Rafting in Cusco

Most of the people after the Inca trail are tired and prefer to rest and have a shopping day in Cusco, but some people, few to be honest, want more adventure and excitement. If you ask for it, we will provide it. What we suggest is to do the rafting in Urubamba river, at least you don't have to walk on this one. In the morning a bus will pick you up from the hotel at 9 AM. They will drive you for 2 hours South of Cusco.

Once there, you have to change, it's funny to see yourself and travel partners struggling to fit into a wetsuit, specially if you have picked up the wrong size, ja!. But don't worry, you will find a wetsuit that will fit you. Afterwards, you have to pick up a helmet, a life-jacket and a paddle, once you are ready, you won't stop laughing, you look so funny, it's a Kodak moment.

Time to pull the raft to the river and to learn the commands. Once on the raft and far from the shore, the real fun starts. The river is smooth in the beginning, giving you the chance to practice the commands when the guide tells you, but don't worry, the bumps will come soon. You realize soon that the river is getting rougher, it's time to paddle as a madman. Suddenly the rapids show up, and you will see yourself paddling into it on the guide's command. You will be soak, even if you don't fall, water splash from everywhere, and it's cold, you will be glad that you are wearing the wetsuit.

After a group of rapids the river easies down for a while, giving you the chance to rest for a little while until the next one. The rapids are basically rocks and holes on the riverbed. Rapids are classified from I to VI, been VI the roughest. In the Urubamba river, the rapids are class II up to III+ and IV when the river is high after the rainy season.

After two hours and an half your ride is about to end, I suggest, if it's a sunny day, to jump into the water and flow with the river. Don't worry, the guide will get you to the shore or back on the boat. It is always another guide on a kayak who goes next to the raft to pick up the people who fall, and also he will take pictures, this is great because back in Cusco you can buy a CD with all the pictures taken.

Once back on the shore, the same bus will be waiting for you. After dry yourself and change your wetsuit for warm clothing, you will have a delicious lunch. Then a good nap on the ride back to Cusco.