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COTAHUASI RAFTING 11D/10N
Cotahuasi Canyon near the city of Arequipa in Peru is the deepest canyon in the world. Its maximum depth is 3535 meters in the vicinity of Ninancocha, 335 meters more than the Colca Canyon. The Cotahuasi Canyon is an impressive chasm that the river has eroded between two enormous mountain massifs: the Coropuna (6425 m.s.n.m.) and the Solimana (6093 m.s.n.m.). One extends from spurs of the snow-covered Solimana to the confluence with the Ocoña river.
The Canyon became a National Tourist Reserve in 1988 and is home to both the Solimama and Coropuna volcanoes; the latter, at 6,425 meters (21,000 ft), is the highest in Peru. Within the reserve, one will also discover hanging bridges and historical ruins (including Aymaran mummies), the remains of such previous civilizations as the Waris and the Incas, and glaciers, lakes, medicinal hot springs, and rare flora and fauna. If you’re lucky you may also encounter the locals, whose culture and language has changed little over the years due to their limited contact with the outside world.
Cotahuasi is located at the highest Andean point of Arequipa, in the south of Peru. This province is characterized by its steep relief: incised by rivers and gullies, ranging between 1,000 and 6,093 meters, with 19 ecological zones. As is the case with cultures all over the world
Our most exciting expedition to date, this is an adventure for experienced rafters looking for the ultimate white-water challenge. The Rio Cotahuasi is a relatively new white-water discovery; its first descent was not until 1994 and is surely one of the last remaining secrets in the rafting world.
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Cotahuasi River Rafting, Trip Itinerary
Day 01: Arequipa the white city. South Peru
Our trip begins in the city of Arequipa, second largest city in Peru and principal urban center of the southwestern region of the country, situated about 750 kilometers (approx. 500 miles) as the bird flies –a one hour plane flight- from Lima. In the afternoon, we tour the almost 500 year old city –recently proclaimed a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. Among the outstanding sites are the famous Convent of Santa Catalina, as well as the Museum where we can observe the mummified corpse of the young Inka woman (known in present times as "Juanita") which was found some years ago atop the snowcapped peak of Ampato, in the vicinity of the Colca Canyon.
Day 02: Arequipa. Overland to Cotahuasi
Today we head out from the city, bound for the town of Cotahuasi. This involves a lengthy ride in 4-wheel drive all terrain vehicles through the Andes. Along the way we will surmount a mountain pass at an altitude of 4000 meters (approx. 13,400 feet) above sea level; come in close vicinity of the impressive snow capped peak of Coropuna (second highest mountain in Peru and among the 10 highest in the Western Hemisphere) and go through several ancient towns and villages where time seemingly came to a standstill centuries ago. After 10 hours of driving we reach Cotahuasi and lodge overnight in a local Hostal. (Breakfats and Lunch)
Day 03: Cotahuasi Town and Luicho Hot Srings
In the morning we undertake a hike above the Amaña Canyon, crossing the ancient bridge of Chuquito, dating to pre-Inka times. During the afternoon, we visit the town of Cotahuasi. This is also a centuries-old urban site. The surrounding area constitutes an ideal refuge and habitat for endangered and protected species of Andean fauna such as Condors and Vicuñas. Due to its cultural and archaeological features, it was proclaimed a National Tourist Reserve Zone (Zona de Reserva Turística Nacional) in 1988. (Full meals)
Day 04: Trek to Approach the River at Velinga Put- In Point
We drive to the road-head (thus sparing ourselves a two-hour hike). Upon reaching the bridge of Sipia we are met by the "burros" –the pack donkeys- and their wranglers, who will henceforth bear and transport our gear and raft to the river put-in. Following a seven-hour trek –in the course of which we shall have passed by the cascade of Sipia, a waterfall with a vertical drop of 150 meters (approx. 495 feet), as well as through a grove of giant cacti- we eventually reach the village of Velinga and our first riverside campsite . (Full meals)
Day 05: River 1. Put- In and Raft The Cotahuasi
Come morning, we ready all our gear and other logistical infrastructure pump up the boats, enjoy lunch and put into the river. In the following couple of hours we paddle downriver through 4 kilometers (approx. 2.7 miles) of Class III and IV rapids and reach our second campsite. (Full meals)
Day 06-09: River 2. River Rafting.
After a good healthy breakfats we began our rafting journey. We will be running many Class IV and some class V rapids for the next 5 days. Between the rapids we will have many opportunities to hike and explore the numerous amazing pre-inca and Inca ruins that we are going to encounter on our descent towards to the Pacific ocean. The canyon also supports an abundant population of birds, eagles and many condors. Each night your guides will prepare a healthy meal and we will camp under southern star sky.
Throughout the next four days we shall navigate down 65 kilometers (approx. 44 miles) of thrilling and fun-filled Class III, IV and V white water rapids. (Full meals)
Day 10: Final Stretch of Boating and Take-Out
On this day we cover the final 20 kilometers (approx. 13 miles) of our river trip expedition.
This last day in our rafts will spent on the Ocoña river with some class III and IV rapids. The river changes names at the confluence of the river Maran. Here the nature of the river changes as we wind our way down to Iquipí (near to Pacific Ocean) where our transport will be waiting to take us to Arequipa and our hotel at the city. 4-5 hours drive back. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 11: Homeward Bound
Departure from Arequipa.
Included:
- Pre-rip information, including what to bring, etc.
- Full contact and coordination since you book and while you are in Peru
- Transfer on Private Coach Arequipa/Cotahuasi and Iquipi/Arequipa.
- All meals and commissary during expedition as noted at the program.
- Two overnight hotel accommodations in Arequipa based in two people room. 3 stars hotel
- All professional white water rafting equipment (Dry-bags, Wetsuits, Life Vests, Hardhats, Windbreakers-Anoraks, Paddles).
- Professional White Water Rafting Inflatable Rafts.
- One or two Security Kayaks and Kayakers (depending on size of group).
- Camping equipment and logistical infrastructure (two-person tents).
- Professionally trained and experienced River Guides (trained and certified in Swift River and Wilderness Guiding and Outdoor Leadership Courses).
- Local horseman and mules to bring gear from Huambo to Canco
- Environmental care
- First-Aid support and safety care and procedures
- Satélite Phone Access
Not Included:
- Hotel accommodations, transfers and meals in Lima.
- Non-specified expenses and extra services.
- Airfares.
- Sleeping bags and Thermarest mats.
- In-town meals in Arequipa.
Recommended Indispensable Personal Equipment To Bring
- Sun Glasses.
- Solar Block.
- Insect Repellent.
- Sneakers and/or boating sandals with straps (Tevas or such).
- Swimsuit.
- Two changes of clothing.
- Thermal garments.
- Towel.
- Torch or Headlamp plus extra batteries.
- Hat, Cap or appropriate Head Gear.
- Personal medications.
Private Service: Upon Request
Group Fixed Departure Price: $ 2555.00 (Minimum 04 people)