Peru white water rafting holidays
| country: | Peru |
| departures: | 2009: 26 Jul |
| price: | From US $2850 - US $3150 (10-11 days) excluding flights |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Peru is home to several incredible adventures on rivers hidden deep in awe-inspiring canyon. We offer three exhilarating expeditions exploring the mountains, canyons and rivers of Peru. Our expeditions can also take you on the incredible Inca Trail.
Itinerary
Rio Cotahuasi (11 days): The Cotahuasi is the deepest canyon in the world! Measuring 11,587 feet from river to rim, this scarcely-explored Peruvian wilderness remains one of the most pristine environments on Earth. The Cotahuasi River Canyon features a rare glimpse into the Incan world; a geologic, floral, and faunal paradise; and a river-runner’s dream!
Itinerary
Inca Trail and Rio Apurimac (11 days): Until very recently, the Rio Apurimac remained a scarcely known river through one of the deepest canyons in the world and the uppermost source of the Amazon River. Rising in Peru’s glaciated southwestern Cordilleras at 18,000’ in elevation, the Apurimac courses downstream through a distinctive narrow canyon sculpted over the millennia into smooth, overhanging walls of incredible shapes and of astonishing dimensions. Rio Apurimac holds an unrivaled feeling of remoteness.
On these Apurimac adventures, we also visit the Inca Trail. Among the most impressive of the Incan ruins is the renowned Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Situated within a stunning valley at 8,000 feet in elevation, the greatest of the The site officially encompasses 325 square kilometers and features marvelous well-preserved stone structures, religious sites, gardens, and walkways.
Itinerary
expeditions
Colca Canyon (10 days): Found in the Andes Mountains of southern Peru, courses one of the most spectacular rivers in the world! The Colca River originates high on the wind-swept peaks of Condorama Crucero Alto and flows downstream over the course of several hundred kilometers, dropping through a canyon measured at a depth of 10,725 feet. Few people have yet witnessed the wonders of Colca Canyon since its 1981 first descent. The canyon features fantastic geologic features, colossal riverside waterfalls, and an abundant population of gigantic (10 foot wingspan!) Andean condors. Due to the combination of demanding whitewater and sheer inaccessibility, an expedition through the Colca Canyon is reserved for the true adventurer! Itinerary
| Day 1: | After a short connecting flight from Lima, you arrive in the Andean city of Arequipa, Peru, where you’re met by your trip leader and taken to your deluxe hotel accommodation. You’ll have plenty of time this afternoon to explore this dazzling city. Over an exquisite dinner of Peruvian fare, we’ll have our trip orientation where your expedition leader will cover all of the details of our extraordinary journey, which begins the following morning. |
| Day 2: | This morning we begin a thrilling drive five hours north to the rim of Colca Canyon and into the quaint village of Huambo. We’ll set camp, and over appetizers and happy hour we’ll watch as the sun sets over one of the world’s deepest canyons! |
| Day 3: | Today we journey down into Colca Canyon. With the assistance of our guides and porters, we’ll load all of our gear onto burros. Individually, we’ll travel lightly, carrying only small daypacks and water on a seven to eight hour descent to the river. The hike is breathtaking as we descend nearly two miles down and through a geologic paradise! |
| Day 4-8: | We’ll awaken the morning of day four to the roar of the Colca River. After a hot breakfast we’ll journey upstream a short ways to check out the colossal extraordinary Juan Pablo II Falls. Upon returning to camp, we find our boats rigged and ready. After an extensive safety orientation and equipment check, we launch onto the river, beginning our journey into the mystical Colca Canyon. The six days on this trip are some of the most dramatic days that you will ever experience. The sheer, twisting walls of the canyon will oftentimes prevent any sightline to the sky above. Massive Andean Condors issue shrill screams as they soar overhead. At 10,725 feet deep and in one of the remotest regions of Peru, we adjust to living on “river time -” waking by daylight and sleeping with darkness. Our days will be demanding and exhilarating as the difficulty of the whitewater increases throughout the trip. Teamwork is essential as the inner canyon river corridor culminates in a series of steep and technical class IV and V rapids and at least one extremely demanding portage. We’ll navigate the river as cautiously as possible given our resources and our location. A conservative approach, coupled with our outstanding crew of world renowned river guides and the employment of only the most up to date rafts and equipment ensure the utmost in safety throughout the descent. We’ll spend our evenings relaxing in camp, recounting the days’ events, exploring nearby sites, and partaking of some of the finest meals and beverages you’ll ever earn! |
| Day 9: | On our final river day we’ll travel a short distance through some yet-exciting Class III and IV rapids to our take-out at the confluence of the Rio Colca with the Rio Majes. From the take-out, we voyage in jeep a quick three hours’ to Arequipa. You’re back in time to clean up in your deluxe accommodation and to prepare for the extravagant trip dinner and fiesta. Congratulations on descending one of the most exciting and one of the deepest canyons in the world! |
| Day 10: | This morning you catch your flight to Lima and then connect to your next destination, whether it’s home or on to your next adventure! |
Rio Cotahuasi (11 days): The Cotahuasi is the deepest canyon in the world! Measuring 11,587 feet from river to rim, this scarcely-explored Peruvian wilderness remains one of the most pristine environments on Earth. The Cotahuasi River Canyon features a rare glimpse into the Incan world; a geologic, floral, and faunal paradise; and a river-runner’s dream!
Itinerary
| Day 1: | After a short domestic flight from Lima, arrive in the southern city of Arequipa. At the airport you will be met by your expedition leader and taken directly to your first class accommodations. Tonight, during dinner, we will cover all of the details of the upcoming adventure. |
| Day 2: | This morning we will depart Arequipa early for a full day’s drive to the town of Cotahuasi. This journey will take us over a 15,000 foot pass with spectacular views of the 21,000 foot Coropuna Volcano. |
| Day 3: | Today will be spent exploring the narrow streets of this very interesting Andean town. This afternoon we will take the short drive to the Luicho Hot Springs for a nice soak to help prepare for the long hike ahead of us in the morning. |
| Day 4: | This morning, after loading our gear onto the mules, we will begin the full days trek to the river. This trek will take us around the impressive Sipia Falls, towering more than 400 feet tall. Afterwards we will continue on the ancient Incan trail, 3000 feet above the river before beginning our decent into the river canyon. Tonight we will camp by the river and our put:in. |
| Day 5-9: | Day five we begin the river portion of the expedition. After a detailed safety orientation and paddling introduction, we head downstream into the deepest and one of the least-explored canyons in the world! Over the course next 6 days and 100 miles, we’ll paddle some of the finest, most continuous class IV and V whitewater in the on Earth. We’ll stop frequently to rest, to absorb the splendor of this extraordinary place, and to explore the numerous pre-Incan and Incan ruins. Every afternoon we’ll pull our boat ashore and make camp, oftentimes at the site of abandoned Incan villages, pitching our tents directly beside traces of ancient civilization. We’ll share decadent dinners, hot breakfasts, and plentiful lunches as we peruse the sky for soaring gigantic Andean Condors; and we’ll leave ample time for exploring side canyons, ancient trails leading out of our camps, and for recuperating every night. The quality of our journey through the Cotahuasi canyon cannot go understated - this is one of the Earth’s wonders in terms of spectacular scenery, wilderness remoteness, archeological exploration, and expedition quality! |
| Day 10: | The whitewater subsides substantially by today as we float to our take:out. Passing by villages and local fisherman harvesting the river. After reaching the take:out, we will have a nice early lunch, de:rig and load all of our equipment. After a seven hour drive we will arrive at our deluxe accommodations in Arequipa. Just enough time to shower and clean up before our final night fiesta. Congratulations on completing one of the worlds most remote and challenging river expeditions! |
| Day 11: | After breakfast, its time to transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima and back home or on to your next destination. |
Inca Trail and Rio Apurimac (11 days): Until very recently, the Rio Apurimac remained a scarcely known river through one of the deepest canyons in the world and the uppermost source of the Amazon River. Rising in Peru’s glaciated southwestern Cordilleras at 18,000’ in elevation, the Apurimac courses downstream through a distinctive narrow canyon sculpted over the millennia into smooth, overhanging walls of incredible shapes and of astonishing dimensions. Rio Apurimac holds an unrivaled feeling of remoteness.
On these Apurimac adventures, we also visit the Inca Trail. Among the most impressive of the Incan ruins is the renowned Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Situated within a stunning valley at 8,000 feet in elevation, the greatest of the The site officially encompasses 325 square kilometers and features marvelous well-preserved stone structures, religious sites, gardens, and walkways.
Itinerary
| Day 1: | We will meet you at the Cusco airport mid-day and transfer to our hotel. Tonight we have an orientation dinner where we‘ll distribute river dry bags and discuss the upcoming week’s activities. |
| Day 2: | From Cusco we drive 4 hours through the Andes to the put-in at mile-high Huallpachaca Bridge. We’ll spend a few hours preparing our equipment. On the water, we’ll float through several Class II-III rapids, emphasizing a thorough training, including re-entering the raft after a swim, flipping the raft, and swimming a rapid. We’ll pull over and spend our first river night in the narrow gorge. The guides will prepare an awesome dinner while participants explore a side canyon and waterfall or relax in camp. |
| Day 3: | Today we have a 6-7 hour day ahead of us. We’ll encounter our first Class IV rapids and will make plenty of time for marveling at the sheer gorge through which we pass. One portage awaits at an impassible stretch of the river. At midday we’ll refuel on an abundant riverside lunch and hope to arrive at our spectacular camp by 4 p.m. We’ll pass the night gazing out of tents and sleeping bags two miles out of the Apurimac River Canyon and into the Peruvian sky. |
| Day 4: | After a great hot breakfast we gear up to paddle the most challenging whitewater of the expedition. Class V rapids “Toothache,” “C-U First,” and ”Last Laugh” will rock our boats as we cruise downstream through the colossal, smooth, water-sculpted, vertical walls. Tonight will be our final night on the river and in this amazing canyon. |
| Day 5: | Raft a short distance to our take-out, pack all the equipment and drive back to the ancient Incan city of Cusco, arriving in the early afternoon with some free time. Then we’ll transfer to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and check into the celebrated Mirador de los Incas, where we‘ll also enjoy a fabulous dinner. |
| Day 6: | We'll head to Piskacuchu (2700 meters) located off the Machu Pichu railroad. We’ll then cross the bridge and hike along the left shore of the Urubamba River as it flows northwest through the Sacred Valley to Miskay (2800 meters). At Miskay we‘re able to see the Inca city of Patallacta (2750 meters). We’ll continue our trek through the Kusichaca River Valley, climbing gradually (+/- 5 hours) until we reach our first campsite at the village of Wayllabamba (3000 meters). The valley offers spectacular views and the phenomenal diversity of flora and fauna trailside will keep us captivated throughout the duration of today‘s hike! |
| Day 7: | Enroute to our first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihua“usca (Dead Woman’s Pass), we’ll witness domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at this altitude. We’ll also cross through the mysterious “cloud forest,”. In the afternoon we’ll descend into the Pacaymayo Valley (3600 meters,) where we’ll make camp. Today’s hike is one of the most spectacular you’ll ever do, and will take approximately 6 hours. |
| Day 8: | Today will be our longest day, but our reward is that we will behold one of the most impressive displays of Incan archaeological sites in South America! We’ll observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, backed by impressive views of the Urubamba River valley and the long descending stone steps along which we’ll continue on to Wi“aywayna (2700 meters). |
| Day 9: | Awake at 4:00 am to leave Wi'aywayna and climb to Intipunku, the "Sun Gate", an hour’s hike along an ancient trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot we’ll watch the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Pichu and then descend into Machu Pichu, entering the citadel forty minutes later. Then we have a comprehensive guided tour of Machu Pichu followed by time to further explore the ruins. |
| Day 10: | Today we’re free to wander the Machu Pichu ruins, relax at the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, or visit the Orchid Garden in Aguas Calientes. Arrive at Sacred Valley and the Mirador de los Incas around 6 p.m. Tonight we’ll enjoy our final celebration, and toast to our spectacular journey through the ancient Incan world! |
| Day 11: | This morning we leave early for the Cusco airport or on to your next destination! |
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. how this holiday makes a difference
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Our latest Cotahuasi trip was an excellent expedition. Our accommodations are with a local hacienda and all our food is purchased at local markets. We worked with local transportation to get us from Arequipa to the rim of the Cotahuasi. We then hired local farmers and their donkeys to get all our equipment down to the river. Our trip consisted of several local guides whose knowledge of the area enhanced the expedition. This trip is an amazing cultural experience; the river takes our guest to seldom seen Incan Ruins in the heart of the Cotahuasi Canyon.
Though we are on a whitewater trip, we could always use extra days to explore more of the ruins and burial sites along the way. Incredibly, the sites seemed untouched as if they had survived hundreds of years without notice. No footprints, no signs of disturbance, not even a hint of anthropological studies! Interestingly, the trails that once were used by the Inca to run, yes run!, fish fresh from the Pacific Ocean to their rulers high in the mountains eventually washed away in the torrential coastal rains and rockslides, isolating these lost and forgotten ruins. We practice leave no trace so we will pack out everything we pack in. Inca Trail / Apurimac River On the Inca Trail we hire local guides to hike the trail with the expedition. The hike to the ruins is an amazing cultural journey. It traces the steps of an ancient civilization. The creation of the lost City is fascinating accomplishment. Our local guides have incredible knowledge of the history of this amazing region. We’ll stay in local haciendas run by local families and enjoy local cuisine. All our food for our trip is purchased at local markets from local farmers. We practice leave no trace on all our expeditions so we’ll pack out everything we pack in. While rafting on the river we propel ourselves with the most environmentally friendly power, physical labour. Throughout the entire trip, we pack all gear, food and refuse out of the Gorge and leave nothing in the river or on the banks. Even dishwater is strained so we don’t deposit small pieces of food in sump hole. Food and beverage cans are smashed to save space. Anything recyclable is hauled out to the proper facility after the expedition is complete. Our suppliers consist of a short list, the market (food for the river trip) and lodging (before and after the river expedition). We always do our food buy locally, for the reasons of helping the locals, convenience, and freshness. The lodging we set up for our guests ranges from hostels to private bungalows with room service, depending on our guests’ requests. We always choose the most eco-friendly lodging available. We steer clear of “golf course in the desert” resorts, both because it is a terrible idea and it is not our style. Our main policy aim is to keep conservation simple my making our environmental and cultural impact as low and friendly as possible. Keeping our impact low is comes naturally, as this state of mind has been held as a standard by most river communities for many years. Our ultimate goal is to instil these ideas into our clients’ every day life. We hope to accomplish this both by practice on the river expeditions as well as exposing them to the remote pieces of the world and giving them a greater appreciation for wilderness and our environment, giving them another motive for being environmentally responsible. |
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