Our ultimate rafting expedition on the Apurimac River is an absolute must for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike! Brace yourself as we conquer the exhilarating rapids of the Black Canyon and the entire Granite Canyon, where the rush of navigating through level V rapids will leave you breathless! But that’s not all – this worry-free holiday is a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Get ready to create unforgettable memories and experience the ultimate thrill of a lifetime!
Season: May to Nov.
Conquer over 200 rapids, reaching up to level V, as you navigate through the challenging sections of the Black Canyon and the entire Granite Canyon, ensuring an adrenaline-pumping experience for every rafter.
Embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the Purgatory Gorge, a colossal rock formation nestled within the Apurimac River, offering unparalleled opportunities for exploration and discovery amidst breathtaking scenery.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of cascading waterfalls that adorn the landscape, providing a picturesque backdrop to your Cusco rafting expedition and creating unforgettable moments of awe and wonder.
Encounter a variety of adorable wildlife along the riverbanks, including majestic condors soaring overhead, playful otters frolicking in the water, and elusive deer gracefully traversing the surrounding terrain, with the possibility of spotting the elusive pumas if luck is on your side.
High in the impressive Andean mountains from Cusco, countless rapids from level II to V with nice standing waves, drops, endless in scenic wonders, the Apurimac River rafting trip begins.
Your tour leader and our private van will meet you at your hotel at 8 am for the four-hour bus journey to the Apurimac River. During the trip, we will make a stop at Izcucahaca to purchase any remaining supplies needed for the journey. We will have several more stops along the way for breaks to stretch our arms and legs, take in the scenery, or use the restroom. Before we begin rafting, we will make a final stop at a lookout point called a mirador, which offers breathtaking views of the Apurimac Gorge from an elevation of over 2,000 meters (6,561 ft) above the river level. This is a perfect spot to appreciate the scenery and capture some photos.
Once we reach the river, everyone, including passengers, will work together to prepare for the rafting expedition. You will pack your camping gear, sleeping bags, and other essentials into dry bags provided by us. After everything is set, we will enjoy a fresh lunch by the riverside. Following lunch, the head guide will explain the rafting commands and demonstrate various techniques such as how to sit in the boat, paddle effectively, use rescue systems, and secure lines. After a comprehensive safety briefing, we will head to the river for a training session where we will practice holding onto the rope securely, interacting with the safety kayak or cataract, navigating some rapids, and flipping the rafts.
Once the head guide, other guides, safety kayak, and crew are confident, we will begin rafting down the Apurimac River. The initial part of the journey will feature fun class II and III rapids, interspersed with peaceful sections offering stunning views of the gorge. More rapids and breathtaking vistas await us downstream before we arrive at the camp later in the afternoon. Upon reaching the camp, your guides will provide a brief orientation about the area, camp routine, and our waste disposal system. You can then unwind, read a book, enjoy a snack, or have a glass of wine while the guides prepare a delicious dinner.
After dinner, we will gather around the campfire for a briefing about the next day’s activities from your river guides. You can also enjoy listening to their stories and experiences or simply relax on the sandy beach while gazing at the spectacular starlit sky.
Gear up for an exhilarating rafting adventure! After a hearty breakfast, we’ll pack the rafts and plunge into the mighty Apurimac black canyon section at 9 am. Brace for an adrenaline-pumping journey through rugged wilderness!
We’ll navigate level II, III, and III+ rapids on the Upper Apurimac today, leading up to the challenging level IV El Chute rapid. Brace for a series of level III and III+ rapids, some reaching level IV in May and early June, keeping the excitement high and your adrenaline pumping.
Enjoy a riverside lunch, then paddle towards the Portage rapid, a level VI river gorge with stunning scenery. Disembark and carry dry bags as guides navigate rafts through treacherous waters.
Our second camp, Space Odyssey, boasts towering stone walls and otherworldly rock formations, creating a mesmerizing sight. After resting, enjoy a hot dinner followed by a cozy campfire under the stars. Share tales of your epic Apurimac river rafting adventure, play cards, and savor the camaraderie.
Get ready for an adventure down the Apurimac River! After breakfast, we’ll tackle level II-IV rapids in the Minefield section. Brace yourself as the river leads us into Purgatory Gorge – a natural wonder with stunning rock formations. Be amazed by cliff jumping or a refreshing dip in the serene waters.
We’ll soon face the formidable Purgatory rapid, a level IV beast with massive waves and powerful currents. After a brief portage, we’ll meet the Vilcabamaba affluent for a rest. Brace for more level IV thrills at Las Tres Marias and The Z rapids! Enjoy a riverside lunch prepared by guides, then hike to explore the canyon’s geology or swim in the river.
The excitement builds as we conquer level IV rapids like Indiana Jones, The Roller Over, and Window, with incredible waves and holes. Numerous level II and III rapids maintain the adrenaline rush. But the grand finale is El Trinche, one of the river’s biggest level IV (or V from May-June) rapids! Massive waves and holes test skills and courage. Our guides prioritize safety before tackling this outstanding rapid.
The adventure continues after El Trinche, with more rapids and canyon vistas. We’ll tackle No Name and The Table, both level IV rapids, before reaching our second campsite. Along the way, we’ll collect wood for a cozy campfire. At the riverside camp, you can change clothes, set up tents (with guides’ help), and unwind by reading, hiking, or swimming in the river. Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with thrills, natural beauty, and adventure!
Get ready for an adrenaline rush on the river! We’ll plunge into exhilarating rapids from the start, navigating through a narrow gorge and tackling technical level IV rapids like Wake Up, Ramona, and the Labyrinth in the first thrilling hour. But brace for the biggest rapid – the Toothache! While passengers bypass it on land, our skilled guides will take on this beast, showcasing their incredible abilities.
Excitement awaits! After a final portage, we’ll navigate level II and III rapids, leading to the mighty Babaluba, a colossal level V rapid. A safety kayak will lead, followed by the luggage boat. Expert guides will secure rescue lines, then you’ll conquer this beast! Navigate narrow channels and rocky obstacles, plunging into churning waters, bouncing over drops and holes in a thrilling ride!
After Babaluba, we’ll navigate class II, III, and III+ rapids until the end. Enjoy lunch, drinks, and a scenic bus ride back to Cusco. Then, relive the rafting excitement by watching the video at a local pub.
This trip includes comprehensive amenities and safety measures to ensure a comfortable and secure rafting experience.
Meals provided: consist of 4 lunches, 3 breakfasts, and 3 dinners.
Professional English-speaking river guide: Certified in Swift-water and Wilderness First Responder, will lead the expedition.
Rafting gear: Includes high-flotation life jackets level V, self-bailing rafts, helmets, dry bags for personal gear, paddle jackets, wet-suits, and special containers for cameras.
Camping gear: Comfortable 2 persons tents, cooler boxes for food, tables, chairs and kitchen gear.
Safety features: Include professional river system navigation, SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger, and a full first aid kit with a disposable resuscitator (CPR Bag Valve Mask).
Transportation: Special transportation, tansfer from your hotel to the river and back.
Media: Video and picture service
Hotels: Accommodation in Cusco or any other city is not provided.
Camping gear: A personal sleeping bag rated for temperatures as low as 20 degrees Celsius is required. Rental options are available at $20 per person per day. Additionally, inflatable sleeping pads, approximately 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 included in the package.
Travel Insurance: It is advisable to purchase travel and cancellation insurance for added peace of mind during your trip.
Gratuities: To show appreciation for your guides, it is recommended to leave a 10% tip of the total package price per person.
