Rio Cotahuasi river rafting
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.
Itinerary & Map
Arrive Lima and fly onward to Arequipa. Hotel for the night.
Not included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Relax and unwind from your journey in Arequipa. Explore this amazing city. Try the gorgeous Picantaria for your evening meal.
Included: Breakfast
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
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
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
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
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
Fly to Cuzco from Arequipa to spend the day exploring this fascinating town!
Included: Breakfast
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
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
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima and international flight from there.
Included: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
| Dates & Reserve Spot | Duration |
|---|---|
| Sunday 25 May 2025 - Wednesday 4 June 2025 Total Cost: $6795 | £5395 | €6395 | 11 days |
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.
Download equipment file- A pair of Keens or similar sandals. (Sandals with a closed toe are ideal)
- A pair of river shorts (longer leg length) shorts can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- Swimming costumes or bikinis for ladies.
- Long sleeved thermal top and bottoms to wear under your wetsuit. Capilene, Polypropylene or Merino wool is best. (not cotton)
- A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off – can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- Sunglasses.
- Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head – can be purchased on line or from your river crew.
- 1 Litre Nalgene / Sigg or similar water bottle.
- Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
- Waterproof camera such as GoPro for the ‘action’ shots
- Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF30 minimum.
- 2 Lightweight long trousers, zip off legs are ideal.
- 2 Lightweight tops – long sleeved shirts or t shirts.
- 2 Fleece or woollen jumpers.
- Light weight down jacket.
- Rain jacket.
- Wide brimmed sun hat.
- Woolly hat, gloves, buff / scarf.
- Walking shoes or boots.
- Underwear.
- Flip flops or shoes for wearing around camp.
- Thermal top and bottoms. (Good to sleep in)
- Day sack, without a frame.
- A 4-season sleeping bag. (Can be hired in advance)
- Travel Pillow.
- Moneybelt
- Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
- Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
- Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturizer.
- Hand wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitiser.
- Small pack towel.
- Headlamp or head torch with spare batteries.
- Any medication you may be taking and your anti malarial tablets if required.
- Personal first aid kit.
- Sunscreen and lip balm.
- Your favourite book/kindle or a journal for recording your river memories.
- Sketchpad.
- Binoculars.
- Photographic or video equipment. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere.
- Spare memory card.
- Solar or portable charger.
- Zip lock bags to keep valuables dry and sand free.
- Rehydration tablets (Phizz, Nuun and O.R.S are easily available)
- The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items, gratuities and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink.
Rio Cotahuasi river rafting Reviews
Simply, why wouldn’t you?
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.
Water By Nature News
