Peru Rafting Vacations

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.

A remote river consisting of world-class rapids, spectacular campsites and unexplored archaeological ruins all set in a breathtakingly beautiful canyon, declared the "World's Deepest Canyon". This is not a trip for the faint-hearted. It begins high up on the Altiplano for a 2day trek into the river that plunges off Sipia Falls into an impressive gorge.

We challenge 120km of class IV and V rapids for 5 days interspersed with exploration of adjacent desert canyons and Pre-Inca ruins. Join us for this trip of a lifetime and be amongst the first ever to visit this incredible discovery.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1
Arrive Lima and explore. Hotel for the night.

Not included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 2
A short flight to Arequipa. Explore this amazing city. Try the gorgeous Picantaria for your evening meal.

Included: Breakfast

Day 3
Wholesome breakfast, drive the Pan American Highway to the quaint village of Cotahuasi. En route we get to view the amazing Coropuna Volcano.

Included: All meals

Day 4
A gorgeous walk to the river today. All going well, at the end of the day we'll have time to pop into Velinga, a village where they produces excellent wine.

Included: All meals

Day 5
The finale to our trek today is a short detour to the spectacular Sipia Falls. In concurrence with our early arrival to the river, we have a great lunch and spend the afternoon outlining safety procedures with plenty of on water practice for our challenges ahead.

Included: All meals

Day 6 - 10
Spend your next five days exploring 120 km of exhilarating Class IV and V white water. This is rapid upon rapid of full on excitement. You will have chances to walk up to Pre Inca ruins, trek up side canyons and visit small villages.

Included: All meals

Day 11
A leisurely float to meet our take out vehicles at Iquipi, equipped with celebratory cold beers, possibly the best you will have ever tasted after such an invigorating trip .

Included: All Meals

Day 12
A stunning drive to Arequipa. Here we will all enjoy a group dinner together and reflect on our great descent.

Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13
Our "spare" day, just in case we are having too much fun on the river, to relax at your leisure! Alternatively spend your day exploring the delights of Arequipa.

Included: Breakfast

Day 14
Transfer to the airport and flight back to Lima to connect to your international flight.

Included: Breakfast

Other Details

Accommodation Details

What you should bring:
We find most of our clients have in their posession already what is needed for a river journey. We have broken down here the items into what you'll need on the river and in camp. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure.

River Fashion:
* A pair of Chacos or similar sandals. Trainers are also okay.
* A pair of River shorts or swimming costume.
* Long sleeved business shirt to wear under your life jacket in hot destinations.
* A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off.
* Wide brimmed sunhat.
* Sunglasses.
* Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head.
* Nalgene or similar water bottle.
* Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
* Thermal Top for cooler destinations. Medium weight - Heavyweight Capilene or polypropylene is the best.
* Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF15 minimum.

For evenings and around camp
* Lightweight long trousers.
* Lightweight Long Sleeved shirt.
* Fleece jacket.
* Ladies should bring a long skirt or sarong to cover your legs whilst in the company of locals.
* Underwear.
* Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
* Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
* Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturizer.
* Hand wipes
* A 3-season sleeping bag.
* Travel Pillow.
* Small pack towel.
* Headlamp or head torch and spare batteries.
* Shoes or boots for wearing around camp and on hikes.
* Insect Repellent.
* Any medication you may be taking.

Optional Items:
* Your favourite book or a journal for recording your river memories.
* Sketchpad.
* Photographic or video equipment. On most expeditions we provide a waterproof pelicase for these items. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere. Bring a spare memory card or plenty of film. Also bring spare batteries for your camera.
* Waterproof disposable for the "action" on the raft shots.
* Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman.
* An extra bag to bring back a wooden hippo, a carpet, Thanka or anything else you may purchase on your holiday.
* An iPod or other music preferences. We have speakers.

Personal Spending:
* The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink. Please remember that many of the countries we visit do offer Credit Card and ATM facilities and for a small charge you can withdraw cash either from your account or Credit Card for convenience.
* If you wish to pass on a gratuity to your guide we leave this entirely up to you.
* Basically, we advise you to keep things as light as possible, without skimping on the necessities. It is great to bring back a load of goodies for everybody back at home.

You do NOT need to bring:
* Tents, sleeping mats

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Saturday 22 June 2009 - Friday 3 July 2009 : 14 days : GBP £2395 : Euro €2795 : USD $3695

01226 740444