Ever since the Pole's epic first descent of the renowned Colca canyon in 1981, paddlers have been in awe of this tremendous 3000 m gash in the furrowed cordillera of the Andes. Long-billed as the deepest canyon in the world by the National Geographic Society (National Geographic, January 1993), cartographers from Peru's national mapping agency claim that the Cotahuasi canyon surpasses the depth of the Colca by 163 m. In June 1994 and May-June 1995 we (a group of Peruvian, Chilean and American paddlers) completed the successful first descents of the Cotahuasi and its major tributary, the Río Marán Paddler, August, 1995; American Whitewater, July-August, 1995; Summit, Winter 1995-96, South American Explorer, Spring, 1996).

The Colca and Cotahuasi sport hundreds of class IV-V pool-drop rapids and a few strenuous portages, one of which requires an all-day trek with burro's around the Cataracts of Sipia. Both rivers are tight and technical, with many sections averaging over 100 fpm with flows ranging from 1000-1500 cfs.

We will provide cataraft support for the Colca and the Cotahuasi below the Cataracts of Sipia. A cataraft will carry the bulk of the food and provide backup support in case of a debilitating accident. Keep in mind that in case of an emergency, rescue is problematic, if not impossible in many sections of both canyons. Light and fast is key because of the difficulty of the whitewater and portages. Due to the impossibility of providing traditional raft support, you will be required to carry your personal camp gear and lunch inside your kayak.

A chartered mini-bus will be used for land transportation to and from Arequipa. We use burros as our beasts of burden for the transport of kayaks, food and gear to the put-in on the Colca and the portage around the Cotahuasi's Cataracts of Sipia. The 21 day itinerary allows for 14 days of paddling, an efficient use of your time when considering the logistics of the expedition. Our hosts in Arequipa are Ani and Antonio Vellutino, parents of guides Duilio and Gian Marco. We stay at their Holiday Inn resort before and after our trips.These deluxe accomendations come complete with a swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi. Delicious, authentic, Peruvian meals are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner.