White-water raft the Apurímac river – Granite canyon 5-day experience

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco

Arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ). Private transfer to Hotel Tierra Viva Centro Cusco. Free day to acclimatize.

• Overnight in Tierra Viva or similar
• Meals: none
  

Day 2: Cusco to Rafting starting point

Scenic drive across a 4,000 m pass with views of the Vilcanota range. Arrive at Huallpachaca trailhead, inflate rafts, and load supplies. Full safety briefing and rafting instruction. Afternoon descent through class II–III rapids.

• Overnight in camp on remote sandy beach.
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
  

Day 3: Granite Canyon Rapids

Morning rafting through dramatic canyon scenery. Rapids include Tres Marías and Gates of Purgatory (class III–IV). Occasional portages required. Wildlife sightings possible (otters, Andean foxes).

• Overnight in camp on sandy beach.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  

Day 4: Final Rapids to Cusco

Run class III–IV rapids such as Babalua and Last Laugh. Afternoon take-out at canyon’s end, then scenic drive back to Cusco via Salkantay range.

• Overnight at Hotel Tierra Viva Centro Cusco.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  

Day 5: Departure from Cusco

Morning at leisure. Private transfer to airport for international or onward flights.

• Meals: Breakfast

• Airport transfers (Cusco)
• 4 nights’ accommodation (2 hotel, 2 camping)
• All meals except Day 1 (none) & Day 5 (breakfast only)
• Professional English-speaking rafting guides (Swiftwater Rescue certified)
• Safety kayaker & support crew
• All rafting gear (rafts, helmets, wetsuits, lifejackets, paddles, splash jackets, boots)
• Camping gear (tents, mats, dining setup)
• Snacks & water

• International flights
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Sleeping bag (available for rent)
• Single supplement (for hotel nights)
• Alcoholic/soft drinks beyond water
• Personal expenses & tips

• Quick-dry clothes for rafting
• Swimsuit
• Sandals/water shoes
• Warm layers for evenings
• Rain jacket
• Sleeping bag (–5 °C, can be rented)
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Headlamp
• Personal toiletries & meds
• Dry bag for valuables

Andean Highlands: Cold nights often drop close to freezing (0–5 °C / 32–41 °F), while days are usually sunny and range between 15–20 °C / 59–68 °F. Layering is essential to manage the strong contrasts..

Canyon: sunny days, dry climate, warm afternoons.

Best rafting season: May–Nov (low water = safer, technical rapids). Dec–Apr (rainy season) limited departures.

Hotel and camping

• 2 nights in Hotel Tierra Viva Centro Cusco
• 2 nights Riverside camping

Fly into Cusco (CUZ).

• Private transfers included (airport–hotel–airport).
• Overland transport Cusco ↔ Huallpachaca (3.5 hrs) for rafting.

What is this adventure about?

It’s a 3-day rafting expedition through the Granite Canyon of the Apurímac River, one of Peru’s most remote and spectacular whitewater experiences, featuring
world-class rapids and camping in pristine canyons.

How difficult is it?

Challenging. The river section includes Class III to V rapids, making it suitable for adventurous travelers in good shape, preferably with some rafting experience.

Where does it start?

Trips begin and end in Cusco. Transport is included to the put-in and back from the take-out.

What’s not included?

• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Tips for guides
• Personal gear (clothing, shoes, etc.)
• Alcoholic beverages

What should I bring?

• Quick-dry clothes and swimsuit
• River sandals or secure water shoes
• Sleeping bag (can often be rented)
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses with strap
• Personal medications
• A detailed packing list is provided upon booking.

When is the best season?

May to October is the ideal window. Water levels are safe
and weather conditions are optimal.

What makes it unique?

You’ll raft through deep, isolated canyons with no phone signal or crowds, sleep under the stars, and paddle some of the best rapids in South America, all with top-level guides and logistics.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our adventures and you’ll need to share your policy details before departure. Your cover must include overseas medical treatment, emergency evacuation/repatriation, baggage and equipment, plus all the activities in your itinerary.

We also strongly recommend cancellation and curtailment cover in case illness or other unforeseen events prevent you from travelling.

Standard policies often exclude adventure activities, so please check the fine print. Many travelers choose World Nomads for adventure, focused protection, select the policy that fits your needs and fully covers your trip.