Canyoning in Cusco: Limatambo and Santa Teresa waterfalls, difficulty and tips

Canyoning involves descending waterfalls and gorges with ropes, a harness and a helmet, sometimes jumping into pools or sliding down the rock. In the Cusco region it's done mainly in two areas: Limatambo, on the road towards Abancay, and around Santa Teresa, on the cloud-forest fringe near Machu Picchu. It's an activity for those who want an adrenaline rush and don't mind cold water. Here's what you need to know.

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What it involves

With a harness and a rope you control and the guide backs up, you walk backwards down the face of a waterfall as the water pours around you. Depending on the route, there are abseils, stretches of walking along the stream bed and sometimes jumps. Before starting, the guide explains the gear and runs a practice on a small section.

Limatambo

A little over an hour from Cusco on the road towards Abancay, the Limatambo area, with gorges such as Huertahuayco, is the closest to the city. Operators describe a circuit of several waterfalls of different heights, the tallest about 60 m, taking one to two hours depending on the group. It's a full-day trip that usually includes transport and lunch.

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Santa Teresa

On the cloud-forest fringe, near Santa Teresa and the Cocalmayo hot springs, operators offer descents of tall waterfalls surrounded by tropical vegetation. The climate is warmer than Cusco and it combines easily with ziplining, coffee or the route via Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu.

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What a typical day looks like

At Limatambo, hotel pick-up is usually in the morning. After the drive, the guide hands out the gear, gives the safety talk and you walk a few minutes to the first waterfall. After the descents comes lunch and the return to Cusco in the mid-afternoon. At Santa Teresa, the activity usually takes half a day and starts in the town itself, so it fits well into a multi-day route to Machu Picchu. The road to Limatambo is also the one to Mollepata, the starting point for Humantay lake and the Salkantay.

Best time of year

The best time is the dry season, roughly May to October. In the rainy season waterfall flows increase and some outings are cancelled for safety. Always ask the operator about current conditions.

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Fitness level

You don't need previous experience, but you do need reasonable fitness, no fear of heights and to feel comfortable in water. You'll walk on uneven, wet ground to and between the waterfalls. Operators usually set a minimum age; ask if you're travelling with teenagers.

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Gear

Serious operators provide a wetsuit, helmet, harness, descender, carabiners and ropes. Check the gear is in good condition and that the helmet and harness fit well. Andean waterfall water is cold: a wetsuit is essential at Limatambo.

How to choose an operator

• Ask about the guides' training and how many guides there are per group.
• Confirm there's a first-aid kit and an emergency protocol.
• Be wary of prices far below the rest: they usually cut corners on safety or gear.
• Read recent reviews and ask for details of the route.

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What to bring

• Swimwear and a dry change of clothes.
• Shoes with good grip that can get wet.
• Towel, sunscreen and insect repellent (at Santa Teresa).
• Water and a snack.
• A dry bag for your phone, or leave it in the vehicle.

Altitude

Limatambo is lower than Cusco and Santa Teresa much lower, which makes the effort easier. Even so, if you've just arrived, allow a couple of days to acclimatise before an intense physical activity.

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Photos

Action cameras on a helmet or chest mount are ideal, as long as the guide allows it. Some operators take photos and videos during the descent; ask if they're included.

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What to combine it with

You can make an adventure day by combining canyoning with rafting on the Urubamba, or fit it into an alternative route to Machu Picchu via Santa Teresa.

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Responsible tourism

The waterfalls are on local community land. Leave no rubbish, respect the crops and follow the guide's instructions.

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Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).