Urubamba River – White water rafting tours

Upper Urubamba

The volume and rocky underground of the upper Urubamba River, provides ideal conditions for recreational and adventure activities for rafting in Cusco region. River Explorers operate seasonal trips on the Urubamba River.  Rafting in the Urubamba River varies depending on the section you choose to navigate, the time of year and the season. However, the upper sections is open all year long for rafting activities.

Chuquicahuana

The Chuquicahuana section is the favorite white water rafting on the Urubamba River for our river guides during winter. From the put-in at Llocllora (3400 m – 11155 ft.) to the take-out at Quiquijana, 18 km – 11 miles down river, the Chuquicahuana descends  in such as short distance 200 m – 555 feet. The run takes us through small villages, farm lands and heard of sheep along with eucalyptus mountain hillsides, and finally between the Chuquicahuan gorge, the biggest portion on the Urubamba River. There are plenty of rapids such as Lllocllora, The Knife, The Siphon, Butterfly, Hawaii Bombay, Stone Mortar and many more making the Chuquicahuana a first star white water rafting in Cusco, Peru and Possibly South America. At the beginning, the river is gentle with small rapids perfect to practice before entering the big rapids. The river then transforms into a monster with constant rapids full of massive holes and waves. Structured river navigation system is advice to avoid accidents. Chuquicahuana is only for people with previous rafting experience. Check for rates and details. After this thrilling adventure, a home made lunch will be waiting for us at the end of the tour with hot beverages, main course, salad, fruit and much more.

During dry season Chuquicahuana is the only available section for Urubamba rafting trips. The scenery transforms from green to multicolored yellow and green grassy mountains and from rainy to sunny days, typical during dry season. The adventure is accompanied with constant technical rapids, with rocks, small waves and holes that needs good maneuvering. The rapids are mixed with small pool sections in between perfect for small swims and  jumps from rocks and cliffs.

Quiquijana

The Quiquijana is one of Urubamba’s most commercial section during rainy season. Crossing the Mountain walls  we traverse important tows with Andean crops of corn and herd of sheep and cows farms. The river tour past rapids with waves and holes in swift Class II-III and III+ white water rapids. The Siphon, Colorado, Breach, Quiquijana, and the Giants are awesome fun rapids. As soon as the rafting starts the Urubamba River welcome us with fast flowing water and rapids. Progressively the rapids difficulty intensify as we enter into the Quiquijana gorge which is the biggest portion of the Quiquijana section. This section is suitable for first timers with good fitness level, intermediate rafters and can also satisfy advanced boaters.

Urcos – Piñipampa

The Urubamba River valley open as it enter to Urcos and Piñipampa tows. This section is a mix of rapids with fast water current and one of the most scenic stretch of the Urubamba River. The run starts at the little town of Urcos and runs for 12 km – 7.5 miles down to Huambutio. The river in this section flows through small islands and channels. The river then enters a series of gorges with excellent level II and III rapids perfect for beginners, family and school groups.

Looking for something more exciting, look at the Apurimac rafting trips. Note that this river is only open from May to November