1 Day Peru River Rafting Upper Urubamba

1 Full Day Urubamba River Rafting | Peru River Rafting

The Urubamba river rafting experience takes you from the high Andean mountains down through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, past Machu Picchu and toward the jungle. Depending on the season and river section, the Urubamba offers fun and exciting white-water rapids. One of the most popular sections is Cusipata on the Upper Urubamba, known for its clean waters and enjoyable Class II–III rapids, making it perfect for a thrilling yet safe rafting adventure.

Cusco – Cusipata – Chuquicahuana – Urubamba

Duration of the trip:

Full Day

Total Distance

15 km

Physical Level:

Moderate

Altitude:

3300 m.a.s.l

Type of Tour:

Rafting Nature & Culture

Group SIze:

02 Min - 08 Max

River Rafting at Cusipata: An Unforgettable Adventure in the Sacred Valley

River rafting at Cusipata, located along the scenic Urubamba River, offers an exciting and unique adventure amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a first-time rafter, this thrilling experience combines the rush of white-water rapids with the beauty of Peru’s natural wonders.

As you paddle through Class II and III rapids, you’ll be surrounded by towering mountains, lush valleys, and the rich cultural heritage of the region. The Urubamba River provides the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, with moments of exhilarating rapids followed by calm stretches where you can soak in the surroundings.

Professional guides ensure your safety and provide expert instructions, making it a great experience for families, friends, and groups of all skill levels. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Inca ruins, vibrant flora, and possibly some wildlife, all set against the backdrop of the Andes.

Rafting at Cusipata is more than just a thrilling ride, it’s a chance to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re planning a day trip from Cusco or as part of a broader Sacred Valley adventure, this rafting experience is a must-do for anyone looking to add a touch of excitement to their Peruvian journey.

1 Full Day Urubamba River Rafting Overview

TOUR NAME: Rafting Upper Urubamba River Full Day
100% LOCAL COMPANY: fully licensed River Rafting Tour Operator, Highly Recommended! Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor & Youtube what our Passengers say about us
STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco & Sacred Valley Hotel/Airbnb. From 6:30 am to 7:00 am
ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb
DEPARTURE: Daily
HIKING DISTANCE: Rafting & Bus
PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 3. we Also recommend to Aclimatize 2 days before we begin the trek
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 3600 m.a.s.l
TRANSPORTATION: Cusco – Cusipata – Chuquicahuana – Cusco

1 Full Day Urubamba River Rafting Short Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco – Cusipata – Cusco

Why choose our Urubamba river rafting 1 day tour

If you want a break from ruins and want to feel the thrill of nature, our Urubamba River Rafting 1 Day is a great choice. The Upper Urubamba offers fun, lively rapids surrounded by open valleys, mountains, and fresh Andean air, it’s the kind of experience that makes you smile the whole way down the river.

You don’t need previous rafting experience to enjoy this trip. Our guides take the time to explain everything clearly and are always there to make sure you feel comfortable and safe. All the equipment is provided, so you can relax and focus on the adventure.

With transportation from Cusco, a well-earned lunch after rafting, and time to unwind by the river, this tour feels easy and well balanced. It’s a full day of excitement, laughter, and nature, and for many travelers, one of the most memorable days in Peru.

1 Full Day Urubamba River Rafting highlights

Scenic Views of the Sacred Valley – Rafting on the Urubamba River offers stunning views of the Sacred Valley’s lush greenery, majestic mountains, and Inca terraces.
Thrilling Rapids – The Urubamba River features Class II and III rapids, making it an exciting experience for both beginners and seasoned adventurers.
Safety First – Professional guides ensure your safety with top-notch equipment and detailed instructions, providing a fun but safe adventure for everyone.
Exhilarating Whitewater – The rapids on this river can get adrenaline-pumping, with sudden twists and turns, making it a thrilling ride down the water.
Pristine Nature – Surrounded by pristine nature, you’ll be rafting through untouched landscapes filled with colorful flora and fauna.
Cultural Connection – While rafting, you can learn about the culture and history of the Sacred Valley, with guides sharing insights into the indigenous people and their traditions.
Accessible for All Skill Levels – The rapids on the Urubamba are suitable for families, beginners, and experienced rafters alike, making it an accessible adventure for all.
Rafting Near Machu Picchu – It’s one of the most scenic rafting locations in the area, close to the world-renowned Machu Picchu, making it a perfect addition to your Peru adventure.
Adventure Beyond the Rapids – After rafting, enjoy other activities like a swim in the river or a picnic by the water, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your day.
Perfect for Groups and Families – Whether you’re with friends, family, or fellow adventurers, the Urubamba River rafting experience provides a memorable group activity with a mix of fun and teamwork.

DAY 1
Cusco – Cusipata – Chuquicahuana – Cusco+

Urubamba river rafting includes:

Transportation(shared Group)from Cusco to the put-in at the River
All the rafting equipment, such as Helmet, Life jacket, paddle, self-bailing Raft
Spray Jacket, wet Suit
Professional English-speaking Rafting guide
Delicious lunch
Transportation back from the River

Urubamba river rafting doesn´t include

Tips (optional)
Travel and health insurance. (bring copies with you please): Quechuas Expeditions highly recommend getting insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss, and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance, and emergency medical expense insurance.

1 Full Day Urubamba River Rafting (Prices for 2026)

Availability: Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You are Going, We won’t cancel your Trip !!!

How to Book?: Send us all Your Personal information, as well as a Deposit of 30% and the Final Balance, which will be paid once you are in Cusco.

Group Service: Price per person: US$90

(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities)

Private Service: Price per person: US$220

Recommended for Honeymooners, Families with children & Groups of Friends (02 Person Minimum)

Travel Guide for Urubamba river rafting 1 day

The rafting tour takes place on the Upper Urubamba River (Cusipata section), one of the cleanest and most scenic parts of the river
Located about 1.5 to 2 hours from Cusco, making it an easy full-day trip
Round-trip transportation from Cusco is included, so you don’t need to worry about logistics
Best time to go rafting is during the dry season (April to October)
Rapids are Class II–III, ideal for beginners and adventure seekers
Professional guides and full safety equipment are provided

What you need to bring on Urubamba River Rafting:

Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting wet
Swimwear (to wear under your clothes)
Lightweight towel
Change of dry clothes for after the rafting
Water shoes or sturdy sandals with good grip
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Hat or cap for sun protection
Personal toiletries
Small amount of cash for extra expenses or tips

FAQs about Urubamba River Rafting 1 day

Before booking your Urubamba River Rafting 1 Day adventure, it’s normal to have a few questions. Below you’ll find the most common FAQs to help you feel confident, prepared, and excited about your rafting experience.

1. What is the best time of year for Urubamba River rafting?

The best time is during the dry season, from April to October, when river conditions are ideal and weather is more stable.

2. What is the difficulty level of the rafting?

The Urubamba River at Cusipata features Class II–III rapids, making it fun and safe for beginners while still exciting for experienced rafters.

3. How long does the rafting experience last?

The rafting section on the river lasts about 2 to 3 hours, depending on water levels and weather conditions.

4. Is this rafting tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, absolutely. No previous rafting experience is needed. Guides provide a full safety briefing before entering the river.

5. Do I need to know how to swim?

Swimming skills are helpful but not required. You’ll wear a life jacket at all times and be assisted by professional guides.

6. Is Urubamba River rafting safe?

Yes. The tour is led by experienced, certified guides and includes proper safety equipment to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.

7. What equipment is provided?

You’ll be provided with a helmet, life jacket, paddle, wetsuit, and raft.

8. How far is Cusipata from Cusco?

Cusipata is about 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Cusco, making it a perfect full-day adventure.

9. Is there an age limit for rafting?

Generally, participants should be 10 years or older. Upper age limits depend on physical condition.

10. Is the tour physically demanding?

A basic level of fitness is recommended, but the tour is suitable for most travelers in good health.

11. What happens if the weather is bad?

In case of unsafe weather conditions, the tour may be rescheduled or refunded, depending on the situation.

Book now with us

    
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sara D 
 
 
 
 Verified 10/10 Experience - Would Recommend!
We had an amazing time on the Salkantay 5 Day Trek. Before the trip started, Quechuas had great communication and was very accommodating to our travel schedule, including adjusting our briefing time with our guide.The skydome accomodations were great (all fairly spacious, with exception of night 2, which was fine as we didn’t spend much time there), the food was delicious (a great variety and always more than enough to go around) and the trek itself was beautiful. Our guide Steven, as well as second guide Jorge, were very patient, knowledgeable and kind to us and the others in our group - not only did we get to see incredible scenery but we also learned a lot about the local landscape and culture.We rented sleeping bags, which we would highly recommend. We brought our own hiking poles but would recommend renting if you don’t bring your own.Overall, an amazing experience and we would highly recommend this company.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Matthew W 
 
 
 
 Verified Seamless and Supportive Inca Trail Experience – Highly Recommend
We recently completed the 4-day Classic Inca Trail trek with Quechuas Expeditions in June 2025, and overall had a fantastic experience that struck the perfect balance between physical challenge and logistical ease.Our guide, Fernando (“Nando”), was outstanding—passionate, deeply knowledgeable about the trail’s rich history, and highly supportive throughout. He kept our group motivated and informed, and managed different paces and needs with professionalism and care. His English was great, and he always made time to answer questions or share interesting stories along the way.The porter and chef team were phenomenal. Every meal was different, delicious, and plentiful—we were never hungry, and dietary needs (including vegan and vegetarian) were handled without issue. They even baked a custom cake on the trail for a couple’s anniversary, which speaks volumes about their care and capability. The porters themselves were friendly, warm, and constantly going above and beyond to support us.Quechuas provided tents, sleeping bags, a toilet tent, and hot water for face washing each morning, plus coca tea as a wake-up touch. The duffel service was useful, though we did find the weight limits a bit tighter than expected once you factor in the sleeping bag. In the end, we paid for an extra porter—which was easy to arrange but worth noting for those planning their packing. One thing we didn’t know in advance: the porter bags aren’t waterproof, so future trekkers may want to use dry bags or line the inside with plastic.Another small consideration: due to how campsites are assigned (by the government, not the tour company), some days ended up being longer than the traditional day-by-day breakdown you might read online. While not Quechuas’ fault, for myself, as much heads-up as possible would’ve helped with my own mental preparation.All said, Quechuas Expeditions delivered where it mattered most. The logistics were smooth, the staff was superb, and their support allowed us to focus on enjoying the trail and the breathtaking views without worrying about the rest. This is a company that knows what it’s doing.Would I recommend them? Absolutely—whether you’re a first-time trekker or experienced hiker, they make an unforgettable journey that much more seamless and enjoyable. If I ever do this again, I would book with them without question, and if possible, request the exact same team. Thank you Fernando and team for a trip of a lifetime and memories that will stay with me forever 🙏
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Arianna O 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing trip on the Inca Trail with Quechuas Expeditions
I never imagined that the Inca Trail could be so transformative. My partner and I decided to do the classic 4-day trek with Quechuas Expeditions and, honestly, it exceeded all our expectations. From the very first moment we felt very welcome. The service was impeccable, they were always attentive to our needs, solving all our doubts before and during the trek.The hike was not easy, but the views, the fresh mountain air and the energy of the group kept us going without thinking about how tiring it was. The meals at the campsites surprised us pleasantly, we really did not expect so much variety and flavor in the middle of the mountain. And the end, reaching Machu Picchu through the sun gate (Inti Punku) was simply magical, there are no words to describe that moment. It is definitely a unique experience that connects you with the history, culture and nature of Peru. Thank you Quechuas Expeditions for making this trip so special!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   naomiammar 
 
 
 
 Verified Hardest challenge of my life but worth it
One of the hardest things I have ever done (definitely underestimate the difficulty level), and I don’t know if I would have made it if it wasn’t for our awesome guide Frenando and all the amazing staff we had. What a fantastic group of people. The porters are so hard working, it’s so humbling. The chef Taco was fantastic! I am vegan and he made me the most amazing food the entire time. I couldn’t believe it. And then our guide Fernando topped it all. Knowledgeable, professional yet fun, very personable, very patient (we were slow!) and very encouraging. If you are considering taking on this challenge, I highly recommend Quechua’s Expeditions and if you can request Fernando. E sure to do so. He’s been doing this for 19yrs!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   cade c 
 
 
 
 Verified Awesome trek
We really enjoyed our trip. It was challenging and also rewarding. Beautiful views and even better food. I can’t rave enough about our cook Santiago! Food was unbelievable. Jose did a fantastic job leading us along the way. He did a good job of explaining what we are seeing! Looking for a physical challenge with beautiful views this is the trek for you.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Lola U 
 
 
 
 Verified Demanding, enriching and unforgettable thanks to the human team
I will always be grateful to the rich food and attentions of Santiago, the cook, the professionalism and good advice of José, the guide, the kindness of the helpers, who have made it possible to improve the experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Julia C. 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing trek, amazing guide and staff
The Salkantay Trek was absolutely stunning, domes and the views were great with hot water available. What the trek made very special was our guide Nildo. Also, the chef Julian, horseman and second guide were incredible too. Nildo was knowledgeable, caring and passionate about everything he shared. I cannot imagine a better guide :-) Everything was very well organized.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Emelie A 
 
 
 
 Verified Hike of a lifetime!
We had the most amazing time! The different sceneries along the trek are just unbelievable and although being two fairly unfit persons we could enjoy it all the way. Fernando and Steven are terrific guides making sure we were all comfortable and happy at all times. The food and accommodations along the way were also a lot more luxurious than what we’d expected. Would 100% recommend this to anyone who’s up for a hike!!

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