Arequipa: Chili River White Water Rafting with Pickup

Summary

Rafting near Arequipa city center for thrill seekers and first-timers

You’ll get picked up in Arequipa and join local guides for a white water rafting adventure on the Chili River—expect laughs, splashes, and scenic views just 20 minutes from town. All gear’s provided, plus snacks after paddling. It’s beginner-friendly but never boring—and you might find yourself grinning long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

It started before we even saw the river — our driver, Javier, cracked a joke about “getting wetter than a local in rainy season” as he helped us into the van outside our hotel in Arequipa. I didn’t expect to be laughing so soon, honestly. The city faded fast behind us; twenty minutes later we were at base camp, pulling on wetsuits that felt a bit like wrestling into a damp sock (I’ll admit it took me longer than the others). Our guide, Carla, handed out helmets and walked us through every safety detail in Spanish and English — she was patient when I fumbled my life jacket straps. You could smell eucalyptus from somewhere upriver and there was this nervous buzz in the air from all of us.

The Chili River looked calmer than I’d pictured until we actually got in — then it was all cold splashes and shouts echoing off green cliffs. Carla kept calling out commands (“adelante!”), but half the time I was just trying not to swallow water or lose my paddle to a sneaky rapid. There was one stretch where everything went quiet except for the rush of water — weirdly peaceful for a second. The whole white water rafting part lasted maybe an hour? Time felt strange out there. At some point I realized my cheeks hurt from grinning so much. And yeah, someone did fall out (not me!) but Carla had them back in before anyone could panic.

Afterwards they handed us cookies and bottled water while we peeled off our gear under the sun — which felt warmer now that we were done. Everyone swapped stories about who screamed loudest (pretty sure it was me). The ride back to Arequipa was quieter; I kept thinking about that silent moment on the river, how close the city is but how different it feels out there. If you’re looking for something quick but real — not just another tour — this day trip on the Chili River is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chili River Rafting Adventure

• Pickup from hotel or meeting point
• Gear up and safety briefing
• Travel to Ecorígenes Charcani rafting start
• Raft 5 km on Chili River (50–60 minutes)
• Enjoy light snack after rafting
• Return and drop off near hotel

Top questions

How far is Chili River rafting from Arequipa?

The rafting base camp is about 20 minutes from central Arequipa by van.

Is this white water rafting suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Chili River offers Class II & III rapids—good for first-timers with guidance.

What’s included in the rafting tour?

Your tour includes pickup/drop-off, full rafting gear (wetsuit, helmet, jacket), bilingual guide, and snacks.

How long does the actual rafting last?

The river experience lasts around 50–60 minutes along a 5 km stretch.

Are photos included?

No, but you can add professional photos as an optional extra if you want to relive your trip.

Can children join this activity?

Children under 7 years old are not allowed on this tour.

What should I bring or wear?

You’ll get all necessary gear; bring swimwear to wear under your wetsuit and dry clothes for after.

Is lunch provided?

No full lunch is included—just light snacks (cookie & water) after rafting.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup or meeting point transfer from Arequipa, all necessary rafting equipment like wetsuit and helmet, guidance from bilingual experts throughout your time on the Chili River rapids, plus a snack and return transport back to town when you’re done paddling.