Overview
Get ready for an adrenaline-filled adventure just 25 minutes away from Arequipa’s main square. The Chili River is known for being a technical and fast river, offering exciting rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV.
- Location: Very close to the city center (Chilina Valley).
- Intensity: Exciting Class II, III, and IV rapids.
- Safety First: Small groups (max 5 per raft) and a safety kayak guide included.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy the natural landscape of the Arequipa countryside from the river.
Full Itinerary
We offer three departure times: 08:00 AM, 11:00 AM, or 02:00 PM.
Preparation:
The adventure begins with a pickup from the coordinated meeting point. We will drive to our operations base located on the way to the river. Here, you will receive the first part of your gear to change into suitable river clothing (we recommend bringing a small backpack to store your dry clothes).
The Start:
We then head to the sector known as the **Grotto of the Virgin of Chapi** in Charcani, located at the head of the Chilina Valley. Here, you will receive the remaining equipment and a comprehensive safety briefing, including paddling instructions and safety protocols.
The Descent:
The river descent covers a 6 km stretch and lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the group size. For your comfort and safety, we carry a maximum of 5 passengers per raft plus 1 professional instructor (the captain). A safety kayak guide will accompany the rafts throughout the journey.
Return:
After the excitement of the rapids, we will provide snacks before returning to the city.
Inclusions & Exclusions
The tour includes:
- Professional Instructor Guide.
- Safety Kayak Guide.
- Private transportation.
- Complete Rafting Equipment (wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, paddle).
- First-aid kit.
- Snacks (mineral water, chocolates, cookies, and mate).
The tour does not include:
- Personal insurance.
- Tipping for the guides.
- Extra drinks or alcoholic beverages.
What to Bring
To enjoy the river safely, we recommend:
- A change of clothes (dry clothes for after the tour).
- A small backpack to store your belongings.
- Sunscreen and a towel.
- A swimsuit or shorts to wear under the wetsuit.
- Sturdy sandals or sneakers that can get wet.
General Info
Service Type: Shared.
Departure Times: 08:00 AM, 11:00 AM, or 02:00 PM.
River Difficulty: Class II, III, and IV (Technical and fast).
Distance: 6 km.
Duration: Approx. 3 hours total (including transport and briefing).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is prior experience needed for the Chili River?
No prior experience is required, but you should be in good health and follow all the instructions provided by the captain during the safety talk.
How many people go in each boat?
While boats have a capacity for 6, we limit it to **5 passengers + 1 guide** to ensure maximum safety and maneuverability in the technical rapids.
What is a “Technical River”?
It means that even though the water flow might not be huge, the river requires precise maneuvers to navigate between rocks and drops, which makes it very fun and engaging!