This short break idea takes you to different places around the world where worshippers of white water rafting make their pilgrimage every year. These are the Colorado River USA; Inn River, Switzerland; Apurimac River, Peru; çoruh River, Turkey and Tummel & Tay Rivers Scotland.
First it’s the çoruh River in the north eastern part of Turkey. The çoruh River offers a roller-coaster of rapids coming down from the Kaçkar Mountains. A good time to go is in May – June when the water levels are at their highest and the surroundings hills are a light with beautiful flowers.
The adventure allows time for you to stop in remote villages to meet and chat with the locals. If you are upto it you can trek to the Byzantine castles, you can also sleep in riverside tents to see the stars each night.
Further into Europe and there is Switzerland’s Inn River. Here the water is good from May to September. The Inn River flows down from the Swiss Alps near St. Moritz into the venerable Danube some 500Km down stream. This ride is known to be spectacularly chaotic with lots of rough-and-tumble. For a real rush, take the day trip down the Scuol and Giarsun gorges is recommended- big drops and narrow channels. You can top of the ride with a soothing mineral spring bath in Scuol.
Crossing over into the UK from Switzerland and mainland Europe there is the Tummel and Tay Rivers in Scotland. The Tammel is a dam-released river – the floodgates are opened every weekend from June to September, ensuring reliable summertime rapids; the two-tier waterfall near the end of its course is particularly exhilarating/terrifying. This is also a middle to late spring rafting break, although you can go whenever you want and as usual with Scotland you can enjoy its breath taking scenery.
Fly across the Atlantic to the USA and there is the Colorado River. Being a part of the Grand Canyon you get to raft on one of the instruments that created it. There is one major drawback wit this rafting holiday, you will need a permit and there can be a waiting list as long as one year, so book early.
It’s worth the pre-planning, though, to spend up to 25 days paddling into remote gorges flanked by mile-high rock walls, vast caves, unexpected wildlife and Native American ruins. Highlights include Vasey’s Paradise, where water gushes from the rock walls and ferns grow in profusion and listening to the tales of pioneers past, spun by your boatman to a remote campsite.
Going south to South America there is the Apurimac River, in Peru. The Apurimac River is just five hours drive from Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu. The three days ride takes you through a deserted canyon with lovely beaches, great rapids and amazing rock formations. There is even the chance of seeing the odd Puma, Otter or Condor. The Apurimac season runs from May to November and features grades III to IV+ rapids.