Eastern Antioquia has faced considerable upheaval since the 1980s, following the construction of the country’s largest hydroelectric complex. Two decades ago, the Samaná Norte River basin was engulfed in severe civil unrest and mass displacement. Once peace was restored, the hydroelectric industry set its sights on the region’s last unspoiled river.
Despite past challenges, local communities—who had endured both dam construction in adjacent watersheds and conflict—began to envision a new chapter founded on peace and celebration.
As international visitors flocked to the country and people returned to rural areas, kayakers discovered the region’s beauty. This shared admiration between locals and whitewater enthusiasts gave birth to what is now Samaná Fest.
The festival has flourished over the years, reflecting a growing awareness of the river’s unique character. The goal of preserving an untouched river system resonates throughout the region, the nation, and beyond. More than just a thrilling race, the festival offers a unique chance to experience Colombia, paddle, celebrate, and unite in a collective effort to honor and protect its rivers.
We are proud to announce that NRS will be once again part of the event, and provide a Cash Prize of 1000 USD for the winners!
The 3 Elements Race: A New Adventure
Samaná Fest launches on March 21 with an exhilarating new event: a four-discipline relay combining kayaking, paragliding, biking, and trail running. This event will unfold in the stunning waterfall valley of the Santo Domingo River, a major tributary of the Samaná.
The relay showcases the interconnectedness of elements and ecosystems, drawing elite athletes from each sport to the upper watershed. It concludes with live music in the picturesque village of La Vega, celebrating the winners and the rivers’ freedom.
Stoke Floats & River Exploration
To close out the first weekend, the festival offers two days of “stoke floats,” where kayakers and locals raft down classic river sections. This shared experience on the river allows locals to host visitors in their natural environment while participants share their love for the sport.
Adventurous paddlers can start upstream and tackle challenging sections before joining the float.
The Samaná Marathon: The World’s Longest Whitewater Kayak Race
The distinctive kayak marathon kicks off with a qualifier on the Cocorná River on March 24. This demanding whitewater stretch will decide which athletes qualify for the renowned Samaná Marathon.
The marathon begins on March 27 from the Medellín–Bogotá highway bridge in San Luis, covering 42 kilometers through the river’s pristine stretch. Finals on March 28 will see the top 15 kayakers navigating the tumultuous “Tupión” waters, ending beneath the iconic Narices Waterfalls.
The festival concludes with a concert at Narices, celebrating free-flowing rivers alongside fishermen, local communities, elite athletes, and all who support the mission to protect the Samaná watershed.
Information for Paddlers
Recognizing the long journey for many international paddlers, the event spans 10 days. Alternatively, paddlers can attend just the final weekend and apply for a marathon wild card on the website.
Those with more time are encouraged to arrive early or stay longer, exploring the watershed’s top runs, such as the challenging class V classic “Gracias a Dios” on the Caldera or the stunning Melcocho drops.
Family and friends, even those who are not class IV paddlers or do not paddle at all, are welcome! They can follow the event using the same transport and lodging as paddlers and even join a raft for parts of the competition.
Access is easy, with Medellín’s international airport just two hours from the river, and the organization providing lodging and transport for the event.
For more information, visit http://www.samanafest.com and sign up on the Whitewater Marathon page. For inquiries, email info@samanafest.com.
Event organized by Expedition Colombia with support from NRS & Kayak Session.