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Highlights
Raft among incredible canyon views along the stunning Apurimac River
Get lost in some of Peru’s best scenery, like the impressive black and granite canyons flanking the Apurimac River.
Spend a night camping at a secluded, remote beach, where the hums of the river act as your natural white noise.
Raft through Class III and IV rapids—following the trusted experience of your guide—and feel your adrenaline spike!
Enjoy relaxing floating periods, giving yourself a chance to bask in the scenery as you ride along this sacred river to the Incas.
Brand new - this fantastic two-day guided rafting tour in Peru is only possible due to a new bridge giving access to this once remote location. The Black Canyon of the Rio Apurimac is one of the world's hidden gems of white water.
Combining a mix of exhilarating rapids, awesome scenery, deserted sandy beaches and great hikes to explore, this lovely class III – IV section of the Rio Apurimac is ideal for anyone looking for a true wilderness white water experience close to Cusco. It is suitable for travelers twelve years of age and up.
No previous rafting experience is necessary as full safety instruction and a safety talk is given, so even the most novice crews are expertly trained up to meet the challenges and thrills of this journey of a lifetime.
The guides and safety kayakers are all trained up to Swiftwater Rescue Four and are amongst the best and most experienced raft guides in the country.
Please note that this tour can be extended up to 4-days as there is so much to explore in the Black Canyon! Please inquire and we’ll be happy to customize this itinerary just for you!
Brand new - this fantastic two-day guided rafting tour in Peru is only possible due to a new bridge giving access to this once remote location. The Black Canyon of the Rio Apurimac is one of the world's hidden gems of white water.
Combining a mix of exhilarating rapids, awesome scenery, deserted sandy beaches and great hikes to explore, this lovely class III – IV section of the Rio Apurimac is ideal for anyone looking for a true wilderness white water experience close to Cusco. It is suitable for travelers twelve years of age and up.
No previous rafting experience is necessary as full safety instruction and a safety talk is given, so even the most novice crews are expertly trained up to meet the challenges and thrills of this journey of a lifetime.
The guides and safety kayakers are all trained up to Swiftwater Rescue Four and are amongst the best and most experienced raft guides in the country.
Please note that this tour can be extended up to 4-days as there is so much to explore in the Black Canyon! Please inquire and we’ll be happy to customize this itinerary just for you!
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Black Canyon of the Apurimac Rafting Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Black Canyon to Camp 1
You head out from Cusco for the spectacular drive to the Apurimac Canyon, hopefully glimpsing the snow-capped Vilcanota mountain range before descending into the canyon to start your Apurimac rafting adventure. Here your guides inflate your specialized rafts, load them up with provisions, and after a full safety talk and instruction in the art of white water rafting, you head off into the canyon in search of adventure.
For the next two days you enjoy some of the least visited, but in our opinion, some of the best rafting available in Peru.
The river enters a truly impressive steep sided gorge where you run many excellent class III and IV rapids. In between the rapids, there are relaxing floats through breath-taking scenery. You also have the opportunity to get out and explore waterfalls and colonial bridges.
At night you camp on a deserted beach and enjoy great food, a few drinks and great camaraderie around the campfire. Those who want can even learn to make Peru’s national cocktail- the Pisco Sour.
Overnight Location: Camping at a remote location
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Raft the Black Canyon and return to Cusco
More great Peru rafting today. Depending on water levels there may be an odd portage between the fun rapids. There are also stretches to just sit and float down the river and enjoy being in this fantastic location.
Keep an eye out as you go for Andean Foxes, Torrent Ducks, otters and even Condors.
Finally, you reach a break in the canyon walls in time for lunch. From here it is a four to five-hour drive back to Cusco, with views of the towering snow- capped Salkantay Mountain along the way.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Black Canyon of the Apurimac Rafting Tour
This guided rafting tour in Peru is run as a private tour for your group and the price depends on the number of people in your group. The prices below are per person. The best time to visit Peru for rafting is the drier season, which tends to be May-November. Rafting is not possible in the wetter season due to high water levels.Please note that the prices depend on the size of your group.
This tour is subject to non-standard cancellation terms:
- 65 days or more prior to departure: 100% of tour costs returned
- Between 36 and 64 days prior to departure: 70% of tour costs returned, less whatever is already paid out in full for non-refundable train tickets and hotel nights.
- 35 days or less prior to departure: Work proactively to return as much of customer fees as possible, though in some cases this may be a minor amount due to fixed costs incurred as part of the tour.
- Once tour starts: No refunds will be provided for any unused portion of a tour once the tour begins, including if a guest leaves a tour for any reason or has to be removed from a tour.
- Guided groups of 2: USD935
- Guided groups of 3: USD975
- Guided groups of 4: USD725
- Guided groups of 5-6: USD600
- Guided groups of 7: on request
Accommodation on Black Canyon of the Apurimac Rafting Tour
This adventure tour will have you camping in secluded, remote locations along the Apurimac River. You will be provided with all camping gear except for your sleeping bag.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
You can opt for a single tent on this trip.
What’s Included in the Black Canyon of the Apurimac Rafting Tour?
Meals
1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner are included on this tour.
Accommodations
You will be provided with camping equipment (except sleeping bags) for one night.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for yourself and your luggage is included throughout the tour starting from pick-up in Cusco on day 1, to drop-off in Cusco on day 2.
Also Included
- Swift Water Rescue trained English-speaking guide
- Whitewater safety equipment
- Camping gear (except for sleeping bags)
- Safety boat
Not included
- Flights to and from Cusco
- Personal expenses
- Drinks or snacks
- Tour guide gratuities
Optional Extras
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Nights before or after the tour in Cusco
- Sleeping bag rental in Cusco
- How hard is the Black Canyon of the Apurimac Rafting Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
- Are meals included on the Black Canyon of the Apurimac Rafting Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Cusco to start this tour?
- Is the Black Canyon of the Apurimac Rafting Tour guided?
- Where does the Black Canyon of the Apurimac Rafting Tour end?
- Are equipment rentals included?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Peru?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Peru?
This tour is rated as a 4/5. You will be rafting through sections of Class III and IV rapids and camping in the wild, but those who haven’t tried white water rafting before are still welcome! We recommend being reasonably fit and comfortable in and around the water to get the most out of this tour. This tour is suitable for travelers 12 years of age or older.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner are included on this tour.
Yes, you will need to acquire travel insurance that covers rafting. Get your travel insurance.
You can fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco.
Yes, you will have an English-speaking guide for the duration of the tour.
The tour ends in Cusco.
Rafting and camping equipment is included. You’re responsible for bringing a sleeping bag. Please bring any additional equipment desired.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
Amazonas Explorer has been running high-end adventure travel tours in Peru for over 30 years. They offer both customizable and pre-set tours so your group can choose the perfect adventure.
British owned and Peruvian operated, Amazonas Explorer adheres to the highest European standards using the finest equipment available.
Amazonas Explorer knows you may only visit Peru once, so they aim to make that experience exceptional.
