The Urubamba River, called the Vilcanota upstream, runs through the Sacred Valley and offers the best whitewater in the Cusco region. This day trip, run by a local company, picks you up in Cusco around half past eight, stops in Oropesa for the famous local bread, gives a safety briefing and then spends hours on the river before a lunch and change of clothes at the camp and two ziplines. The booking page gives the rapids as Class III and IV, one reviewer noted the dry-season rapids are Class III at most, and reviewers mention rafting from Cusipata. Included are the wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, rafting shoes, an English-speaking guide, a safety team, lunch with drinks, the zipline, and hotel pickup and drop-off. The total day is about eight hours and groups are capped at fifteen. The rating is 4.5 from forty-seven reviews, and reviewers range from age nine to sixty-nine, so it works for active families as well as couples.
Season changes the character of the trip. In the dry season from May to September the river is lower and the rapids are milder, which makes it forgiving for first-timers. In the rainy season from November to March water levels rise and the river becomes more powerful, and some visitors in that period found the zipline cancelled because of rain.
Safety is the central consideration with any whitewater activity: listen to the briefing, wear all the equipment, and follow your guide. The booking page does not recommend the trip for people with back problems, pregnant travelers or those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
Bring a swimsuit, a towel, a change of clothes and shoes you do not mind getting wet, plus sun protection and a waterproof bag for valuables. The booking page does not state a minimum age, so contact the operator if you are traveling with children. Cancellation up to 24 hours before the start gives a full refund. The Sacred Valley is at a lower altitude than Cusco, but the effort of paddling is still real, so a day or two of acclimatization helps.
Who it suits
Travelers who want a physical adventure alongside the ruins, active families with teenagers and groups of friends. Pair it with a rest day, and avoid scheduling it the day before an early train to Machu Picchu. For a more extreme challenge, the via ferrata and zipline day in this guide is the alternative, and for a gentler Sacred Valley day the full-day valley tour covers Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day rafting trip on the Vilcanota (Urubamba) River with lunch at camp and two ziplines, including all gear and hotel pickup in Cusco.
Best time
May to September for lower, milder water; the rainy season from November to March brings higher water and a risk of zipline cancellations.
How long
About eight hours, starting at half past eight in the morning.
Tips
Bring a swimsuit, towel and spare clothes, listen carefully to the safety briefing, and confirm age limits with the operator before booking children.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active travelers who want whitewater and a zipline in one day.
- Families
- Reviewers report participants from age nine upward; check the operator about minimum ages and the water level.
- Couples
- A fun shared adventure with a hot lunch in the middle.
- Pair with
- A rest day, the Pisac market or a Sacred Valley food stop.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
How strong are the rapids?+
The booking page gives Class III and IV, with milder water in the dry season. A reviewer noted Class III at most in the dry season.
What is included?+
Wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, rafting shoes, an English-speaking guide, a safety team, lunch, drinks at lunch, the zipline, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
What should I bring?+
A swimsuit, towel, a change of clothes, sun protection and shoes you do not mind getting wet.
Is it safe in the rainy season?+
Water is higher from November to March, and the zipline may be cancelled for rain. Follow your guide's advice and ask the operator about conditions.
Can I cancel?+
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund.
