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At a glance

Duration
11 days
Cost
£5395
Arrival Airport
Arequipa (AQP)
Grade
river grade
Air Temp
21°C (70F)
Water Temp
16°C (61F)
Camping
7 nights
Hotel
4 nights

Overview

White water rafting in Peru on the Rio Cotahuasi is our most exciting expedition to date, this is an adventure for experienced rafters looking for the ultimate white-water challenge. The Rio Cotahuasi is a relatively new white-water discovery; its first descent was not until 1994 and is surely one of the last remaining secrets in the rafting world. A remote river consisting of world-class rapids, spectacular campsites and unexplored archaeological ruins all set in a breathtakingly beautiful canyon, declared the “World’s Deepest Canyon”. This is not a trip for the faint-hearted. It begins high up on the Altiplano for a drive into the river, through remote villages and past spectacular volcanoes. We drive past the stunning Sipia Falls where it plunges into an impressive gorge. We challenge 120km of class IV and V rapids for 5 days interspersed with exploration of adjacent desert canyons and Pre-Inca ruins. Join us for this trip of a lifetime and be amongst the first ever to visit this incredible discovery. Other adventures with us in Peru include the multi activity trip, Ultimate Peru or the wildlife and wilderness adventure on the Rio Tambopata.

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Destination Map & Video

What you will be up to

1

Arrive Lima and fly onward to Arequipa. Hotel for the night.

Not included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

2

Relax and unwind from your journey in Arequipa. Explore this amazing city. Try the gorgeous Picantaria for your evening meal.

Included: Breakfast

3

Wholesome breakfast, drive the Pan American Highway to the quaint village of Cotahuasi. En route we get to view the amazing Coropuna Volcano.

Included: All meals

4

A gorgeous drive and walk to the point where we’ll put on the river tomorrow. We’ll pop into Velinga, a village where they produce excellent wine, as well as a stop off at the spectacular Sipia Falls. This afternoon we’ll spend outlining safety procedures with plenty of on water practice for our challenges ahead.

Included: All meals

5-9

Spend your next five days exploring 120 km of exhilarating Class IV and V white water. This is rapid upon rapid of full on excitement. You will have chances to walk up to Pre Inca ruins, trek up side canyons and visit small villages.

Included: All meals

10

A leisurely float to meet our take out vehicles at Iquipi, equipped with celebratory cold beers, possibly the best you will have ever tasted after such an invigorating trip. We then take to the road for the trip back to Arequipa

Included: All meals

11

Transfer to the airport and flight back to Lima to connect to your international flight or fly to Cusco for the Machu Picchu trip extension

Included: Breakfast

11 - Extension

Fly to Cuzco from Arequipa to spend the day exploring this fascinating town!

Included: Breakfast

12 - Extension

Take the early train up to the “Lost City Of The Incas”, and spend the day exploring this incredible ruin. Later on take the train back down to Cusco and return to the hotel.

Included: Breakfast and Lunch

13 - Extension

A day spent at leisure in Cusco, either exploring the secrets of the town or maybe something more energetic like a bit of mountain biking!

Included: Breakfast

14 - Extension

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima and international flight from there.

Included: Breakfast

Speak to a WBN Advisor

UK +44 1709 802 203

USA +1 303 261 8896

Book Trip

Dates & Prices

DatesDuration
Saturday 24 May 2025 - Tuesday 3 June 202511 days£5395€6395$6795

In order to give you increased flexibility for your holiday please call our UK or US office’s for advice on who to book your flights with. Alternatively, why not use your frequent flyer miles for your adventure. Many airlines offer flights to Lima, such as Iberia from the UK or contact Trailfinders for your best flight options. Your trip starts and finishes in Arequipa however if you are doing the trip extension your flights should arrive into Arequipa and depart from Cusco. Many operators also offer flights from the US, but we suggest for the best deals check out Skyscanner.  If you need any help with flights, please dont hesitate to contact us. Alternatively we have teamed up with GYT who can provide you with a competitive flight quote by filling out this form on the Water By Nature website. Please ensure you DO NOT book your flights until your trip is CONFIRMED.
We have price and departure information about the following trips in Peru (river prices only – flights not included).

In order to secure your place pay your deposit of USD$1000 per person. See our Terms & Conditions for full payment terms.

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What you should bring

We find most of our clients have in their posession already what is needed for a river journey. We have broken down here the items into what you’ll need on the river and in camp. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure.

River Fashion:

Download equipment file

Rio Cotahuasi River Rafting reviews

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5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 4 reviews)
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Simply, why wouldn’t you?

27th June 2018

After 3 years in the planning to celebrate a milestone birthday and with much patience and help from Hamish, I’m so happy to say I made it onto the Rio Cotahuasi in beautiful Peru. I’m not sure, we’ll actually I definitely know that I could not have asked for a better group of fellow rafters. There was only 4 of us and I was traveling on my own (true friends made), the perfect sized group for this river. On arrival at Arequipa airport, I was met by our guide Julio. Smiley to the max and now that I really know him, one of the best guides I’ve ever had (this is my 3rd water by nature trip) but one of the nicest, skilled (not at dancing), enthusiastic people that I have been lucky enough to meet. We then met our other guides. Julio was only one of the nicest guides I’ve met because the other 3 are here! If you are ever lucky enough to work with Santi (amazing man and super talented rafter), Victor & Victor (both fantastic guys and excellent food creators) then you will know a few basic things, you will never be more safer or have a better time rafting or even camping. I will be completely honest, our safety rescue practice had me scared sh*tless but there was no need. These guys, this team know exactly what they are doing and how to reassure us. I knew from that point that Victor (Toco) who was our safety kayaker had our watery arses sorted. What I learned for these 4 guides, one amazing team that they knew this water inside out and when the water knew them inside out they worked as one to be back on top of it. Amazing to see, especially as its second nature to them.

I can only ever say thank you to this team of 4 which doesn’t seem enough. I have never been so happy and relaxed, you guys along with my new friends have made this trip unforgettable for only the best reasons possible, you have made me feel accepted and most importantly I will miss this river, country and but mostly these dream team. I have shed a tear for each and every one of them as they feel like family (ones I can take the piss out of but know they will be there whatever). I only have true respect for your skills, your patience and expertise.

Wendy Walker

Ready to take the next step

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