touch

This expedition includes

- Day 1 -

Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Sheltered hammock camp in the jungle

- Day 2 -

Food: Breakfast, Lunch

What is the food like ?

The food brought during the trip is catered and prepared by local restaurants as a fusion of international and Colombian flavours. All meals are hearty, balanced and energy-fueling dishes served in the jungle.

On your first day, you will enjoy a typical Colombian meal: the Antioquian fiambre! A traditional packed meal from Antioquia, wrapped in banana leaves and made for days out in nature.
Enjoy a variety of energy-fueling food to keep you going throughout the expedition, along with a little extra wine to enjoy on the first night.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-friendly options are available, just message us!

What is the accomodation like ?

A simple riverside camp deep in the jungle, where you will experience sleeping suspended in sheltered hammocks. Fall asleep to the orchestra of the rainforest and wake up by the river, surrounded by untouched nature. A chance to disconnect from the modern world and experience an unforgettable night in the remote Colombian wilderness.

Rafting runs all year round thanks to Antioquia's warm tropical climate. Expect hot and sunny days with temperatures ranging from 24 °C to 30 °C, but rain is always possible. The river stays at a perfect temperature for swimming all year so you will definitely be tempted to jump in more than once.

Keep in mind rafting is a weather-dependent activity and may need to be adjusted based on climate conditions.

• 40km of guided rafting descent (2 full days)
• Experienced and certified professional bilingual raft guides
• Professional safety kayaker
• Jungle wild camp in hammocks
• Full rafting equipment
• Round-trip transport between our Cocorná operational base and the river (Medellín transport not included)
• 5 meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner with specific dietary options available upon request)
• Medical assistance policy

• Transportation from Medellín to Cocorná (can be booked as an extra during checkout)
• Personal clothing, shoes
• Guide tips
• Personal expenses
• Gopro photo package (can be booked as an extra during checkout)

What do I need to bring?

• Passport for internationals, ID for nationals. Physical documents required.
• Closed-toe shoes that can get wet and with a good grip (no flip-flops/crocs/sandals)
• Lightweight quick-dry clothing for 2 days (light trousers/shorts & breathable shirts)
• Sunhat
• Water-resistant sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Water bottle
• Cap or hat
• Quick-dry towel
• Dry change of clothes and shoes for the evening and after the river
• Headlamp & extra batteries
• Light jacket or hoodie
• Rainjacket