Students for Rivers Camp goes Río Marañón, Peru

This August, the River Collective organized its annual Students for Rivers Camp on the Río Marañón in Peru, often called the “Grand Canyon of South America.” The camp combined whitewater kayaking and rafting with science, art, and activism, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to learn about rivers and inspire action to protect them.

Steep hills, red cliffs, and abundant cacti are just some of the stunning features that define this remote stretch of the free-flowing river that connects the Andes and the Amazon. Yet the Marañón is at a crossroads. Planned dams and contamination threaten the river, while movements for long-term legal protection are gaining momentum. Recently, the Indigenous Kukama women’s group Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana won recognition of the Marañón as a subject of rights. In this context, the camp asked: What does it mean for the Marañón to remain free-flowing?

« Paddling the Marañón was incredible, and learning its stories along the way deepened the connection to the river. »

Over the course of the camp, students, researchers, and conservationists from Peru and abroad paddled 145 kilometers downstream, navigating everything from calm waters to wild rapids. Along the way, participants learned about the local species and from the communities that care for and depend on the Marañón. Each night brought a new breathtaking beach, where camp was set up and workshops on ecology and justice were held, with discussions continuing over dinner.

The camp concluded with a conference where participants presented newly developed river actions to
keep rivers healthy and free-flowing. It was both a celebration of the Marañón and a commitment to
act on what was learned.

Check out the video to see what the camp was about, and this storymap to learn more about the Marañón and why the camp was held there.

New teams are currently organising the next Students for Rivers Camps, on the Tagliamento in Italy (2026), the Samaná in Colombia (2026) and the lower Marañón in Peru (2027), so keep an eye out on the River Collective Website, their Instagram or even LinkedIn.

Words: Franziska Walther (River Collective)

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