whitewater rafting & building a greenhouse for an Andean village

Dates: June 23 - July 1
Price For 5-7 people: $2,499 / person
Price For 8-10 people: $2,299 / person

Four days rafting the pristine waters of the Apurimac River in southern Peru - one of the top 10 rafting rivers in the world - and exploring its deserted sandy beaches, plus 3 days building income-generating and nutrition boosting greenhouses for a remote community of indigenous Quechua farmers high in the Andean foothills.

Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? ~ Hunter S. Thompson

the outdoor adventure

This expedition begins in Cusco, the picturesque gateway to Andean culture, cuisine, and some of the most compelling outdoor adventure in South America. From Cusco, we travel into the highlands by 4x4 to access the clear emerald waters of the Apurímac River cutting deep into a sheer-wall canyon. Then it’s 4 days of guided rafting & camping on the river's sandy banks living as if in a Land of the Lost. The price does not include international airfare.

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your volunteer project

Once again, Roadmonkey will coordinate a hands-on, sustainable volunteer project with Awamaki, our excellent non-profit partners with whom the 2011 Roadmonkey expedition built a playground for Quechua students. This year, we're working directly with family members and women of the Awamaki weaving cooperatives to build family greenhouses.

The greenhouses will be used to grow both a variety of vegetables to address persistent nutritional deficiencies in the local community, and natural dye plants to dye textiles sold in the market.

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what's included

This 8-day adventure philanthropy expedition includes all lodging, rafting and camping equipment, transportation, meals, and a start-to-finish volunteer project created in coordination with our non-profit partner in Peru, Awamaki. 

The price does not include international airfare or tipping. Residents of most countries, including the U.S. and Canada, do not need a visa to explore Peru.

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lodging & food

When it comes to lodging, our philosophy is simple: clean, comfortable and accessible. Upon arrival in Cusco, you can expect a soft landing at a superior hotel or inn that provides a dose of comfort after a long flight. During our rafting adventure we’ll sleep on the Apurímac River’s sandy beaches in spacious, two-person tents that let you drift off to the sound of the moving water nearby. During our volunteer project, at altitude in the hills that form the geographic prelude to the Andes, we'll be the guests of local families registered with Awamaki to provide home stays. 

The cuisine in Peru, as in much of South America, is diverse and inspired. On the river, our guides double as talented camp chefs, and you will eat (and, if you wish, drink) well. Nothing like a post-river pisco sour with your toes in the sand. During our volunteer project, meals will be basic by necessity, as we work and live alongside local Quechua people. Vegetarians? Peru offers you plenty of options. 

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when to arrive & depart

You should plan to arrive in Cusco, via a transfer in Lima, no later than Saturday, June 23. If possible, try to arrive early Saturday so you have the free day to explore Cusco and its magnificent Plaza de Armas & Andean charm. You should plan to depart from Cusco to your home destination no earlier than noon on Sunday, July 1. If you can spare the time, consider exploring Machu Picchu, just a short train ride away.

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