Rafting the Rio Chili, Peru

The beautiful colonial city of Arequipa, Peru, has a lot to offer visitors, including whitewater rafting just 25 minutes from the center of town.

A seven-kilometer drive up a picturesque valley brings you to the launch point, with spectacular views of the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. Experienced local guides talk you through safety procedures before you enter the water, paddling on command.

Most trips take in a six-kilometer section of the Rio Chili, which takes around 1.5 hours to run. Rapids progress from gentle whitewater to a Class IV section halfway through the trip. For a sense of perspective, the highest possible rating for rapids is Class V!

In the calmer sections, take in the views of the valley and the mountainous terrain beyond, catching your breath before another bout of frenzied paddling, which will hopefully keep your boat from overturning. If you have not become intimately acquainted with the river on your way down, a rest stop offers the opportunity to leap from a huge rock into the cold waters below.

The April to November season is the time to visit the Rio Chili, and the river is closed to rafters from December to March when the water is dangerously high due to snow melt. Tours are offered by a number of different operators and hostels in Arequipa, but Peru Adventures Tours is one of the more reputable outfitters. A half-day package costs $45 and includes transportation and equipment.