The Best Amazon Adventure – River Rafting Race!

The Best Amazon Adventure on our Peru Amazon Tour –

River Rafting Race 

Are you looking for an Amazon adventure? Here’s an interesting twist on the traditional Peru Amazon Tour: go rafting down the Amazon River on a self-made balsa wood raft. With a slogan that goes, “The faint of heart need not apply!” the Great River Amazon Raft Race is one of the most thrilling sporting events that happen on the water. This would also be great if you want to combine your Peru tour with some adventure

Adventure-lovers descend upon the mighty Amazon River in Peru each year to participate in an adrenaline-pumping Great River Amazon Raft Race. Every year around October, this annual race takes place in the heart of northern Peru’s Amazon rainforest. However, this rafting race is not exactly tame.

People who seek a true Amazon adventure from all around the world, race 87 miles of water, from Nauta to Iquitos. Whole race takes 3-days. The rafters have to build their own rafts on balsa wood. Starting in Isla de Pescadores (Fisherman’s Island), the teams construct their rafts, then camp out and enjoy life in the midst of the jungle. Early the next day, the Amazon Raft Race officially begins. Along the way, rafters clock their time, and in the evenings they have dinner at the campsites. The race finishes at the Fishing Club at Bella Vista Nanay.

Previous years have drawn dozens of teams from across the globe. Teams have 4 to 7 members and are divided into 3 categories, Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed.

When and how did this Amazon adventure start ?

In 1999, a dedicated rafting team known as the Amazon Rafting Club initiated an Amazon rafting race that would attract international attention. Back then, the race was just 12 miles long and included 40 teams. Now, 30 local teams and 30 international teams compete. Although the race is strenuous, amateur rafters can grab a paddle and join a crew in Iquitos. Support boats follow along with the rafters, and substitutions are possible.

Just a few years ago, “Over the Hill Gang” team paddled the course – and their average age was 68. Experience is as important as stamina for this challenging Amazon adventure.

Often, teams raise money to pay for the entry cost as well as to donate to local causes. The Amazon Rafting Club Facebook Group is helpful for finding out the latest information.

There is no doubt that this Amazon raft race is one of the most exciting ways to experience the Amazon rainforest or a great add on to your Amazon Rainforest tour. Read Bill Grimes’s blog post on his Captain’s Blog Dawn on the Amazon, for more background photos, stories, and more info about this fascinating race.

Photos courtesy Bill Grimes, Dawn on the Amazon.