Buckle up for the Classic Apurimac tour – one of the world’s most challenging commercial whitewater expeditions. Plunge into the Granite Canyon’s narrow gorges, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Brace for an exhilarating ride through countless rapids, waterfalls, and heart-pounding drops that test your limits. With its raging water volume, this tour promises an unforgettable thrill for daring souls seeking the ultimate whitewater rush!
Season: May to Nov.
Embark on a thrilling journey through the entire Granite Canyon, immersing yourself in its rugged beauty and challenging rapids, offering an unforgettable adventure for adrenaline junkies seeking the ultimate rafting experience.
Conquer countless rapids, reaching up to level V, as you navigate the roaring waters of the Apurimac River, testing your skills and endurance against nature’s powerful forces in an exhilarating whitewater adventure.
Delve into the depths of the Purgatory Gorge, a monumental rock formation within the Apurimac River, where towering cliffs and breathtaking landscapes await, promising awe-inspiring exploration and unparalleled scenic vistas.
Marvel at the sight of cascading waterfalls that adorn the riverbanks, adding a touch of natural splendor to your rafting expedition, creating picture-perfect moments and enhancing the overall beauty of the surrounding wilderness.
Encounter a diverse array of adorable wildlife along the river’s edge, from graceful deer and playful otters to majestic condors soaring high above, with the possibility of spotting elusive pumas, foxes, and colorful parrots adding to the excitement of your journey.
One of the most impressive facts about the Apurimac River is its designation as the main source of the Amazon River. Emerging from the Andes Mountains in southern Peru, the Apurimac flows for over 700 miles before joining with the Mantaro River to form the Ene River, which later converges with other tributaries to create the Amazon
Get ready for a breathtaking rafting adventure! After meeting your tour leader and private van at 8 am, we’ll embark on a scenic three-hour drive through picturesque villages, mountains, and valleys. Capture moments along the way. We’ll stop at the Apurimac Gorge, where you’ll witness jaw-dropping views from a 2, 000-meter high viewpoint.
At the Apurimac River, excitement awaits with an unforgettable rafting trip! You’ll receive dry bags to keep your gear safe and dry before hitting the rapids. After a picnic lunch, you’ll receive a briefing on essential techniques like floating, paddling, rescue, and safety. A practice session on the river is followed after the briefing, including swimming in Level 1 rapids and learning rescue procedures like grabbing the cataract, flipping rafts, and securing lines.
Brace yourself for an exhilarating 2 hour of navigating Level II and III rapids on the Apurimac River, surrounded by breathtaking gorge panoramas. Then, tackle the Level III+ “little Z” rapid, which can reach Level IV in May and June. Conquer these adrenaline-pumping rapids before reaching an awesome waterfall. Afterwards, enjoy more rapids and vistas before arriving to camp in the afternoon.
Las Paltas (“Avocados”) camp is a sandy beach paradise. You’ll learn about the solid waste toilet system, activities, and amenities. Enjoy an afternoon snack, rest, and soothing activities. Guides will prepare dinner and brief you on the next day’s plan. As you stargaze, they’ll share thrilling Apurimac River experiences and adventures. Get ready for an exhilarating, unforgettable journey you’ll crave more of!
We start at 8 am with a hearty breakfast before packing and loading the rafts by 9 am. Prepare for stunning views and continuous level III rapids through the Apurimac Canyon, including the thrilling Level IV Chute rapid. At The Portage, we’ll disembark and hike with our dry bags, savoring the scenery.
Plunge into Minefield Gorge with level II-IV rapids, drops, and waves. After a couple of easy rapids, we will venture into the scenic Purgatory Gorge carved by mighty floods. Relax, swim, or cliff jump as we prepare to conquer the exhilarating Purgatory rapids.
With expert guidance, we’ll raft the Purgatory rapids through the gorge’s left section. Prepare to navigate the rapid, with a portage included. We’ll then merge into the Vilcabamba River, reaching Dragons Tail Beach for a break, swimming, relaxation, and a delicious guide-prepared lunch.
But the adventure isn’t over yet! After lunch, we’ll navigate level IV rapids like The Z, Roll Over, Tres Marias, The Window, and Indiana Jones. Prepare for el Trinche (Evil Fork) is our next stop. This big level IV rapid starts with several holes, rocks, and waves and finally ends into an enormous hole. Upon mastering these rapids, we will navigate level IV Table and No Name rapids before venturing into a gorge with towering walls.
We’ll reach Table Beach camp, change clothes, and let guides set up tents. Relax, swim, hike by the river, then enjoy a chef-prepared dinner. As stars twinkle, share stories and savor the incredible Day 2 experiences.
Day 3 promises heart-pumping thrills and unforgettable adventures! After fueling up with breakfast, brace for intense, electrifying rapids. The first hour features three level IV rapids – Wake Up, the Labyrinth, and Ramona – an adrenaline rush!
The highlights are the massive rapids You First and The Toothache, the biggest and most challenging. While passengers disembark, guides fearlessly run these behemoths, showcasing their expertise.
As we navigate through this breathtaking landscape, towering 1, 000-meter rocks and a stunning 200-meter waterfall create a breathtaking panoramic landscape. Approaching the formidable level V Babaluba rapid. Guides skillfully navigate the safety kayak through, followed by the luggage boat. Once secure, the passenger boat tackles the challenging rapid, maneuvering through channels, rocks, holes, and drops in an exhilarating display of technical mastery.
Just when you think the excitement couldn’t possibly escalate further, we’ll encounter The Last Laugh rapid, a level IV rollercoaster that combines a sequence of class II, III, and III+ rapids, ensuring our adventure ends on a high note.
Our epic journey ends with a private bus ride, a well-deserved lunch, and a 2-hour rafting journey to Cusco. Upon arrival, we’ll relive the heart-stopping moments through a captivating video at a pub, savoring memories of our incredible 3-day Apurimac adventure. Combine this experience with tours to Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, or other adventures for a once-in-a-lifetime odyssey that leaves you yearning for more!
Guides: Experienced English-speaking river rafting guides, certified in Swift-water rescue and Wilderness First Responder.
Rafting Gear: State-of-the-art equipment including self-bailing rafts, high-flotation life jackets, helmets, dry bags for personal items, paddle jackets, and special containers for cameras.
Camping Gear: Double tents, safety and professional river navigation systems, private round-trip transportation, video and picture service.
Safety: Comprehensive first aid kit, including a disposable resuscitator (CPR Bag Valve Mask), and satellite communication device.
Meals: Two breakfasts, three lunches, and two dinners are included. Meals are carefully planned to accommodate all dietary needs. Vegetarian or vegan options are available upon request at least one week before the tour departure.
Transport: Transportation will be provided for you, including private transfers to and from your hotel accommodation before and after the tour.
Hotels: Accommodation is not provided in Cusco or any other city.
Camping gear: A personal sleeping bag rated for temperatures as low as 15 degrees Celsius is required. Rental options available at $20 per person per day. Additionally, inflatable sleeping pads, about 5 cm thick, can be rented for $20 per person per day.
Meals: Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the fourth day are not included in the package.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance can cover unexpected expenses such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. By securing these insurance options, you can mitigate potential risks and enjoy your journey with greater confidence and security.
Gratuities: To show appreciation for your guides, it is recommended to leave a 10% tip of the total package price per person.
