Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [131]
A number of rafting outfitters have been recommended by travelers:
Amazonas Explorer (in Cuzco 084-25-2846; www.amazonas-explorer.com; Collasuyo 910, Urb Marivelle, Cuzco) Located in Cuzco, this company can arrange private trips on the Río Cotahuasi.
Casa de Mauro (9-59-336-684; raftingguide@hotmail.com; Ongoro Km 5 s/n) This convenient base camp for rafting the Río Majes is in the village of Ongoro, 190km by road west of Arequipa. The lodge offers one- to three-hour trips for beginner to experienced rafters (S70 to S140 per person). They can also organize multiple-day trips in the upper Río Colca (from S900 per person) and treks to nearby ruins (from S600 per person). The lodge offers camping (S10 per person) or rooms with private bathrooms (S30 per person). It is cheapest to take a Transportes del Carpio bus from Arequipa’s terminal terrestre to Aplao (S10, three hours, hourly) and then a combi (S1.50) or a taxi (S12) to Ongoro.
Cusipata (20-3966; www.cusipata.com; Jerusalén 408) Cusipata leads recommended white-water and kayaking trips to all major rivers, including the Ríos Colca and Cotahuasi (US$2000, seven days), with the English-speaking Vellutino brothers, Gian Marco and Piero. They also organize introductory three-day kayaking courses (US$150).
Majes River Lodge (83-0297, 9-59-797-731; www.majesriver.com) Offers easy one-hour rafting trips (S60) or more challenging three-hour trips that pass through class IV rapids (S110) on the Río Majes. Overnight accommodations in bungalows with solar hot-water showers cost S40 per person; camping, meals of fresh river shrimp, and tours to the nearby Toro Muerto petroglyphs are also available. Take a taxi (S10) or a combi (S1.50) from Aplao to the Majes River Lodge.
Mountain Biking
The Arequipa area has many mountain-biking possibilities. Many of the same companies that offer trekking or mountain-climbing trips (Click here) also organize downhill volcano mountain-biking trips at Chachani and El Misti or can arrange tailor-made tours. If you have the experience and wherewithal, these agencies can rent you high-end bikes and offer expert trip-planning advice to help get you started on your own. For rentals also try
Peru Camping Shop (22-1658; www.perucampingshop.com; Jerusalén 410) Mountain bike rentals by the hour (S9) or day (S60) include helmet, gloves and a map of the area. Also rents a variety of other trekking and mountain-climbing gear.
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COURSES
For Spanish-language courses, there are literally dozens of schools in Arequipa. Ask around for recent recommendations from other travelers. Also try:
ACI (22-2595; www.acidelperu.com; Jorge Polar 203) Offers individual courses for US$10 per hour, or group classes starting at US$75 for 10 hours, and can arrange accommodation in a homestay.
CEICA (22-1165; www.ceica-peru.com/arequipa.htm; Urb Universitaria G-9) It charges S400 for 20 hours of private lessons per week and can arrange family homestays including/excluding meals for S265/173 a week. Call in advance and they’ll pick you up from the airport or bus terminal.
CEPESMA (9-59-961-638; www.cepesmaidiomasceci.com; Puente Grau 108) Charges around S18 per hour for private classes.
EDEAQ (22-6784, 9-59-342-660; www.edeaq.com; Puente Bolognesi 132, esc Sucre) This is a Peruvian- and Swiss-managed school. It’s more expensive, but also more intensive than most, costing from S582 per week for lessons plus homestay or hotel accommodations with breakfast.
Juanjo (www.spanishlanguageperu.com; 2nd epata C-4, Urb Magisterial, Yanahuara) Recommended by travelers, it arranges individual, small-group classes from S72 per week. Homestays and volunteer work can also be arranged.
ROCIO (22-4568; www.spanish-peru.com; Ayacucho 208) Charges S14 per hour for an individual class, while small group lessons cost S270 per 40-hour week. Classes start every Monday.
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TOURS & GUIDES
The streets of Santa Catalina and Jerusalén harbor dozens