COLCA CANYON RAFTING (9D/8N)

The Colca River Canyon –located in the Arequipa region of southern Peru- has a depth of 3191 meters (approximately 10,700 feet), twice that of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River in Arizona (if measured from its South Rim). In the year 1979, a Polish expedition carried out the first complete full length river run of the Colca River Canyon. This notable accomplishment in turn led to the beginning of kayaking and river rafting activities in that particular area of Perú mainly due to the fact that the Polish boaters bequeathed their rafts, kayaks and accessory gear to the Vellutino family of Arequipa who had provided them with much needed and unflinching support throughout their entire endeavor.

Almost thirty years later and well into the first decade of the 21st century, the seed they planted has spawned, grown and blossomed heartily: Piero Vellutino (the youngest of the Vellutino brothers) Peruvian National Kayak Champion and the only South American Instructor of World Rescue Group –with over 20 expeditions and runs of the Colca Canyon to his name- is the eminently qualified person who, along with a staff of professional guides, will be in charge of organizing and leading you and your group on a nine-day adventure charged journey of discovery and awareness through some of the most beautiful and wondrous geographical settings in Peru, whilst navigating the course of the river that flows down one of the deepest canyons in the world.

Itinerary

DAY 01 AREQUIPA

Our trip begins in the city of Arequipa, located in the southwestern region of Peru and oneuyh hour flight trip from Lima. In the afternoon, we tour the 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 COLCA VALLEY - CHIVAY

Morning departure from the city of Arequipa, heading northwest in the direction of the Colca Valleyl, which lies at an elevation of 3500 meters (approximately 14, 485 feet) above sea level. We shall pass through the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca, subsequently ascending to the highland plateaus of Pampas Cañahuas and Tocra were we will be able to observe herds of Vicuña, Llama and Alpacas, as well as the formations of rock outcroppings –or "forests"- of Pueruña and Sumbay, the latter bearing cave paintings. Sometime around this point we will savor our box lunch and soon continue on our way, all amidst the immediate and impressive vicinity of the high snowcapped peaks of Ampato (elevation 6,320 meters – 20,730 feet above sea level) and Sabancaya (5,976 meters – 19, 720 feet above sea level) looming above us. After passing yet another remarkable geological formation known as the "Castillo (castle) of Callalli, we eventually reach the town of Chivay, renowned for its medicinal mineral hot springs –the beneficial qualities of which we shall delightfully partake of. Overnight lodging in local hotel in the town of Chivay.
(B+L+D)

DAY 03 CHIVAY - HUAMBO

In the morning we will cruise along the south rim of the Colca Canyon, corresponding to the left bank of the river below, amid large concentrations of terraces constructed on the steep cliffsides by the ancient inhabitants of the valley. We shall visit some of the several 17th century villages extant in the area -famed for their remarkable colonial baroque churches- and likewise take in the well known Cruz del Condor, a celebrated natural scenic overlook located 1200 meters (almost 4,000 feet) above the river. This spectacular site commands a privileged viewpoint from where to observe the magnificent and impressive deepness of the canyon as well as watch very closely the flight and imposing presence of the numerous condors that abound in that particular sector. In the afternoon, we arrive at the town of Huambo (elevation 3300 meters – 10,850 feet, above sea level). Here we shall lodge overnight in a local hostel.
(B+L+D)

DAY 04 HUAMBO - CANCO

We awaken to the whistling of Juan, the wrangler in charge of the burros that will carry our baggage to the river put-in. We hike for 3 hours through farmland and fields of crops, meeting the local folk –curious and jovial at the sight of our presence- exchanging mutual greetings and salutations, eventually reaching the bridge of Huambo, where we stop for lunch. Afterward, we set off once more for 3 more hours, following a narrow winding path leading to the Hacienda Canco. In this location we camp –already on the banks of the Colca river- with tired limbs, soon to be comforted and content by the caress of the thermal waters.
(B+L+D)

DAY 05 FROM CANCO TO CAMP AT "LA PARED" (The Wall)

In the early hours of the morning –while the guides are readying the equipment- we set off upstream along a stretch of approximately 1 kilometer (a bit over a half-mile) to visit the waterfall named in honor of Pope John Paul II. Upon returning to camp –and following a briefing of technical and safety orientation- we put into the river. In the course of this first day we will paddle down a stretch of 4 kilometers (under 3 miles) of Class II and III rapids till reaching the confluence of the Colca with the Mamacocha river. From this point henceforth begins the actual Canyon of the Colca River, since the volume of the river flow becomes virtually doubled. After lunch we paddle for another 20 minutes, reaching the campsite of "La Pared" (the Wall), bearing in mind that the following will be an important day.
(B+L+D)

DAY 06 FROM CAMP AT "LA PARED" TO "QUEBRADA JAZMÍN" (JASMINE GULLY)

After enjoying breakfast on the banks of the inner gorge of one of the deepest river canyons in the world, we put into the river and enter upon the section known as the canyon of "La Merced", containing four Class IV+ rapids which –depending on the volume and level of water present- will either be run or portaged around. We carry on, paddling down an entertaining and enjoyable Class III stretch, until reaching the "Canoandes" rapid. At this point we beach our boats and devote ourselves to lunch. We also take some time off to walk along and scout the rapid in order to discuss it and plan out our run in ideal manner. In the aftermath of it, we paddle for another 30 minutes and reach our next camp in the Quebrada (gully, valley) "Jazmín". From this base we shall set forth on a walk of approximately 40 minutes through the surrounding area during which we will have the opportunity to better observe the diverse rock formations (or rather, deformations) present on the walls of the canyon.
(B+L+D)

DAY 07 QUEBRADA JAZMÍN to "MOSQUITO" CAMP

This is indeed –and undoubtedly- a most special day. Come morning we set off on a west-by-southwest bound course, noticing how the canyon walls gradually come closer together and impart upon the surroundings an appearance of "lunarscape" (though one could refer to it in punning manner as a "lunaticscape") or "moonscape", if you will. After a half hour of paddling down various Class II and III rapids we arrive at the "Ducha del Cóndor (the "Shower of the Condor"), a waterfall dropping hundreds of meters into open -and seemingly endless- space. It so happens that, with the help and connivance of the wind, the water is atomized into a fine spray in the course of its fall, thus becoming a perfect "birdbath" (or "birdshower") for the gigantic winged creatures. After watching some Condors taking a shower, we move on, paddling down Class III and IV rapids until reaching the entrance way to the "Cañón de Chocolate" (the "Chocolate Canyon"), thus named due to the coloring and hues of the canyon walls in this particular segment. We have lunch here and afterwards run through the stretch in mention, to eventually reach the beach site known as "Mosquito". This is not only our campsite for the night but also the trailhead of one of the most incredible hikes within the Colca Canyon.
(B+L+D)

DAY 08 "MOSQUITO" CAMP TO "ESPERANZA" BEACH

This a strong and demanding day. We paddle for about 15 minutes as a way to warm up and unlimber ourselves, while reaching a section of Class IV and V rapids. Later in the afternoon, awaiting us, lies the imposing portage through the Canyon of Reparaz (a section of Class VI rapids that we will not run), after which we again board our rafts and paddle for a further few minutes until beaching at Playa Esperanza. Here we enjoy a well-earned rest and delight our palates, as in every other evening of the journey, with the exquisite and delicious dinner that our guides have prepared.
(B+L+D)

DAY 09 "ESPERANZA" BEACH to TAKE-OUT

We take down –and take off from- camp. After a half hour of boating we reach Cañon Verde ("Green Canyon"), also known as Cañon de los Polacos ("Polish Canyon", in reference to the pioneering expedition of 1979). A section of this canyon will be portaged by clients and guides in well coordinated teamwork, after which we shall again take to the rier and boat down a few kilometers of Class II and III water and come to the confluence of the Colca with the Andamayo river. This point is our final take-out and termination of our rafting trip. Here lies parked and whiling away the time our transport vehicle, laden with cold beers in order that we may properly celebrate the Running of the Colca River Canyon, and to take us to the home of Mauro who awaits us with a scrumptious and lip smacking lunch of fresh water shrimp and crawfish. After this final act of self indulgence, we drive for three hours to the city of Arequipa.

SERVICES INCLUDED:

• Transfer on Private Coach Arequipa/Cotahuasi and Iquipi/Arequipa
• All meals and commissary during expedition
• Two overnight hotel accommodations in Arequipa
• 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)
• First-Aid support infrastructure
• Satellite Phone link and access

SERVICES 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