Rafting on the Urubamba
Cusco is ideally situated close to the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley. Rafting locations are largely dependent on the time of the year, the rain fall and the flow conditions of the river.
San Salvador, Quiquijana, Huambutio, Chuqicahuana and Ollantaytambo are some of the most common locations for one day rafting, and are between 1 & 2 hours from Cusco.
There are daily departures for one day rafting tours, and you can usually book a tour just a couple of days in advance. In high season you may want to pre-book your tour a few weeks in advance to avoid disappointment.
Equipment
Rafting tours include all equipment (helmet, life jacket, raincoat, paddle, wetsuit and boats), round trip transportation, professional English speaking guides and usually lunch. Hot drinks are usually included, but it is best to confirm with your tour operator exactly what is included, and what is not!
Your will need to be prepared with swimwear to use underneath your wetsuit, plus good foot wear that you don’t mind getting wet (strapped sandals or running shoes work best). You can also use additional clothes over your wetsuit, and we recommend that you take an extra t-shirt. The waters of the Urubamba River are cold; therefore it is also best to be prepared with warm clothes and a towel to use after the float. Remember to take with you sun block and a sun hat, as the sun is strong at high altitude.
Safety
Remember: You get what you pay for. Good rafting is actually quite expensive, and the quality of the equipment and guides you get is often reflective of the amount you pay. Safety is very important when rafting, so it is important to listen to your guides instructions, and take care as broken legs and arms are not un-common.
Rafting Tour Operators
Note: There are many travel agencies located in and around Cusco’s main plaza, which all claim to sell and operate rafting tours. In reality only a hand full of companies actually operate rafting tours, and therefore we recommend that it is best to book directly with the operator, as it allows you to know exactly who you are dealing with, and what equipment and service you will get.
Eric Adventures
Urb. Santa María A1-6, San Sebastián, Cusco.
Telephone: ++ 51 (0) 84 272 862
Toll Free: USA/Canada 1 877 867 9682 – UK 0 800 098 8514
Website: www.ericadventures.com
Amazonas Explorers
Avenida Collasuyo 910, Miravalle, Cusco
Telephone: ++ 51 (0) 84 252 846
Website: www.amazonas-explorer.com
Apumayo
Jr. Ricardo Palma Ñ-11 Urb. Santa Monica, Wanchaq, Cusco
Telephone: ++ 51 (0) 84 246 018
Website: www.apumayo.com
