Raft the Rio Cotahuasi in the World’s Deepest Canyon

$3,895

A thrilling expedition way off the beaten path into the world’s deepest canyon to raft some of best whitewater in Peru; suitable only for experienced rafters.

Trip Length: 10 Days
Destinations: Cotahuasi River & Arequipa, Peru
Lodging: 3-Star hotel & comfortable tent camping
Activities: Extreme whitewater rafting (IV – V), Inca ruins

WHY THIS TRIP

The Raft the Rio Cotahuasi is our most extreme expedition to date, this is an adventure for experienced rafters looking for the ultimate whitewater challenge. The Rio Cotahuasi is a relatively new whitewater discovery but one that surely has to be one of the last of the world’s best-kept rafting secrets.

In 1994, a group of American kayakers made the first descent of this remote river situated on the pacific coast of Southern Peru. They reported continuous world-class rapids, spectacular campsites, unexplored archaeological ruins dating back to the pre-Inca Huari civilization and burial tombs complete with mummies untouched by grave-robbers. This is all set in the most breathtakingly beautiful desert canyon that has since been surveyed and declared the “World’s Deepest Canyon.”

In 1998, Amazonas Explorer led its first exploratory expedition to this river and was amazed by the whole experience. The company has since decided that the Cotahuasi should become its most extreme rafting trip and as such is offering just one departure a year.

TRIP DESCRIPTION

This is not a trip for the faint of heart. It starts with a grueling 12-hour but beautiful high-altitude drive to the small village of Cotahuasi followed by a trek with mules around the impressive Sipia falls, where the Cotahuasi drops 150 meters into an impenetrable gorge.

The rafting starts at the highest navigable point and, using state-of-the-art equipment and the highest safety standards, we challenge the 120 kilometers of Class IV and V rapids for six days, allowing plenty of time to scout the major difficulties and to explore the surrounding desert canyons and ruins.

This is an extreme undertaking and space is strictly limited. Previous rafting experience, strong swimming ability and general all-round fitness are prerequisites for joining this ultimate rafting challenge. Join us for this trip of a lifetime and be among the first ever to visit this incredible discovery.

LOCAL OPERATOR: AMAZONAS EXPLORER

For more than three decades Amazonas Explorer has led high-quality trips and alternative adventures throughout South America. Based in Cusco, its professionally trained guides, cooks and support crew bring their passion and skills to the travelers they serve and, in turn, build rewarding careers for themselves. This talented staff of local experts is focused on providing you with safe and comfortable adventures, all centered on making your holiday as memorable as possible.

Itinerary

Click the Abbreviated Itinerary to see the Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary



DAY 1: Arequipa

Your flight is met on arrival at the “White City” of Arequipa in southern Peru. This is a beautiful place for you to begin to acclimatize to the rarefied air of the Andean high plains. Today, you can visit Juanita the Inca ice maiden mummy or the Monasterio of Santa Catalina.

The Monasterio first opened to the public in 1970, revealing a maze of intricate architecture — a photographer’s paradise. You can also take in the impressive Plaza de Armas with its breathtaking view of Volcan Misti or sample the delights of Arequipa’s cuisine in a typical Picantaria. At a convenient time, a full expedition briefing will be held. You overnight in a hotel, your last comfortable bed for several nights.

(Breakfast)

DAY 2: Drive to Cotahuasi Village

Today you drive north along the Pan-American Highway before turning up a rough road, skirting the majestic Coropuna volcano and toward the small village of Cotahuasi where you stay the night in a local hostal.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3: Trek/Drive to River Head

This morning the group takes a drive to Velinga, for a total distance of about 20 kilometers, with a short detour to the spectacular falls of Sipia where the river plunges 150 meters into a deep chasm – an awe-inspiring sight! We continue on to arrive at the highest safely navigable point in the late afternoon, giving the group time to prepare the rafts for the following days of adventure.

Some serious safety training and whitewater swimming practice is taken in preparation for the challenge ahead. If there is time you can visit the small village of Velinga where the locals brew excellent wine.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4 – 8: Rafting The Rio Cotahuasi

Following full training in the Amazonas Explorer-style of rafting, you set off to explore the 120 kilometers of class IV and V rapids. Plenty of time will be allocated for scouting the major rapids and obstacles. The emphasis will always be on safety as the group will be more or less on its own at the bottom of the canyon for much of the journey.

Rapids such as “Highside for Your Life,” “Canyon del Metro” and “Canyon del Centimetro” need to be inspected carefully before being run, and they may be portaged. Hopefully, there will be time for a rest day to explore the impressive pre-Inca terraces, to trek up side canyons or to hike up to small villages that are famous for their friendliness, river shrimp and wine.

Part of the adventure of the Rio Cotahuasi is cooking over firewood, rough camping on the banks of the river and knowing that few people have been lucky enough to visit this place.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 9: Meet Support Vehicle and Drive to Arequipa

The final day is spent floating fun rapids to the take-out above the small town of Iquipi, where the group will meet its support vehicle and celebrate the descent with some cold beers. Iquipi is famous for its excellent river shrimp and even has a three-meter sculpture of a shrimp as its town’s centerpiece. The gear is packed and we set off for a full day’s drive back to Arequipa and civilization. A hot shower, a meal at a good restaurant, a visit to a bar and a cozy bed in a hotel — you earned them!

(Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 10: Fly Home

You have a free morning in Arequipa followed by a transfer to the airport for your internal flight back to Lima to connect to your international flight.

(Breakfast)


travel logistics

Getting To and From the Trip: 

To start this trip, you will need to arrive in Arequipa, Peru on the morning Day 1. You can arrive by domestic flight from elsewhere in Peru or by bus.

All international flights to Arequipa must route through Lima. Most likely, you will need to overnight in Lima the night before you fly to Arequipa. We can help you arrange a hotel and transfer services upon your request.

On the last day of this trip, you will have a transfer to the Arequipa Airport or bus station. From Arequipa, it is a short flight or overnight bus ride to Cusco. Or you can fly to Lima and connect to your international flight home or elsewhere in South America.

We can also help you add to your journey with trips to Machu Picchu and Cusco, Lake Titicaca, the Colca Canyon, the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, or any other destination in South America.

We do not sell international or domestic Peru airfare but partner with a flight specialty company, Exito Travel, who can arrange all of your flights for you, simplifying the process of this part of your trip.

Trip Start: Trip starts in Arequipa, Peru. You will be picked up from the airport on the morning of Day 1. All international flights route through Lima. Depending on your flight schedule, you may need to overnight in Lima the night before your arrival in Cusco. A hotel in Lima can also be added upon request.

Trip End: Trip ends in Arequipa, Peru. You will be transferred to the airport on the last day of the trip in time to catch your flight home or to your next adventure.

Complete Your Trip

This trip is a complete package. All services are included from your arrival at the Arequipa Airport to your drop off at the Arequipa Airport.

You may want to round out your adventure by taking 4 to 6 days before or after the rafting trip to experience Cusco and Machu Picchu. We have hotel and other adventure packages that you can add on to this trip to make it easy to get exactly what you want.

International and domestic Peru flights are not included, but can be booked through our travel partner Exito Travel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may need to overnight in Lima. We can help you arrange a hotel and transfer services if this is necessary.

We can also help you add to your journey with trips to Machu Picchu, the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, or any other destination in South America.

 

Prices & Dates

2023 PRICES:

For pricing, please inquire using the “I am Interested” button above.

 

2024 PRICES:

For pricing, please inquire using the “I am Interested” button above.

 

 

 

 

What's Included / Not Included

INCLUDED: 
  • All airport transfers in Arequipa
  • Transport to and from the river in private vehicle
  • State of the art rafting and canoeing equipment including Avon self-bailing rafts, safety kayaks, safety cata-raft/gear boat, Hi-flotation life-jackets, helmets, spray jackets, wetsuits & booties, dry bags for personal gear, special containers for cameras
  • Camping and cooking equipment including Thermarests (but not including sleeping bag & bivi-bag)
  • Extensive First-aid kit
  • Professional English and Spanish-speaking river guides, trained in first-aid, swift-water rescue and CPR
  • Quality 3-star hotel in Arequipa and basic hostal in Cotahuasi
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).

View Trip Terms and Conditions:
http://detourdestinations.com/terms-and-conditions/amazonas-explorer

NOT INCLUDED: 
  • Tents or bivys are not included, but are available upon request for an additional fee
  • Sleeping bag, available to rent or you can bring your own
  • Internal Peru flights and international flights
  • Personal belongings
  • Airport taxes if applicable ($6 local, $31 international) *
  • Personal or medical expenses
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Tips for guides and support team
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Lima hotels, airport transfers, day rooms, tours and all internal flights are not included but can also be organized and quoted for on request.

* Fees subject to change

 

Accommodations

CAMPING
Camping is very basic. You will be provided with a sleeping mat, but you must bring your own sleeping bag (or rent one for a small fee). No tents are included, but bivys or tents are available upon request for a small fee. Delicious meals and eating utensils are provided, and you will have a cook with you, but frills like chairs and a dining tent are not included.

Because the Cotahuasi River is so challenging, it is very important to limit the weight of the gear raft. On rafting trips, the river is generally used for washing, and clean water is supplied for drinking and teeth brushing.

AREQUIPA HOTEL
You will have a comfortable 3-star hotel in Arequipa before and after your rafting trip  Upgrades available upon request.

COTAHUASI HOSTAL
On your way to the launching point, you will stay in the small village of Cotahuasi.  Only the most basic accommodations are available here, so you will be staying in a local hostal.

Rooming Options

ROOMING OPTIONS: Double, Single, Single Supplement

 

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