Upper Urubamba full day rafting trip

Chuquicahuana Rafting

You will meet with your river guides at your hotel at 8 am. After a short introduction as we hit the road and head out along the South Valley route to the idyllic Village of Llocllora, situated at only 50 miles – 80 km from Cusco on the Urubamba river side, is a perfect ideal starting point for the Chuquicahuana river adventure. Prior to boarding the rafts, you will be provided with all your river gear (Wet suit, life vest, splash jacked, helmets and paddles). Your head guide will give you an orientation on rafting commands, emergency procedures, safety,  and other white water related matters. One everyone is comfortable with the commands and gear the Urubamba whitewater rafting begins.

A nice Peruvian classic! The largest section of the upper Urubamba river with challenging rapids and excellent scenic views of the riverside include big eucalyptus trees, beautiful flowers, a profusion of cactus and charming Andean villages. The Chuquicahuana is famous for its long, exhilarating technical rapids. The 6+mile wild and scenic Chuquicahuana section is naturally divided into different shorter sections with names that are known in the world of Peru’s whitewater: The Knife, The Siphon, Butterfly, Hawaii Bombay, Ali, Batan and more. Each of these great rapids are level III and III+ and vary at different flows, and each has its own special optimal flow.

During the high water typical between December and mid April, long rapids with holes and waves as high as 12 feet offers long, thrilling rides perfect for adventurous intermediate and experienced rafters who want a exciting, splashing good time.

Later, as we tucked into cold beverages and a delicious lunch with entrance, main course, salads and fresh fruit at the side of the River, we get ready to pack the gear and drive back to Cusco (115 minutes approx.)

What’s included?

Meals: For both tours includes 1 lunch.

Rafting gear: Safe bailing boat (The floor is over the water surface so water come in and water drains out) safety kayak, life jacket type V, wet suit, paddle jacket, paddle and special river shoes.

Guide: English speaking guide certified in Swift Water rescue level III and advanced first aid courses and very important very experienced with over 8 years working in this river.

What to bring?

On the River

Shorts (obligatory in order to wear over the wet suit).

Bathing costume.

Cap, if you need gloves for blisters, neoprene or wool socks to use with the river shoes (not cotton)

Sun block, sun glasses, towel, dry clothes for after rafting, fleece and drinking water.

Chuquicahuana level IV and IV+

The run starts in moderate tempo and gently builds to a mashing finish . On the first hour the cool, brown flow alternately crushes through heaven rapids and meanders through channels an rocks. Then in the second hour, the river runs rushing through a long series of dashing escalating high intensity rapids. This section is excellent for advanced and experienced boaters

Quiquijana level III and IV

With high water, the Quiquijana is an ideal whitewater wonderland with more than 40 constant rapids perfect for intermediate and energetic first-timers. This is a section of pure fun without the anxiety that sometimes follows tougher runs.

Urcos to Huambutio level II and III

South of the  Sacred Valley, a 40 minute drive from Cusco, the Urcos – Piñipampa flows and plunges through a multitude of continual rapids. Running this section, we blow at high speed down narrow rocky canyon corridors. Over and over we blast upon nice, gentle class II and III rapids booming with fast current, nice waves, and quiet moods in between the rapids. This section requiring easy paddling, perfect for family trips, first-timers and even can satisfied intermediate seekers.

These section has one of the best white water that the Urubamba River rafting has to offer. This part of the river is an ideal whitewater for everyone looking for a good adventure. During the course of tour you will have a chance to see torrent ducks, falcons, herons and mythical ancients tombs. You will encounter more than 40 exciting and continuous level 3 and 4 rapids that will thrill you throughout the 16 km – 9. 5  mi run. After two exhilarating hours we will arrive to the end, where our cook will have a delicious lunch prepared with fresh ingredients ready for us.

As soon as the van is loaded, and saying goodbye to the river we start the drive back to Cusco that takes one hour.