UJ #9 - Adventure in Peru
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IMPORTANT<br />
If you are go<strong>in</strong>g kayak<strong>in</strong>g you need to<br />
choose a level of difficulty that suits<br />
your possibilities, physical condition and<br />
experience. These are the official standards<br />
(Source: Guide to Cusco Region<br />
by Rafo León, Editorial Planeta). The<br />
agencies should provide a safety boat<br />
to accompany every expedition.<br />
• Level I-II. Rapids that offer some excitement<br />
but are easy and with little<br />
risk.<br />
• Level III-IV. Excit<strong>in</strong>g and with a certa<strong>in</strong><br />
degree of risk.<br />
• Level V. High risk - for experts only.<br />
• Level VI. Extreme risk: No serious<br />
company should offer this level to<br />
travellers who are not specialists.<br />
Carlos Conan Muñiz<br />
EXPEDITION BY KAYAK<br />
Kayak expeditions on the rivers of Cusco are well known. Today though, let us suggest three alternatives<br />
that could give you a different view of the rest of the country. For example, near to Lima let<br />
us return to Huancaya and the Nor Yauyos Scenic Reserve, six hours by road from Lima, where<br />
trips are available on several lakes, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Valley of the Rapids (with its colonial-era bridge) that<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ually challenge explorers. You may also see Lakes Atao and Mayo, and descend the Cabracancha<br />
rapids. More practice: San Jose Cove, a hidden paradise <strong>in</strong> Quilca, on the Arequipa<br />
coast, where just gett<strong>in</strong>g there is an adventure. Paddle <strong>in</strong> a calm sea and visit the caves and many<br />
unusual rock formations <strong>in</strong> the area. You will need a couple of days for this trip: <strong>in</strong> this case, location<br />
is everyth<strong>in</strong>g; the kayak<strong>in</strong>g is a bonus. F<strong>in</strong>ally, for the more adventurous there are assisted but very<br />
safe programmes on the Colca, <strong>in</strong> the Cotahuasi Canyon (Arequipa) and on the River Apurimac.<br />
Check the rapid classification on the table <strong>in</strong>cluded here<br />
WHAT CLOTHES TO WEAR AND WHAT TO<br />
TAKE ON A KAYAKING EXPEDITION<br />
Lycra or nylon shirt (not cotton), swimm<strong>in</strong>g<br />
costume or shorts (lycra, synthetic fibre),<br />
tra<strong>in</strong>ers or special Lycra shoes, sunglasses<br />
with straps, sunblock, <strong>in</strong>sect repellent, camera<br />
with waterproof cover; safety equipment,<br />
though this is generally provided by<br />
the agency.<br />
Duilio Vellut<strong>in</strong>o<br />
Above: <strong>Adventure</strong> <strong>in</strong> the<br />
water. The River Apurimac<br />
is a favoured dest<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
for lovers of canoe<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
kayak<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Left: Kayak expeditions,<br />
<strong>in</strong> which travellers paddle<br />
by day and rest <strong>in</strong> the<br />
afternoon on the peaceful<br />
beaches at Quilca, on the<br />
Arequipa coast.<br />
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