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Rafting descent into the Lao River Grand Canyon between high rock walls
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Rafting in Calabria — the most beautiful descents on Lao River

Adrenaline and uncontaminated nature on the Pollino

Choose your experience

Each rafting option has its own page: open it to check the route, duration, difficulty and price.

Rafting is a recreational outdoor sporting activity: it is a relatively recent sport, officially born in Italy in 1987, where inflatable dinghies called Raft are used. Thanks to the will of a group of enthusiasts, in order to promote and spread this activity, the Italian Rafting Association (A.I.Raft) was founded, which has now become the Italian Rafting Federation. Since 2010 it has also been recognized by CONI as a sporting discipline associated with the Italian Canoe Federation Kayak (FICK). Those who practice rafting try their hand at descending rapids in rivers or streams which, depending on the degree of difficulty, offer adrenaline-filled moments. Normally a crew is made up of 7 people: six passengers and a guide, who creates fun and safe trajectories through commands and his own skills.

Guarda l'esperienza in movimento.YouTube

Short answer

Where to raft in Calabria in Pollino Park?

The reference is the Lao river, in the Calabrian part of the Pollino National Park, with access from Laino Borgo and routes that cross the valley and the gorges towards Papasidero. River Tribe proposes different descents for duration and commitment: from short experiences for the first approach to days and shipments reserved for those looking for a more intense activity. The final choice also depends on the conditions of the river and the evaluation of the guide.

Read the guide: what is the best rafting in Calabria?

Quick comparison of the experiences

Quick comparison of the experiences: Rafting
ExperienceDurationLevelFrom
Rafting Fun Trip~1 hourEasy35€ adulti / 25€ bambini
River Walking + Rafting~2.5 hoursEasy50€
Rafting Grand Canyon~3 hoursAverage75€
Full Moon Rafting~2 hoursAverage50€
Rafting No Limits~7 hoursChallenging160€
Rafting Fast & Furious~4 hoursChallenging130€
Rafting ExpeditionFull dayChallenging195€
Exploring Lao Rafting Expedition2 daysAdvanced250€
Archeo Geo Rafting Expedition2 daysAdvanced280€

How to choose the descent on the Lao

For families and beginners the starting point is the Rafting Fun Trip; who wants to see the most representative section of the gorges can be oriented on the Grand Canyon. River Walking + Rafting adds the exploration on foot of the hole, while Full Moon is an evening exit available only on selected dates.

No Limits, Fast & Furious and Expedition require more time, preparation and active participation of the crew. Minimum age, duration, difficulty and minimum number indicated in the cards serve for a first comparison; before confirming the staff verify composition of the group, experience and operating conditions.

Rafting between Laino Borgo, Papasidero and Lao valley

The Lao is the natural axis that connects the Calabrian Pollino to the villages of the valley. The Calabria region indicates it as a reference destination for rafting and canoeing; the Pollino massif, recognized as UNESCO Global Geopark, is on the border between Calabria and Basilicata. For this reason a descent can become the center of a wider outdoor stay, combining trekking, bike and overnight stay in the territory.

Water level, weather and accessibility can change times or stretch of water. The guide always keeps the final decision on the route and equipment: is a security element, not an arbitrary variation of the program.

Frequently asked questions before booking

Do you need rafting experience on the Lao?
Not for introductory proposals: briefings, controls and equipment are explained before departure. The challenging and advanced experiences are designed for groups with adequate preparation and are confirmed after an evaluation with staff.
What is the most suitable descent to a family?
The Fun Trip is the shortest and most accessible proposal of the River Tribe catalog. The suitability of the individual participant remains linked to the minimum age indicated, the confidence with water and the verification of the guide on the day of the activity.

Who accompanies you

The guides

The guides are recognized with the FI.Raft patent with training courses ranging from 2nd degree patents suitable for not too demanding rivers, up to 5th degree patents which allow them to work in very demanding rivers.

What is included

  • Patented FIRAFT guide
  • Dinghy and paddle
  • Neoprene wetsuit and socks
  • Helmet and life jacket (life jacket)
  • Shuttle to return to base
  • Photoshoot of the descent

What to bring

  • Swimsuit
  • Synthetic or thermal T-shirt (to be worn under the wetsuit)
  • Trainers or lightweight trekking shoes (which will get wet)
  • Necessities for the shower and dry change