Rio Cotahuasi

Arequipa Region, Peru

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Río Cotahuasi in Peru's Arequipa Region carves Cotahuasi Canyon, one of the world's deepest at over 3,350 meters—twice the Grand Canyon's depth—between the towering Coropuna and Solimana volcanoes exceeding 6,000 meters.

Originating from Lake Wansuqucha above 4,750 meters, the river flows through dramatic gorges with Incan terraces, hot springs, and diverse ecosystems from alpine meadows to arid valleys, joining the Ocoña River en route to the Pacific.

Renowned for extreme whitewater rafting with continuous Class IV-V rapids, it draws adventurers via a rugged 10-hour bus from Arequipa, offering remote treks past Sipia Falls amid terraced farms and biodiversity hotspots in a protected subbasin.