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.
For the next two days we challenge the rapids of the mighty Apurimac. “Apu – rimac”, in Quechua, means “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:
Purgatory is 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 2: The rapid called “The portage” – it’s a monster class 5 that is totally un-runnable with clients. The walk round takes about 15 minutes and then you have to wait for the guides to bring the rafts around which might take another 25 minutes or so.
Day 2: Space Odyssey – another big class 5 rapid. A 10 minute walk and 15 minute walk to bring rafts around.
Day 2: Gates of Purgatory – we run the first part of this big class 4+ and then have the clients walk the final 20m.
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.
Day 3: Tooth Ache rapid – a monster class 5. Total walk time 15 – 20 minutes, then you have to wait 30 minutes for the guides to bring the boats down.
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.
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.
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 seamless and inspiring trek from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu, uncovering Peru’s ancient wonders with a great group.
A breathtaking Amazon trek filled with wildlife encounters, serene lodges, and unforgettable rainforest experiences.
With exhilarating rapids and awesome, wilderness scenery, the Rio Apurimac mixes grade 3, 4 and 4+ rapids.
The Apurimac is justifiably gaining a reputation as one of the world’s top rafting holidays.
It can be rafted in 3 days from Cusco, and no acclimatisation is needed so you can head straight into the adrenaline-pumping waves.
From: $826 per person
Duration
2 days
Peru is made up of 3 distinct geographical areas: the coast, the mountains and the jungle.
The costa or coastal region is a narrow ribbon of desert 2,250 km long, crossed by fertile river valleys flowing from the Andes. It takes up 11% of the country and holds more than 40% of the population.
The cold Humboldt current gives rise to a blanket of mist – the garua – which hangs above coastal cities like the capital Lima from May to November.
Heading east, you’re soon climbing above the garua and into the Andes. The sierra, or mountainous region, covers some 25% of Peru’s territory and contains 50% of the population. The sierra inhabitants are mainly Indigenous or Mestizo, and many still speak Quechua or Aymara.
The sierra contains dozens of 6,000-metre snow peaks and volcanoes, including Huascaran (6,768m) the highest mountain in the tropics. The deep valley basins contain most of the towns and arable land; the terracing and canal systems of the Incas and pre-Incas are often still used today.
The eastern Andes are heavily forested up to 3,350m and sweep down into the Amazon Basin.
Peru’s selva or jungle makes up almost two thirds of the country’s area, but holds only about 6% of the population: the only towns with significant populations are Iquitos and Pucallpa.
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.
You can also read about the weather of Peru in our blog.
You can also read about the weather of Peru in our blog.
Peru is located in the southern tropics (latitudes 0º to 18º), but climate varies significantly according to season, altitude and region.
From May to October, Lima is often overcast, but with minimal precipitation. There are sunny spells, and it’s a fresh to pleasant 13-20ºC.
At the same time, inland areas and the north coast mid to high 20’s ºC.
November to April is generally warm and sunny and Lima enjoys warm temperature of 19-25ºC, with the coast averaging 22-30ºC.
Climate depends largely on altitude. As a rule of thumb, below 2,000m climate is mild and above 2,000m warm clothing is required for evenings, nights and early mornings.
The Andean sun is very strong.
Cusco (3,300m): Average max/min temps: 22ºC /2ºC. Average 3 or 4 wet days per month.
Arequipa (2,380m): Average max/min temps: 26ºC /9ºC. Sunny more than 340 days/year with minimal precipitation.
On highland treks: Conditions are generally dry. However, at this time of year, expect a range of conditions within a single day: cold/freezing nights at camps above 4,000m, where pre-dawn temperatures can be -5ºC; warm, spring-like mornings and afternoons; and cold evenings.
Note that mountain weather can be fickle and localised, and that precipitation is not unknown in the dry season. Expect temperatures to swing between sun and shade, sheltered and exposed ground and with altitude gain and loss. A quick-setting sun means temperatures drop fast.
In the cloud forest, e.g. around Machu Picchu, daytime conditions are generally warm or hot, and evenings cool.
Cusco: Average max/min temps: 23ºC /6ºC. Average 13 wet days per month.
Arequipa: Average max/min temps: 25ºC /14ºC.
On highland treks: Wetter conditions, with cooler days and milder nights than dry season. Jan-Mar usually the wettest months.
Year-round, weather conditions are hot and humid and there is always the risk of rain.
There is a ‘dry season’ in Tambopata and Manu between May and October. The average daytime high temperature is between 25°C and 34°C and the average nighttime low is between 16°C and 22°C. Heavy downpours typically occur every few days.
Around 80% of annual average rainfall – approx 2,000 mm in Manu and Tambopata and 1,400 mm in Iquitos – occurs in the wet season Nov-April.
On rare occasions, between May and September, cold fronts from Argentina – ‘friajes’ – can sweep into southwest Amazonia and push temperatures down to 9°C. (Friajes usually last between 1 and 3 days).
A seamless and inspiring trek from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu, uncovering Peru’s ancient wonders with a great group.
A breathtaking Amazon trek filled with wildlife encounters, serene lodges, and unforgettable rainforest experiences.
