Rafting
Half Day
Group our private
3,400 m.s.n.m
Easy - Expert
Conquer the legendary white waters of the Peruvian Andes with our Rafting Tour through the Urubamba, Apurímac, and Vilcanota Rivers. Designed for adventure enthusiasts of all levels — from nervous first-timers and families with children to seasoned paddlers seeking Class V adrenaline — this tour transforms the sacred waterways of the Inca Empire into your personal aquatic playground.
Paddle through spectacular Andean canyons aboard a professional self-bailing raft, navigating world-class rapids that range from gentle Class II floats to heart-pounding Class IV+ torrents. From the year-round rapids of the Vilcanota River at Chuquicahuana to the remote wilderness of the Apurímac’s Black and Granite Canyons, every stroke delivers an unforgettable blend of raw adrenaline, breathtaking scenery, and living history.
This is not just a river ride — it’s a journey through one of the world’s most extraordinary watersheds, where the same waters that carved the Sacred Valley now carry you through ancient landscapes, past remote Quechua villages, and into the very source of the Amazon River itself.
Tour Highlights
Experience:
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World-class white water rafting on Class II to V rapids.
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Vilcanota River Chuquicahuana section (Class III–IV).
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Urubamba River Sacred Valley section (Class II–III).
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Apurímac River Black Canyon 2-day expedition (Class III–IV).
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Apurímac River Granite Canyon 3-day expedition (Class IV–V).
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Spectacular Andean canyon scenery.
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Snow-capped peaks and eucalyptus-covered slopes.
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Remote Quechua villages and ancient Inca terraces.
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Andean condors, river otters, and diverse birdlife.
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Pristine sandy beach campsites (multi-day trips).
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Gourmet riverside and camp meals.
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Sauna and hot showers at Cusipata River Lodge.
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Professional bilingual river guides.
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Self-bailing rafts with reinforced construction.
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Safety kayakers and satellite communication (multi-day trips).
Itinerary
1 Day: White Water Rafting Adventure in the Andes
Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
Travel by private transportation through the stunning Andean landscapes toward your selected river and put-in point — either the Vilcanota River at Chuquicahuana, the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley, or the remote Apurímac River canyon.
Option A: Vilcanota River – Chuquicahuana Section (Classic Full-Day Experience)
Upon arrival at the Cusipata River Lodge, receive a complete safety briefing and all necessary equipment covering:
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Rafting equipment fitting: wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, paddle.
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Safety protocols and river signals.
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Paddle commands and teamwork techniques.
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Self-rescue and swimming techniques.
After the briefing, begin your exhilarating 2-hour rafting trip on Class III and IV rapids through the spectacular Chuquicahuana Gorge.
Navigate powerful waves, hydraulics, and technical sections while surrounded by towering canyon walls, eucalyptus-covered slopes, and snow-capped Andean peaks in the distance. The river funnels into its best rapids as it passes through the narrowest sections of the gorge.
After completing the river section, return to the lodge to enjoy a relaxing sauna, hot showers, and a delicious barbecue lunch prepared with local ingredients.
Relax at the lodge amenities before departing back to Cusco.
Arrival in Cusco during the late afternoon.
Option B: Urubamba River – Sacred Valley Section (Half-Day Family Experience)
Travel to the Sacred Valley put-in point and receive your equipment and safety briefing.
Begin a gentler rafting experience on Class II to III rapids, perfect for families, beginners, and those seeking a more relaxed adventure.
Float past traditional Andean villages, ancient Inca terraces, and lush agricultural landscapes while spotting local wildlife including torrent ducks, water thrushes, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
After the river section, enjoy a riverside lunch or snack before returning to Cusco or continuing to nearby archaeological sites like Ollantaytambo or Moray.
Option C: Apurímac River – Black Canyon (2-Day Expedition)
Day 1: Travel from Cusco to the Apurímac put-in point (approximately 4–5 hours). Receive equipment and safety briefing before launching into the Black Canyon.
Paddle Class III to IV rapids through one of the deepest canyons in the world, surrounded by towering granite walls, waterfalls, and pristine wilderness. Spot Andean condors soaring overhead and river otters playing in the eddies.
Camp on a gorgeous sandy beach by the river, enjoying a freshly prepared dinner under the stars with no other tourists in sight.
Day 2: Continue downstream through more exciting rapids, honing your skills as the canyon opens up. Reach the take-out point and return to Cusco in the late afternoon.
Option D: Apurímac River – Granite Canyon (3-Day Advanced Expedition)
Days 1–2: Similar to the Black Canyon section, with progressively more challenging rapids.
Day 3: Face the most demanding section of the trip with Class IV to V rapids. For safety, the guide may run the Class V sections solo or line the raft down while participants walk along the bank. This is serious white water for confident, physically fit adventurers.
Return to Cusco in the evening.
End of services.
Included
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Hotel pickup and drop-off.
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Private or tourist transportation to river put-in points.
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Professional self-bailing raft and all paddling equipment.
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High-quality safety gear: CE-certified helmet, ISO-compliant life jacket, wetsuit.
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Professional bilingual river guide (certified by Peruvian Adventure Sports Federation).
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Comprehensive safety briefing and on-water practice session.
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Safety kayaker on all trips.
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Riverside lunch or barbecue lunch at Cusipata River Lodge (full-day trips).
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Sauna and hot showers (Vilcanota/Urubamba day trips).
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All camp meals and camping equipment (multi-day trips).
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Permanent assistance and rescue protocols throughout the excursion.
Not Included
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Entrance fees to additional archaeological sites (unless specified in combo tours).
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Travel insurance.
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Additional beverages and snacks.
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Photos and videos (available upon request for additional charge).
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Personal expenses.
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Tips for guide and driver.
Recommendations
To fully enjoy this white water rafting adventure, we recommend:
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Spend at least two days acclimatizing in Cusco before the tour.
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Be honest about your rafting experience and swimming ability when booking.
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Wear quick-dry clothing suitable for water exposure; avoid cotton.
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Use high-SPF waterproof sunscreen and lip balm.
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Bring a complete change of dry clothes and a towel.
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Secure any prescription glasses with a strap.
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Stay well hydrated throughout the excursion.
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Bring cash in Peruvian Soles for tips and optional purchases.
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Follow all safety instructions and paddle commands provided by your guide.
Important Information
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No previous rafting experience is required for Class II–III sections.
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A comprehensive safety briefing and on-water practice session are provided before tackling rapids.
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Minimum age: 10 years old for Class III–IV; 12 years old for Class IV–V sections.
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Participants must know how to swim for Class III+ sections.
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Weather and water conditions determine route variations; guides reserve the right to adjust sections for safety.
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The rainy season (November–April) may bring stronger currents and limited availability; the dry season (May–October) offers optimal conditions.
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Water temperature remains cold year-round; wetsuits are mandatory and provided.
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This activity is not recommended for pregnant women, people with heart conditions, or serious medical conditions.
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Comprehensive travel insurance covering white water rafting and adventure activities is highly recommended and required for multi-day expeditions.
Packing list
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Original passport or ID.
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Quick-dry swimwear or athletic clothing.
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Long-sleeve rash guard or synthetic shirt (to wear under wetsuit).
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Secure water shoes or sandals with straps (no flip-flops).
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Warm layered clothing for after the trip.
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Rain/wind jacket.
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Sunglasses with strap.
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High-SPF waterproof sunscreen and lip balm.
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Warm hat or cap.
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Gloves (optional, for paddle grip).
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Small dry bag for personal items.
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Waterproof camera or action camera (GoPro).
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Water bottle.
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Personal medication.
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Complete change of dry clothes and towel.
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Cash for tips, photos/videos, and souvenirs.
- Trips Managed by Local Experts
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