Kayaking in Peru
Including Apurímac River Canyon, Colca River Canyon, and Lake Titicaca. On the map.
The vibe
Paddling through Peru offers a striking contrast between navigating high-altitude glacial rivers and skimming the dramatic, sea-lion-peopled Pacific shoreline. The dry season brings the most stable conditions for tackling roaring mountain rapids, while coastal paddles are best attempted during the calmer summer months. Trips span everything from fully supported commercial river expeditions to self-guided coastal explorations.
Apurímac River Canyon
Apurímac
Martin St-Amant ( S23678 ) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
The Apurímac offers world-class big-water whitewater kayaking through one of the deepest river canyons on Earth. Paddlers encounter continuous class IV and V rapids amid towering granite walls and remote Andean wilderness.
Access. Access is typically via Cusco, with multi-day expeditions organized by specialized whitewater outfitters utilizing support rafts and local logistics.
Notes. Extreme high-altitude kayaking requiring advanced expedition skills and self-rescue capability. Best season runs from May to September during low water.
Colca River Canyon
Arequipa
Nad Hemnani santtd / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Carving through twice the depth of the Grand Canyon, the upper Colca features challenging technical whitewater for expert kayakers. The run combines relentless class IV-V rapids with dramatic canyon scenery and soaring Andean condors.
Access. Put-ins are accessed from Arequipa via Chivay, usually arranged with expert local river guides and safety support.
Notes. High elevation, extreme isolation, and difficult scouting. Recommended only for expert expedition kayakers during the dry season.
Lake Titicaca
Puno
Martin St-Amant ( S23678 ) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Paddle the highest navigable body of water in the world, touring vast blue high-altitude waters and unique reed-built island communities. The expansive lake offers serene open-water touring against a backdrop of snow-capped Andean peaks.
Access. Base out of Puno for rentals, day tours, and guided multi-day island-hopping sea kayak expeditions.
Notes. High altitude introduces strong sun exposure and chilly afternoon winds. Suitable for intermediate flatwater and touring paddlers.
Paracas National Reserve
Ica
Petr Meissner / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Explore the arid desert coastline of the Pacific Ocean where dramatic red sand cliffs meet protected marine waters. Kayakers paddle among sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and diverse seabirds in a unique desert-meets-ocean ecosystem.
Access. Day trips and gear rentals are readily available from the town of Paracas, just south of Lima.
Notes. Strong coastal winds (Paraca winds) typically pick up by midday, making morning departures essential. Suitable for intermediate sea kayakers.
Tambopata River
Madre de Dios
Maasaak / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Offering a contrasting jungle paddling experience, the upper Tambopata provides accessible moving-water touring through pristine Amazon rainforest. Paddlers can spot macaws, monkeys, and caiman while navigating gentle current and remote riverbanks.
Access. Flights to Puerto Maldonado followed by motorized boat transfers and lodge-based kayak excursions.
Notes. Suitable for intermediate paddlers comfortable with wilderness touring and tropical humidity. Best during the drier months.