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A quick, adrenaline-packed rafting run just 20 minutes from Arequipa’s center: 7 km of Class II–IV rapids, guided instruction, and full equipment included. Perfect for travelers with moderate fitness who want big river fun without a long drive.
A quick, adrenaline-packed rafting run just 20 minutes from Arequipa’s center: 7 km of Class II–IV rapids, guided instruction, and full equipment included. Perfect for travelers with moderate fitness who want big river fun without a long drive.
Twenty minutes from Arequipa's Plaza de Armas the Chili River drops through volcanic terraces and scrubby hills, daring you into its riffles and eddies. You meet your guide at the equipment warehouse near Charcani, suit up in a wetsuit and helmet, and push into a 7 km descent that moves fast—1.5 hours on the water with rapids that read II, III and short bursts of IV.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Arequipa Tour · Arequipa, Arequipa
Twenty minutes from Arequipa's Plaza de Armas the Chili River drops through volcanic terraces and scrubby hills, daring you into its riffles and eddies. You meet your guide at the equipment warehouse near Charcani, suit up in a wetsuit and helmet, and push into a 7 km descent that moves fast—1.5 hours on the water with rapids that read II, III and short bursts of IV.
The river cuts through rhyolite and andesite deposits from the region’s volcanic past; exposed rock walls and gravel benches tell a recent, restless geological story. Locals use the river valley for small-scale agriculture and the nearby Gruta of the Virgin of Chapi is a cultural waypoint—pilgrims and farmers have long relied on these waters for irrigation and ritual.
The float alternates open runs with concentrated rapids, so you’ll experience calm pools where birds rest and technical drops where teamwork matters. Boats hold five paddlers plus an instructor, and guides manage rescue lines and river strategy.
Practical notes: tours include hotel pickup, wetsuits, lifejackets, helmets, paddles, snacks and bottled water; total tour time is about three hours door-to-door. Bring a dry bag for phones, wear quick-dry layers under the provided wetsuit, and secure footwear with a heel strap. If you have heart or spinal conditions, or limited mobility, this is not recommended. Early morning departures avoid wind and maximize stable water levels. Respect local signage, follow guide commands, and leave no trace—riverbanks are fragile and birdlife relies on the quiet.
This is a hands-on, short-but-intense river run ideal for travelers with moderate fitness and a taste for pumped-up whitewater close to town.
moderate.
2–3 hours (including transfer).
Moderate cardiovascular fitness and basic stamina; participants should be comfortable in moving water and able to follow guided instructions.
The on-water portion is about 7 km and typically takes around 1.5 hours; the full tour including transport and briefing runs about three hours.
Expect a mix of Class II and III rapids with a few short Class IV sections—guides will coach commands and raft positioning throughout.
No—this trip is suitable for novices with moderate fitness; guides give instruction and lead the boat. Good swimming ability is recommended.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all rafting equipment (wetsuit, lifejacket, helmet, raft, paddles, rescue line), a certified guide, bottled water and a snack.
The Chili River has long supported Arequipa’s agriculture and settlements; its canyon cuts through volcanic deposits left by past eruptions of the region’s high peaks.
Stick to established access points and pack out all trash—riverbanks are erosion-prone and local communities depend on the water for crops.
Arequipa Tour operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Twenty minutes from Arequipa's Plaza de Armas the Chili River drops through volcanic terraces and scrubby hills, daring you into its riffles and eddies. You meet your guide at the equipment warehouse near Charcani, suit up in a wetsuit and helmet, and push into a 7 km descent that moves fast—1.5 hours on the water with rapids that read II, III and short bursts of IV.
Twenty minutes from Arequipa's Plaza de Armas the Chili River drops through volcanic terraces and scrubby hills, daring you into its riffles and eddies. You meet your guide at the equipment warehouse near Charcani, suit up in a wetsuit and helmet, and push into a 7 km descent that moves fast—1.5 hours on the water with rapids that read II, III and short bursts of IV.
The river cuts through rhyolite and andesite deposits from the region’s volcanic past; exposed rock walls and gravel benches tell a recent, restless geological story. Locals use the river valley for small-scale agriculture and the nearby Gruta of the Virgin of Chapi is a cultural waypoint—pilgrims and farmers have long relied on these waters for irrigation and ritual.
The float alternates open runs with concentrated rapids, so you’ll experience calm pools where birds rest and technical drops where teamwork matters. Boats hold five paddlers plus an instructor, and guides manage rescue lines and river strategy.
Practical notes: tours include hotel pickup, wetsuits, lifejackets, helmets, paddles, snacks and bottled water; total tour time is about three hours door-to-door. Bring a dry bag for phones, wear quick-dry layers under the provided wetsuit, and secure footwear with a heel strap. If you have heart or spinal conditions, or limited mobility, this is not recommended. Early morning departures avoid wind and maximize stable water levels. Respect local signage, follow guide commands, and leave no trace—riverbanks are fragile and birdlife relies on the quiet.
This is a hands-on, short-but-intense river run ideal for travelers with moderate fitness and a taste for pumped-up whitewater close to town.