COTAHUASI RIVER EXPEDITION
(10 days/9 nights)

The Cotahuasi river is born on the western side of the Andes in the Department of Arequipa. The Cotahuasi is one of the most spectacular canyons in Peru and the world (3,354mts. deep) yet it is virtually unknown to modern man until 1994 when an expedition made by us 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 through the canyon you will be amazed by the geography and the beauty of the Andes. We will also stop to explore numerous unknown sites where we will discover grave sites with pottery, cloths 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 trips in the world.

Season: Between May and August

Grading: Class IV and V. No experience is needed but hood physical condition is essential. Demanding hiking.

Itinerary: Day 01: Arequipa - Cotahuasi (bus)
Private bus from Arequipa to Cotahuasi. Our journey will take us up into the Andes (4,000msl) with spectacular mountain views. (12 hours) Overnight at very basic lodge - Breakfast, Lunch (B, L).

Day 02: Cotahuasi - Hot springs at Luicho (trek)
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. You also have the option of a short bus ride up to the valley to the hot spring waters at Luicho. Overnight at lodge (B, L, D)

Day 03: Cotahuasi - Sipia Falls (trek)
An early morning hike to the Water falls of Sipia. On our 4 hours hike to the falls we should find peasants transporting goods on the Inca Road (which is really a trail) using either llamas or donkeys as pack animals. Camp and overnight at Sipia (B, L, D)

Day 04: Sipia - Velinga (trek)
We have a 4 or 5 hous hike around the 150m falls of Sipia to the village of Velinga, where we will take a town tour. From here it is another ½ hour to the river and our camp for the night (B, L, D)

Days 05-09 Cotahuasi Canyon (rafting)
Below Velinga we began our rafting jouney. We will be running many Class III and IV rapids for the next 4 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 and abundant population of birds, eagles and many condors. Each night your guides will prepare a healthy meal and we will camp under a star field sky. (B, L, D).

Day 10: Iquipi - Arequipa (rafting, bus)
Our last day in spent on the Ocoña river. The river changes names at the confluence of 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).

Included:

• Private transportation Arequipa / Cotahuasi - Iquipi / Arequipa
• All meals during the expedition
• Professional rafting and trekking guides.
• All equipment need while on the trip including first aid kit.
• High quality rafting equipment, self bailing rafts, helmets, life jackets, paddles, dry bags, safety lines, etc.
• Safety kayak.

Not included:
- Air ticket Lima/Arequipa/Lima
- Lodging or meals in Arequipa
- Tips and extra services do not described in the program
- Sleeping Bag

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