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South America is home to some of the world's most
challenging and scenic whitewater rafting, most famously on the mighty
Apurimac, the river the Incas called the Great Speaker. Lesser known is
the Tambopata, which begins at high peaks near Lake Titicaca and courses
through some of Peru's most pristine tropical cloud- and rainforest on
its way to the Amazon. The Apurimac is one of the world's top
whitewater rivers, while the Tambopata offers a unique rainforest
experience and an unparalleled opportunity to view wildlife.
Safety is the primary concern on all of our rafting
tours. All trips are guided by an expert rafting crew, bilingual and EMT-certified,
and make use of professional safety kayakers. Our equipment is top
quality: Avon self-bailing rafts, 3mm neoprene wetsuits
specially-equipped with flotation/protection pads in the knees and
elbows, and top-quality paddles. Everyone gets a paddle and everyone
participates on our rafting trips, but groups without substantial
whitewater experience are guided by an oarsman positioned in the center
of the boat. About half of our passengers have never gone whitewater
rafting before, but through the oarsman method are able to experience
even the Apurimac, one of the world's mightiest whitewater rivers.
Apurimac Adventure
Daily Departures based on
availability
10 days:
US$3495 / UK£1765
Considered by many to be the world's
top technical rafting river, the Apurimac is not only challenging and
mighty, but beautiful as well. The portion that we run courses through deep
canyons full of cliff-hanging bromeliads, squawking parrots and high-flying
condors. The temperature is perfect for swimming in the calm stretches, and
our campsites are idyllic beaches of cool, white sand.
TRIP ITINERARY
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Day |
Schedule |
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1 |
Arrive Lima,
enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal together. |
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2 |
This morning we fly over the Andes to Cuzco, capital of the Inca
Empire. Our day is free to explore Cuzco's markets and nearby ruins
and have a dinner of traditional Andean cuisine. |
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3 |
Today we tour the Sacred Valley, which includes the fascinating Inca
sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. |
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4 |
Morning bus trip to
put-in point on the Apurimac. Rafting instruction and camp. |
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5-6 |
The
days get more exciting as we continue our rafting trip, always
pausing to scout the biggest whitewater. Between the rapids are
stretches of pristine calm, perfect for swimming and observing the
immense canyon and the wildlife within it. At night we'll camp on
the sand and enjoy fresh, delicious meals served up by our crew. In
the afternoon of day three, we'll pull out, pack up, and head back
to the comforts of Cuzco. |
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7 |
Train journey down the
Urubamba valley to Machu Picchu. Our excursion to Machu Picchu is
unique because we spend two full days within the sanctuary, allowing
plenty of time for our guided tour, independent exploration, and
perhaps some short treks or a soak in the local hot baths. |
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8 |
Free day in the
sanctuary to explore, trek, or soak in the nearby hot baths.
Afternoon train back to Cuzco. |
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9 |
return by train to Cuzco for an evening out before catching the next
morning's flight back to Lima and one final farewell dinner. |
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10 |
Departure day.
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Rapids and Rainforest
Custom dates for four or more passengers
15 days:
US$5100 / UK£2580
As for an opportunity to view
rainforest wildlife, there is none better than to cruise into the Amazon
basin on silent rubber rafts. With no motor to scare them away, monkeys,
caiman, capybara, river otters, and even the elusive jaguar may be
spotted along the riverbanks. Parrots and macaws chatter above us, and
pink river dolphin pay us visits from time to time. And before we
even get to the Amazon, two to three days of first class whitewater!
TRIP
ITINERARY
|
Day |
Schedule |
|
1 |
Arrive Lima,
where we enjoy a traditional Peruvian dinner with the group. |
|
2 |
Morning flight
to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the
world's highest navigable lake. We'll have the day open for a tour to
the floating islands of Uros or a trip to the Inca funeral towers of
Sillustani. |
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3 |
Bus
journey over the highlands towards the Tambopata River. Camping
tonight on the Inca terraces of Cui. |
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4 |
Arrival at San Juan de
Loro, where tomorrow morning we'll enter the river. Camp. |
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5-10 |
These six days
are filled with whitewater (class III to V) and then a smooth, silent
glide into the lush Amazon basin. As the river smoothes out, we'll spend
our time observing tropical wildlife along the banks and trying our
hand at Amazon fishing. As we near the jungle town of Puerto Maldonado,
we'll transfer to a motorized canoe and head for a jungle lodge to
spend the night. |
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11 |
We rise early the next morning to visit a nearby macaw claylick
before motoring back to Puerto Maldonado and tomorrow's flight to Cuzco. |
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12 |
Morning flight to
Cuzco.
Free day to explore Cuzco's markets and nearby ruins. |
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13 |
we'll visit the
mysterious and beautiful Inca ruins of Machu
Picchu before heading back to Cuzco tonight. |
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14 |
Morning flight to Lima.
Free day to explore some of Lima's many churches and museums.
Farewell dinner tonight. |
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15 |
Departure day.
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