Tour Highlights:
- Over 150 km of class 3/4/5 white water
- The Cotahuasi Canyon, the deepest in the world
- The city of Arequipa
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- The city of Cusco
- Soaring Condors and incredible scenery
- Guided climb of Putacusi (mountain across from Machu Picchu)
- Remote Andean Villages
This tour caters for up to 12 maximum with a mixture of Kayakers and Rafters, running the incredible Cotahuasi River in Southern Peru. The Cotahuasi Canyon, which is the deepest canyon in the world, is a very remote area well off the beaten track. We will camp on the banks of the river and run insane water while passing by Inca archaeological sites and terraces over 500 years old.
This is the ultimate adventure trip. We compliment the adventure of a lifetime, with a trip to the famous city of Cusco and the ancient lost city of Machu Picchu.
Please Note: This is a hard core adventure trip and Kayakers must be of class 5 ability, and rafters keen to run big water. A good level of fitness is required, as there is some long travel days and trekking of up to 8 hours on day 4 of the trip plus 4 pumping days on the river. We also will reach altitudes of over 4000masl. Its all worth it for an adventure of a life time! There may be some portages depending on river conditions. The river level varies from year to year. Even if the river is running lower, it is still technical and exciting. Great times guaranteed.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Lima, Arrival day. You are free to arrive and check in at any time. There will be a briefing that night and a chance for you to meet your kayaking and rafting companions, and ask questions. The information will be awaiting you at the reception regarding that nights briefing. If arriving late in the evening. Don,t worry! You will be briefed in the morning and meet the group. (Briefing will cover all the logistics on how the trip will run)
Day 2: Arequipa. By plane we travel to arguably Peru’s most beautiful city, Arequipa. The ”White City”, as it is known, exhibits a delightful colonial past and traditional values through its architecture, and its people. Situated under the volcano "El Misti", we will be able to stroll around the city enjoying the local museums, churches, convent and Arequipa's main plaza. That evening we can sample some of the many traditional dishes from the province such as Alpaca and Guinea Pig. A great day to unwind a little and prepare ourselves for the adventure ahead.
Day 3: Cotahuasi. Today our adventure really begins, as we make our way to the very remote Andean village of Cotahuasi, passing through the “Valley of Volcanoes”, and enormous snow capped peaks, you will truly be able to appreciate Peru’s incredible geography and natural beauty. We arrive to the village of Cotahuasi, far off the beaten track and out of reach of most tourists, where you will be able to experience first hand, real Peruvian life in the Andes. Night spent in a rustic Andean Hostel.
Day 4: We begin our descent, along an ancient Inca pathway, 1000 meters above the river. Most of our equipment will be carried by Burros (Donkeys), as we set out on an 6-8 hour trek, taking in incredible views of the surrounding terrain. A real highlight of the trip, which brings us out at the start of our white water adventure.
Days 5-9: Cotahuasi Canyon. The next 4 days, we will run over 150km of continuous white water of class 3/4/5 Rapids. The river drops from 3500masl, high up in the Andes, down to the Pacific Ocean while passing through the deepest canyon in the world and ancient Inca terraces and archaeological sites. We will spend the nights on the banks of the river camping in and exploring the Inca terraces, while running one of the most exciting rivers in the world, passing through some of the most beautiful country in Peru. After 5 incredible days, we make it back to Arequipa late on day 9.
Day 10: Arequipa. Free day to chill out and relax after 5 days on the river. A free meal that evening to celebrate a great trip down The Cotahuasi.
Day 11: Cusco. A short flight takes us over Peruvian planes and Andes, and brings us to Cusco which is arguably Peru’s other most beautiful city. Rich in Inca history and surrounded by ancient Inca sites, churches and museums, there is plenty for all to do and see. There are many optional adventure activities and hiking in and around Cusco. Its all about you, so you are free to do as little or as much as you please.
Day 12: Aguas Calientes. Today by train, we journey along the same path as the ancient Incas, through the sacred valley of Urubamba to Aguas calientes. Free afternoon to explore the surrounding area or a guided climb of the mountain Putacusi, will enable you to see Macchu Picchu from another view, not many people see.
Day 13: Machu Picchu. An early morning rise and an optional bus ride or hike up to the lost city of Machu Picchu for a guided tour. Most of the day to enjoy this special place and we return by train to Cusco for night 13.
Day 14: Cusco - Lima - Departure day. Hasta luego amigos y gracias. Early morning flight to Lima for international connections.
Kayaks available: Please inquire about the availability of Kayaks upon booking. Life jackets, wet-suits and accessories are provided.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Guided river rafting/kayaking expedition on the Cotahuasi River
- All meals and drinking water (except on day 10)
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- All flihgts within Peru
- All accommodation and transport
- Entry fees for all scheduled tours
- Expert bilingual kayaking/rafting guides while on the rivers
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Bilingual set guide throughout the tour
- A cold beer at the end of the tour
- Life jackets, safety equipment (see below for list of Kayaks)
- Guided climb of Putacusi (mountain across from Machu Picchu)
- All airline flights within Peru
- All land transport during the itinerary
- The cost of entry for all scheduled tours
- All hotel accommodations* (on a twin share basis including continental breakfast)
Additional accommodations can be arranged at the clients’ request.
Includes domestic flights. Excludes departure taxes and local payment of US$350 which is part of the overall trip cost.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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