Published on January 28th, 2026 | by Kayak Session
SAMANÁ FEST 2026: WHITEWATER MARATHON RACE TO PROTECT THE RIVER!
Since the construction of the nation’s largest hydroelectric complex in the 1980s, Eastern Antioquia in Colombia has known little peace. Two decades ago, the Samaná Norte River basin witnessed brutal civil violence and mass displacement. When the gunfire finally ceased, the hydroelectric industry once again set its sights on disrupting the flow of the last free-flowing river of the region.
« Locals and whitewater enthusiasts share love and respect for the river, and the confluence of both is Samaná Fest. »
However, the local communities, having endured both dam construction in the neighboring watersheds and conflict, began to dream of a different kind of transformation—one rooted in peace and celebration. As the country opened to the world, and people started to move back into the countryside, kayakers also began to notice this amazing place. Locals and whitewater enthusiasts share love and respect for the river, and the confluence of both is Samaná Fest.
Over the years, the festival has grown exponentially, reflecting a deepening recognition of the river’s uniqueness. The desire to preserve at least one untouched, uninterrupted river system has taken root in the collective consciousness of the region, the country, and even the world.
Beyond being an epic race, it’s a unique moment to experience Colombia, paddle, enjoy, and join a genuine collective effort to celebrate and protect its rivers.
After a successful 2025 edition—which gathered over 70 kayakers competing on the iconic Cocorná River for the selection race and through the mythic Samaná Canyon for the whitewater marathon, accompanied by live performances from Grammy Award winners *Puerto Candelaria and local reggae legend Afaz Natural—the 2026 edition is ready to once again innovate and inspire.
The 3 Elements Race: A New Format
On March 21st, Samaná Fest opens with a brand-new challenge: a four-discipline relay featuring kayaking, paragliding, biking, and trail running. Hosted in the spectacular waterfall valley of the Santo Domingo River—one of the main tributaries of the Samaná.
« Beyond being an epic race, it’s a unique moment to experience Colombia, paddle, enjoy, and join a genuine collective effort to celebrate and protect its rivers. »
The relay symbolizes the interconnection of the elements and the ecosystems, and brings to the upper watershed elite athletes of each sport.
It’s an event not to miss, especially as it ends with live music in the charming village of La Vega, celebrating the winners and the freedom of the rivers.
Stoke floats & Time to paddle other rivers!
For the end of the first weekend, the festival offers two days of stoke floats, where kayakers join with locals to go down in rafts some of the classic sections. Sharing this moment on the river with locals is also a way to give back. They invite us to their river; we invite them to our sport and passion!
It’s also possible to start from above and run hard stuff before joining the float!
The Samaná Marathon: The Longest Whitewater Kayak Race in the World
The unique kayak marathon begins with a qualifier race on the Cocorná River on March 24th. This demanding stretch of whitewater will determine the athletes qualified to participate in the legendary Samaná Marathon.
On March 27th, the marathon starts from the Medellín–Bogotá highway bridge in San Luis, running through the most pristine stretch of the river for 42 kilometers. The finals, on March 28th, will see the top 15 kayakers battle through the fierce waters of the “Tupión”, finishing below the iconic Narices Waterfalls.
The festival concludes with the traditional concert at Narices, celebrating free-flowing rivers alongside fishermen, local communities, elite athletes, and all those who join their voices to protect the Samaná watershed.
Paddler’s info!
Because traveling to Samana is quite a journey for most international paddlers, the event runs over 10 days. You can also choose to only come for the final weekend and get a wild card into the Marathon by sending your application on the website!
Paddlers with more time are also welcome to come early or leave after, and get to tick off the list the best runs of the watershed, like the ultra stacked Class V classic “Gracias a Dios”, on the Caldera, or the stunning drops on the Melcocho.
The organization is also welcoming family and friends to join, even if you are not a Class IV paddler, or perhaps don’t even paddle! It’s possible to follow the event, using the same transport and lodging as the paddlers, and also jump on a raft for certain parts of the competition!
Access is really simple: Medellín’s international airport is just 2 hours from the river, and the organization provides lodging and transport for the event!
For more information, visit www.samanafest.com and sign up on the Whitewater Marathon page!
For more info, contact info@samanafest.com
Event organized by Expedition Colombia and supported by NRS & Kayak Session.
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