Protect the rivers and Go with the flow on Rio Samaná
This trip, organized by ExpeditionColombia in collaboration with the NGO The River Collective, is an incredible hike & raft adventure while also serving as a fundraiser for the Students for Rivers Camp on the Samaná River in Colombia in September 2026.
The Students for Rivers Camp (SRC) is an initiative by The River Collective. During this camp, participating national and international students learn about river protection and develop new ideas to further protect the river. The funds raised through Flowing Colombia will support the participation of local students in the SRC.
To support this camp, I have offered my help to give this fundraising trip extra depth and to inspire people to join an amazing adventure that also contributes to local nature conservation.
The journey
The Río Samaná is one of the last free-flowing rivers. We will go on an adventure through a region that was once controlled by the FARC and known for coca production. Because people avoided this area during that time, the river and the surrounding nature remained largely protected.
Today, the local communities have returned and live from and alongside the river. They want to protect the river from plans for dam construction, safeguarding this valuable ecosystem and their way of life. The SRC aims to support these efforts.
During our hike and rafting adventure we explore the area and experience this unique piece of nature. We learn from local communities about the river and challenge ourselves on several exciting rapids.
On the Río Samaná we travel from the rainforest, through canyons, and into lowland forests. Along the way we camp or stay in local homestays run by communities living along the river.
From powerful rapids to natural swimming pools beside the river, the journey offers constant variety. Along the way and at our overnight locations we encounter remarkable wildlife, including birds, butterflies, plants, and—if we’re lucky—otters and other animals.
What is included?
The organising partners
The Flowing Colombia trip is organized by Expedition Colombia, a local organization that contributes to river conservation by enabling more people to experience the Samaná River. The River Collective collaborates with them as a local partner for the Students for Rivers Camp (SRC) in Colombia.
The River Collective is an NGO dedicated to river conservation through interdisciplinary collaboration and education. Among other initiatives, they organize study camps and develop projects aimed at protecting (free-flowing) rivers.
By joining this trip, you commit to raising a minimum of €750 in fundraising. This amount is not included in the trip price. We are happy to support you with ideas and suggestions to help you raise the funds.
For more information, please visit the website of The River Collective.
Programme
Included
Accommodation in shared rooms
Dinner on Day 1 in El Carmen
Meals during the jungle overnight stays as mentioned in the program
Transport to and from Medellín and during the trip
Rafting and camping equipment
Local rafting guides and Dutch-speaking tour leader
Not included
Flight
Travel cancellation insurance
Dinners in the villages and meals on Day 10
Personal drinks and other personal expenses
Optional paragliding flight (approx. €200)
Mandatory fundraising of at least €750 per person. This can be done through our joint fundraising campaign or through a one-time additional donation.
Day 1
We meet in Medellín and then leave the city, heading toward the small town of El Carmen. Here we make the final preparations for our expedition.
Day 2
We drive toward the cloud forests, passing a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Santo Domingo Valley and its many waterfalls. From here you can hike down into the valley, or choose to paraglide down instead (optional add-on). We spend the night in the valley at a local guesthouse.
Day 3
We hike through the area, gradually descending and meeting local farmers along the way. Once we reach the bottom, we drive another hour to our guesthouse. Tonight we prepare for the rafting adventure that begins tomorrow.
Day 4
We hike through the valley while donkeys carry our larger bags. At the river we take a refreshing swim in the emerald-green water, from which the river gets its name. We begin with a rafting safety training and then set off on the river. We set up camp along the riverbank and sleep in our covered hammocks, with the sounds of the jungle around us.
Day 5
We take a beautiful hike in one of the tributaries of the Río Verde. Afterwards we continue rafting and keep our eyes open for wildlife along the river. Along the way we also see traditional gold mining practices. At the end of the day we reach Puente Samaná, the only road access point to the river. From here we are taken to a nearby village where we meet local community leaders who are working to protect the river.
Day 6
Today we reach the more challenging section of the river, with Class IV whitewater rapids. Hold on tight and paddle hard as we raft through a spectacular canyon. After a well-deserved meal we spend the night once again in our hammocks.
Day 7
We continue down the river and enjoy natural swimming pools and waterfalls that can only be reached from the water. We arrive at the take-out point, as the next five kilometers are extremely difficult and suitable only for very experienced kayakers. We bypass this section by road and stay in local guesthouses for the night.
Day 8
The river becomes calmer and we have time to talk about fish migration, birds, and the presence of limestone and marble in this region. Tonight we stay in a riverside lodge—a bit of comfort after our rafting adventure.
Day 9
We raft the final stretch of the river at a relaxed pace. Along the way we take a short hike to the Nuss canyon, a river that has been dammed, and we reflect on the developments around hydroelectric power production in the region. By the end of the day we reach Puerto Triunfo and stay in guesthouses.
Day 10
Our final day. We still have time to explore some of the local surroundings before driving back to Medellín. Here we end the day with a final lunch or dinner together. Our shared journey comes to an end.
Would you like to stay longer and explore more of Colombia? Our local partners will gladly share tips so you can continue enjoying everything this beautiful country has to offer.
Practical details
Dates: Thursday morning, August 20 – Sunday afternoon, August 29, 2026
Preparatory online meeting: Thursday, July 9, 7:30–9:00 PM
Departure: from Medellín
Group size: 7–15 participants
Price: 9,950,000 COP (approximately €2,300), excluding a minimum fundraising commitment of €750
Want to learn more about this trip? Download the full program here .
Ready to join? Sign up through our local partner via this link: .Samaná Watershed Conservation Expedition
After registering, you will receive tips and advice for fundraising, access to the fundraising page (from late March / early April), and an invitation to the preparatory online meeting.
The organization
This trip is organized by ExpeditionColombia. The River Collective collaborates with them to provide additional depth and alignment with the Students for Rivers Camp. Qurious Travel organizes the preparatory call, provides fundraising tips, and—together with ExpeditionColombia and The River Collective—develops an additional educational program for this trip. This program will be tailored to the interests and needs of the group.