Rafting in Cusco: Urubamba sections, the Apurímac, seasons and safety

Cusco isn't just ruins and mountains: its rivers offer some of South America's best rafting. The Urubamba (or Vilcanota) has sections for every level a few hours from the city, and the Apurímac, one of the Amazon's source rivers, hosts multi-day expeditions for anyone after serious whitewater. A rafting day is also a great way to rest your legs between hikes.

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Understanding difficulty grades

Rivers are graded on an international scale from I to VI:

• Class I–II: calm water with small waves; suitable for families and beginners.
• Class III: rapids with irregular waves requiring manoeuvres; exciting and fine for fit beginners with a good guide.
• Class IV: powerful, technical rapids; previous experience recommended.
• Class V: very difficult, experts only.

Each section's grade varies a lot with flow and season.

Main sections

Cusipata – Chuquicahuana (southern Urubamba)

The most popular day-rafting section from Cusco, about 1.5–2 hours' drive south of the city. In the dry season it offers class III rapids, with the odd III+ or IV depending on flow, and Andean canyon scenery. Tours usually include transport, gear, lunch and sometimes extras such as ziplines.

Sacred Valley (Huambutío – Pisac area)

Calmer class II–III sections, ideal for families, children above a certain age (check with the operator) or first-timers. They pair well with a visit to Pisac.

Santa Teresa

On the Inca Jungle route it's common to raft the Vilcanota near Santa Teresa, with class III–IV rapids in high-jungle surroundings.

• Inca Jungle Trek: biking, rafting, ziplining and hiking to Machu Picchu
• Pisac: Inca ruins, craft market and how to visit from Cusco
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Apurímac expeditions

The Apurímac runs through a deep, remote canyon with class IV and V rapids. Expeditions usually last 3–4 days, camping on sandy beaches, and only run in the dry season, roughly May to November, when flows are safe. It's an adventure for very fit people with previous experience or a strong will to learn, always with specialist operators.

When to go

• Dry season (roughly May to October): lower, stable flows; best for almost all sections and the only time for the Apurímac.
• Rainy season (roughly December to March): flows rise sharply and rapids get more powerful. Some sections close or are swapped for safer ones. The water is very muddy.

Urubamba water comes from glaciers and is cold year-round: operators provide wetsuits.

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Safety: choosing an operator

• Guides trained in swiftwater rescue and first aid.
• A full safety briefing before getting on the water, with paddle practice and what to do if you fall in.
• Helmet, well-fitted life jacket and wetsuit for everyone.
• A safety kayak accompanying rafts on class III and above.
• Rafts and gear in good condition; ask to see equipment if in doubt.
• Insurance covering the activity — check your own travel insurance too.

Be wary of prices far below average: they usually cut corners on guides, gear or safety.

• How to choose a tour agency in Cusco: a checklist to get it right
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What a rafting day looks like

1. Morning pick-up in Cusco and drive to the river.
2. Gear-up and safety talk.
3. About 2–3 hours on the water, with rest stops.
4. Lunch, a hot shower at some bases and back to Cusco in the afternoon.

What to bring

• Swimsuit or synthetic clothing to wear under the wetsuit.
• Sport sandals or old trainers that can get wet.
• Dry clothes and a towel for afterwards.
• Water-resistant sunscreen.
• Nothing valuable: leave phones and documents at the base or in Cusco unless the operator provides dry bags.

Altitude

The Urubamba sections are a bit lower than Cusco, but you'll feel the physical effort. Raft after one or two days of acclimatisation.

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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).