Tag: Asháninka

The Amazon Canoe Challenge: The Toughest South America Aventure

Adventure, Amazon River, Peru, South America, Uncategorized

Up for a unique challenge? There’s a new Amazonian tourism offering in Peru that takes adventure lovers to remote parts of the Amazon by traditional canoe and it’s called the toughest South American adventure challenge.

Take the Challenge and Help the Amazon

Race across 250 km or just over 155 miles through the Amazon Rainforest by paddling the traditional canoes known as pitotsi. Made of wood, they’re heavy, hard to handle, and slow but have the advantage of being the best way to explore this remote region. At night set camp alongside Asháninka communities on the river’s edge, and learn about the hidden treasures of this region under threat.

The goal of the Amazon Canoe Challenge or ACC team is to not only encourage increased regulation to help protect the Amazon environmentally but also encourage sustainable community tourism projects that benefits the local population.

 Amazon Canoe Challenge takes travelers on pre-planned and custom trips through the little explored and rugged parts of the Peruvian Amazon.

“We are extremely proud to be working with the Asháninka communities to make the Amazon Canoe Challenge a reality,” explained ACC Director Carlos Heine. “Their stories and courage have been an inspiration to us to keep pushing to make the race happen.” 

Trip Options Include:

  • Ene-Tambo Expedition: Explore the River Ene and Tambo by traditional Pitotsi canoes over 6 days. This expedition takes guests through an area of Peru rarely visited, where they will find some of the most authentic experiences in Peru. They take travelers into the heart of Ashaninka territory in Junin, where they stay with Ashaninka communities and learn about their culture and traditions. Share stories over a bowl of Masato and stay in the heart of the Amazon Highlands. Over the next 5 days, travelers will explore the Ene river as they travel downstream toward the jungle town of Atalaya. Every day is different and each evening they will stay with a different community along the river. The area is remote so they will be setting up camp at each stop. Expect between 4 – 6 hours of paddling each day with a stop for lunch. Included is food and non alcoholic beverage, canoe, basic accommodations, local permits, camping equipment, safety equipment, experienced guide.
  • Amazon Canoe Challenge Race, a race over 250 km through the Amazon Rainforest by traditional canoe. The Amazon Canoe Challenge is a competition-style expedition that takes you through areas of the Amazon usually inaccessible to visitors, filled with a staggering diversity of wildlife. Competitors will learn about the culture of the Asháninka as they set camp each night with native communities along the riverside. 

Due to the remoteness of the areas they visit, facilities are limited on this trip. This is real adventure – you won’t find electricity, mobile reception or internet access on this expedition.

Safety is a primary focus and participants are provided detailed stage maps, satellite trackers, safety equipment, and support vessels throughout the entire challenge.

The Amazon Canoe Challenge works directly with the local communities in the Peruvian Amazon. They locally source supplies, equipment and services as much as possible, ensuring that the benefits go directly to the areas they visit.

The Mission

ACC’s mission is to work directly with local community organizations to help create positive impact in the areas we operate. They locally source supplies, equipment and services as much as possible, ensuring that the benefits go directly to the areas they visit.

With each expedition, ACC make a donation to both the community organizations who support us, as well as the local communities that host their teams throughout the race.