Cotahuasi River Rafting Expedition
Rafting in the Cotahuasi Canyon in Peru: Our Cotahuasi Rafting Expeditions features 6 days of some of the most continuous, classic, technical, fun whitewater, in the deepest canyon on the planet. Combined with amazing Arequipa, a beautiful hike on an ancient Inca footpath, and Inca ruins and artifacts, this is an adventure like no other!
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Trip Highlights
- Explore beautiful Arequipa – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Centrally located, beautiful boutique hotel
- Transfer by comfortable Land Cruiser to the town of Cotahuasi – beautiful, dramatic drive over a 16,000 foot pass and past the sacred mountain of Coropuna
- Enjoy quaint Cotahuasi with a soak in the nearby hotsprings
- Stunning hike, by ancient Inca footpath, into the river canyon admiring 300 foot Sipia Falls
- 6 days of classic, continuous level 4 and level 5 rapids
- Camping on ancient Inca terraces littered with ruins and artifacts
- Rugged, dramatic, desert canyon scenery – one of the world’s deepest canyons
- Take-out close to the Pacific Ocean and transfer back to Arequipa
- Festive farewell and celebration dinner in Arequipa
About this trip
Cotahuasi River Rafting Expedition
Experience one of the most classic and technical whitewater runs on the planet. The Cotahuasi River delivers 50 miles of nonstop Class IV–V rapids, dropping nearly 60 feet per mile from just below the spectacular 300-foot Sipia Falls toward the Pacific.
Carved into one of the deepest canyons on Earth, the river winds through a dramatic desert landscape of towering canyon walls, hidden side canyons, and remote camps beneath brilliant star-filled skies.
In 2001, we completed the first-ever commercial descent of the Cotahuasi, which was later featured in Outside Magazine. Beyond the legendary whitewater, the canyon is scattered with Inca and pre-Inca ruins. We hosted the first archaeologist to ever travel the canyon, helping uncover and protect these remarkable sites.
The journey also includes time in the beautiful colonial city of Arequipa, a spectacular drive over a 16,000-foot Andean pass to the quiet town of Cotahuasi, and the chance to soak in natural hot springs in one of the most remote and magical corners of Peru.
Itinerary
What to expect
Day 1 Arequipa
Your journey begins in Arequipa, a beautiful colonial city in southern Peru located at the foot of the Misti Volcano, about an hour’s flight from Lima. Its historic center, built from white volcanic ashlar stone, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the evening, enjoy a stroll through the charming cobblestone streets and experience one of Peru’s most celebrated culinary destinations.
Days 2–3 Cotahuasi Village
Travel by road for approximately ten hours into the Andes to the remote village of Cotahuasi, crossing mountain passes over 4,000 meters (13,520 ft). Along the way, enjoy views of Coropuna, the second-highest mountain in Peru, and traditional villages seemingly untouched by time.
Spend two nights in a local lodge, immersing yourself in this little-explored region. Activities include a scenic hike above Amaña Canyon, crossing the ancient pre-Inca Chuquito Bridge, exploring the dramatic landscape, and relaxing in the natural Cotahuasi thermal baths.
Day 4 Sipia Waterfall & River Launch
Drive from Cotahuasi to the spectacular Sipia Waterfall, plunging more than 150 meters (507 ft). Continue to the village of Belinga for lunch and preparation for the river expedition.
After a safety briefing and equipment setup, begin your rafting adventure with a 4 km stretch of fun Class III–IV rapids, paddling for a couple of hours to reach your first remote riverside campsite.
Days 5–9 Cotahuasi River Expedition
Spend five unforgettable days rafting 65 km (43 miles) of the Cotahuasi River through a dramatic canyon toward the Pacific Ocean. Navigate exciting Class III, IV, and V rapids while surrounded by wild and remote landscapes.
Highlights include spotting Andean condors soaring overhead and visiting pre-Inca archaeological sites, where fragments of ceramics and textiles can still occasionally be found.
As you near the coast, the climate gradually becomes warmer and more humid. The expedition concludes at the town of Iquipí, where a vehicle will meet you for the drive back to Arequipa.
Day 10 Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Dates & Pricing
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Dates
May 22-31, 2026
Pricing
From $4,999 per person, based on double occupancy
Included:
- Transfer on Private Coach Arequipa/Colca /Arequipa
- All meals and commissary during expedition
- Two overnight hotel accommodations in Arequipa
- All professional white water rafting equipment (Dry-bags, Wetsuits, Life Vests, Helmets, Splash Jackets, Paddles)
- Professional White Water Rafting Inflatable Rafts
- One or two Safety Kayaks and Kayakers (depending on size of group)
- Camping equipment and logistical infrastructure (two-person tents)
- Professionally trained and experienced River Guides (trained and certified in Swift River and Wilderness Guiding and Outdoor Leadership Courses)
- First-Aid support infrastructure
- Satellite Phone link and access
Not included:
- Non-specified expenses and extra services
- Airfares
- Sleeping bags and Thermarest mats
- In-town meals in Arequipa
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The trip was amazing. Gotta be honest that in terms of the river and excitement, Sheri and I both loved the river even more than the Fu and Zambezi. It was non-stop action and we loved it. Diego and Piero were an awesome pairing and Lorenzo and Chava were great support roles and they’ll continue to get better. The rest of the trip was absolutely picture perfect! Let me know if you want any other feedback. We’re already planning to do another BioBio trip in 2024.
Alan Behrman – Cotahuasi 2022
This like rafting Cherry Creek for 5 days through the Grand Canyon… if you are looking for a comparison…remote, deep and full of Whari nation ruins and pre Inca terraces with countless artifacts. If you do not like flat water on your river trip, this river is for you! from 7 000 ft to sea level.. It’s like someone turned a fire hydrant on down your stair case…