While no experience is needed to enjoy Rafting the Rio Apurimac, this is a full 3-days of solid class III, IV and V rapids in a rocky, remote canyon.
Day 1: Warm up for the days ahead. Half the day will be spent getting to the put in – a beautiful and rugged switchback descent down steep mountain road to reach the mighty Apurimac below. After a delicious riverside lunch, we’ll pack up our dry bags and have a safety briefing for the days ahead. You’ll spend about 2-3 hours on the river this afternoon, practicing what to do when the raft flips, high-sides, and perfecting your paddle stroke. All important skills for the big water that awaits. Some very fun, splashy Class III’s bring us into camp.
Day 2: A solid day on the river. The morning starts with a portage over an unrunnable Class IV, you’ll be hiking over large boulders, sand and wobbly rock. No coffee needed this morning, because as soon as you hit the river it’s on. You’ll have some breaks to take in the beautiful canyon scenery, but for the majority of the day you’ll have short (2-15 minute) breaks before diving in to the next roller coaster stretch. Today offers non-stop Class II, III and IV rapids. You’ll break up the day with siestas in the sun, a hearty lunch and refreshing swims in the emerald green water. Most people head to bed soon after dinner, sleeping soundly through the night.
Day 3 Today feels short compared to the previous day. 2-3 hours to the take out, tackling a few Class III and a couple Class IV rapids. We meet our van, change into some warm, dry clothes and start packing up for the drive home, stopping for lunch along the way.
Read a trip report here – http://detourdestinations.com/blog/2011/05/3-day-apurimac-river-trip-amazing-fun
