Cotahuasi River Expedition

Arequipa

Peru

The Cotahuasi river is born on the western side of the Andes in Arequipa Department. The Cotahuasi is one of the most spectacular canyons in Peru and the world (3,354 mts. deep) yet it is virtually unknown to modern man until 1994 when an expedition made by Apumayo expeditions with Peruvian guides and American members, did the first descent of this incredible canyon. The lower canyon is an ideal place for commercial rafting, with rapids difficult enough to challenge the adventurous, yet with an abundance of unexplored archaeological sites. We travel trough the canyon you will be amazed by the geography and the beauty of the Andes. Before and after rapid sections, we will stop to explore numerous unknown sites where we will discover grave sites with pottery, cloth from the mummies, water channels, Andean terraces, and more human remains that you thought possible from the Huari and Inca cultures. It all adds up to one of the best adventure trips in the world.

The Itinerary

Day 1: Arequipa
Arrive at the airport of Arequipa and transfer to your hotel. That night we will have a orientation meeting and a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 2: Arequipa - Cotahuasi
Early morning we will take our private bus from Arequipa to Cotahuasi. Our journey will take us up into the Andes (4000 m. a. s. l.) with spectacular mountain views. (12 hours driving). Overnight at basic lodge. (B,L,D).

Day 3: Cotahuasi - Hot Springs at Luicho (hike)
Explore the town of Cotahuasi. This town is typical of the "sierra" (mountains) where you will hear a mixture of Spanish and quechua (language of the incas) spoken you are sure to be fascinated. Optional hikes to explore the town and the canyon and country side also a short bus ride up to the valley to the "banos termales" (hot springs) at Luicho. Overnight at lodge. (B;L;D).

Day 4: Cotahuasi - Sipia Falls (hike) - Chaupo
An early morning hike to the Catarata de Sipia (Sipia Falls). On our 2 hours hike to the falls we should encounter "campesinos" (peasants) transporting goods on the Inca Road (which is really a trail) using either llamas or donkeys as pack animals. Lunch at 163 mts high Sipia waterfall. After lunch we will follow the Inca trail over the waterfall until the village of Chaupo where we will camp. (B,L,D).

Day 5: Chaupo - Velinga (hike)
We have a 4 or 5 hours to the village of Velinga, where we will take a town tour. From here it is another 1/2 hour to the river and our camp for the night. (B,L,D).

Day 6 to 10: Cotahuasi Canyon (rafting)
Below Velinga village we began our rafting journey. We will be running many Class IV and some class V rapids for the next 5 days. Between the rapids we will have many opportunities to hike and explore the numerous ruins that we are going to encounter on our descent towards to the Pacific ocean. The canyon also supports an abundant population of birds, eagles and many condors. Each night your guides will prepare a healthy meal and we will camp under southern star sky. (B,L D).

Day 11: Iquipi - Arequipa (rafting, bus)
Our last day is spent on the Ocona river. The river changes names at the confluence with the river Maran. Here the nature of the river changes as we wind our way down to Iquipi where our transport will be waiting to take us to Arequipa and our hotel. (B,L,D).

Day 12: Arequipa
Breakfast and transfer to airport (B).

General Information

Available between May and August

Rated: Challenge. Class IV and V. No experience is needed but good physical condition is essential. Demanding hiking or horse back riding (2 days).

Fixed Departure dates
2004: June 22nd, July 18th (minimum 4 people required)

Tour Tariff
	Fixed Departure	Private Departure
N° of participants	1	1	2	3	4
USD	$ 2264	$ 7358	$ 3898	$ 3182	$ 2729
EUR	€ 1879	€ 6107	€ 3235	€ 2641	€ 2265
GBP	£ 1268	£ 4120	£ 2183	£ 1782	£ 1528

(*) 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: Transfers to from hotel, private transportation from Arequipa to Cotahuasi and from Iquipi to Arequipa. Accommodation and meals mentioned, camping and high class rafting equipment (self bailing rafts, helmets, life jackets, dry bags, safety lines, paddles, first aid kit, etc), safety kayak and professional trekking guides as well as class V rafting guides.

Not included: Meals not mentioned, air ticket to Arequipa, tips, alcoholic beverages and sleeping bag.

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