Cotahuasi River Expedition

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Dates: March to November

Price: $1990 per person

Highlights

  • Explore one of the deepest canyons in the world.
  • Hike 14 miles on an ancient Inca Trail.
  • Experience 100+ miles of Class IV-V rapids.
  • Discover untouched Inca ruins.
  • Camp on Inca terraces amid breathtaking views.

At the top of the Earth, in a place close to heaven in the domains of condor, lives a magical idyll: the deepest and most colossal canyon and the mighty Silver River falling from immense glaciers. Born as tears in small streams of life, bathing on its way many small surrounding villages, forming a fertile valley that extends like a green carpet throughout numerous communities.

The Cotahuasi River is located in southern Peru and is renowned for being one of the deepest canyons in the world. It offers breathtaking scenery, ancient Inca ruins, and thrilling whitewater rafting opportunities. The river flows through a remote and rugged landscape, making it a prime destination for adventurers seeking a unique and challenging experience. The surrounding area is rich in history and culture, with traditional villages and archaeological sites that provide a glimpse into Peru’s past.

Explore the living past while thundering down one of the wildest rivers in the world! Join us for a 14-mile hike on an ancient Inca Trail deep into the earth, then enjoy the adrenaline rush during a 6-day Class V raft trip down a steep river through a gorgeous canyon. If you are looking for a real adventure and true expedition, this is it! Pura Vida Expeditions ran the first descent of the Cotahuasi. This river features some of the most continuous runnable whitewater on earth, a fact recognized by Outside magazine when they covered the trip for their December 2001 issue.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Lima to Arequipa

Arrive in Lima, Peru and take a connecting flight to Arequipa. Explore this beautiful town hewn out of white stone and spend your first night at the Hotel Del Lago. Meals: On your own.

Day 2: Journey to Colca Valley

Afternoon departure as we start our drive to Cotahuasi canyon. We drive through many small Peruvian villages and pass through beautiful countryside. We eat dinner in the town of Aplao, located 3 hours from Arequipa, and camp at a developed campsite in the Colca valley. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 3: Arrival in Cotahuasi

We take a 7-hour journey by road to Cotahuasi, crossing over a 15,500-foot pass before dropping down to the village. Along the way, we get incredible views of Mountain Coropuna (21,000 ft). Cotahuasi is a remote high Andean village far removed from everyday crowded Peruvian life. You’ll sense that you have discovered Shangri La when walking into this tranquil and clean village. Explore the narrow streets and the masonry work obviously descended from the Incan culture, enjoy the hot springs, and have dinner. Stay at La Sipia Inn. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 4: Inca Trail Hike

The mules get loaded with our personal gear as we start our 10-hour hike around the Sipia Falls into the canyon. We follow ancient Inca trails 3,000 feet above the river level and then descend to the start of our river journey. This hike is one of the highlights of the trip. The views from the trail are dramatic, and the trail itself is an engineering wonder. Our hike ends at a footbridge called Valinga. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 5-10: Cotahuasi River Rafting

These six days will be spent rafting through the Cotahuasi canyon, which is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and, according to the Peruvian government, the deepest canyon in the world. Another highlight of the Cotahuasi are the Inca ruins scattered throughout the canyon, some of which are yet to be fully explored.

Aside from the archaeological treasures, you’ll enjoy more than 100 miles of continuous Class IV whitewater, estimated at 1,500 CFS. The river flows 221 miles, from 12,000 feet up in the Andes to the Pacific Ocean. We will encounter three Class V rapids and a few rapids that we may have to line the boats around.

Each night we will camp on Inca terraces and explore the ruins. Please remember that proper etiquette regarding archaeological sites is the same as all of nature: Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 10: Return to Arequipa

As the Pacific Ocean breeze becomes prevalent, we know our take-out is getting close. We reach the vans, load up, and drive 2 hours to the nearest big town where we’ll have a nice sit-down meal at a restaurant before driving another 2 hours back to Arequipa. Overnight at Hotel del Lago. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 11: Departure

Leave Arequipa, fly to Lima, then back home—or on to your next adventure! Meals: B.

What’s Included

  • All transfers
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
  • Rafting and camping equipment
  • Double occupancy tents
  • Professional guides
  • Hotel in Arequipa
  • Wranglers

What’s Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Airport taxes
  • Sleeping bag and pad
  • Personal gear
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities for guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What experience level is required for your rafting trips?

Our trips accommodate all levels, from beginners on our Class II-III trips like Urubamba to experienced rafters seeking Class V challenges on the Futaleufú, Cotahuasi, and Colca rivers. Our guides provide comprehensive safety training and instruction before every trip.

What's included in the trip price?

Our prices typically include professional guides, safety equipment, rafting gear, all meals during the expedition, camping equipment, and scheduled transfers. International airfare, sleeping bags, personal gear, and gratuities are generally not included. Check each specific trip for full details.

How physically demanding are the trips?

Trip difficulty varies from moderate half-day adventures to demanding multi-day expeditions. Longer trips like Cotahuasi include a challenging 14-mile hike. We recommend being in good physical condition, especially for Class IV-V trips that require strength and stamina for consecutive days of paddling.

What safety measures do you have in place?

Safety is our primary concern. We employ professional guides with swift water rescue and wilderness first responder certifications, provide comprehensive safety equipment, conduct thorough briefings, use safety kayakers on challenging runs, and carry first-aid kits. Our itineraries are designed with safety contingencies in mind.

What wildlife might we see during the trips?

Wildlife varies by location. In Peru's Tambopata, you might see macaws, monkeys, capybaras, giant otters, and possibly jaguars. The Colca Canyon is known for Andean condors, while Chilean Patagonia offers opportunities to spot condors, huemul deer, and various bird species. Each ecosystem offers unique biodiversity experiences.

What should I pack for a rafting expedition?

Essential items include quick-drying clothes, swimwear, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses with retention strap), water bottle, personal medications, and toiletries. For multi-day trips, bring a headlamp, warm layers for evenings, and a small towel. A complete packing list is provided prior to departure.

What are the sleeping arrangements on multi-day trips?

On multi-day river expeditions, we camp on beaches or designated sites, often in spectacular settings like Inca terraces on the Cotahuasi or pristine beaches in Tambopata. We provide double-occupancy tents and camping equipment, though you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag and pad (rentals may be available).

How challenging are the rapids on your various trips?

Our trips range from Class II-III (Urubamba) suitable for beginners to Class V (Futaleufú, Cotahuasi, Colca, Apurimac) for experienced rafters. Class II-III features moderate rapids with regular waves, while Class IV-V involves powerful currents, complex maneuvers, and potentially dangerous conditions requiring advanced skills and experience.

What kind of cultural experiences can I expect?

Many of our trips offer rich cultural experiences, from exploring ancient Inca ruins along the Cotahuasi to visiting traditional Andean villages. You'll experience local cuisine, potentially interact with indigenous communities, and gain insights into the historical and cultural significance of these remote regions.

Do I need prior rafting experience for the expeditions?

For beginner trips like Urubamba (Class II-III), no experience is necessary. For challenging Class IV-V expeditions like Futaleufú or Colca, previous rafting experience is strongly recommended. Even on easier trips, your guides will provide thorough instruction and safety briefings before you start.

What happens in case of medical emergencies in remote locations?

Our guides are trained in wilderness first response and carry appropriate first-aid supplies. For serious emergencies, we have evacuation protocols specific to each river. Due to the remote nature of many of our trips, comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is required for all participants.

When is the best time to go rafting in Peru and Chile?

The optimal rafting season varies by location. In Peru, the best time is typically from May to November during the dry season. The Futaleufú in Chile runs from December to March during the southern hemisphere summer. Each river has its prime season when water levels and weather conditions are optimal.

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