Rafting on the Chili River: Experience the Adventure in Arequipa

Experience an adrenaline-filled adventure immersed in nature with a rafting tour on the Chili River in Arequipa. Just minutes from the city, this tour offers the opportunity to descend Class II, III, and IV rapids, surrounded by impressive natural canyons and the unique landscapes of southern Peru. Guided by professional instructors and with all the necessary equipment, the tour is ideal for those seeking an adventure activity without leaving the city.

From the moment you’re picked up, you’ll enjoy a safe and well-organized experience, where you’ll learn basic rafting techniques, receive a safety briefing, and descend the river in inflatable rafts with a fully equipped team. During the trip, you’ll experience thrilling moments as you tackle challenging rapids, but you’ll also have time to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

This tour is suitable for all types of travelers: families, couples, friends, and adventurers looking for a unique activity in Arequipa. End the day with a smile, unforgettable memories, and the satisfaction of having conquered the Chili River.

🗺️ Itinerary

Hotel Pickup (8:00 – 8:30 a.m.)

Your exciting day of rafting begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Arequipa. Comfortable tourist transportation will take you to the starting point in the beautiful Chili River Valley, located just 20 minutes from the historic center. During the journey, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes, which surround the White City, creating a unique landscape.

Safety Briefing and Technical Instructions

Upon arrival at the base camp, you will be equipped with everything necessary for a safe experience: helmet, life jacket, paddle, and wetsuit. Expert guides, certified in rafting on the Chili River, will give you a comprehensive safety briefing. You will learn paddling techniques, basic commands, and emergency protocols. This training ensures that even if you’re a beginner, you’ll feel comfortable and ready for the adventure.

River Entry and Initial Practice

Before starting your descent, you’ll have a short practice run on calm water. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the raft and coordinate your movements with your team. You’ll feel the refreshing current of the Chili River as you prepare for the descent, surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes.

Descent of the Chili River

It’s time to begin the real challenge: a rafting trip of approximately 6 kilometers. During the descent, you’ll travel through areas known for their intensity and natural beauty. The combination of rapids, waterfalls, and the stunning Andean scenery makes this trip an unforgettable experience. The guides will be with you at all times, ensuring your safety and making sure you have fun every step of the way.

Landscapes and Wildlife

As you navigate the river, you’ll have the opportunity to observe local wildlife in its natural habitat. From exotic birds to Andean hawks and ducks, the Chili River and its surroundings offer a unique connection with nature. The rock formations and native vegetation complete this natural setting, making every moment of rafting in Arequipa memorable.

Return to Arequipa (1:00 – 2:00 p.m.)

At the end of the trip, you’ll return to the base camp to change and rest. Afterward, tourist transportation will take you back to the city of Arequipa, where you can relax after a morning filled with adrenaline and nature.

✅ What’s Included in the Tour?

These are the services and items included in your booking to guarantee a safe, fun, and complete experience:

🚐 Round-trip tourist transportation from the meeting point in Arequipa to the starting point on the Chili River and back.

👨‍🏫 Certified professional rafting guide with extensive experience navigating whitewater rivers and first aid training.

🧑‍🏭 Safety briefing and technical orientation, explaining the rules, signals, positions, and everything you need to know to paddle with confidence.

🛟 Complete rafting equipment, including:

• High-flotation life jacket
• Adjustable safety helmet
• Thermal wetsuit
• Waterproof windbreaker

🏥 Complete first aid kit, with trained personnel to handle any minor incidents.

😄 Personalized assistance throughout the tour, from pick-up to drop-off.

❌ What’s not included?

Below, we detail what is not included in the package so you can plan accordingly:

🍽️ Food and drinks: Breakfast, snacks, and lunch are not included. We recommend eating before the activity or bringing a light snack.

📷 Professional photography service: Some agencies or guides may offer this service for an additional fee, but it is not guaranteed.

🧺 Towel and change of clothes: Each participant must bring their own dry clothes to change into after the tour, as well as a personal towel.

👟 Appropriate footwear: Footwear is not provided. We recommend wearing closed-toe shoes or sandals that can get wet (open-toed sandals are not permitted).

💳 Personal expenses: Any expenses not specified as part of the tour, such as drinks, souvenirs, taxis, or other purchases during the day.

💰 Tips for the guide or staff: Not mandatory, but appreciated as a thank you for the service received.

🩺 Travel or personal accident insurance: It is recommended to have your own insurance for adventure activities, although the agency has established safety protocols.

🌟 Recommendations

To fully enjoy this rafting experience in Arequipa, it’s important to keep the following recommendations in mind:

👕 Bring swimwear and a complete change of dry clothes. You’ll get completely wet during the descent, so it’s essential to have clean clothes to change into at the end of the tour.

👟 Wear closed-toe shoes that can get wet. Old sneakers or trekking sandals with good support are fine. Open sandals and shoes with smooth soles are not recommended.

🧴 Apply sunscreen before the tour, even if it’s cloudy. Solar radiation in Arequipa can be intense, especially near the river.

🧢 Wear a cap or hat with a secure fit, especially if you’re sensitive to the sun. Only wear it if you can keep it secure during the activity.

🧼 Bring a personal towel and a waterproof bag to store wet clothes at the end of the tour.

📵 Avoid carrying valuables such as jewelry, watches, or cell phones during the descent. If you bring a camera or phone, make sure you have a suitable waterproof case.

💪 Be in good basic physical condition. No prior experience is necessary, but rafting requires moderate physical exertion.

💊 Inform us of any special medical conditions, allergies, or injuries before the tour begins so we can provide appropriate support.

❌ Avoid participating if you are under the influence of alcohol or sedatives, or if you are pregnant.

🎒 Bring a light backpack with your personal belongings, dry clothes, and sunscreen.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior experience to raft on the Chili River?

No. This tour is designed for beginners and people with no rafting experience. The guides provide comprehensive training before the activity and accompany you throughout the entire trip.

Is rafting in Arequipa safe?

Yes, it’s a safe activity as long as you follow the guide’s instructions. Certified equipment is used, and there are safety kayakers (in large groups), in addition to professional emergency protocols.

What are the difficulty levels of the Chili River rapids?

During the tour, you’ll encounter Class II, III, and IV rapids, which are ideal for those seeking excitement with safety. It’s not an extreme tour, but it does offer a good dose of adrenaline.

What is the minimum age to participate in the tour?

The recommended age is 8 years and up, provided the child knows how to swim, is accompanied by a responsible adult, and is the appropriate height for the equipment.

Can I participate if I don’t know how to swim?

Yes, although knowing how to swim is recommended, it’s not mandatory. Life jackets provide sufficient buoyancy, and the team is trained to provide immediate assistance if needed.

What happens if the weather is cloudy or rainy?

The activity can be done in light rain or cloudy weather, but it will be canceled if weather conditions or river levels do not guarantee safety. In that case, it will be rescheduled at no additional cost or a refund will be offered, according to company policy.

Are showers or changing rooms available afterward?

At some arrival points, there are areas for changing clothes or basic restrooms. It is recommended to bring a towel, dry clothes, and avoid planning any activities immediately afterward.

Can I bring a camera or cell phone during the rafting trip?

It is not recommended to bring electronic devices unless you have a high-resistance waterproof case. Some guides offer photography services during the activity, which can be requested at the beginning of the tour (check availability and additional cost).

Is the tour operated year-round?

Yes, the tour is available year-round, although the best season for rafting in Arequipa is from April to December, when the river flow is more stable and safer.