Grand Canyon rafting on the Lao River

Travel the most suggestive stretch of the Lao river and challenge the current aboard a rafting raft: an adventure not to be missed in the heart of the Pollino National Park.

The Rafting Grand Canyon route takes place in the Lao Gorge section, among sheer rock walls and level III and IV rapids. Here the adrenaline is not lacking and nature provides spectacular scenery!

You'll be rafting inside one of the 10 highest canyons in Europe, a UNESCO Geosite, inside the Pollino Park, Italy's largest protected area.

What we will do

The appointment is at the rafting centre in Laino Borgo, in the province of Cosenza. After registering, we will be given the necessary equipment and an introductory briefing on the route. After that, we will reach the embarkation point on the Lao river by shuttle bus (we will carry a backpack with a towel and spare clothes, which we will leave on the shuttle bus).

Before boarding the rafts, we'll do a review of rafting techniques and then all ready to get into the water! Paddle in hand, we will tackle the most impressive stretch of the Lao River over a 16-km course, mostly through rocky gorges and walls up to 300 metres high.

The winding conformation of the Lao Gorge generates rapids and technical passages that will fill us with adrenalin-fuelled excitement. Between one rapid and the next, we will be able to admire the marine fossils on the rocky walls, a sign of the geological transformations that have occurred over the millennia and that make the Lao an area of great biological and palaeontological interest.

At the end of the rafting descent, we will collect our rucksacks with clothes in the shuttle and change at anequipped shower area before returning to the rafting centre. In total, the activity lasts 3 hours, of which 2 hours are spent on the river course.

Who it is aimed at

This activity is at an intermediate level and is suitable for everyone from 14 years of age. No experience is required to participate, you just need to be in good health and have good aquatic skills.

Other information

This activity is available from March to November, depending on the weather and the river's hydrometric levels, and is confirmed with a minimum of 2 people.

The rafting centre has anarea equipped with a swimming pool, camping site, camper van, barbecue and dog area. After booking, you can contact the centre directly for more information about extra services.

The day before, you will be contacted by the guide for confirmation of the time and other organisational details.

Minors must be accompanied or present a signedauthorisation from their parents.

Recommended clothing

• seasonal sportswear
• trainers

Don't forget to bring

• towel
• spare clothes and shoes
• swimming costume
• USB key