Water Rafting Urubamba Adventure Tour
The Urubamba River, known historically as the Vilcanota, is the lifeblood of Peru's Sacred Valley and the prime location for white-water rafting near Cusco. This full-day adventure offers a perfect blend of high-adrenaline excitement and stunning Andean scenery, making it an essential addition to any adventure traveler's itinerary.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
Tours typically focus on the upper sections of the river, frequently near the towns of Cusipata or Chuquicahuana, where the water quality is better and the rapids are consistent. These sections usually feature thrilling Class II and Class III rapids, suitable for both beginners and intermediate rafters. During the wet season (December to March), the water levels swell, offering more challenging Class IV rapids for the ultimate rush.
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day01
River Rafting in Urubamba
River Rafting in Urubamba
At 8:00am we drive from Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, near to Urubamba, it is about 1 hour driving. Once we arrive there our team will provide you all the rafting gears and the safety speech. Then, we go in the river to practice a little, afterwards we begin with our activity. It will take about 1 hour in the river. At the end we reach our base camp to have the lunch. Finally, we board our bus to Cusco arriving around 1:30pm
At Cusco Climbing we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our tours. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your trek and climbing.
WE INCLUDE
Cusco Climbing Team Provide
Pick up
Transportation
Rafting equipment
Tour guide
First Aid kit
Drop off
WE NOT INCLUDED
Breakfast
Water
Tips
Rafting Tour in Urubamba
At Cusco Climbing we focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack?Important
- Passport
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good climbing backpack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking and climbing boots
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger try to bring it as lighter as possible.
- Sun hat
- Rain gear
- Camera
- Music (iPhone)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
- Some snacks (Chocolate, fruits, energy bars, etc.)
- Others extra items important for climbing
Rafting Tour Cusco FAQs
What section of the river is typically used for the day tour?
The most common section is the Urubamba River (also known as the Vilcanota River). The launch site is usually near the town of Cusipata or Ollantaytambo, located 1.5 to 2 hours outside of Cusco.
What level of difficulty (class) is the rafting?
Most standard day tours are Class II (Easy) to Class III (Moderate). During the wet season (December to March), higher water levels can increase the difficulty to Class III+ to Class IV-.
Do I need previous rafting experience?
No, previous experience is generally not required** for the standard Class II and III sections. Professional river guides will provide a thorough safety briefing and teach all necessary paddling commands.
How long does the entire day trip take?
The entire tour, including round-trip transportation from Cusco, typically takes 8 to 10 hours. The actual time spent on the river rafting is usually around 2 to 2.5 hours.
What is the minimum age requirement for rafting?
The minimum age often varies but is typically between 8 and 12 years old for the standard sections (Class II-III). Children must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What essential equipment is provided by the tour?
Reputable agencies provide all safety gear, including a self-bailing raft, paddles, a life vest (PFD), a helmet, and necessary cold weather gear like a wetsuit and/or splash jacket.
What should I wear and what should I bring?
Wear your swimsuit under light layers. Bring a complete change of dry clothes, a towel, sunscreen, and secure footwear that can get wet (no flip-flops).
What happens if the water level is too high/dangerous?
If the water level is deemed unsafe by Peruvian authorities or the rafting company (often during peak rainy season), the tour will be cancelled or postponed. Alternative activities or refunds may be offered.
Will my belongings get wet? Can I bring a camera?
Yes, all items in the raft are guaranteed to get wet. Leave valuables at your hotel. If you bring a camera, it must be 100% waterproof (GoPro or similar) and securely fastened to your helmet or life vest.
Are lunch and transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, typically both are included. Standard day tours cover round-trip transportation from Cusco, and a hot lunch is usually provided river-side after the rafting is complete.
From: USD 45.00 per person
USD 40.00.00: from 3 people to more
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Cusco Climbing. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Cusco Climbing will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Day Tour
Water Rafting Urubamba
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WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Cusco Climbing we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
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Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 12 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
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Best Climbing & Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art climbing and camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.
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Best Climbing team: At Cusco Climbing we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
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