Peru is the place where whitewater rafting dreams come true! From the coast to the Andes and in the Amazon jungle, adventure awaits at every twist and turn. On the Apurimac, Tambopata, Yavero rivers, River Explorers give you the opportunity to take the Peru rafting tour of a lifetime! No matter which trip or river you choose, we guarantee great fun, remarkable scenery, and some of Peru’s best rafting guides to take you on Peru rafting tours that will satisfy your adventurous side!
At River Explorers, we started with the idea of running only on rivers we loved, offering the most difficult and off-the-beaten-path river adventures. Since then, we’ve add more commercial rivers and expanded the style of our trips so that even beginners can raft with us.
From Level 5, remote, expedition-style challenges to beginner courses that will give first-timers a thrilling experience, we have it all. We thrive on those unknown and wild adventures that pursue the spirit of freedom and adventure, so if you’re looking for a wild time, we’ve got you covered.
But even if this is your first adventure, you don’t have to have any experience or spend the night camping if you don’t want to. We have a variety of Peru rafting tours to suit every type of adventurer from novice to advanced, from rustic to those who would prefer to retire to a 5-star hotel at the end of their day-long adventure with us. All you need is to participate fully, be ready for teamwork, and get into the adventure. Check out our specials below for your ultimate Peru whitewater rafting tour!
An extraordinary expedition, crossing the Andes jungle edge to the flat Amazon jungle within the Sacred Pongo de Mainique in the Megantoni National Reserve. Encounter rare wildlife, meet friendly indigenous tribes, and enjoy scenic hikes along this exclusive adventure, a privilege reserved for the fortunate few.
11 days
$4800
Reserved for the experienced, this unique adventure futures a challenging journey through rough nature. Brace yourself for massive rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and adrenaline-pumping rapids. It’s an expedition like no other, offering a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty in every thrilling moment.
6 days
$4800
The famed Amazon rain-forest covers over 60% of Peru’s lands, plus it contains and stores enormous sections of rivers, only a handful of which are open for you to enjoy.
Our rafting tours take place in the edge of the jungle and jungle of Cusco, Puno and Puerto Maldonado, each place offers excellent whitewater rafting for any level or ability. You’ll find many other outfitters on some of the rivers, but we have access to rivers they don’t, giving you a more unique, untouched, and unspoiled whitewater rafting experience. Our exclusive terrain only for River Explorers is the Yavero River in the Megantony National Park and The Tambopata River located in the National Reserve of Candamo.
Rivers in Arequipa offer a variety of different levels for rafting enthusiasts to choose. There are half-day and one-day trips to the Majes or Chili rivers, or you can keep the adventure going for up to 6 days on the Cotahuasi River, known as one of the deepest canyons anywhere in the world. These challenging excursions bring big whitewater along with rich history and pristine natural beauty unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
The Cusco region has one of the most extensive and largest concentrations of navigable rivers in all of South America. There’s no other place like it in Peru either, giving you a huge choice for access to different rivers you can raft with River Explorers.
Here on the coast, there are 34 rivers and just a handful of them are eligible for rafting. At only 2 hours from Paracas and 3 hours from Lima, one of the most popular Peru rafting tours is on the Cañete River.
The Cañete is a combination of peculiar scenery and exciting whitewater rapids. We have tours here for beginners, families, and advanced rafters all ranging from Level II, III, and IV, more options than any other coastal Peru whitewater rafting experience. The best season for rafting in Cañete River is summer so book your trip from December to March.
If you’re seeking the ultimate Peru rafting adventure, look no further than choosing us. We stand out for four compelling reasons that make us the perfect choice for your thrilling expedition.
Our rafting tours prioritize safety, built upon proven operations and stringent standards upheld throughout our excursions.
Experience the thrill with confidence as we provide top-tier rafting gear for an unforgettable adventure.
Trust in our expert guides, equipped with extensive experience, full certifications in first aid, and Swiftwater rescue techniques.
Stay connected and secure with our satellite communication device, ensuring constant contact in any situation throughout your rafting journey.
Rafting enthusiasts looking to experience the adrenaline rush amidst Peru’s stunning landscapes will find a plethora of options across various rivers in the country. Each destination offers unique challenges and experiences, but the best time for rafting largely depends on the specific river and its seasonal characteristics.
Cañete offers rafting year-round, but the prime season, usually falls from December to April. . During this period, water levels are higher due to the rain on the Andes, offering exciting rapids and clearer weather conditions for an enjoyable experience. The river’s class III and IV rapids provide an exhilarating adventure for both beginners and experienced rafters. Level II and III from May to November.
Rafting on the Chili River
is best enjoyed during the dry season, from May to November. During these months, water levels are lower, resulting in calmer rapids and clearer visibility of the surrounding majestic landscapes. The river’s class III and IV rapids offer an exciting journey through the breathtaking canyons and volcanic scenery of the Arequipa region.
Majes River in Arequipa
Rafting on the Majes River in Arequipa is best enjoyed during the dry season, which coincides with the months of May to September. Similar to Lunahuana, this period offers lower chances of rainfall, ensuring safer and more predictable river conditions. The months of June and July are popular among adventure enthusiasts seeking thrilling rafting
Urubamba River
The Urubamba River in Cusco provides exhilarating rafting opportunities all year long. During the dry season (May to November) the river flow is low with rapids between II and III. During the raining season. (December to mid April) you will find one of the best white water rafting tours in Peru with rapids up to level V.
Apurimac River
located in the Cusco region, is best experienced during the dry season months of May to November. It offers different sections for novices to experts. The granite canyon has some of the most challenging rapids in Peru, making it ideal for experienced rafters seeking an adrenaline rush.
Yavero River
The Yavero River in Cusco is our hidden gem, offering varying water levels. It is best for experienced boaters during May and June when water flow is high, for novices from July to October, and perfect for those who love canoeing or duckies.
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!
Our rafting tours are perfectly tailored for the vibrant energy of young students, with river sections handpicked just for them. Plus, we provide all the necessary rafting gear, a scrumptious lunch, and the finest river guides Peru has to offer!
No matter the age of your little explorers, the duration of your stay, or your preferred style, we’ve got thrilling rafting tours in beautiful Peru that cater to families with children as young as 4 years old. Get ready for a splash of excitement!
Prepare to ignite the adventure spark and bring your loved one even closer in the most thrilling way possible to enhance your connection! We offer exciting rafting trips tailored for couples seeking a dose of excitement to your tour.
Peru has a notable position among the top ten countries with major rivers worldwide, highlighting its abundant natural heritage and varied ecosystems. Its vast river system, originating from the Andes Mountains and flowing through the Peruvian desert to the Pacific Ocean and another to the Amazon jungle leading to the Atlantic Ocean, plays a crucial role in the country’s biodiversity and sustains diverse ecosystems.
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.
Our tours are consistently described by our customers as truly amazing, absolutely incredible, undeniably the best, and enthusiastically highly recommended. The positive feedback we receive speaks volumes about the quality of our service.
Here are some of the hot topics everyone’s asking about our exhilarating Cusco whitewater river rafting tours! If you can’t find your question here or have any other queries, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always ready and eager to help you out!
Not necessarily. It depends on your physical condition and the level of the rapids you’re interested in. Contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss it with you to help you choose an adventure that suits your level. As a general rule of thumb, we urge beginners to stay away from Level IV and V as that really requires previous rafting experience though for Levels II and III, beginners should be fine
Peru is the meca for rafting adventures. Each river offers different sections suitable for all levels. According to your white water rafting experience you can choose different sections. We suggest you to always start with level I, II and III if you are a beginner and then move to higher level.
It ultimately depends when you want to go rafting and what type of river experience you want to have. On the coast, the only option is the Cañete River and the best time for rafting is summer (January to April). In Cusco and Arequipa, one-day rafting tours are open all year long. River expeditions longer than 2 days in Cusco, the Amazon Jungle, and Arequipa are available only during dry season (May to November).
Having the right gear is a must for enjoying your Peru whitewater river rafting tour and at River Explorers, we bring it all. The gear will differ from each river and depending on how long your excursion is. Full private transportation is included in all our trips. Rafting gear such as self-bailing boats, paddles, Type V PFD, helmets, and paddle jackets are mostly for places with warm weather (Lunahuaná and Amazon Jungle rivers) while wet-suits are available in places with cold weather (Cusco and Arequipa). For full-day and multi-day trips, all meals, snacks, and drinks are included. For expedition trips, luggage boat, chemical toilets, and full camping gear is all included. All you need to worry about is having the time of your life!
Participants can only joing our rafting tours only if you sing sign an Acknowledgment of Risk, this document describes challenges and the hazards that you will encounter while of our whitewaterrafting trips.
It is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance that covers rafting activities when embarking on a one-day tour of Peru’s exhilarating whitewater river rafting tours. Safety should always be a top priority, and having the right insurance in place can provide peace of mind during such thrilling adventures.
For longer trips spanning three days or more, it becomes even more crucial to ensure that your travel insurance includes coverage for rafting tours in Peru. This added protection can safeguard against unforeseen circumstances and emergencies that may arise while navigating the country’s stunning rivers.
Additionally, investing in cancellation insurance is another wise decision to consider. This type of coverage can offer financial protection in case your travel plans need to be altered or canceled due to unexpected events, ensuring that you are not left out of pocket.
By prioritizing comprehensive travel insurance that covers rafting activities and including cancellation insurance in your policy, you can fully enjoy the excitement of rafting in Peru while being prepared for any unforeseen situations that may arise along the way.
We offer a broad array of tour activities to satisfy every adventure. You can raft on the coast, in the Andes, or in the Amazon Jungle. All the rivers in Peru have different sections that are fitting for different levels. We can take children from ages 8 and up to seniors. Families, friends, school groups, couples, advanced , intermediate, and everyone, even people who have never rafted before, are welcome with us. We only ask that you know how to swim and select the right level for you. We have trips that are half-day, one-day, or multi-day, up to 11 days long. Let us know what kind of adventure you want and we can help you plan it. We can even add on other excursions for you on land!
For longer trips spanning three days or more, it becomes even more crucial to ensure that your travel insurance includes coverage for rafting tours in Peru. This added protection can safeguard against unforeseen circumstances and emergencies that may arise while navigating the country’s stunning rivers.
Additionally, investing in cancellation insurance is another wise decision to consider. This type of coverage can offer financial protection in case your travel plans need to be altered or canceled due to unexpected events, ensuring that you are not left out of pocket.
By prioritizing comprehensive travel insurance that covers rafting activities and including cancellation insurance in your policy, you can fully enjoy the excitement of rafting in Peru while being prepared for any unforeseen situations that may arise along the way.
We cater to all dietary needs on our trips, ensuring everyone can enjoy delicious meals without worry. From vegan to gluten-free, our diverse menu options guarantee a satisfying and inclusive culinary experience for all travelers.
In our 40 years of leading thrilling rafting tours through the jungle, we have been fortunate to not encounter any dangerous animals. However, our extensive experience has taught us to always be prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise during our adventures.
While the likelihood of encountering dangerous animals during rafting tours is rare, we understand the importance of being proactive and having safety measures in place. Our team is well-trained and equipped to handle any potential encounters with wildlife, ensuring the safety and security of our guests at all times.
Your day tours near Cusco on the Urubamba and Apurimac rivers, as well as near Machu Picchu, are completely free of any dangerous animals! You can explore these stunning locations with absolute peace of mind. Adventure awaits you in these breathtaking landscapes without a hint of worry about encountering any harmful creatures. Isn’t that fantastic?
Because adventure tourism is in high demand in Peru, we encourage you to make your reservations as soon as possible. For one-day tours, you can make your reservations a week in advance though with longer tours, we recommend you book at least one month in advance of your tour departure to secure your spot.
Our clients are always pleasantly surprised by our food. It’s delicious, nutritious, and ideal for everyone. We even have vegan and vegetarian options. We plan and organize a wide array of menu options to suit our adventurers with a healthy balance of chicken, fish, beef, and pastas plus fresh vegetables, fruits, and breads. And, we even have desserts and happy hour fare with popcorn, hot beverages, sodas, wine, and beer, making for a merry and memorable experience even when we’re not in the raft.
