AMAZON SUP CHALLENGE

SOUTH AMERICA’S TOUGHEST ADVENTURE CHALLENGE.

LOCATION: MANU, PERU

02 – 10 JUNE 2024

THE AMAZON SUP CHALLENGE

Our Classic Amazon Challenge tailored for SUP teams. Join us for the Amazon SUP Challenge launching June 2024, and be part of the handful of people in the world who have taken on the challenge by SUP.

Push your limits as you paddle 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 worlds 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 Amazon SUP Challenge is per person.

Thanks from our team to Tony Bain from Green Dragon Activities for helping make the first Amazon SUP Challenge a reality.

THE PURPOSE

We created the first 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

Take on 300km of pure wilderness as you battle harsh conditions, strong currents & local wildlife. For the Amazon SUP Challenge, we will be paddling at a slightly slower pace with more time in the communities along the route.

Start: Pillcopata, Peru

Finish: Puerto Maldonado, 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.

It’s easy to access by direct flight from Lima, and we transfer you from the finish at Los Amigos to Puerto Maldonado where you connect by flight back to Cusco or Lima.

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.

Accommodation & dinner is included for the night at one of our jungle lodges.

BASE CAMP

Here you will meet our crew and get familiar with the route before heading out to the rivers. We finish the day with a jungle feast and welcome ceremony. For the Amazon SUP Challenge, training will be shorter to allow for more time on the river.

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
Basic river navigation skills

ON THE RIVER

The next 6 days on the river will be challenging. 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, we will meet at our designated campsite along the river course to set camp.

With no mobile reception, we are forced to navigate using GPS or 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

We stay at a designated overnight checkpoint in a group, either hosted by our local community partners or at a campsite in the rainforest.

No glamping here – Navigating this remote area means that the areas we stay are basic.

Stages open from 08:00 and close at 17:00 – Each team must reach the next checkpoint 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

All participants must have a proven level of skill & experience on the river. Registration for this event requires a £199 deposit with the full balance due 60 days before departure.

For questions on registration, get in touch at contact@amazoncanoechallenge.com

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION

The deadline for registration is as follows:

02 – 10 June 2024:

1st April 2024

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
Provisions and drinking water throughout the course

WHAT TO BRING

For the Amazon SUP Challenge, each team must bring their own board & paddle and personal camping equipment. We provide buoyancy aids but if you have your own kit you are welcome to bring it too. The full equipment list will be released soon.

COMING SOON

GETTING TO & FROM THE CHALLENGE

Departure point: Pillcopata, Peru

The closest airport is Cusco – Domestic flights are available from Lima (1 hour, approx. $40 – $80 USD).

Your registration fee includes transfer from Cusco to our starting point in Pillcopata. You will need to be in Cusco for our transfer at 08:00 from the city centre.

Finish: Los Amigos – Close to Puerto Maldonado, Peru

Puerto Maldonado has an airport with domestic flights and overnight busses to return to Cusco. Flight prices are approximately $50 – 80 USD and take around an hour.

*Please keep in mind that prices are approximate and that we always recommend allowing additional time to connect with international flights. We ask all participants to consider travel by bus to reduce our environmental impact.

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 SUP Challenge, your team must comply with the below requirements:

A good level of physical fitness
Proven paddling experience
Completion and approval of an application form for 2024
Approved medical form
Comprehensive Travel Insurance for the challenge duration

REGISTRATION FEE

The registration fee for the Amazon SUP Challenge is £1945 per person.

A £150 refundable equipment deposit per team is required to cover the loss or damage of safety equipment. Payment is by bank transfer (UK only) or cash on arrival. This can be paid in USD.

For teams who sign up within 60 days before the start of the challenge, the full balance is due immediately.

INCLUSIONS

We offer range of inclusions to give you the most bang for your buck. Check out the inclusions for 2024 below:

INCLUDED

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
Your Board & Paddle
SUP specific equipment such as buoyancy aid

FUNDRAISING

For our challenges we ask that each team raises a minimum of £200 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.

RULES

Navigating alone through the Amazon isn’t something to be taken lightly. We have a series of rules in place for the Amazon SUP 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 17:00 Daily – Daylight paddling only.

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.

GET IN TOUCH

If you have any questions or to speak with someone from our team:

contact@amazoncanoechallenge.com

Chat on WhatsApp

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