ITINERARY:
Pre-Departure Briefing in the night in Arequipa.
DAY 1: Arequipa-Huambo
In the morning, we begin the 5 hour drive to the rim of the Colca Canyon. We climb north through arid desert country and over a 13,500 foot pass to the small village of Huambo, a rustic village set on the edge of the Colca Canyon, where we set up camp.
DAY 2: Huambo-Colca Canyon
Early in the morning, we load burros with our gear and begin the 15 kilometer hike down a narrow, rugged trail to the river. The moderately difficult 7 hour downhill hike affords dramatic views of the canyon. In the late afternoon, we reach the river and the small Indian settlement of Canco(population: 5 families), where we set up camp.
DAY 3-8: Rio Colca
For the next 6 days, we negotiate the most difficult and inaccessible commercially run river canyon in the world. The scenery is magnificent with massive geologically twisted walls towering above the angry water. In many places, giant boulders have fallen from the cliffs, littering the canyon floor and forming numerous long, steep, technical Class 4 and 5 rapids and, at least, one portage. The most difficult rapids come a few days into the expedition so there is time to develop the necessary teamwork in the rafts.
DAY 9: Rio Colca-Arequipa
This morning, we pack up and make 3 hour drive back to Arequipa. We arrive at the hotel in the early afternoon.
NOTE: Because of the serious nature of this expedition, interested participants will be carefully screened on an individual basis. It is imperative that they be in excellent physical condition. Previous Class 5 whitewater experience is important but not necessarily a prerequisite for joining the trip.
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