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We were
lucky to be in the right place at the right time for the first trip
of the season down the Apurimac river. These waters are the farthest
southwestern confluence to the Amazon river and lie four hours from
Cusco, traveling over two passes above 12,000 feet to reach the drop
in point. The three day adventure rendered thirty miles and a
drop of 1,200 vertical feet from our drop zone of 6,200 feet.
These waters are the best in Peru featuring consistent class IV rapids,
tight technical negotiations through large boulders, danger spots where
the team must pass boats and five, great class V rapids. The Apurimac
is big and has earned its respect by claiming several lives over the
last three years.
Purgatory, Class IV
We joined in with 4 guides from Instinct,
who were scouting the river for the first time of the season. They
expected the water to be even bigger than it was.
The 1/2 mile high Canyon walls that
surround The Apurimac River
As its name describes, Apurimac is the
"River of the Gods".
The
bottom of El Chute, Class IV
(Above)
The first section of the Labyrinth, Class IV+. (Below) The second
picture taken in sequence of the Labyrinth.
The Apurimac river spoke to us as we
paddled our way through many rapids. 3 days of solid paddling,
checking the river and scouting, made us happy to reach a table with
warm food.
*Feature
written and photographed by Phillips, April 2001, who traveled
down the Apurimac. All information regarding elevation, distance,
altitude and other specific details was provided by the certified river
guides from Instinct, in Cusco, Peru.
© 2000 Globetrotteradventures.com Inc |
GUIDE
NOTES AND DIRECTIONS:
There is only one
guide service to use while taking your best stab at the Apurimac.
Their guides are experts on the river, know how to read the waters
and have a good time doing it. They will take good care of
you and promise to make it your best rafting trip of the decade. The
easiest way to set up this adventure is by travel to Cusco, Peru
and making arrangements there.
Company Name: Instinct
Web site: http://www.instinct-travel.com
Email: instinct@chavin.rcp.net.pe
Location: Cusco, Peru.
Address: Plaza de Armas, Procuradores
N#50
Phone Number: 051-84-233-451.
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