Arequipa Activities

It is not surprising that Arequipa has emerged as a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts who come to climb volcanoes, raft on rivers, and trek through the surrounding valleys, given that the opportunities to do so are some of the finest in Peru.

Arequipa Rafting & Kayaking

Virtually synonymous with rafting, the mighty Colca River is internationally known for its challenging 300+ rapids. Located in the Colca Valley, 190 mi (300 km) north of Arequipa city, the river boasts over 25 mi (40 km) of Class II-IV rapids, from Cabanaconde to Tapay, and is navigable between May and October.

Most tours depart from Chivay, a small town perched on the edge of the Colca Canyon. Peru For Less is more than happy to assist in making rafting or kayak arrangements.

Arequipa Mountain Climbing

The ranges of the Peruvian Andes present unrivalled mountain climbing experiences. The combination of a huge territory, low concentration of climbers, nearly year-round benign climate, and relatively easy access to completely isolated areas make Peru one of the most attractive destinations for mountain climbers worldwide.

El Misti, towering nearly 19,110 ft (5,825 m) above sea level, is Arequipa’s most emblematic and much loved mountain. An ascent requires two days hiking over loose and steep terrain. This popular route usually begins in the city and continues on to Tambo Inca and the base camp, Eagle’s Nest, with the summit reached on the second day. Another dominating nearby volcano is Chachani, which rises a staggering 19,931 ft (6,075 m) above sea level. The summit is reached via a sealed track up through the Pampa de Arrieros.

There are also various volcanoes along the Colca Valley, about 4 hours from Arequipa, which present demanding challenges and rewarding beauty to adventurous climbers, such as Ampato (20,629ft / 6,288m), Sabancaya (19,606ft / 5,976m), and the snow covered Hualca Hualca (19,767ft / 6,025 m).

Irrespective of which starting point or destination you choose, all mountain climbing routes offer a rare blend of stunning scenery, easy access, and a unique cultural component.

Arequipa Trekking

The Colca Valley offers a series of recently developed trekking circuits of varying difficulty. Just 93 mi (150 km) north of Arequipa lays a web of virtually endless trails characterized by their boundless beauty. The small mestizo towns and colonial-era houses dotted along the way add an interesting dimension to the routes, which feature pristine lakes, unique rock formations, and abundant wildlife – such as the Andean condor – and dense, centuries-old forests. And of course, highlights along the way are undoubtedly the omnipresent snow-covered volcanoes, some of which are still very active. The best time to embark on treks in the Arequipa region is between May and September.