Rapis rio Urubamaba Peru

River Rafting Regulations in Peru

Peru’s commercial rafting regulations ensure safety and professionalism in river adventures. These rules govern accredited agencies, certified guides, and equipment standards to guarantee a secure, responsible experience. The regulations are designed to promote high-quality services while protecting the environment and participants during thrilling rafting expeditions.

 

 

 

 

Peruvian Whitewater River Rafting Rules and Regulations – Summary

Chapter I: General Provisions

Article 1: Purpose

Implements regulations for commercial rafting activities through designated agencies.

Article 2: Definitions

  • Travel and Tourism Agency: Organizes and sells rafting services.
  • Commercial Rafting: River descent with inflatable boats, guided by specialized professionals.
  • River Rafting Guide Certification: Document certifying guides trained at basic and and advanced levels.
  • Outfitter Provider Certificate: Document authorizing agencies to offer tourism canoeing services.
Classes of Rapids:
  • Class I-III: Calm waters with minor obstacles (basic).
  • Class IV-V: Difficult rapids, requiring experience (advanced).
  • Class VI: Rapids that are impossible to navigate.
Key Roles and Documents
  • Basic Guides: Guide in Class I-III rapids.
  • Advanced Guides: Guide in Class I-V rapids.
  • Rafting Equipment: Must meet safety standards.
  • Safety Boats: Kayaks or catarafts for rescue.
  • Manuals and Operational Plans: Essential documents for risk management, emergencies, and equipment maintenance.
Evaluations and Certifications
  • Assessment Body: Verify equipment and guide skills.
  • Hours and Incident Records: Mandatory information on activities and safety.

This regulation ensures safety and quality standards for commercial white-water rafting activities in Peru.

Chapter II: Duties of the Competent Authority

Article 3: Competent Authority

The Regional Directorates of Foreign Trade and Tourism or entities designated by the Municipality of Lima will implement this regulation.

Article 4: Functions

The Competent Authority must:
a) Issue certificates to agencies and river rafting guides.
b) Accredit evaluating and training entities.
c) Establish, suspend, or close river sections for river rafting..
d) Issue directives on seasons and safety conditions.
e) Supervise agencies, guides, and evaluators.
f) Maintain the National Directory of Tourism Services.
g) Promote service quality and spread regulations.
h) Work with institutions to ensure the regulation is followed.
i) Code equipment that meets requirements.
j) Perform other necessary functions as per current regulations.

Chapter III: River Locations and Sections

Article 5: Evaluation and Establishment

A Technical Committee, consisting of representatives from the Competent Authority, municipalities, tourism associations, SENAMHI, and MINCETUR, will evaluate and define river sections, boarding areas, signposting, and safety conditions.
Resolutions and Supervision: The Competent Authority will approve zones through a resolution. The Committee will review conditions at least twice a year and propose changes within 10 days if necessary. Supervisors may temporarily suspend activities in unsafe zones.

Article 6: Signage

The appropriate signposting for approved areas will be provided as per the Technical Commission’s report.

Chapter IV: Travel and Tourism Agencies

Article 7: Service Requirements

Only certified agencies can offer commercial river rafting activities.

Article 8: Certification

To obtain the certification, agencies must submit:

  • Technical report on equipment.
  • Details of rivers and operating sections.
  • Operation manual, risk management, emergency plans, and maintenance.
  • Payment for processing.

Certified agencies will be included in the National Directory with detailed information.

Article 9: Obligations

Agencies must:

  • Comply with safety standards and operate only in approved zones.
  • Hire authorized guides and provide certified equipment.
  • Inform tourists about safety and offer pre-tour instructions.
  • Maintain equipment in optimal conditions and record navigation hours.
  • Ensure cleanliness, environmental protection, and proper waste management.

Article 10: Certificate Validity

The certificate is valid indefinitely nationwide.

Chapter V: Canoeing Guides

Article 17: Guide Requirements

Guides must hold a Basic or Advanced River Rafting Certification issued by the Competent Authority.

Article 18: Guide Card Requirements

  • Basic: Must be over 18, complete a rescue course (Class I-III), first aid (16 hours), have a minimum of 1 year of experience (Class III), and a language certificate if applicable.
  • Advanced: Same as Basic, but with a rescue course (Class I-V) and 3 years of experience (Class III) and 1 year (Class V).

Article 19: Guide Card Issuance

The card allows the guide to operate nationwide and is registered in the National Directory of Tourism Service Providers.

Article 20: Guide Card Information

The card must include personal details, card number, type (Basic or Advanced), and certified languages.

Article 21: Guide Obligations

Guides must:

  • Ensure the use of appropriate equipment, inform tourists about routes, modify tours for safety, respect boat capacity, and verify safety standards compliance.

Chapter VI: The Tourist

Article 26: Conditions for Service Provision

Before formalizing the contract, the Service Provider must provide the following forms to the tourist:

  • Acknowledgment of activity risks.
  • Confirmation that the tourist can swim and is in good physical and health condition.

The forms must be signed by the tourist or their legal representative if underage.

Chapter VII: Evaluating Entities

Article 30: Service Provision Requirements

Evaluating entities must be accredited by the Competent Authority.

Article 31: Accreditation Requirements

Evaluating entities must present documents proving their experience and work plan.

Chapter VIII: Training Entities

Article 37: Service Provision Requirements

Training entities must be accredited by the Competent Authority to issue River Rescue Certification.

Chapter IX: Supervision

Article 43: Supervision Visits

The Competent Authority may conduct supervision visits to verify compliance with requirements and conditions. These are mandatory at the start of the season in authorized river sections.