Rafting Lao River

• Rafting: everything you need to know before doing the activity
• Rafting on the Lao River: the best places to go rafting
• Rafting in Basilicata on the Lao River
• Rafting in Calabria on the Lao River
• Info and prices: how much does it cost to go rafting on the Lao River?
• Gift a rafting trip on the Lao
• Pollino National Park

Rafting: everything you need to know before doing the activity

Rafting consists in following the stream of a river aboard a special boat, called a raft. Each raft hosts 6 to 8 people and is captained by an experienced guide who gives the commands for navigation. With the help of a paddle, you direct the raft and overcome natural obstacles along the way.

The best rafting routes run along rough and rushing stretches of river, where the current creates rapids and eddies. However, the routes have different levels of difficulty and are also suitable for beginners, including families with children.

Rafting on the Lao River: the best places to go rafting

The Lao River is a favorite destination for those who choose to go rafting in Calabria and Basilicata. Along its 55 km, there are many outdoor centers offering trips and trails of all kinds. From Orsomarso, in the province of Cosenza, it’s possible to travel the quieter stretch of the Lao River that is also suitable for families with children.

The most complete route, however, is the one that starts in Laino Borgo, on the border with Basilicata, and reaches Papasidero (CS). With its 26 km, this is the most suitable trip for those who want to have an all-around exciting experience in the Pollino National Park.

Rafting in Basilicata on the Lao River

The Lao originates in Basilicata, at an altitude of 2,000 meters on Mount Serra del Prete. In the Lucanian section, the river takes the name Mercure and then becomes Lao once it crosses the border into Calabria. Similarly, the Pollino territory extends into both regions, making up the largest national park in Italy. For those who want to go rafting in Basilicata, the closest point is Laino Borgo, which is just over the Calabrian border.

Rafting in Calabria on the Lao River

The best locations for going rafting on the Lao River in Calabria are Laino Borgo, Papasidero, and Orsomarso. All three municipalities are located on the banks of the river and host associations and facilities specializing in river sports. Depending on the route you choose, you can move from place to place to navigate the stretch of river best suited to your needs. Generally, rafting centers provide their own vehicles to make the transfer from the base to the boarding point.

Info and prices: how much does it cost to go rafting on the Lao River?

The price of a rafting trip on the Lao River varies depending on the length of the route, starting point and extra services included. For a Classic Rafting trip, the price starts at 25 euros per person, and goes up to 110 euros for the No Limits route. There is often a discount for children, and photos of the experience are included. The participation fee also includes personal equipment such as water jacket, helmet and life jacket.

Gift a rafting trip on the Lao

A rafting experience in the Pollen Mountains can be a fun and original gift idea for any occasion. Suitable for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and celebrations of all kinds, an adventure in nature will forever be etched in memory.

Pollino National Park

The Lao is the most important river in the Pollino National Park, Italy’s largest protected natural area. It stretches between Basilicata and Calabria and is populated by wonderful villages scattered here and there on mountains and hills.
In the Pollino Park, rafting is one of the most popular outdoor activities, but there are also numerous trekking excursions and quad bike tours to participate in to fully experience this wonderful park, which was recognized by UNESCO in 2015 as a World Heritage Site.