Rio Cotahuasi River Rafting
"If you really want to see and do this is the one above all . I've done the Zambezi, the Karnali in Nepal and New Zealand, but this was my favorite."mark wilkes
White water rafting in Peru doesn’t get more exhilarating than the Rio Cotahuasi, one of the world’s most remote and challenging Class IV–V rivers. This is an expedition for experienced adventurers seeking the ultimate whitewater challenge. A multi-day journey through the world’s deepest canyon, surrounded by towering cliffs, ancient ruins, and heart-pounding rapids. First descended in 1994, the Cotahuasi remains a hidden gem in the rafting world, offering unmatched wilderness and adrenaline in equal measure.
Our trip begins high on the Peruvian Altiplano, passing volcanoes, remote villages, and the dramatic Sipia Falls before launching into over 120 km of continuous whitewater. Between rapids, we explore side canyons and Pre-Inca archaeological sites, and camp at some of the most breathtaking river beaches on Earth.
This isn’t just a rafting trip, it’s a raw, authentic expedition into the wild heart of Peru.
Looking for other adventures in Peru? Explore our Ultimate Peru multi-activity tour, combining culture, canyon hikes, and Machu Picchu with soft adventure in the Sacred Valley.
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 24 May 2026 - Wednesday 3 June 2026 Total Cost: $7595 | £5595 | €6600 | 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
100% Fun.
If you really want to see and do this is the one above all . I’ve done the Zambezi, the Karnali in Nepal and New Zealand, but this was my favorite.
Breathtaking Peru
A really good fun team , The rapids were fast’ n’ furious ….. perfect for me !! Probably the most challenging river I have done with Water By Nature. The people of Peru , I found very chilled and welcoming to us ‘foreigners’ .
The Amazon Jungle / rainforest ..… just …. completely takes your breath away . Butterflies the size of your hand, not forgetting Machu Picchu …. well worth I hike ! I found ,The Inca Trail is a breath-taking experience.
Fabulous river, world-class crew
I recently returned from Peru where I participated in “Water by Nature’s” Rio Cotahuasi raft expedition, my second trip with this company (I did their long Zambezi River raft trip last fall). I can’t possibly say enough good things about the Cotahuasi in general or our team in particular. Julio was our leader, ably assisted by Santiago, Victor, and Victor. All four are world-class rafters, kayakers, chefs, and human beings. If all are not yet legends in this industry, they should be. The river is fabulous, difficult, beautiful, and remote. Fortunately, as the river became more complex, our skills, timing, and reactions improved as well. Starting out relatively easy, it steepened as our descent progressed–mostly class II on day 1, fairly solid class III on day 2, class III and IV on day 3, and lots of class IV and V on day 4. Day 5 started out with a bang in a rapid aptly named “High Side for Your Life”, but began to lose intensity as the valley finally widened—not flat water but lacking the sustained rapids we had encountered above. This is NOT a river for those who want to be passengers. The Cotahuasi has virtually no nice open channels. It is far more challenging and requires a much higher level of commitment. But you are rewarded at its conclusion by the sense of having truly accomplished something significant. You are also rewarded with beautiful scenery, wonderful food, and the company of great companions. I’d do it again in a minute!
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