Rafting Río Majes: Full-Day Class III–IV Whitewater from Arequipa
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8–10 hours (full-day, includes transfers)
Fitness Level
Moderate to strong cardio fitness recommended; swimmers only. Be able to sit, paddle and react for several hours.
Overview
A full-day whitewater expedition that runs a 20–25km stretch of Class III–IV rapids on the Río Majes, beginning with a 3-hour drive from Arequipa and ending with local river shrimp and a visit to the Toro Muerto petroglyphs. Expect technical rapids, canyon views, and local cultural stops.
Rafting Río Majes: Full-Day Class III–IV Whitewater from Arequipa
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The morning bus peels away from Arequipa when the city is still rinsing off its night—smoke from bakeries, church bells, and the slow heat of the high plateau. By midmorning the road threads down toward the Majes Valley, and the landscape loosens: volcanic ridges give way to terraced farms and the river’s canyon steps into view. You arrive at the put-in with the taste of dust and coffee on your tongue and the river, steely and fast, daring you to climb aboard.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive hydrated and acclimated
Spend a night in Arequipa to adjust to altitude and drink fluids the day before—dehydration makes cold canyon water and long drives harder to handle.
Wear secure footwear
Closed-toe water shoes or neoprene booties prevent jams and protect toes during portages—no flip-flops on the gear list.
Protect electronics
Use a small waterproof dry bag for phones and cameras; expect splashes and occasional swims during Class IV sections.
Tell guides about health details
Inform operators of any heart, respiratory, or mobility issues and provide heights and shoe sizes when booking for proper gear fit.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Great egret and other river herons
- Andean condor sightings along the canyon rim (seasonal and less common)
History
The Majes Valley preserves pre-Columbian rock art like Toro Muerto and later colonial-era irrigation works; the river has shaped local agriculture and culture for millennia.
Conservation
Operators typically follow leave-no-trace protocols and limit group sizes; water extraction and agricultural runoff are local concerns—pack out plastics and support operators that minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Arequipa
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe water shoes or neoprene booties
Grip and toe protection in wet, rocky conditions and during portages.
Quick-dry clothing and a swimsuit
Layering that dries fast between sunlit valley stretches and cold canyon shade.
High-SPF sunscreen & lip balm
Strong sun exposure on open stretches makes protection essential.
summer specific
Small waterproof dry bag
Protects phone, documents, and a light camera from splashes or submersion.