Colca River Expedition

Arequipa

Peru

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.

The Itinerary

Day 1: Arequipa - Upper Colca Valley
After breakfast we will start driving to the Highlands between the volcanoes Misti and Chachani (14,000 ft). We will cross Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Camp in the Colca Valley. (L,D)

Day 2: Trek to Huambo - Canco (put-in)
Start early to Huambo, here we will start our 8 hour trek down to the Colca and camp at the farm in Canco, (Put In). Overnight in Canco. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Canco - Mamacocha River
Early rise to visit the Juan Pablo II falls, check our equipment and start our descent with many rocky rapids (class 3, 4). After 4 hours rafting we reach the confluence of the Mamacocha River where the volume of the river doubles. Camp on the banks of the Mamacocha River. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Mamacocha Lake Trek
If you desire you can take the 5 hour hike up the Mamacocha River to Lake Mamacocha where you can enjoy a day of fishing and swimming, or you can stay in Camp and prepare yourself for the exciting rapids below. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Mamacocha - Canoandes
Start early and scout the difficult class V rapids with names like the Channel, Peruvian, and Canoandes rapids. After a full day of rafting with one portage, we will camp again along the river. (B,L,D).

Day 6: Canoandes - Condor Bath - Satay Canyon
Early rise and class IV and some V rapids. Lunch at the flat boulders at the Condor's beach. We run and scout numerous rapids. Explore side canyons and marvel at the incredible Chocolate Canyon. Camp at the Satay Canyon just up river of Reparaz Rapids. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Satay Canyon - "Los Polacos" Rapid
The hardest day in the trip we will ride many class V rapids, including the rapids of Reparaz. We face a difficult portage at the rapids of Polacos. Our last night on the river. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Colca River - Majes River - Arequipa
Last day in the river with some IV rapids, here the river changes its name to the Rio Majes. Take out and drive to Arequipa, transfer to hotel for your last night in Arequipa. (B,L).

General Information

Available between May and August

Rated: Extreme. Class IV and V. Experience is needed and good physical condition is essential. Demanding hiking (1 day).



Fixed Departure dates
2004: July 13th, August 18th (minimum 4 people required)

Tour Tariff
	Fixed Departure	Private Departure
N° of participants	1	1	2	3	4
USD	$ 2019	$ 5985	$ 3549	$ 2570	$ 2190
EUR	€ 1676	€ 4967	€ 2946	€ 2133	€ 1818
GBP	£ 1130	£ 3351	£ 1987	£ 1439	£ 1226

(*) Price last updated on 07 June 2004. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .
(**) Discount for larger groups

Included: Transfer to from hotel, private transportation to and from river, accommodation and meals as mentioned, camping and high class rafting equipment (self bailing rafts, helmets, life jackets, dry bags, safety lines, paddles, etc), safety kayak and professional class V guides.

Not included: Meals not mentioned, flight to Arequipa, accommodation in Arequipa, tips, beverages, sleeping bag.

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