Tucked away in an isolated fold in the
Andes of Southern Peru, the Colca thunders through the Everest of river
canyons. Well over twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, cliffs rise over
two vertical miles framing a gorge so impossibly deep that on occasion
the sky gives way to wind swept walls. Condors soaring through the mist
of thousand foot waterfalls and wispy plums of smoke from live volcanoes
form a backdrop for one of the earth's grandest cathedrals.
The Colca
canyon in Arequipa is one of the deepest canyons on earth with a depth
of 3,191 mts. in its deepest part. We will travel approximately 63 km.
in inflatable self-bailing rafts with professional guides with years of
whitewater experience on this and other rivers of equal difficulty. Its
walls nurture an ecosystem virgin to human touch due to the fact that
the only access is either by boat or kayak. Additionally there have been
a few expeditions since the year of its first exploration in 1981. Its
rapids are a constant source of emotion for those who decide to navigate
its waters. The canyon is a geology book for the naturalist lovers.
Colca Canyon
River Rafting Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: LIMA /
AREQUIPA
Upon our morning arrival in Lima, we transfer to the short flight to
Arequipa, Peru's second largest city (750,000 people). This
afternoon is free for exploring. Many of the buildings in the old
part of the city are a light colored volcanic rock called sillar and
Arequipa is often referred to as "the White City." In the evening we
have an orientation dinner and spend the evening in a hotel.
DAY 2: AREQUIPA / HUAMBO
This morning we begin the 5 hour drive to the rim of the Colca
Canyon. We climb north through arid desert country and over a 13,500
foot pass to the small village of Huambo, a rustic village set on
the edge of the Colca Canyon, where we set up camp.
DAY 3: HUAMBO /
COLCA CANYON
In the morning we load burros with our gear and begin the 15
kilometer hike down a narrow rugged trail to the river. The
moderately difficult 7 hour downhill hike affords dramatic views of
the Colca Canyon.
DAYS 4-8: RIO
COLCA
For the next 6 days, we negotiate the most difficult and
inaccessible commercially run river canyon in the world. The scenery
is magnificent with massive geologically twisted walls towering
above the angry water. In many places giant boulders have fallen
from the cliffs, littering the canyon floor and forming numerous
long, steep, technical Class 4 and 5 rapids and at least one portage.
The most difficult rapids come a few days into the expedition so
there is time to develop the necessary teamwork in the rafts. We
also make a number of spectacular side hikes including one to a
dramatic 200 foot high tributary waterfall . Fewer than 150 people
have ever traveled through this incredible area and it is still a
place of mystery and intrigue. We take every possible precaution to
insure a safe journey, using the finest 14-foot self-bailing paddle
rafts, safety kayakers and some of the best Class 5 guides in the
world. Each paddle boat is guided making a guide-client ratio of
nearly two to one, the highest of any commercial raft trip. An
expedition of this nature is obviously not for everyone, but for
those willing to endure possible physical hardships for a truly
unique experience, it could well be the trip of a lifetime.
DAY 9: RIO COLCA
/ AREQUIPA
This morning we take out and make the 3 hour drive back to Arequipa.
We arrive at the hotel in the early afternoon and have a Peruvian
style banquet.
DAY 10: AREQUIPA
/ LIMA
In the morning, we fly to Lima. That evening we board the plane to
the United States, arriving early the next morning.
