RAFTING ON THE LAO RIVER
THE GREATEST RAFTING TRIPS IN CALABRIA
The National
Park
Italy's
largest
All activities are carried out within a UNESCO Geopark
The National
Park
Italy's
largest
All activities are carried out within a UNESCO Geopark
The Lao River flows through UNESCO Global Geopark / Pollino National Park.
It originates in Basilicata with the name of Mercure and becomes Lao entering the Calabrian territory. The Lao River flows into the Tyrrhenian Sea in Scalea, Riviera dei Cedri, not far from Praia a Mare and Dino’s Island.
The Lao River story begins with the geological formation of the territory. The Mercure Lao valley is a large river basin on the border between Calabria and Basilicata in the Pollino National Park, which was once occupied by a Pliocene lake. The valley is crossed by the Mercure River, which originates in Viggianello (Basilicata), at the foot of Pollino massif. The same river, after crossing Mercure Valley, flows along a deep gorge and from this point on, it takes the name of Lao River, and ends its course into the Tyrrhenian Sea, in the Riviera dei Cedri. The rift pit was once occupied by a large lake basin whose Pleistocene deposits have preserved important bone finds, as the almost complete skeleton of straight-tusked elephant Palaeoloxodon antiquus, often confused with the Mammuth. It is now preserved at the Natural History Museum of Rotonda (PZ).
The Mercure/Lao river source is located in Viggianello (among the most beautiful Italian villages). It’s a magical place completely surrounded by nature.
After few km from the spring of the river starts our River Walking trip, a green therapy water trekking that ends near River Tribe base camp, or you can proceed along the river with a rafting experience.
It was born on the banks of the Lao River and for this reason, according to some experts, the name of the city originates from Lainos, “of Lao River”. Laino Borgo preserved an authenticity elsewhere lost. There are several family-run restaurants and farmhouses, with genuine products and typical local cuisine.
During a rafting descent you can admire it in all its splendor.
River Tribe also offers Mountain Bike tours with different trails in order to discover what the territory offers and taste typical products in the nice square of the village.
It’s a stream that originates in the countryside of Laino Borgo. With River Tribe you can experience Jannello in two different ways: with Canyoning, so, descending the stream with the harness, or with River walking, a water trekking from the ground up.
The Canyon of the Lao River is one of the 10 deepest canyons in Europe. The only way to visit it is with a rafting trip. During the rafting descent you can bathe and let yourself be carried away by the current or drink potable water from rocky walls. From the boarding point starts also a walk on the Lao river side suitable for everyone, that ends at the entrance of the river inside the canyon.
There are many stories and legends about brigands who lived in this area. They used to live inside the natural caves. Malomo Waterfall owes its name to the brigands who hid the stolen goods above the waterfall: then it was called “Mal Omo” (like “bad man” in English). During the Rafting Grand Canyon stopping under the 30 mt waterfall is a must!
This is the location where we stop to have lunch during “Rafting No Limits” trip. The raft is overturned and becomes a perfect table! The guides prepare a tasting with local products, using only biological products and biodegradable crockery.
The Church of Our Lady of Costantinople is set in the canyon rocky wall, on the right of Lao River in Papasidero, and it dates back to the Seventeenth century.
During the same day it is possible to visit the Romito Cave or reach the Tyrrhenian Sea on the Riviera dei Cedri in the area of Scalea, Arco Magno in Praia a Mare, and the enchanting Dino’s Island.
We are surrounded by nature but reaching us is very easy. Exit the Highway at Laino Borgo and follow River Tribe signs for about 6 km. From the Riviera dei Cedri, Maratea, Scalea or Praia a Mare, you can reach us passing through Galdo – Lauria.
You will find b&b in the little villages, family-run farmhouses, scattered hotels (hotels with rooms scattered in the historic centers of the villages: this is a recent solution to avoid depopulation of many empty houses of the villages that come back to life). At the River Tribe base, you can live the experience of sleeping in Tentsile, suspended tree tents, in classic camping tents near the river, or in our new Glamping area.
Inside the Pollino National Park you can eat in a divine way! The area remained authentic like dishes served. All products are biological and prepared with ancient recipes. Most of the restaurants are family run and often you can find a grandmother in the kitchen preparing one of her specialties. We recommend a selection of quality facilities that are part of COOPTAA consortium.
The red aubergine and the poor white bean are both DOP products of Rotonda; the lentils of Mormanno, the sausage of Laino Borgo, beans cooked into the “Pignata” (a terracotta pot to be placed directly by the fireplace), fusilli made with a “little iron”, “zafarane chine” – stuffed peppers, and special lavender jams produced at the Lavender Park in Morano Calabro. Here the air is pure, and vegetables have a completely different flavor!
We are lucky, Lao is the only Italian river navigable all year round. The best time to go rafting on the Lao River is from spring to autumn.
Swimming is allowed in calm waters, in visible areas and into spots recommended by locals. It’s important to respect nature in all its forms.
Pollino Park is a wild territory and according to the season it’s important to dress appropriately. River Tribe provides all necessary equipment for the river activities, shoes included. Swimsuit and the necessary to take a shower are recommended.
The Lao River is not the same everywhere: each section has its own particularity, where you can do different activities. Along the first stretch, it is possible to do River Walking and combine it with Rafting Fun Trip; in this section, in addition to rafting you can also do Stand Up Paddle, Kayak, Pack Raft, Tubing. In the canyon section you can do rafting instead.
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