Rock climbing in Arequipa: Charcani cliffs with full gear

Three hours on Charcani's rock faces, from the city in one morning

Rock climbing in Arequipa takes place on the banks of the Chili River in Chilina Valley, where you climb at Charcani for 3 hours on routes suited to your skill level. Hotel pickup is included, along with all climbing equipment, shoes and an introduction to the sport before you start. The guide speaks English or Spanish and children from age 5 are welcome.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel at 10:00 or 13:00, then heads toward Chilina Valley. On the way you stop to see the Chili River at the foot of three volcanoes and the local crops that line the banks. Charcani sits at the foot of the river next to the Sanctuary of the Virgen de Chapi, the patron saint of Arequipa, and the setting gives you a sense of leaving the city without the long drive. It's close enough to reach in a morning or afternoon.

Before climbing starts, you get an introduction and training in how to use the equipment and move on rock. Then you have 3 hours on the routes themselves. The difficulty shifts based on what each person can do: Charcani has friendly routes for beginners and harder pitches for climbers with experience. All the gear comes with you (harness, rope, shoes, helmet), so you arrive ready to climb. Cookies are provided during the session.

When the climbing ends, the guide transfers you back to the city center. The whole outing runs about 4 hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Full rock climbing equipment and climbing shoes.
• hotel pickup and return transfer to the city center.
• introduction and training before climbing.
• 3 hours on the rock.
• cookies during the session.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (14 to 75 years) · Senior (76 to 90 years) · Youth (9 to 13 years) · Child (5 to 8 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by SKY VIAJES Y TURISMO

Is this one for you?Book the 10:00 departure if you want the morning light and the rest of your day free. The 13:00 start suits an afternoon climb when you'd rather sleep in or spend the morning elsewhere in the city. Both options give you the same 3 hours on rock and the same routes, so pick the time that fits your schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 13 years); Child (5 to 8 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is rock climbing in Arequipa suitable if I've never climbed before?

Yes. Charcani has routes designed for beginners, and you get an introduction and training before you start climbing. The guide adjusts the difficulty to match each person's skill level, so first-timers and experienced climbers can climb on the same day.

What's included in the rock climbing activity?

Full rock climbing equipment, climbing shoes, hotel pickup and transfer back to the city center, and an introduction to the sport are all included. Cookies are provided during the session.

What time does the rock climbing start?

Pickup happens at either 10:00 or 13:00, depending on which time you choose at checkout. The climbing itself lasts 3 hours once you arrive at Charcani.

How far is Charcani from Arequipa city?

Charcani is located in Chilina Valley at the foot of the Chili River, close enough to reach from the city in a morning or afternoon without a long drive. Hotel pickup and transfer are included.