The Lao River in Italy’s Pollino National Park offers an exhilarating 11 km rafting adventure. Guided by experienced professionals, adventurers can descend through stunning gorges recognized as a UNESCO Geosite. This four-hour experience, available from March to November, promises an adrenaline rush with opportunities to swim and jump off rocks in one of Europe’s cleanest rivers. For those seeking an immersive outdoor activity, the Lao River rafting experience promises to deliver an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes.
Key Points
- Classic 11 km rafting adventure through the beautiful gorges of the Lao River, a UNESCO Geosite.
- Guided medium-difficulty descent with opportunities to swim and jump off rocks in one of Europe’s cleanest rivers.
- Available from March to November, with a minimum age of 8 years in summer and 12 years in spring/fall.
- Flexible booking policy with full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled trip and convenient reservation system.
- Includes shuttle service, technical equipment, patented guide, safety kayaker, and optional photo/video service.
Activity Overview
The Lao River Rafting activity offers a classic 11 km rafting adventure with a medium descent through the beautiful gorges of the Lao River, a UNESCO Geosite within the Pollino National Park.
The experience lasts approximately 4 hours and is available from March to November. Prices start at $54.61 per person, with a minimum age requirement of 8 years old during the summer months and 12 years old during the spring, fall, and shoulder seasons.
Participants can enjoy the opportunity to swim in the river and jump off rocks while taking in the scenic views along one of Europe’s cleanest rivers.
Booking and Cancellation
Although the Lao River Rafting activity requires no upfront payment, visitors can reserve their spot without an advance payment.
This flexible booking policy allows guests to plan their adventure with ease. If plans change, the cancellation policy is equally accommodating, offering a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled trip.
This gives participants peace of mind and the freedom to make last-minute adjustments as needed. The combination of a convenient reservation system and a generous cancellation policy ensures a hassle-free experience for all Lao River Rafting participants.
Experience Highlights
Guided rafting through the beautiful gorges of the Lao River, a UNESCO Geosite in Pollino National Park, offers visitors an exhilarating experience.
Adrenaline-seekers can seize the opportunity to swim in the river and jump off rocks, taking in the scenic views and pristine nature along one of Europe’s cleanest rivers.
The patented guide on the raft ensures a safe and thrilling journey, accompanied by an insurance-covered safety kayaker.
With the included shuttle, technical equipment, and optional photo/video service, guests can fully enjoy the natural splendor of this remarkable rafting adventure.
Included Services
Rafters can expect a seamless experience with the Lao River rafting package. The experience includes a shuttle from the base camp to the boarding points.
All technical equipment, such as paddles and life jackets, are provided. A patented guide accompanies the raft, ensuring a safe and informative journey. An insurance-covered safety kayaker accompanies the group as well.
The base camp offers amenities like private indoor parking, Wi-Fi, a picnic area, changing rooms, bathrooms, showers, and an optional photo/video service.
These included services make for a hassle-free and enjoyable rafting adventure on the UNESCO Geosite of the Lao River.
More Great Tours NearbyAge and Weight Restrictions
There are certain age and weight restrictions in place for the Lao River rafting experience.
The minimum age is 8 years during the summer months (June-September) and 12 years during the spring and fall seasons (March-May, October-November). This is to ensure participants’ safety and enjoyment.
Plus, individuals over 287 lbs (130 kg) aren’t permitted to join the rafting tour. This weight limit is necessary for the safety and stability of the raft.
Pregnant women and non-swimmers are also not allowed to participate in the Lao River rafting activity.
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, a towel, and swimwear are essential items to bring for the Lao River rafting experience.
The river offers opportunities to swim and jump off rocks, so having the appropriate attire is crucial. Participants should wear shoes that can get wet and provide traction on the rocky terrain.
A change of clothes is recommended for after the activity, as participants may get wet during the rafting. Bringing a towel will help dry off and stay comfortable.
Finally, swimwear is necessary for those who wish to take a dip in the river’s refreshing waters.
Meeting Point
The base camp for the Lao River rafting experience is located in Papasidero (CS) on Via Monaci Basiliani, snc. This is the meeting point where you will gather before embarking on their rafting adventure.
The base camp provides private indoor parking, Wi-Fi, a picnic area, changing rooms, bathrooms, and showers. Participants are advised to arrive at the meeting point with their comfortable shoes, change of clothes, towel, and swimwear.
From the base camp, you will be shuttled to the boarding points along the Lao River to begin their guided rafting tour through the beautiful gorges of Pollino National Park.
Video and Photo Service
Although optional, participants have the opportunity to capture their Lao River rafting adventure through an additional photo and video service.
Experienced professionals document the entire journey, from the base camp preparations to the thrilling rapids. Customers receive high-quality images and videos, which can be purchased on-site or ordered later online.
This service allows adventurers to relive the experience and share it with friends and family. The reasonable pricing makes it an attractive add-on for those seeking to preserve memories of their Lao River rafting excursion in Pollino National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Safety Precautions Are Taken During the Rafting Activity?
The activity includes an insurance policy and a safety kayaker to monitor the group. Participants must wear technical equipment and life jackets. Guides are trained to lead the rafting safely through the river’s rapids.
Can I Bring My Own Personal Flotation Device?
You can’t bring your own personal flotation device. The provided technical equipment, including life jackets, is required for safety and must be used during the rafting activity. The guides ensure all necessary safety precautions are in place.
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Number of Participants per Raft?
The activity has a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 participants per raft. The specific number can vary depending on the water level and the size of the group. Rafts are assigned based on the total number of participants.
Are There Any Health/Medical Requirements to Participate?
There are some health/medical requirements to participate. Rafters can’t be under 8 years old, pregnant, or over 287 lbs. Non-swimmers aren’t allowed either. Participants should be in good physical condition to take part in this activity.
Can I Request a Specific Guide or Raft Partner?
Clients can’t request specific guides or raft partners, as the operator assigns guides and rafters to ensure safety and efficiency. However, the operator aims to match participants based on skill level and compatibility to provide the best possible experience.
The Sum Up
The Lao River offers an exhilarating 11 km classic rafting adventure through stunning gorges, perfect for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Guided by experienced professionals, participants can enjoy a safe and immersive journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Pollino National Park, making it a memorable outdoor activity.
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