Machu Picchu Rafting, edge of the jungle river rafting

1 day | US$280 | Easy

We are always trying to offer the best of what white water rafting Cusco Peru has to offer. Machu Picchu raftingr take place in the Urubamba River (Alto Urubamba), located in the rain forest near Machu Picchu and offers one of Peru’s best day rafting trips  during the dry season.

Season: Apr to Dec.

Anual temperature

Sep to Apr: Min 18°C – 64°F | Max 27°C – 81°F

May to Aug: Min 15°C – 59°F | Max 24°C – 75°F

Trip details

Highlights

Warm Adventure

Experience the thrill of rafting in the balmy climate of Machu Picchu, where every paddle stroke brings you closer to ancient wonders and natural beauty.

Diverse Routes

With sections tailored for all skill levels, from tranquil stretches to exhilarating rapids, there’s something for everyone on this epic rafting journey.

Jungle Exploration

Venture beyond the beaten path and discover the outskirts of the jungle, where lush greenery and exotic wildlife await at every turn.

Cultural Immersion

Encounter towns along the riverbanks, immersing yourself in their rich traditions and learning about their deep connection to the land.

Itinerary

The Machu Picchu rafting has one of the highest concentrations of navigable whitewater sections in Cusco during the dry season. This River offers something for everyone.

Machu Picchu rafting

This river has different choices of trip options near Machu Picchu, and is divided into 3 sections, Santa Rosa – Chaullay, Santa Maria – Maranura and Maranura – Quillabamba. All of them are unique and satisfying. The Machu Picchu rafting its open from May to December.

Depending your location, your white water adventure begins when you meet your guide and our private van that will take us for a drive to the Urubamba River put-in site. Before jumping into the water, the head guide will talk and demonstrate the different techniques of paddle strokes and commands, how to stay in the raft, what to do in case someone fall out of the boat, swimming position, how to hold on to the kayak, the secure ropes and the boat. We will enjoy practicing what we learned before running the rapids and only once every member of the trip is ready and feel comfortable with all the commands and instructions, the white water Cusco – Machu Picchu rain forest adventure will begins.

For practical information about transfer, how to get there and other details, please look link below,

For practical information about transfer, how to get there and other details,  please look link below,

White water rafting Cusco practical info.

This section starts in the depths of the small forested gorge call Santa Rosa the end of Santa Teresa gorge. This section offer nice views of the walls of more than 1500 meters – 4921 ft deep.

Only few minutes after warming up, we will be facing one of the biggest and longest rapids on the River. The excitement of the white water keeps you awake as we descend through several rapids level III and IV. In between the rapids the rivers mellows to a quite float where you might choose to go for a swim. Through the whole rafting, your river guide will frequently check to make sure everyone feels happy and is enjoying the tour.

This section is perfect for school groups and people looking for a quite adventure day. The first two hours, we will be running nice rapids with standing waves and until we arrive to Chaullay. In the beginning, the river is separated in 2 different channels, some of which are level II and III . We stop for lunch between 12: 30 and 13:00, after which we can rest or have a little nap.

Rapids level III and III+ are to come until we arrive to Maranura the end of the trip.

Perfect for families and people looking for a nice day on the river. The rives goes through different channels, we can choose level II or level III according to the level of the group. There will be a lot of time to enjoy the scenery, swim in the water and have the chance to enjoy the one person inflatable kayaks.

After the tour, we will have a nice lunch at the side of the river and then we will take our bus to return to our last destination

Included

What is included?

The Machu Picchu Inca Trail tour includes meals, train and bus tickets, porterage for up to 8 kg of personal gear, camp gear including tables, chairs, dining and sleeping tents, therma-rest sleeping pad and a water filter. You will not be short of any equipment or amenity with our tour.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch, featuring local flavors and fresh ingredients, to refuel after an exhilarating day on the river.
  • Snacks: Stay energized with a selection of snacks provided throughout the day, ensuring you have the fuel you need to tackle the rapids.
  • Boat: Embark on your rafting adventure in a sturdy, inflatable raft designed to navigate the challenging waters of the Urubamba River.
  • Guides: Navigate the rapids with confidence under the expert guidance of our knowledgeable and experienced rafting guides.
  • Safety Kayak or Safety Cataract: Rest assured knowing that your safety is our top priority, with dedicated safety kayaks or cataracts accompanying your group throughout the journey.
  • Rafting gear: Life Jacket type V, full leng Wet Suit,  helmet, paddle-jacket, paddle and a drybag per boat to place your essentials.
  • Transport Back to Cusco: Relax and unwind as we provide comfortable transportation back to Cusco at the end of your unforgettable rafting adventure. Transportation from Santa Teresa or Hydroelectric station to the River put in.

What is not included?

  • Train tickets from Cusco to Santa Teresa or from Machu Picchu to Santa Teresa: While we can assist in arranging these tickets at our office, they are not included in the tour package.
  • Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, or staff are not included in the tour price and are at your discretion.
  • Accommodation: Any lodging arrangements before or after the rafting tour are not included. However, we can provide recommendations if needed.
  • Meals such as breakfast or dinner: While lunch and snacks are provided during the rafting tour, other meals are not included. .
  • Travel insurance: It’s essential to have travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost belongings. This is not included in the tour package.

Tour map

Customer Testimonial

Olivia G, 9 contributions
Olivia G, 9 contributions
1 Day Rafting Tour from Cusco
My friend and I enjoyed a fantastic single-day rafting adventure on the Urubamba River. The coordination and guides were superb - communicative, fetched us from our lodging, and assigned two guides along with a driver exclusively for us. Carlos and Ellie proved to be exceptional guides, prioritizing safety while ensuring a thrilling experience. Following a few hours of rafting, our driver treated us to a delightful riverside lunch. The experience was so delightful that we contemplated booking another excursion, though time did not permit. I wholeheartedly endorse this outfit and our remarkable guides Carlos, Ellie, and driver Walter!

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