Colca River

Lovers of wild and magnificent nature should not miss a chance to get to know the Lunar Canyon of the Colca and its neighbouring regions. The canyon itself, with walls that reach at least 4ooo meters above the level of the river on one side and more than 3ooo m on the other, is incomparable. It is the deepest known canyon in the world.

From its crystalline waters, the walls often open to vistas of towering snow peaks. The "Cruz del Condor", at the foot of Mt.Mismi, from whose north slope flows the Apurimac River and thus the Amazon, and the "Chocolate Canyon", are of unimaginable gigantic proportions.

For canoists, the Colca is beyond compare, The technical difficulties at times are almost insurmountable and put even the most skilful to the test. They are compensated by the adventure and excitement of running a river devoid of alol vegetation, accompanied by otters and black salmon in the waters and condors in the skies, surrounded by lunar landscapes and figures carved by erosion into the rocks and volcanic lava, and the colours of the walls with their intermixed geological strata. It is one of the most beautiful, the most thrilling, the most interesting rivers of the world.

ITINERARY

Day 1: ARRIVAL TO LIMA

We meet you on your arrival in Lima and transfer you to a comfortable hotel for overnight.

Day 2: AREQUIPA/CITY TOUR

In the morning fly to Arequipa. Transfer to our camping place "El Lago" and welcome with a "Pisco Sour", and an orientation meeting.

We tour the city in the afternoon, we visit some interesting monuments as a 17 th century cloister convent (Santa Catalina) and others. (B)

Day 3: AREQUIPA/HUAMBO

Early departure in our private vehicle. From the canyon near Chivay and Cabanaconde, there are fantastic panoramas of snow peaks to enjoy.

We encounter alpacas, llamas and sheep all along the way, vicuñas in the Aguada Blanca Reserve and sometimes even little vizcachas.

At lunch we arrive to the picturesque Chivay town with interesting farming terraces. We continue along deep valleys and Indian communities to reach the lookout point "Cruz del Condor" (12oo meters above the riverbed), and have our first glance of the deep Colca Canyon, and contemplate the silent glide of the condors.

In late afternoon we arrive to Huambo and camp. (BLD)

Day 4: HUAMBO/HACIENDA CANCO

In Huambo (3,380 masl) through the valley of Huambo River which is very picturesque with deep canyons and strange figures in the volcanic lava. We camp by the river shore. (BLD)

Day 5: COLCA RIVER

After breakfast, we follow up the river an old Inca road to visit the most beautiful cascades of the whole canyon, called "Juan Pablo II Cascades".

We get into the canyon and have our first contact with the river , from the left bank the Huambo River falls in from a 10mt cascade, and further down on the right the Mamacocha River with its turquoise and warm waters enters. Very exiting day in this colourful canyon. Class V rapids (Possible portages). Camp. (BLD).

Day 6: COLCA RIVER

The speed of the current makes it possible to navigate swiftly, maneuvering easily between the large boulders in the riverbed.

We find thermal springs, that fall into the Colca from more than 10 meters up and create beautifully shaped and colors stalactites. The Jasmin River flows into the Colca through a lovely canyon that meets the Colca’s on the left. Many class III-IV-V rapids, that makes it an intense day. (BLD)

Day 7: COLCA RIVER

Canyon with piles of sand and rocks in the curves. We find a cascade several hundred meters high called the "Condor’s Shower", where condors are abundant. New and very different rock formations on the canyon walls. Canyon gets narrow, and the verical walls are several hundred meters high. We challenge the famous "Rapid of the Peruvians". (BLD)

Day 8: COLCA RIVER (CHOCOLATE CANYON)

Entrance to another canyon, rocky formation in all shades of chocolate. This is the highest part of the whole Colca Canyon, the right wall is more than 4ooo meters higher than the level of the river and left one more than 3ooo mt.

Many rapids class IV-V. Lots of action. (BLD)

Day 9: COLCA RIVER (REPARAZ CANYON)

Canyon with totally vertical walls. River running very fast in a rock channel 20-30 meters wide.

The banks are covered with dry rocks from the ravines. Unforgettable day. Tonight we enjoy a warm fire under the stars. (BLD)

Day10: COLCA RIVER (POLE’S CANYON)/AREQUIPA

Last canyon of the river. We get to the most difficult rapid of the trip. (At Km. 42 from Canco, 120 mt. long and with a 12 mt. drop). Then the canyon narrows again and the river flows smoothly. Suddenly the walls open out and the river enters a wide canyon with sloping walls. The Colca enters a valley, changing its name to Majes. At our takeout point the vehicle will be waiting to take us back to a comfortable hotel in Arequipa. Farewell dinner. (BL)

Days 11-12: LIMA/HOME/CUZCO EXTENSION

Fly back to Lima, you enjoy a day on your own, with plenty of time for shopping, relxing and celebrating.

Next day transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

COUNTRY:	PERU
DURATION:	11 Days / 10 Nights
DATES:	Trips run from April to November
RATING:	Demanding - Class IV-V.
PRICE:	US$ 1190.