6 adventure sports in Arequipa
Arequipa is famous for fascinating tourist attractions such as the Colca Canyon, Misti Volcano, Santa Catalina Monastery, Salinas National Reserve and Aguada Blanca and more. In addition to these destinations, on the trip you can perform various adventure sports such as: cycling, paragliding, trekking, boating, mountain climbing and bungee jumping. Learn more about these adventures in Arequipa.
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Mountain biking in the Colca
Cycling through the Colca is one of the most famous adventure sports on the trip to Arequipa. The adventure takes place in the Colca Valley, in a mountainous geography surrounded by landscapes beautiful. There are several routes, all downhill for several kilometers of trails. The duration is 4 or 5 hours, depending on the route chosen.
There are several routes. These may include: the towns of Chivay, Yanque, Coporaque, Ichupampa, and more. You will also be able to appreciate archaeological sites such as the Occolle terraces, the Yuraq Qaqa tombs, the Chininea colcas and more. In addition, incredible landscapes are appreciated. All tours include bikes and complete equipment.
- Price (approximate): From 40 USD.
- More information: The bicycle adventure through the Colca Valley can be hired in the town of Chivay or in the city of Arequipa. Prices vary depending on the tourism agency you choose.
Paragliding in Camana
175 kilometers from the city of Arequipa is Camaná, a beautiful coastal city where you can go paragliding. This sport is carried out with a specialized agency that includes all the equipment and safety implements. The flight takes place over the Peruvian beaches for approximately 15 minutes.
Paragliding is a sport that requires a professional instructor and compliance with all safety protocols. On the beaches of Camaná, all protocols are complied with. Tours include transportation to the starting point, professional instructor, complete equipment, safety equipment and, optionally, recording.
- Price (approximate) 180 soles (48 USD).
- More information: Flights start from 9 in the morning. Departure depends on weather conditions. In Camaná the winds are usually conducive to this adventure.
Trekking in the Colca
The impressive mountainous geography of the Colca Valley is ideal for hiking trails of one, two, three or more days. Most tours start with the drive from the city of Arequipa. Distances vary by route. Some include a visit to tourist attractions such as the famous Colca canyon viewpoint.
One of the routes most requested by tourists is the one that lasts 2 days. The walk begins near the viewpoint of the condor. You descend for three hours until you reach the depths of the Colca canyon. The next day you ascend for another three hours to the town of Cabanaconde. Then you will return to Arequipa by bus.
- Price (approximate) 180 soles (48 USD).
- More information: The 2-day trek through the Colca canyon includes complete transportation, food, tour guide, trekking equipment and first aid kit. On the route you will appreciate llamas, alpacas, Inca archaeological sites, Andean villages and more.
Rafting in the Chili River
Chili is the famous river that crosses the city of Arequipa. In its waters you can practice canoeing, an adventure sport full of adrenaline that is developed as a team. The starting point is outside the city, about a 30 minute drive from the center of the ‘white city’. The route is downhill for approximately one hour.
Tours start at different times of the day: from 8 in the morning, 11 in the morning or 2 in the afternoon. Canoeing can be done at levels II, III and IV. Anyone, even the inexperienced, can take this adventure. Tours include: transportation to the starting point, complete equipment, professional instructor and necessary instruments.
- Price (approximate): From 30 USD.
- More information: The Colca River is also ideal for canoeing. The routes are approximately 7 kilometers (1 hour 30 minutes of adventure). Tours can be booked in the same city of Arequipa.
Mountain climbing in the Misti
The Calambucos ravine, 30 minutes by car from the city of Arequipa, is the ideal setting for mountain climbing. The rock formations there are perfect for a routine of approximately 1 hour. There are rocks recommended for beginners and challenging rocks for more experienced tourists.
Calambucos is on a slope of the famous Misti volcano. The tours that offer this adventure include: complete transportation, safety equipment, professional instructor and everything you need for a one hundred percent safe adventure. Another option to practice this sport is the Charcani area, 20 minutes by car from the city center.
- Price (approximate): From 30 USD.
- More information: Rock climbing is an adventure sport that requires a lot of care and protective equipment. Verify that the agency you hired is serious and includes all the necessary equipment: helmets, harness, safety buckle, rope, carabiners and more.
Bungee jumping in the Chilina valley
In the Cayma district (9 kilometers from the center of the city of Arequipa) is the Chilina Valley. This place is the ideal setting for the famous ‘bungee jumping’, a sport that consists of jumping from a bridge or base into a great depth, supported by an elastic rope. The jump distance is only 20 meters. Still, it takes guts to jump from there.
The bungee jumping tours can be done all year round. These include: pick up, transportation to the site, training, 100% safe equipment and necessary utensils. It is recommended to bring sports clothing, sunscreen and rehydrating water. This adventure is not recommended for people with a fear of heights, injuries or heart problems.
- Price (approximate) 50 soles (14 USD).
- More information: Near the Chilina Valley is the famous Sanctuary of the Virgen de Chapi. There, every May 1, one of the largest religious festivities in Arequipa takes place.
By Machupicchu Terra – Last updated, August 28, 2023