TOUR SUMMARY

• Duration: 14nights / 15days
• Transport: Flight, bus, train, kayaking, rafting, mules
• Group Size: Max 12 + SET Tour Leader

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Over 150 kms of class 3/4/5 white water
• The Cotahuasi Canyon, the deepest in the world
• The city of Arequipa
• 4 day Inca Trail hike
• The city of Cusco
• Soaring Condors and incredible scenery
• Remote Andean Villages

WHAT IS WHITE WATER ADVENTURE PERU

An adrenalin pumping white water adventure, that is specifically designed for people who are interested in Kayaking and Rafting or wish to experience an adventure trip un like most on the market. This tour caters for up to 12 maximum with a mixture of Kayakers and Rafters, running the incredible Cotahuasi River in Southern Peru. The Cotahuasi Canyon, which is the deepest canyon in the world, is a very remote area well off the beaten track. We will camp on the banks of the river and run insane water while passing by Inca archaeological sites and terraces over 500 years old.

This is the ultimate adventure trip .We compliment the adventure of a lifetime, with a trip to the famous city of Cusco and a 4 day hike to the  ancient lost city of Machu Picchu.

PLEASE NOTE
This is a hard core adventure trip and Kayakers must be of class 5 ability, and rafters keen to run big water. A GOOD LEVEL of fitness is required, as there is some long travel days and trekking of up to 8 hours on day 4 of the trip plus 4 pumping days on the river. We also will reach altitudes of over 4000masl.Its all worth it for an adventure of a life time! THERE MAY BE SOME PORTAGES DEPENDING ON RIVER CONDITIONS. THE RIVER LEVEL VARIES FROM YEAR TO YEAR. EVEN IF THE RIVER IS RUNNING LOW, IT IS STILL TECHNICAL AND EXCITING. GREAT TIMES GUARENTEED.

ITINERARY

Day 1  
LIMA, ARRIVAL DAY.  You are free to arrive and check in at any time. There will be a briefing that night and a chance for you to meet your kayaking and rafting companions, and ask questions. The information will be awaiting you at the reception regarding that nights briefing. If arriving late in the evening.Don,t worry! You will be briefed in the morning and meet the group. Briefing will cover all the logistics on how the trip will run. Later a welcome dinner and pisco sours, dining on some of Perus finest cusine. (D)
Day 2
AREQUIPA.  By plane we travel to arguably Peru’s most beautiful city, Arequipa. The”White City”, as it is known, exhibits a delightful colonial past and traditional values through its architecture, and its people. Situated under the volcano "El Misti", we will be able to stroll around the city enjoying the local museums, churches, convent and Arequipa's main plaza. That evening we can sample some of the many traditional dishes from the province such as Alpaca and Guinea Pig. A great day to unwind a little and prepare ourselves for the adventure ahead. (B)
Day 3
COTAHUASI.  Today our adventure really begins, as we make our way to the very remote Andean village of Cotahuasi, passing through the “Valley of Volcanoes”, and enormous snow capped peaks, you will truly be able to appreciate Peru’s incredible geography and natural beauty. We arrive to the village of Cotahuasi, far off the beaten track and out of reach of most tourists, where you will be able to experience first hand, real Peruvian life in the Andes. Night spent in a rustic Andean Hostel.
Day 4
We begin our descent, along an ancient Inca pathway, 1000 meters above the river. Most of our equipment will be carried by Burros (Donkeys), as we set out on an 6-8 HOUR TREK, taking in incredible views of the surrounding terrain. A real highlight of the trip, which brings us out at the start of our white water adventure. (B,L,D)
Day 5/6/7/8/9
COTAHUASI CANYON.  The next 4 days, we will run over 150kms of continuous white water of class 3/4/5 RAPIDS. The river drops from 3500masl, high up in the Andes, down to the Pacific Ocean while passing through the deepest canyon in the world and ancient Inca terraces and archaeological sites. We will spend the nights on the banks of the river camping in and exploring the Inca terraces, while running one of the most exciting rivers in the world, passing through some of the most beautiful country in Peru.After 5 incredible days, we make it back to Arequipa late on day 9 (B,L,D)
Day 10 Cusco A short flight takes us over Peruvian planes and Andes, and brings us to Cusco which is arguably Peru’s other most beautiful city. Rich in Inca history and surrounded by ancient Inca sites, churches and museums, there is plenty for all to do and see. There are many optional adventure activities and hiking in and around Cusco. Its all about you, so you are free to do as little or as much as you please. (B)

Day 11/12/13/14
INCA TRAIL - A bus ride in the morning brings us to Km 82 where our hike begins on the ancient trail of the Incas. Our local guide, cook and porters ensure an enjoyable hike through spectacular scenery, taking in ancient Inca sites on the way. Our hike finishes with an early morning arrival to the sun gate of Machu Picchu and a guided tour of this incredible Inca site. We have most of the day to enjoy this special place, and later in the afternoon we descend to Aguas Calientes, where we catch a train back to Cusco for night 14. (B, L, D)
Special Note : Due to new Inca Trail regulations and the restriction of the number of hikers allowed to be on the trail at any one time, an alternative Inca Trail may have to be used. These hikes are as spectacular as the Inca Trail with far far less people, ending below the site of Machu Picchu. Sunrise can still be seen at Machu Picchu, with an early rise on Day 10, and a hike up to the entrance of the site.

DAY 15
CUSCO-LIMA-DEPARTURE DAY. Hasta luego amigos y gracias. Flight to Lima for international connections. (B)

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE

• Guided river rafting/kayaking expedition on the Cotahuasi River
• Most meals and drinking water while on excursions
• Expert bilingual kayaking/rafting guides while on the rivers
• 4 day Inca Trail or similar hike
• Bilingual SET guide throughout the tour
• A cold beer at the end of the tour
• Life jackets, safety equipment (see below for list of Kayaks)
• All airline flights within Peru.
• All land transport during the itinerary.
• The cost of entry for all scheduled tours
• All hotel accommodations* (on a twin share basis including continental breakfast).
• Additional accommodations can be arranged at the clients’ request
• KAYAKS AVAILABLE : Please enquire about the availability of Kayaks upon booking. Life jackets, wetsuits and accessories are provided.

PAYING LOCALLY

Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. Paying locally allows us to keep the overall cost of our tours competitive and pass the savings on to you. These funds are put towards local expenses. In some developing countries the transferring of funds is at times problematic so this is a way to help us serve you, whilst saving you money. This is especially true of Argentina since the devaluation of the peso. Payment is to be made to your leader upon arrival in cash.

All prices are approximates and subject to currency fluctuations until final payment has been made.

TESTIMONIAL

"My brother and myself recently rafted the Cotuhuasi Canyon with SET, and we wanted to write how much we had enjoyed it and how it really was one of the hi-lights of our 12 months in South America. The remoteness of the trip blew us away. The river itself was fast and exciting from the beginning to the end with some really hair raising rapids. The setting (the Cotuhuasi Canyon) was nothing short of spectacular both naturally with its red and yellow rock formations and cactus fields and historically with the many Inca ruins. The staff and overall trip considering its complexity was incredibly well , the food prepared was a miracle in itself. All this perfectly overseen by Nick, who managed to find that hard balance of providing a professional safety consciencious trip together with fun, laughter and total relaxation. Truely a feat indeed. A big thanks to Nick and his team, we look forward to doing other trips with you in the future."
Toby and Jonathan Wilson (England)
Ready SET Kayak Raft Peru 2004