Do I need to be a strong swimmer or have previous rafting experience to join?

You do not need to have any professional rafting experience or be an advanced swimmer to enjoy this adventure safely on the river. Our Class II and III runs on both the Urubamba and Vilcanota Rivers are designed to be beginner-friendly, and we provide highly buoyant, certified life jackets that keep you floating safely in any depth. Your guide will teach you the basic paddling techniques and rescue commands before we ever touch the water. Flotation devices (PFDs) are mandatory and custom-adjusted to your body by your guide to guarantee total safety. A detailed dry-land training session is conducted at the riverbank so you can practice paddling and commands beforehand. A professional safety kayaker paddles alongside every single raft, providing an extra layer of active water protection. Calmer river sections are chosen for beginners, ensuring you build confidence on mild waves before hitting the larger rapids.

What is the water temperature like and will I be freezing during the tour?

You do not have to worry about shivering or feeling cold because we protect your body warmth with premium, professional river gear. We provide you with a thick, insulated neoprene wetsuit and a specialized windproof splash jacket that trap your natural body heat even in cold water. Once you finish your 2-hour run, you will change into your dry clothes inside our warm campsite facilities before we head to lunch. High-grade neoprene wetsuits provide thick thermal insulation against the cool glacier waters of the Andes. Windproof splash jackets seal out cold river breezes, keeping your core warm and dry while paddling. Private changing tents or cabins are provided at the river exit so you can dry off and change comfortably. Warm transportation awaits you immediately at the riverbank, running active heating to warm you up instantly.

What is the difference between Urubamba and Chuquicahuana, and how do I choose?

You can choose the perfect route based on your personal desire for adrenaline, river scenery, and travel time over the Andes. The Urubamba River option features scenic, gentle Class II rapids winding past Ollantaytambo, making it ideal for families and relaxed adventurers. The Chuquicahuana section in the Southern Cusco canyon offers fast-paced, exciting Class III and IV rapids, making it the ultimate run for thrill-seekers. Urubamba River (Ollantaytambo) features mild Class II rapids and a shorter, 1-hour drive from Cusco to the campsite. Chuquicahuana (Southern Cusco) delivers high-energy Class III and IV rapids and a scenic 2-hour drive to the river. Vilcanota River Canyon scenery surrounds both routes, giving you spectacular views of mountain gorges and local villages. Our reservation team can assist you in matching your physical comfort level to the best river route at booking.

Are all wetsuits and safety gear rentals included in the $95.00 USD price?

You will never have to face surprising extra fees, hidden equipment rental charges, or unexpected cash demands at the river campsite. Your final price of $95.00 USD covers 100% of your professional river gear, certified safety equipment, private transport, and local guiding. We pride ourselves on complete pricing transparency so you can focus entirely on enjoying your adventure. All professional whitewater gear (wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, and splash jacket) is included at zero extra cost. Private round-trip transportation from your Cusco hotel to the river and back is fully covered. All municipal river permits and local community entrance fees are handled and paid in advance by our team. A fresh, hot regional lunch at a recommended local restaurant is included in your booking fee.

What safety protocols do you use to protect me if my raft flips?

You can trust our highly certified swiftwater rescue team to keep you safe, as our emergency procedures meet international maritime standards. Before launching, your guide will instruct you on the exact "active swimming position" to adopt if you enter the water, and how to hold onto the safety lines. With our guides' constant training and our safety kayaker leading the way, we keep every transition under tight control. International Rafting Federation (IRF) guides steer every boat, specializing in swiftwater rescue and group safety. An active safety kayaker accompanies us, trained to reach swimmers instantly and guide them back to the raft. Comprehensive safety lines run along the entire perimeter of our heavy-duty inflatable rafts for easy gripping. Throw-bags and rescue ropes are carried by all guides to pull swimmers out of the water quickly and safely.

Where do I leave my dry clothes, passport, and valuables while on the river?

You do not have to worry about your personal belongings getting wet or lost while you are splashing through the rapids. All of your dry clothes, electronics, passports, and valuables will remain inside our private vehicle, which is locked and monitored by our professional driver at all times. You will only carry your safety gear and swimsuit onto the river raft. Private, locked transport vehicles keep your personal bags secure and dry while you are on the water. Our dedicated professional driver remains with the vehicle throughout the day to ensure constant security. Dry storage bags are available onboard our rafts for small essentials like sunscreen or personal medications. A complete gear checklist is conducted before we launch to ensure no loose valuables are carried into the water.

What kind of lunch is provided and can you handle my dietary restrictions?

You will enjoy a fresh, hot, and highly replenishing meal at a clean, professional local restaurant that meets strict international health standards. We select dining venues that use purified water and fresh regional ingredients, protecting your stomach while providing a delicious post-river feast. We easily customize the menu to accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or specific allergy needs. A hot, multi-course regional lunch helps warm up your body and restore your energy after 2 hours of active paddling. Safe, vetted food handling guarantees that all vegetables are washed in clean, filtered water. Full allergen and dietary adjustments (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free) are coordinated at booking. Comfortable restaurant settings provide the perfect space to relax and share stories of your run with your group.

Is this tour safe for active children and what is the minimum age?

You can share this incredible outdoor adventure with your family, as we offer modified routes and specialized safety gear for younger adventurers. For our beginner-friendly Urubamba River run, the minimum age is 8 years old, provided the child is comfortable in water and follows instructions. We adjust our seating and paddling dynamics to ensure children are placed in the safest, most stable areas of the raft. Youth-sized life jackets and helmets are provided to guarantee a secure, protective fit for smaller bodies. Modified family paddling routes on the Urubamba River bypass the largest waves for a smoother, fun ride. Children are positioned in the center of the raft, surrounded by adult paddlers and directly next to the guide. A minimum age of 12 years is strictly enforced for the higher-energy Chuquicahuana run for maximum safety.

What should I wear and pack to stay completely comfortable?

You will feel incredibly prepared and comfortable by packing a few simple personal items for your river day. Because you will spend 2 hours in a wet environment followed by a cozy drive back to Cusco, having a clear packing strategy is key. We recommend wearing your swimsuit under your clothes in the morning to make your trailhead transition fast and easy. A change of dry clothes and a towel are essential to dry off and warm up immediately after exiting the river. Closed-toe shoes that can get wet (like old sneakers or water sandals) protect your feet from underwater rocks. A synthetic swimsuit or activewear is required to wear under your neoprene wetsuit for maximum mobility. Small cash in Peruvian Soles (PEN) is handy for purchasing warm Andean drinks or tipping your guide and driver.

I am worried about altitude sickness. Is river rafting safer than high-altitude hiking?

You can breathe easily knowing that river rafting actually takes place at a much lower elevation than Cusco and other mountain trails. The Urubamba and Vilcanota Rivers sit at approximately 2,900 meters (9,000 feet) above sea level, which means there is significantly more oxygen in the air. Many travelers find that spending a day on the river is a fantastic, active way to acclimatize before attempting higher hikes. Rafting elevations are much lower than Cusco, reducing the physical strain on your lungs and heart. Our private vehicles are fully stocked with oxygen to assist you instantly during the mountain drives if needed. A highly active, low-altitude tour helps stimulate your blood circulation, aiding your body's natural acclimatization. A relaxed driving pace is maintained by our professional drivers, preventing motion sickness on the mountain curves.

River Rafting Tours Cusco

Full- Day Duration

1 - 12 Pax Group Size

2,900 Mts/9,000 Ft Max. Altitude

Moderate – Easy Difficulty

Overview

The most recommended River Rafting Cusco tours are South of Cusco, Chuquicahuana, and North West of Cusco, Ollantaytambo Sacred Valley. It is recommended to enjoy the adventure over the Andes along the Vilcanota River rafting or Urubamba River Rafting to explore the best of the adventure with our local expertise, with authentic details that make a unique adventure.

Itinerary

Day 01

Full Day

Urubamba River Rafting

We will start the river rafting at 07:00, leaving your hotel in our transportation for one hour to approach the campsite at the Urubamba riverside. Upon your arrival, you will try out the wetsuits and the safety equipment; before we get on the river, we will be briefed on the safety measures and the best way to enjoy the river adventures. Afterward, we will get on the river and have almost 2 hours of adventure. Enjoy the time, and arrive at the lodge to change the wetsuits and get ready to drive back to Cusco with a lunch stop along the way at the most recommended restaurant, Cusco, at approximately 05:00 pm.

Chuquicahuana River Rafting Southern Cusco

At 07:00 am, the hotel pick up top start the drive over the Andes for 2 hours to arrive at the start place at the bank of the river, get ready with the wetsuit and the rafting equipment, enjoy the brief time for the safety measure and get ready for the adventure enjoy the 2 hours rafting getting deeper into the canyon of Vilcanota River, after the adventure arrives to the river short get change clothes to continue our drive for lunch at the most recommended local restaurant, afterward 2-hour drive back to Cusco arriving to the hotel approximately 05:00 pm.

What's Included

Included

Private transportation
First aid kit
Oxygen balloon
Local expert tour guide
Lunch
Entrance fee to every side
24/7 assistance.
Rafting equipment

Not Included

Gratuities
Drinks
Hotel

Recommendations

You deserve to conquer the rushing whitewater rapids of the Andes without feeling anxious, cold, or unprotected. Preparing your gear, clothing, and expectations correctly for this active river expedition ensures you maintain total physical warmth, navigate the waves with ease, and focus entirely on the pure, adrenaline-packed fun of your Andean river run.

Pack a complete change of dry clothing and a soft towel to store in our private transport, ensuring you can warm up immediately after exiting the river.
Wear a secure, synthetic swimsuit or athletic shorts under your wetsuit, as cotton fabrics absorb moisture and make your body feel cold on the water.
Bring a strap or safety cord for your glasses if you plan to wear corrective lenses or sunglasses, preventing them from slipping off in the rapids.
Apply waterproof, reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) before launching, as the high-altitude sun reflects intensely off the water's surface at 2,900 meters (9,000 feet).
Acclimatize in Cusco for a minimum of 24 hours before your river date to keep your breathing deep and your physical stamina high while paddling.
Bring personal water shoes or old sneakers that can get completely wet, as secure, closed-toe footwear is mandatory to protect your feet from river rocks.
Listen closely to your guide's safety briefing before stepping into your raft; learning the simple paddle commands guarantees you move as a synchronized team.
Eat a light breakfast before our 07:00 am pick-up, giving your body clean energy without feeling heavy on the winding mountain roads.
Secure your fitted life jacket and helmet tightly with the help of your guide, as proper gear placement is your absolute shield on the water.
Carry small cash denominations in Peruvian Soles (PEN) to purchase warm drinks, extra snacks, or photographs of your raft conquering the rapids.

Additional Information

Your physical safety, high-grade thermal protection, and seamless river logistics are fully managed by our operations team from hotel pickup to your Cusco return. Please review these operational protocols, gear standards, and rescue systems designed to make your whitewater rafting adventure in Peru exceptionally secure, professional, and exhilarating.

Door-to-door hotel pick-up is included for all centrally located hotels in Cusco; our driver will meet you directly in your lobby at 07:00 am.
We provide professional cold-water gear, including a thick neoprene wetsuit, a windproof splash jacket, a certified life jacket (PFD), and a high-impact helmet.
Your river guides are certified professionals with international swiftwater rescue qualifications (IRF) and advanced wilderness first aid licenses.
Our private vehicles are equipped with medical oxygen and a comprehensive trauma first aid kit, accompanying our group along the entire route.
Every rafting expedition is escorted by a safety kayaker, who paddles ahead to monitor river paths and provide immediate support if anyone enters the water.
The total time on the water is approximately 2 hours, covering exciting Class II, III, and IV rapids depending on the route and season you choose.
A delicious, hot regional lunch is served at a highly recommended local restaurant after you change into your warm, dry clothes.
The pricing is fully transparent at $95.00 USD per person, completely covering private transport, professional rafting equipment, food, and guiding.
We strictly limit our tour groups to a maximum of 12 travelers per group, ensuring personalized safety coaching and high-quality gear fitting.
You will return to Cusco at approximately 17:00 (5:00 p.m.), leaving you with plenty of energy to relax and enjoy your evening in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

You do not need to have any professional rafting experience or be an advanced swimmer to enjoy this adventure safely on the river. Our Class II and III runs on both the Urubamba and Vilcanota Rivers are designed to be beginner-friendly, and we provide highly buoyant, certified life jackets that keep you floating safely in any depth. Your guide will teach you the basic paddling techniques and rescue commands before we ever touch the water.

Flotation devices (PFDs) are mandatory and custom-adjusted to your body by your guide to guarantee total safety.
A detailed dry-land training session is conducted at the riverbank so you can practice paddling and commands beforehand.
A professional safety kayaker paddles alongside every single raft, providing an extra layer of active water protection.
Calmer river sections are chosen for beginners, ensuring you build confidence on mild waves before hitting the larger rapids.

You do not have to worry about shivering or feeling cold because we protect your body warmth with premium, professional river gear. We provide you with a thick, insulated neoprene wetsuit and a specialized windproof splash jacket that trap your natural body heat even in cold water. Once you finish your 2-hour run, you will change into your dry clothes inside our warm campsite facilities before we head to lunch.

High-grade neoprene wetsuits provide thick thermal insulation against the cool glacier waters of the Andes.
Windproof splash jackets seal out cold river breezes, keeping your core warm and dry while paddling.
Private changing tents or cabins are provided at the river exit so you can dry off and change comfortably.
Warm transportation awaits you immediately at the riverbank, running active heating to warm you up instantly.

You can choose the perfect route based on your personal desire for adrenaline, river scenery, and travel time over the Andes. The Urubamba River option features scenic, gentle Class II rapids winding past Ollantaytambo, making it ideal for families and relaxed adventurers. The Chuquicahuana section in the Southern Cusco canyon offers fast-paced, exciting Class III and IV rapids, making it the ultimate run for thrill-seekers.

Urubamba River (Ollantaytambo) features mild Class II rapids and a shorter, 1-hour drive from Cusco to the campsite.
Chuquicahuana (Southern Cusco) delivers high-energy Class III and IV rapids and a scenic 2-hour drive to the river.
Vilcanota River Canyon scenery surrounds both routes, giving you spectacular views of mountain gorges and local villages.
Our reservation team can assist you in matching your physical comfort level to the best river route at booking.

You will never have to face surprising extra fees, hidden equipment rental charges, or unexpected cash demands at the river campsite. Your final price of $95.00 USD covers 100% of your professional river gear, certified safety equipment, private transport, and local guiding. We pride ourselves on complete pricing transparency so you can focus entirely on enjoying your adventure.

All professional whitewater gear (wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, and splash jacket) is included at zero extra cost.
Private round-trip transportation from your Cusco hotel to the river and back is fully covered.
All municipal river permits and local community entrance fees are handled and paid in advance by our team.
A fresh, hot regional lunch at a recommended local restaurant is included in your booking fee.

You can trust our highly certified swiftwater rescue team to keep you safe, as our emergency procedures meet international maritime standards. Before launching, your guide will instruct you on the exact "active swimming position" to adopt if you enter the water, and how to hold onto the safety lines. With our guides' constant training and our safety kayaker leading the way, we keep every transition under tight control.

International Rafting Federation (IRF) guides steer every boat, specializing in swiftwater rescue and group safety.
An active safety kayaker accompanies us, trained to reach swimmers instantly and guide them back to the raft.
Comprehensive safety lines run along the entire perimeter of our heavy-duty inflatable rafts for easy gripping.

Throw-bags and rescue ropes are carried by all guides to pull swimmers out of the water quickly and safely.

You do not have to worry about your personal belongings getting wet or lost while you are splashing through the rapids. All of your dry clothes, electronics, passports, and valuables will remain inside our private vehicle, which is locked and monitored by our professional driver at all times. You will only carry your safety gear and swimsuit onto the river raft.

Private, locked transport vehicles keep your personal bags secure and dry while you are on the water.
Our dedicated professional driver remains with the vehicle throughout the day to ensure constant security.
Dry storage bags are available onboard our rafts for small essentials like sunscreen or personal medications.
A complete gear checklist is conducted before we launch to ensure no loose valuables are carried into the water.

You will enjoy a fresh, hot, and highly replenishing meal at a clean, professional local restaurant that meets strict international health standards. We select dining venues that use purified water and fresh regional ingredients, protecting your stomach while providing a delicious post-river feast. We easily customize the menu to accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or specific allergy needs.

A hot, multi-course regional lunch helps warm up your body and restore your energy after 2 hours of active paddling.
Safe, vetted food handling guarantees that all vegetables are washed in clean, filtered water.
Full allergen and dietary adjustments (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free) are coordinated at booking.
Comfortable restaurant settings provide the perfect space to relax and share stories of your run with your group.

You can share this incredible outdoor adventure with your family, as we offer modified routes and specialized safety gear for younger adventurers. For our beginner-friendly Urubamba River run, the minimum age is 8 years old, provided the child is comfortable in water and follows instructions. We adjust our seating and paddling dynamics to ensure children are placed in the safest, most stable areas of the raft.

Youth-sized life jackets and helmets are provided to guarantee a secure, protective fit for smaller bodies.
Modified family paddling routes on the Urubamba River bypass the largest waves for a smoother, fun ride.
Children are positioned in the center of the raft, surrounded by adult paddlers and directly next to the guide.
A minimum age of 12 years is strictly enforced for the higher-energy Chuquicahuana run for maximum safety.

You will feel incredibly prepared and comfortable by packing a few simple personal items for your river day. Because you will spend 2 hours in a wet environment followed by a cozy drive back to Cusco, having a clear packing strategy is key. We recommend wearing your swimsuit under your clothes in the morning to make your trailhead transition fast and easy.

A change of dry clothes and a towel are essential to dry off and warm up immediately after exiting the river.
Closed-toe shoes that can get wet (like old sneakers or water sandals) protect your feet from underwater rocks.
A synthetic swimsuit or activewear is required to wear under your neoprene wetsuit for maximum mobility.
Small cash in Peruvian Soles (PEN) is handy for purchasing warm Andean drinks or tipping your guide and driver.

You can breathe easily knowing that river rafting actually takes place at a much lower elevation than Cusco and other mountain trails. The Urubamba and Vilcanota Rivers sit at approximately 2,900 meters (9,000 feet) above sea level, which means there is significantly more oxygen in the air. Many travelers find that spending a day on the river is a fantastic, active way to acclimatize before attempting higher hikes.

Rafting elevations are much lower than Cusco, reducing the physical strain on your lungs and heart.
Our private vehicles are fully stocked with oxygen to assist you instantly during the mountain drives if needed.
A highly active, low-altitude tour helps stimulate your blood circulation, aiding your body's natural acclimatization.
A relaxed driving pace is maintained by our professional drivers, preventing motion sickness on the mountain curves.