THE DETAILS
AMAZON CANOE CHALLENGE
SOUTH AMERICA’S TOUGHEST ADVENTURE CHALLENGE.
THE AMAZON CANOE CHALLENGE
The Amazon Canoe Challenge is back for 2024 as adventurous paddlers from around the world aim to navigate over 300km through the remote Amazon Rainforest by traditional canoe.
Push your limits as you paddle independently between rainforest campsites and Indigenous communities, navigating through a series of daily checkpoints along the river course. This is South America’s toughest adventure challenge.
In 2024, we launch from Manu in Peru – One of the world’s greatest biodiversity hotspots and home to the Machiguenga and Yine communities, as well as non-contacted communities such as the Mascho Piro.
Registration for the 2024 challenge is per team of 2 – 3 people.
OVERVIEW
- The Amazon Canoe Challenge
- The Purpose
- The Route
- The Canoes
- Arrival
- Base Camp
- On the River
- Finish Line
- Registration
- Entry Classes
- Support & Safety
- Requirements
- Inclusions
- Challenge Rules
- F.A.Q
- Get in Touch
THE PURPOSE
We created the Amazon Canoe Challenge as part of our mission to create positive impact through adventure. In the Amazon, we work closely with our community partners in both Manu & Ene-Tambo towards our shared mission of protecting the Amazon for future generations.
We were inspired to create the challenge after hearing countless stories from the Indigenous communities of the Amazon about their constant fight to protect their land from external threats such as illegal logging and mining. By creating this unique adventure, we aim to put an international spotlight on what is really happening in these regions, as well as support our community partners to develop sustainable tourism opportunities through assistance & training.
The Amazon Rainforest is a key battleground in the fight against climate change, and almost half of the intact forest remaining is Indigenous land. It’s also at a tipping point, with over 20% already lost forever.
In 2024, we’re aiming to raise £10,000 to support our community partners in their fight to protect the rainforest & their homes.
To find out more about our mission and what we do, check out the link below.
OUR IMPACT
THE ROUTE
We’ve added on an extra day on the river for the 2024 Challenge – Take on 300km of pure wilderness as you battle harsh conditions, strong currents & local wildlife.
Start: Cusco, Peru
Finish: Puerto Maldonado, Peru.
This year’s Challenge takes you through the heart of Manu, Peru. The Manu region is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, and home to almost 4000 unique species of animals, plants & insects. Here you will be hosted by the Machiguenga and Yine communities – The area is also home to non-contacted communities such as the Mashco Piro.
We’ve designed this year’s route to take in the best of what the Amazon has to offer, and with plenty of detours on the way, you won’t be short of places to explore.
We depart from Cusco and finish in Puerto Maldonado so it’s an easy connection to Lima for international travel. Transfer from Cusco to our starting point is included, as well as the final transfer from the finish line to Puerto Maldonado.
THE CANOES
Entry is by traditional Pitotsi canoe only. 7 metres long, and crafted by hand by our local team using 100% sustainably sourced wood.
Slow and difficult to handle, they are unlike anything you have paddled before. We teach you all you need to know about our Pitotsi canoes at our Base Camp training day prior to the start of the challenge. Everything you need for the challenge must be carried with you along the river.
The use of these traditional wooden canoes is slowly dying out throughout the Amazon, often replaced by larger motorized metal vessels that transport people between communities or small towns along the river. Through the challenge, we are working with our local partners to preserve this incredible craft for future generations.
We use only sustainably sourced wood that naturally gets carried down the rivers from the rainforest for our custom canoes – The wood is collected from the river with special permission, and treated and processed in our workshops in the Amazon.
ARRIVAL
Meeting Point: Pillcopata, Peru.
Meet your fellow teams, expedition crew and local community representatives at our welcome briefing in the afternoon. We’ve added in transport from Cusco for this edition so it’s an easy connection from your international flight. You will have time to make any last-minute preparations and stock up on supplies before training tomorrow.
Accommodation & dinner is included for the night at one of our jungle lodges.
BASE CAMP
Here you will meet your traditional Pitotsi canoe and have the chance to practice before heading out to the rivers. We finish the day with a jungle feast and welcome ceremony.
Accommodation & dinner is included for the night at one of our jungle lodges.
Training at our basecamp covers the following:
TRAINING
- Race briefing (rules & safety)
- Cultural etiquette & awareness
- Gear usage (flares, throw rope, satellite tracker)
- Basic river navigation skills
- Pitotsi canoe skills on the river
ON THE RIVER
The next 6 days on the river will be challenging. Each morning, you and your teammate will depart for the next stage of the course on your Pitotsi canoe. You will be paddling for 5-7 hours each day, depending on the stage length, river currents and your determination. At the end of the day, choose to meet at one of the designated checkpoints or camp out in the wild. There are mandatory checkpoints along the route where your team must check in for safety reasons.
With no mobile reception, you are forced to navigate using your GPS and paper maps. You will face harsh conditions, strong currents and wildlife – Entry is limited to those who can prove they have the skills & experience to take on the challenge.
Support vessels are positioned along the course while you are on the river and we operate a 24/7 remote HQ – For more information on support, see the section below.
WHERE WE STAY
At night, we camp. Choose to meet other teams at a designated checkpoint, or camp out in the wild with your team. Designated checkpoints offer chances to resupply food & water, or to experience the local culture when we stay with our community partners along the route.
No glamping here – Navigating this remote area means that the areas we stay are basic with limited or non existent facilities.
Stages open from 08:00 and close at 16:00 – Each team must check in by the designated time. For more information on rules & support, see the section below.
FINISH LINE
Final checkpoint: Los Amigos Biological Station, Peru
Enjoy a well-deserved celebration as you reach the end of an adventure of a lifetime, including dinner, closing ceremony, celebrations and basic lodging for the night.
We finish this year in Los Amigos, between Boca Colorado & Puerto Maldonado. This edition, we’ve added in transfers back to Puerto Maldonado the following morning after breakfast – Here you can fly directly to Cusco, continue into the jungle or connect back to Lima.
REGISTRATION
Entry to the 2024 Amazon Canoe Challenge is by application only – Teams will be considered for entry under the following categories:
- Experience in the outdoors
- Paddling experience
- Creating a positive impact: Environmental / Social
Click the button below to submit your teams application form. Once submitted, our team will review your application. If we think you’ve got what it takes then our team will be in touch to arrange a call to go over the next steps.
For further questions on registration, get in touch at contact@amazoncanoechallenge.com
APPLY NOW
REGISTRATION FEE
The registration fee for the 2024 Amazon Canoe Challenge is as follows:
Team of 2 people: £1645 Per Person (£3290 / Team)
Team of 3 people: £1365 Per Person (£4095 / Team)
After your initial application is approved, we require a 15% non-refundable deposit of the full amount of your team registration fee with the full balance due 90 days before departure.
Your place is confirmed once on the basis of the following:
- Payment of the 15% non-refundable deposit
- Signed and returned terms and conditions
- Official confirmation from our team
A £250 refundable equipment deposit per person is required to cover the loss or damage of the canoe or safety equipment. Payment is by bank transfer (UK only) or secure online payment (Stripe).
For teams who sign up within 90 days before the start of the challenge, the full balance is due immediately.
ENTRY CLASSES
Choose to compete in timed stages in Race Class, or take your time to explore in Adventure Class. Race Class is limited to 2 people or up to 3 in Adventure Class.
ADVENTURE CLASS:
For the prestige of completing one of the most demanding events of its kind. Complete the course in daily stages, giving you more time to explore. 2 – 3 people per team.
RACE CLASS:
For competitors wishing to race for the chance to be crowned race champion, and all of the glory that goes with it. Course stages are timed and the team that completes the course in the fastest total time wins. 2 people per team.
SUPPORT & SAFETY
Safety on our expeditions is paramount to us – We provide comprehensive support with a range of safety equipment for participants, experienced crew and strict emergency protocols in place.
- Support vessels for emergency assistance
- Experienced race crew (including first aid and rescue)
- 24/7 monitoring during the event
- Daily briefings (weather updates, course and river status)
- Detailed route map for each leg
- River safety equipment
- Initial training on the use of your pitotsi canoe
REQUIREMENTS
Due to the challenging nature of this expedition, we have some strict requirements in place for all participants. To sign up you need to comply with the below requirements. This is to ensure your own safety and the safety of the crew, as well as ensure the expedition is enjoyable for all.
By signing up to the Amazon Canoe Challenge, your team must comply with the below requirements:
- A reasonable level of physical fitness
- Confident swimmer: Able to swim at least 100 meters and comfortable in the water
- Completion and approval of an application form for 2024
- Approved medical form
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance for the challenge duration
INCLUSIONS
We offer range of inclusions to give you the most bang for your buck. Check out the inclusions for 2024 below:
INCLUDED
- Pitotsi canoe and wooden leaf paddles
- Buffet dinner at Base Camp and Finish Line
- Comprehensive Safety equipment
- Satellite tracker
- Support vessels & crew
- Camp logistics
- Base Camp Training
- Lodging at Finish Line
- Transfer from Cusco to Pillcopata
- Transfer from Los Amigos to Puerto Maldonado
- Amazon Canoe Challenge Welcome Pack
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights
- Lima – Cusco transfer
- Onwards travel from Puerto Maldonado
- Visas as required
- Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
- Recommended gear list
- Personal costs
- Food supplies on the river – You must be self-sufficient
FUNDRAISING
For the 2024 Amazon Canoe Challenge, we ask that each team raises a minimum of £500 for our community partners, or an alternative non for profit working to protect the Amazon. We are big fans of Amazon Watch – Why not join our annual Paddle For The Amazon fundraiser and get a head start in your fundraising goals.
FIND OUT MORESPONSORSHIP
If you are looking for sponsors for your entry fee, support, fundraising or equipment, we can help. We have limited places available in our sponsorship support program each edition so get in touch directly to find out more.
RULES
Navigating alone through the Amazon isn’t something to be taken lightly. We have a series in rules in place for the Amazon Canoe Challenge to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone involved. A full set of challenge rules will be sent after your initial application is approved.
PADDLING HOURS
The course is open from 08:00 to 16:00 Daily – Daylight paddling only. All teams not staying in a designated checkpoint must check in with our team before paddling hours close.
NO STOP ZONES
Strict No Stop Zones are in place in areas that may be hazardous to stop. For 2024, No Stop Zones are in place for a small area where occasional sightings of non contacted communities may occur, as well as points where illegal mining may be present. Violation of this rule will result in immediate removal from the challenge. No Stop Zones are outlined on your route map, as well as in the daily safety briefing.
F.A.Q
F.A.Q
What if I want to sign up but not race?
You can absolutely still sign up – Although the Amazon Canoe Challenge is a competition-style expedition, teams who want to take the course at their own pace are welcome. The same rules on start time and maximum finish time apply but we have designed the course so that those who want to take it easy can still enter as well.
What level of experience do I need to participate?
If you aren’t a pro paddler, you can still sign up. We take into account a range of experience including outdoors & survival skills, as well as other travel experience. If you are unsure of your abilities, you can give us a call for more information.
What facilities will be available during this trip?
The general rule is that no electricity is available during your time on the river. Flushing toilets and showers will also not be available. No mobile signal will be available.
Ask us a question at contact@amazoncanoechallenge.com
GET IN TOUCH
If you have any questions or to speak with someone from our team:
contact@amazoncanoechallenge.com
