Best Cusco rafting tours – Whitewater river adventures

With the exciting rush of the rapids, splendid scenery, and the chance to explore new destinations, Cusco rafting tours give you that one-of-a-kind adventure experience you’re looking for. Our tours have it all and with our experienced guides, you’ll find Cusco whitewater river rafting to be one of the most memorable moments of your life. With so many rivers, it’s no wonder everyone comes here from all over the world to take the plunge into the daring white waters.

Peru white water River rafting tours deals

Clear away the distractions in your life on our Peru rafting tours while discovering the serene calm of rafting down rivers and plummeting into Peru’s world of extraordinary natural wonders. River Explorers is the king of Peru whitewater river rafting trips, continually called “the best rafting trip” by all of our customers

Date	Price	Tour name	Days
Book now and safe up to 10 % for 2022	~~$240~~ $216	Apurimac 1 day Rocoto – Qunyaq	1	View Trip
Discount for groups	~~$3600~~ $3400	Tambopata Rafting Amazon rafting tour	11	View Trip
Every day	~~$100~~ $80	Chilli Rafting	1	View Trip

Our awesome Cusco whitewater rafting tours

Discover our whitewater rafting tours on a variety of rivers in the area of Cusco, including favorite wonders like Machu Picchu, the Andes, and the stunning rain-forest. Choose from one-day or multi-day rafting trips at any level of experience. At River Explorers, our Cusco rafting tours offer every type of experience for you, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Everyone will have the adventure they desire.

Apurimac whitewater River rafting tours

River Explorers has created 6 unique white-water rafting trips for anyone seeking to raft the great Apurimac River in both the Black and the Granite Canyon. This river begins in the Andes near Arequipa and is the source of the Amazon River, known as the greatest river in the world.

The Apurimac River is perfect for whitewater river rafting for any capability. Rapids here range from Level II to V and come with breathtaking scenery. Giant stone monuments, ancient ruins, cascading waterfalls, lush foliage-bedazzled valleys, and snow-capped mountains make it unlike any place else on earth. You can choose your tour for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 days on the Apurimac River.

Apurimac Black Canyon 1 day

Experience the beauty of the Apurimac River mountains and the thrill of moderate Level II-III rapids followed by plenty of splashy Class IV rapids and non-stop whitewater.

Apurimac Granite Canyon 4 days

Enjoy the granite canyon and a small portion of the Black Canyon. The Apurimac River is an unforgettable destination for experienced rafters. With its challenging rapids, stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, it is sure to provide an unforgettable and thrilling experience.

Urubamba white water river rafting tours

The Urubamba River, close to Cusco, flows parallel to the Apurimac and the Mapacho rivers. It crosses Sicuani city, the beautiful Urcos Valley, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, plus runs all the way to the Amazon Jungle. The course of this river is peppered with many great year-round rapids, perfect for one-day as well as multi-day Cusco river rafting adventures.

Sacred Valley - Urubamba River rafting

Experience the beauty and thrill of whitewater rafting on the Urubamba River! On this full–day Sacred valley adventure, you‘ll have the unique opportunity to explore the winding river and its spectacular scenery as you paddle through thrilling rapids.

Machu Picchu rafting - Urubamba River rain forest

This thrilling adventure takes you down the Urubamba River at only 3 hours from Machu Picchu, allowing you to experience the majestic beauty of the rain forest, as well as the thrill of white–water rafting.

Impeccable safety standards

Professional & fully certified river guides

State-of-the-art river rafting gear

Looking for something unique?

We’d love to tell you more about our tours for experienced paddlers and adventurous beginners alike.

The Apurimac 6-day and Yavero 11-day each offer world-class whitewater rafting experiences set amid the unique terrain of Peru. Ask us about setting up a date for a visit to one of these amazing places or joining an already scheduled trip.

The Yavero river rafting

This is one of the best rafting adventures anywhere in the world, right in the rainforest in Cusco. Only recently was Yavero opened for commercial rafting, and the only company that can get you in is River Explorers. It includes tours of the spectacular waterfalls, an overnight stay with a Machiganga indigenous tribe, outstanding rapids with perfect waves and a balance of calm in between, a visit to Pongo the Mainique, and the chance to discover this unique ecosystem formed by the convergence of two glorious rivers. At the end of the trip, we bring you to Machu Picchu where you embark on a completely guided tour to discover this wonder of the world, capping off 11 days of absolute adventure.

The full Apurimac River Canyon expedition (6 days)

Get in with nature on this full Apurimac whitewater experience with the purest level IV and V rafting adventures in all of South America. The great outdoors is your playground to discover untold adventures and natural serenity. As the source of the Amazon River, the waters flow through untamed Class III, IV and V rapids and around deep, brilliantly-hued canyons. See untouched sandy beaches and ancient ruins all around, and watch how many wild animals you see in the lush jungle surrounds. It’s a dazzling place unspoiled by the callousness of mankind.

Described by our visitors as “a life changing experience, the best expeditions rafting trip ever”. This rafting expedition trip is the ultimate rafting experience specially designed for the real adventurer. Enjoy incredible nature beauty, hundred of nice rapids, unique wild life and culture.

The Apurimac River is one of the most challenging rivers in Peru, with class III–V rapids. This makes it an ideal choice for experienced rafters who are looking for a thrilling and adventurous rafting experience. The river is located in the majestic and lush Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. The canyon walls soar more than 1,600 feet above the river and are home to a wide variety of wildlife, from eagles to condors.

Who can go?

How would you like to expend your rafting vacation in Peru? maybe, just with your love one, your family or friends? no worries in any case we have groups for every taste!

We love groups

Take your group on an adventure with our exciting rafting tour! Our group river rafting tour is perfect for groups of all sizes and experience levels. We offer a range of packages to fit your group‘s needs, from beginner–friendly rafting trips to more challenging white water rafting.

River rafting tour for families

Stop doing the same family vacations year after year. If you have children ages 6 and up and are looking for an exciting adventure, come to Peru for the many unique opportunities to see something that doesn’t have characters dancing about. Cusco whitewater river rafting is the best way to have an unforgettable family vacation with easy rapids on the Urubamba River and in the rain-forest. It’s great for your little adventurers any time of year.

Life time experiences for couples

Are you looking for an adventurous and romantic experience to share with your significant other? Look no further than a rafting tour for couples! Rafting is a thrilling way to explore nature and create lasting memories with your partner.

Choosing the right river for your rafting adventure!

For the best whitewater rafting experience in Peru, we have created guidelines so you can choose according to your experience, fitness level, ability, and age range.

River Explorers is proud to provide you with the best rafting guides in Peru. We’ve chosen them not just for their experience in the sport but also because they are genuine, approachable, and insightful, plus they are eager to share the experience and thrills of Peru’s rivers with you and help you get up close and integrated into the local culture. We trust them completely to keep you safe while giving you a fun and unforgettable time. Call or email us so we can help you plan your Peru whitewater rafting tour.

These guidelines can help you choose, but if you’re still not sure, contact us and we’ll be happy to help

We ask for some rafting experience for trips of more than 2 days, and for rivers with constant rapids of level IV and V. The best section to start your rafting adventure will be near Lima in the region of Lunahuana on the Cañete River, great for everyone. The Lunahuana Paullo though is the best choice for beginners.

In Arequipa, you have one choice – the Chili River – which is a good option for beginner while still satisfying intermediate rafters.

With so many rivers, Cusco rafting options are ideal for anyone. There are several rivers and many different sections for beginners too, so no need to feel shy!

The Urubamba River has rafting tours year-round. This river offer activities north of Cusco, Sacred Valley and in the rain forest. The Ollantaytambo section in the Sacred Valley is an ideal choice for first-timers, families and school groups. And depending on the season, the Chuquicahuana section in the upper part of the Urubamba River is good for beginners and intermediate rafters during dry season. Urcos and Piñipampa are the best choices for rafting during the rainy season.

The rainforest is another section though beginners should approach it during the dry season only. It’s quite an amazing way to see Peru through whitewater rafting.

The Apurimac river offers outstanding rafting experiences and if you’re a beginner that really wants a multi-day adventure, try the Black Canyon for 2 or 3 days, as long as you have a good fitness level.

Cusco Rivers: The Apurimac, Urubamba, Yavero

Cusco River rafting tours FAQs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding our Cusco whitewater river rafting tours. If you don’t find your answer here or have other questions, please contact us so we can assist you.

Do I need rafting experince?

Not at all! We have whitewater rafting trips that are suitable for any type of adventurer. Whether you’d like a lazy day on the river during the dry season for a Level I or II on the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley or you want more excitement of the Level V sections on the Apurimac River, there is something for everyone in the Cusco whitewater river rafting world. We do ask that all participants be able to swim and have confidence in their rafting abilities. If you’ve never been before, we urge you to try something for beginners. There are sections available for young rafters too from 8, 12, and 16 years old.

Which sections are best for me?

According to your river rafting experience you can choose different sections. We recommend however to always start with level I, II and III if you are a beginner.

When is the best time to go?

In Cusco, there are 2 clear seasons – a rainy season that lasts from mid-December to April and a dry season from May to November. While some sections are open during the dry seasons, others may be closed and that varies by Level classification. However, day tours are available year-round in the Urubamba and multi-day tours are restricted to be available only during dry season for your safety.

Who can go

Our river tours are suitable for all ages and abilities. We offer sections for beginners, intermediate and advanced. We can even accommodate boaters with kinds from 4 years old to more.

What is included in the price?

We have the best equipment available and all our gear is imported from NRS, approved and certified by the United States Coast Guard and by the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism.

All day trips include private transportation, full rafting gear (full length wet-suits, PFD, helmets, paddles, river shoes and paddle jackets). For multi-day expeditions, we additionally provide camping gear, dry bags, luggage raft, safety kayaks, toilet facilities, frames, long big oars, kataraft sand the best river guides. . Whichever rafting adventure you choose to embark on with us in Cusco, we will provide the gear you need to give you the vacation of your dreams.

Will I have to sign a waiver?

We do require you to sign an Acknowledgment of Risk, this document describes the hazards and challenges that you may encounter while of our river tours.

Do I need travel and cancellation insurance?

Yes, you do need travel and cancellation insurance.

What kind of river vacations do you offer?

With so many rivers, Cusco offers a large variety of whitewater rafting trips. From family to youth group trips, novices to advanced, day to multi-day and from camping to lodging, our tours will fulfill your desires for rafting adventure of any kind. We can also help you combine them with other sports adventures including hiking, biking, and zip-lining.

How far in advance can I make a reservation?

Because of our extensive experience and outstanding reputation, our tours fill up fast. We recommend booking your trips with us as early on as you can. Day trips generally need about 8 days in advance to book a tour and longer tours may need to be booked sooner, about 2 months prior to your trip departure. Even if it’s sooner than 8 days, contact us and we can see about arranging a tour for you.

What kind of food is served on these trips?

One thing we hear time and time again is how much our customers love our homemade food. We feel it adds the ideal complement to the action-packed rafting adventures we provide. We offer plentiful, tasty, filling, and utterly delicious meals made with healthy, fresh and local ingredients. An example of a typical meal is fish, grilled chicken, Lomo Saltado (a local specialty you shouldn’t miss), a tempting array of sandwiches and more. We also provide salads, potatoes and rice to round out your meal. Everything is seasoned with local spices. We also offer vegetarian dishes, available by request. Please tell us of your dietary needs when you are booking your adventure.