From: £620
From: $826
We leave Cusco at 08.00 for a beautfiful drive to the Apurimac canyon – which takes around approx 3.30 hours. If we are lucky with the weather we sill get lovely views of the snow-capped Vilcanota mountains before we descend into the canyon to start our Apurimac white water rafting adventure.
The guides will inflate the rafts, load them up with our kit and all provisions, then after lunch we have a safety briefing on the art of white water rafting. Once we know what to expect we will set off on the rafts into the canyon in search of adventure. This is some of Peru’s very best white water rafting.
The river flows into an impressive, steep-sided gorge which boasts many excellent rapids, class III and IV.
Between exhilarating rapids there is a chance for a breather and to float gently along, enjoying the breathtaking scenery. From time to time there is a possibility of jumping out of the raft to look at waterfalls and colonial bridges.
The night is spent camping on a deserted beach, enjoying a cooked meal, a nice drink and some camaraderie around our camp fire.
Today we have some more great rafting.
We float gently between the rapids, and may porterage if water levels are low. Always keep an eye open for some Andean wildlife, we may spot Andean foxes, Torrent ducks, otters and even the Long-winged Vulture, the Andean Condor.
We reach a break in the canyon walls and stop for lunch. This is the end of the rafting trip and time for your drive back to Cusco. Sit back and enjoy the views.
It is a five-hour drive, more or less, to get back to Cusco. Hopefully we’ll see the summit of snow-capped Salkantay mountain on the way.
Camping on riverbanks.
For anyone who doesn’t mind getting wet!
Experienced and qualified guides are on hand to keep you (mostly) the right way. We are more interested in your ‘water confidence’ than your ability to swim. The only parameter is that you are mobile enough to help us get you back in the boat.
People of almost any fitness can enjoy this trip – you need to be able to paddle for short bursts, with pauses, over a few hours.
Evening meals are usually pasta or rice dishes served in the dining tent, and almost all dietary requirements can be catered for – please enquire.
After eating, you can choose to socialise with team members, relax in your tent take in the views.
On the second day, you usually wake early, around 07.00. Your meals are prepared and served to you and will be a mix of hot drinks, cereals, fruits and toast with jams.
Lunch will be either sandwiches or meat and cheese, with snacks etc.
All the guides on this tour come to us as recommendations from our current guides. They are very careful who they recommend.
Training is a vital investment in our guides to ensure the security and safety of all our trips.
All the guides are all qualified in first aid, taught by instructors brought over from the UK.
River guides: All our white water rafting and kayaking guides hold the internationally recognised “Swiftwater Rescue Technician Advanced” qualification.
A flawless Peruvian journey combining the spectacular Inca Trail with an unforgettable Amazon wildlife adventure.
A seamless journey from the jungles of Manu to the heights of the Inca Trail, with fantastic guides and a perfect stay at Cusco’s charming Amaru Hotel.
Our family-friendly guides make your Apurimac rafting trip down the Black Canyon stretch of white water rapids an exhilarating time.
The Apurimac canyon and its river rafting is one of the world’s hidden white water rivers, suitable for beginners and families.
Peru is the perfect holiday destination for adventure travellers that want an amazing variety of activity, geography and cultural travel experiences.
The breadth of travel experiences in Peru is breathtaking – from trekking in the Andes to Machu Picchu to the tropical jungle of the Amazon, and plenty in between.
The people of Peru make it a special destination too, with its colourful and traditional street life and friendly locals.
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.
Rafting means you are frequently being cooled by river water and may not notice how strong the sun is.
Good sun cream, a hat and sunglasses are vital.
Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.
Below is a more detailed guide.
A flawless Peruvian journey combining the spectacular Inca Trail with an unforgettable Amazon wildlife adventure.
A seamless journey from the jungles of Manu to the heights of the Inca Trail, with fantastic guides and a perfect stay at Cusco’s charming Amaru Hotel.
