Welcome to Peru’s guide for safety RIVER RAFTING trips. This post aims to help people make the right decision before they choose a rafting outfitter during a vacation in Peru.
Peru as a rafting destination is constantly growing. There are so many rivers to raft. For this, there are thousands of people looking for tours around Peru and especially in the Cusco area where there is a concentration of rivers from which to choose.
Perhaps this is the most important aspect to look into before even looking at other safety precautions. In Peru there are only 20 rafting outfitters who can run commercial activities on rivers around Peru.
Out of this, only 6 operate expedition tours down to the Apurimac, Tambopata, Urubamba and Cotahuasi rivers. And out of these 6 outfitters, only few are recommended.
Certification: Make sure you ask for rafting certification that is only issued by The Ministry of Tourism.
Licenses: Ensure company guides are certified in Swift Water Rescue.
Experience: Opt for companies with a proven track record and extensive experience in operating rafting tours, particularly in the region you’re visiting (e.g., Apurimac, Urubamba).
Training: Confirm guides are professionally trained in whitewater rescue techniques, first aid, and CPR.
Experience: Look for guides with at least several years of experience in leading rafting tours in varying difficulty levels (Class II–Class V rapids).
Language Skills: Guides should speak a language you are comfortable communicating in, typically English or Spanish.
Before you make a decision on the outfitter that you are going to choose during your rafting trip in Peru, you are well advised to do your due diligence. There is only one company that works without the relevant certification from the Ministry of Tourism. This company is responsible for almost all rafting accidents that have happened over the years. Unfortunately, it has given a bad name to the Peruvian river rafting industry. Yours will be a pleasant rafting experience, especially in Cusco, if you choose your rafting outfitter carefully.
Probably by now you will get surprised than even companies with excellent reviews in TripAdvisor are the list reliable company for rafting.
They say cheap is expensive. If you want safety, experienced guides, awesome equipment, you’ve got to be ready to pay for it.
Don’t fall ridiculously low rates such as US$60. A reasonable one day rate in Cusco (Urubamba: Chuquicahuana and Ollantaytambo section) would be between US$140 and US$190.
For 2 days tour near Cusco (recommended only during rainy season (January to April) and for families during dry season, a minimum rate would be $360.
Running commercial Apurimac river rafting tours down to the canyon is expensive. The extra cost is due to more experienced guides, special dirt road transportation and good rafting gear.
Let nobody cheat you that such an incredible experience will only attract US$400. This is the sort of rate that will only be charged by irresponsable outfitters. They will fit you in groups of 24 people, sometimes 60. We advise you to use certified outfitters. The lowest fair price to run a 3 day tour down the Apurimac River is US$600.
For 4 days tour you’ll pay US$900 and for 6 days tour US$ 2200 (The only outfitter who actually runs 6 day Apurimac River rafting tour in is River Explorers).
Check reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, Google, or forums to learn from past participants’ experiences.
Ask for recommendations from fellow travelers, local tourism offices, or trusted online communities.
It is no wonder that the Ministry of Tourism along with other entities published the Peruvian White Water Rafting Rules and Regulations. This is a policy document that every company should follow in order to minimize the risk of accidents.
The Peruvian White Water Rafting Rules and Regulations regulates rafting activities including;,
The Ministry of Tourism staff inspect rafting gear condition every 2 years after the certification is given. If the certification is not renewed, then the gear is not suitable for use.
The list below is the personal gear that need to be supplied by the outfitter according to the rules and regulations and this can change according the season;
The following is a list of the gear that you should get from your outfitter according to the rules and regulations. Note that the list is subject to change due to change in seasons.
*its absolutely up to the companies to provide better quality of gear, yearly refreshing rescue and first aid training and other that is expressed in the regulations.
There is not a maximum number specified in the rules and regulations. However we recommend a maximum 36 for a single day tour and a maximum of 18 for multi-day tours. In any case, larger number of people per group can be divided in two groups while navigating on the river. An experience outfitter will manage to minimize risk for a successful rafting experience.
The maximum number recommended in a boat is 6 excluding the captain. Depending on the river level, different boat options are available including; paddle boats and oars boat. The latter is divided into tale frame (up to 6 passengers) and central frame (up to 4 people). Both systems are suitable for rivers with huge volumes of water.
The minimum age recommended for rafting in Peru is 8 years. Ask your outfitter the best section tor raft according to your ability and experience. An excellent outfitter will give instructions to the rafters on the suitable section according to their experience, age and ability.
Here’s a concise list of safety measures and recommendations to consider before booking your rafting tour.
Smaller groups generally allow for better attention and safety.
Choose tours that match your experience. Beginners should stick to Class I–III rapids, while experienced rafters can explore Class IV and V.
Confirm the company provides accident insurance or requires participants to have their own.
Read and understand waivers carefully to know the risks involved and the company’s responsibilities.
River levels can change dramatically based on the season (rainy season from November to April may bring higher risks).
Be prepared for cold water and ensure the company provides appropriate gear, such as wetsuits or splash jackets.
Check for potential encounters with wildlife and how the company handles these situations.
Be honest about your physical fitness and any medical conditions that might affect your ability to participate.
Bring your own sunscreen, water bottle, and any necessary medications.
If you are an inexperienced rafter start by running on level II and III. You can then go up and run on level IV and V. Most rafting companies in Cusco Peru don’t ask for previous experience. We recommend that you insist on giving them your rafting experience so that they can advise you accordingly.
Thank you for reading our post. We hope that it will help you find the right outfitter during your next Peru rafting expedition.
Thank you for reading our post. We hope that it will help you find the right outfitter during your next Peru rafting expedition.
