A unique kayak race and public event
to enjoy and protect the last
free flowing river of Antioquia

22 of March

* Community Rafting and kayaking stoke float on the Rio Verde

23 of March

* Community Rafting and kayaking stoke float on the Rio Calderas and Santo Domingo (kids)

* Opening Ceremony and festivities in Cocorna

24 of March

* Rio Cocorna Qualifiers

26 of March

* Mandatory Samaná River reconnaissance for Long Distance World Championship race. (San Luis – Puerto Garza)

28 of March

* Samaná Marathon – Long Distance World Championships main race
(San Luis – Puerto Garza)

29 of March

* World Championships Final – Samaná Final class 5 gorge
(Fugas – Puerto Garza

* Prizes and concerts in
Puerto Garza

Born from a maze of jungle, overhung by covered mountains, and fed by abundant tropical rains, the Samana River is the jewel of the Magdalena watershed. But the river is in danger.

Over a decade ago, locals and international kayakers began trying to introduce an alternative economic approach for these river systems via ecotourism. Despite their best efforts, local and international support are needed to save this region’s natural bounty.

The Samana Fest is the iconic yearly event of this plight. Now, as the culmination of over 10 years of advocacy, the event confluences with the international whitewater community and the Samaná becomes the host of the first Enduro Kayak World Championships.

The event format has been updated and designed to provide both epic kayaking races and a space for Colombian people to connect with the sports and their beloved river!

Samaná Fest + Enduro Kayak
World Championships

Samaná Fest is now the host of the world championships!

The first week-end will be dedicated to sharing the river with the public via community rafting trips, and the qualifier race on the upper part of the watershed.

The second week-end will take the even to the lower part of the river for the iconic Marathon and the Finals on the class 5 gorge.

Why is the Samaná SO SPECIAL ?

The Samana Watershed is located 2 hours east of Medellin, on the Medellin-Bogota highway. It drains the eastern side of the northern tip of the central range of the Andes, and flows into the Magdalena river, Colombia’s main artery. This river is the last remaining corridor between 5 of Colombia’s most relevant ecosystems. Its water flows from the Paramo de Sonson and crosses an incredibly pristine area of rainforest, before pouring its water into the floodplains and the Magdalena.

All the rivers of the area have been dammed and devastated by deforestation and mining activity. Yet the Samana persists, and it is our last opportunity to preserve the world’s most astonishing

Why should I take part

Festivity and Responsibility

Stability and Sustainability

From its beginnings 8 years ago as a grassroots conservation festival, to past 2 year’s event, which featured over 2500 attendees, international music stars Puerto Candelaria and Systema solar as well as partnerships with local municipalities and the Colombian international tourism board, Samana Fest has always kept its focus on two simple goals: protecting the Samana River watershed from direct threats and connecting to formerly displaced locals as they return to the valley after decades of violence.

Ten years ago,

no whitewater community existed in this region, now all local companies are united in their responsibility for conservation. Last year, these companies, as well as the local kayak club, came together to take over 200 local residents on the river for their first trip during the festival weekend. In addition, the fight against damming, although ongoing, has seen tangible victories for the river system and its returning people as a direct result of Samana Fest’s efforts.