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Difficulty | moderate/difficult |
| Class: | III; IV; V. | |
| Required: | basic level of fitness and know how to swim | |
| Not required | previous experience | |
| Be ready for the adventure! | ||
Apurimac
Day 01 Cusco – Huallpachaca and Rafting
Departure from the city of Cusco, heading southwest to the bridge of Huallpachaca (elevation: 2000 meters – 6600 feet- above sea level). The road to the river passes through rural farm lands with impressive views of the Apurimac Valley. At the put in to the river, lunch is served while the rafts are loaded. In the afternoon, we paddle for about one and a half hours down Class III and IV rapids and reach our first campsite. A team of guides travels ahead to prepare camp and set up tents. Once in camp relax with a glass of wine, beer, hot tea, coffee, and appetizers while a gourmet multi-course dinner is prepared.
Day 02 Rafting
The morning begins with a nutritious breakfast. We then raft down the deepest section of the canyon and through one of the most beautiful parts of the trip: a stretch of Class III rapids between towering walls of granite, strikingly carved and sculpted by the eternal flow of water. Rafting the river is the only way to explore these incredible canyons! The guides prepare lunch around mid-day at one of the many white sand beaches. In the afternoon we portage around two un-runnable rapids and then navigate a bunch of fun class Class IV whitewater before arriving at our second camp. With all the tents set up, another evening of deluxe food, and time spent around the campfire, the day is complete.
Day 03 Rafting
After a leisurely and filling breakfast we’ll run several Class III and IV rapids with picturesque names such as "Trinche" (Meat Fork) and "Mesa" ("Table"). These serve as the training ground for the trip highlight: the celebrated Class V rapid known by the very appropriate name of "Dolor de Muelas" ("Toothache"). This rapid is big and must be portaged at certain water levels. The trips final camp is located just downstream.
Day 04 Rafting – Puente Cunyac- Cusco
Another day of Class IV and V rapids, with names such "Babalua" and "La Ultima Sonrisa" ("The Last Smile"). The wind down is a wonderful Class II and III section that leads to our take-out at Puente Cunyac (Cunyac Bridge). Here we meet our transport back to Cusco. Prior to departure a hot lunch with choice of beverage will be served in a shaded shelter at the take out.
