Do you like adventure sports? Find a list of “Peru Best White Water Rafting”:
At 400 km northwest of Arequipa, the Cotahuasi River awaits you, chosen by @Lonely Planet as one of the 10 best rivers for rafting. One more reason to visit Arequipa.
Cotahuasi is one of the most charming places that we can find in our mountains. Towns full of tradition, beautiful views of the valley, stone forests and activities for all tastes.
In addition, it is the scene of several adventure sports, which are practiced in the Cotahuasi Eco-Sports Adventure Festival (first week of May). The river runs through one of the deepest canyons in the Americas, which features grade III and IV rapids for experts only.
What are the best rivers to practice adventure sports in Peru?
Well, you don’t have to go that far to enjoy one of them. In Arequipa is one of the best rivers for rafting, according to Lonely Planet.
The specialized travel publication included the Cotahuasi River, located 400 km north-west of the city of Arequipa, in the province of La Unión, in its list of the 10 best rivers for rafting around the world. The ranking also includes destinations from the United States, Canada, Australia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Chile.
“Nowhere does the expression ‘high mountain, low river’ make more sense than in this river that winds its way through the Cotahuasi canyon: the deepest in the world (3,535 m at its lowest point). Reaching the point of entry is a feat that involves driving 12 hours and traveling for 2 days by mule, all at high altitudes”, reports Lonely Planet.
It should be noted that the Cotahuasi River reaches grade IV and V difficulty rapids, so it is only recommended for experts. In addition, its tributary, which crosses the entire Cotahuasi canyon, is perfect for releasing adrenaline and enjoying an impressive landscape.
They complete the top 10 of the best rivers for rafting: Magpie (Canada), Zambezi (Zimbaue-Zambia), Alsek (USA-Canada), Colorado (USA), Salmon (USA), Franklin (Australia ), Futaleufú and Noce (Italy).
Peru White Water Rafting
Lunahuaná
Located a couple of hours away from Lima, is the first redoubt for this adventure sport. And it is that few know that in Cañete there are also landscapes, fun, adrenaline and, why not, a dose of good pisco. The perfect place to disappear from the ‘combi’ culture for a weekend.
By the way, the climate of this destination is sunny, happy, inspiring. An ideal trip for the whole family whose first stop is the Puente Colgante route, the busiest for the people of Lima thanks to its proximity and easy access.
In addition to enjoying the adrenaline of the rapids of the Cañete River, they will envision a fruit and wine landscape typical of Lunahuaná. These rapids are grade II (for novices) and IV (for experts).
Another short section, but just as fun, is Paullo-Socsi, where children from eight years old can enter. However, do not trust its short distance, it will be short but it is the most moved. You already know, this paradise is just here.
Apurimac River
The Apurímac River, exactly in that section that crosses the limits of the provinces of Anta (Cusco) and Abancay (Apurímac). This other side of Cusco is presented as a perfect setting to venture into one of the deepest rafting circuits in the country.
And it is not for less because through the Apurímac canyon, speeds of grade II, III and IV are experienced at more than 2,700 meters above sea level, near the Cúnyac bridge, in Mollepata (Anta, Cusco).
While there, you must descend through fascinating Andean landscapes and canyons more than 3,000 meters deep. A journey that ends in the thermal baths of Cconoc, in Curahuasi (Apurímac).
This trip belongs to the environment of the snowy Salkantay, one of the most beautiful in the world. But yes, prepare what is necessary because this route takes three to four days.
Tambopata
The most spectacular route is from Tambopata. And not because it is a journey of up to 11 days, but because it is an adventure deep in the Peruvian jungle, rafting. To give you an idea: you start at Putin Punku (900 meters above sea level), in Puno. You descend through the tropical forests until you reach the Amazonian plain of Madre de Dios (200 meters above sea level), crossing the Bhuaja Sonene National Park and the Tambopata National Reserve.
Arriving to
Tampobata is quite a privilege. An opportunity that few mortals have because it is an unprecedented encounter with a restless fauna: ocelots, pumas, monkeys, alligators or river wolves. The nights camping or the comfort of relaxing in a nearby lodge.
The greatest biodiversity in the world in your eyes… what more could you ask for. Just one thing: try to coordinate, in advance, with your travel agency the permits from the headquarters of the corresponding natural protected areas.