White water rafting on Rio Apurimac
Peru's Rio Apurimac is one of the world's hidden gems of white water rafting, mixing exhilarating rapids and awesome, wilderness scenery.
The Rio Apurimac mixes grade 3, 4 and 4+ rapids and is justifiably gaining a reputation as one of the world's top rafting holidays.
It can be rafted in 3 or 4 days, whichever you prefer, and no acclimatisation is needed so you can head straight into the adrenaline-pumping waves.
River life
We provide everything you need for the river, and spend evenings camping on sandy beaches, sharing drinks and food underneath starlit skies.
You can help with setting up the tents while your guides prepare sumptious and plentiful meals to enjoy around a camp fire.
As night falls, we swap stories and experiences of the day as well as looking ahead to more fun and frolics on the river the next day.
Outline itinerary
From the ancient Inca capital of Cusco it is a 4-5 bus journey to the start of this river, deep in the heart of an impressive 3000m deep canyon.
We take with us all the supplies we need for three / four days of wilderness rafting. Even the most novice crews are expertly trained
up to meet the challenges and thrills of this adrenaline-pumping roller coaster rafting trip.
As well as world class grade 3, 4 and 4+ rapids, the Apurimac boasts pristine sandy beaches for camping, spectacular sun-bleached rock formations and wildlife including condors, otters, puma and the elusive Andean bear.
Day 1
We pick you
up at your hotel in Cusco for the spectacular drive to the Apurimac
canyon. En route, we hope to glimpse the snow-capped Vilcanota
mountain range before descending into the canyon to our starting
point on the banks of the Apurimac.
Here we inflate our specialised
rafts, load up with provisions and, following a full safety talk and
instruction in the art of white water rafting, then head off into the
canyon in search of adventure.
Days 2 & 3
For the next two days we challenge the rapids of the
mighty Apurimac. " Apu - rimac ", in Quechua, signifies " The Great
Speaker " - Inca nobility and priests would often ' consult ' the
river on route to the city of Cusco. The rapids are pretty much
non-stop and at times the huge boulders that block our way force us
to the bank for further scouting.
At several points we have to
portage unrunnable falls. At night we camp on beautiful sandy
beaches and explore the amazing rock formations. Andean foxes,
otters and pumas have all been sighted on the banks of the river. In
between the harder rapids there is plenty of time to take in the
awesome scenery and marvel at the near sheer sided gorge down which
we are travelling.
Top rapids include Batman's Cave, The Z, Three Hail Mary's and Purgatory, the latter an incredible foaming, high-sided canyon, with waves surrounding and pushing the boat forwards.
Many of the unnamed rapids provide as much fun and challenge, with chances to make the boat 'surf' into waves, spin the raft around with your new paddling skills or head to the front of the raft for some up close and personal wave action.
Day 3
Finally we reach a break in the canyon walls, and head down the last named rapid, the Last Laugh. It's far from the last one though, as some of the remaining rapids offer big waves, or on the gentler ones, a chance to swim a rapid or two.
At the end of the trip, we lift the raft to our waiting bus and hopefully a chilled beer! From here it is a short, two hour bus journey back to Cusco, passing on route the towering snow-capped SalKantay mountain.
On arrival in Cusco we drop you off
at your hotel for a well earned hotel bed, hot shower and perhaps
you will join us later to explore the delights of Cusco’s nightlife
and celebrate your successful descent of through the mighty Apurimac
canyon.
You could extend your trip by trekking the Inca Trail or visiting the Amazon.
Check out our Peru group trips, or our many tailor made Peru options. You can always contact the office for more information on tailor made and group options.
Included
All meals and water on rafting trip, rafts and equipment, domestic transportation, guide, camping 3 nights, communal camping equipment (tents, cutlery etc), wetsuit and boots, helmet, lifejacket, spleash jacket, thermarest sleeping mat, waterproof duffel bags, dining tent
Not included
International flights (we can look for prices for you), other meals, snacks and drinks, personal expenses, airport taxes, extra entrance fees, tips, alcoholic or soft drinks, laundry, personal clothing, sleeping bag, personal medical kit, sun cream etc
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