From Pachar: White Water Rafting in Vilcanota and the Magic of Ollantaytambo

Leap into an exhilarating adventure of white water rafting in the Vilcanota River and immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Ollantaytambo.

Embark on an exhilarating adventure with the "From Pachar: White Water Rafting in Vilcanota and the Magic of Ollantaytambo" tour. Navigate thrilling Class II and III rapids, including the exciting Resbaladero, while enjoying the stunning scenery of the Sacred Valley. After your rafting experience, savor a traditional Andean lunch and explore the historic Ollantaytambo fortress, enjoying the rich cultural heritage of the region. This unforgettable day combines adrenaline and history seamlessly, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.

Key Points

  • Experience the thrill of navigating Class II and III rapids in the Vilcanota River, including the Resbaladero rapid.
  • Enjoy a traditional Andean lunch at a community-run restaurant and explore the historical Ollantaytambo fortress.
  • Convenient pickup and drop-off from Cusco, with an option for Sacred Valley pickup, for a seamless adventure.
  • Comprehensive tour package includes experienced guides, necessary equipment, and round-trip transfers.
  • Activity not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back issues, or heart problems due to safety considerations.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview and Pricing

The white water rafting adventure in Vilcanota offers visitors an exhilarating experience. Priced from $430.75 per person, this 8-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Participants will navigate Class II and III rapids on the Vilcanota River, including the challenging Resbaladero rapid. The tour also includes a traditional Andean lunch and a visit to the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress.

Pickup and drop-off from Cusco are included, with an option for Sacred Valley locations at an additional cost. Private groups can also be accommodated.

Itinerary Highlights

The canoeing adventure begins at the Pachar pier with a comprehensive safety briefing, preparing participants for the thrilling journey ahead.

Navigating the class II and III rapids of the Vilcanota River, they’ll experience the challenging Resbaladero class III rapid.

After conquering the river’s excitement, they’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at a local community-run restaurant, savoring authentic Andean dishes.

The tour culminates with a visit to the impressive ruins of the Ollantaytambo fortress, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Transportation and Accessibility

Pickup and drop-off from Cusco is included as part of the tour package.

For those staying in the Sacred Valley, there’s an option to get picked up and dropped off there for an additional fee.

The tour also offers a private group option, allowing you to customize the experience.

Whether you’re in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, the logistics are convenient and hassle-free.

The tour operator ensures a seamless start and end to your white water rafting adventure down the Vilcanota River and exploration of the historic Ollantaytambo fortress.

Inclusions and Exclusions

As part of the white water rafting experience, the tour package includes a number of essential elements. These include round-trip transfers from Cusco, an experienced tour guide, all the necessary canoeing and safety equipment, and a traditional Andean lunch at a local community-run restaurant.

However, the entrance fees to Ollantaytambo or Piquillacta, depending on the season, aren’t covered in the price. It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back issues, or those with heart problems.

Proper attire and a moderate fitness level are recommended for this adventure.

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Safety and Recommendations

Although the white water rafting adventure in Vilcanota offers an exciting and thrilling experience, it’s not suitable for everyone. Certain health conditions, such as pregnancy, back issues, or heart problems, may make this activity inappropriate. To ensure safety, participants are advised to bring the following items:

| Item | Recommendation |

| — | — |

| Swimwear | Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing |

| Change of clothes | Bring a dry change of clothes for after the activity |

| Towel | Bring a towel to dry off |

The difficulty level is moderate, and the canoeing area can vary depending on the season. Proper safety equipment and a knowledgeable guide will be provided to make the experience as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Thrilling White Water Adventure on the Vilcanota River

Setting out on a thrilling white water adventure, visitors to Vilcanota can expect an adrenaline-pumping experience navigating the Class II and III rapids of the Vilcanota River.

After a safety briefing at the Pachar pier, canoers will confront the challenging Resbaladero class III rapid. Navigating these turbulent waters requires skill and teamwork, as paddlers work together to maneuver their craft through the rushing currents.

The exhilaration of conquering the rapids is matched only by the stunning backdrop of the Andes mountains. This unforgettable adventure offers a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of white water rafting in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley.

Discovering the Architectural Marvels of Ollantaytambo

What makes the Ollantaytambo fortress so impressive? This Inca archaeological site boasts massive stone terraces and ruins that once served as a royal estate and religious center.

Visitors can marvel at the intricate stonework and imagine the vibrant community that thrived here centuries ago. The towering stone temples and expansive plazas offer a glimpse into the architectural prowess of the Inca civilization.

Wandering through the site’s winding streets and exploring the preserved Inca urban planning is a highlight of any trip to the Sacred Valley. The sheer scale and preservation of Ollantaytambo captivates all who witness its grandeur.

Taking in the Authentic Andean Cuisine and Culture

After exploring the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, the white water rafting adventure offers an opportunity to immerse in the authentic Andean cuisine and culture.

The journey includes:

  1. A traditional lunch at a local community-run restaurant, featuring a delectable selection of Andean dishes.

  2. Interaction with the indigenous community, providing insights into their way of life and cultural traditions.

  3. The chance to savor the flavors of the region, including locally sourced ingredients and time-honored cooking methods.

  4. An appreciation for the rich tapestry of Andean gastronomy and the vibrant cultural heritage it represents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Experienced Should Participants Be for This Activity?

Participants should have some prior experience with white water rafting, as the activity involves navigating Class II and III rapids. However, the tour provider offers a safety briefing and necessary equipment, making it suitable for adventurous first-timers as well.

Is There an Age Limit or Minimum Requirement?

The activity doesn’t have an age limit, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back issues, or heart problems. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the difficulty level varies by season.

Can People With Disabilities Participate in the Rafting?

People with disabilities can participate in the rafting activity, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back issues, or heart problems. The tour operator recommends discussing any concerns before booking to ensure the activity is appropriate.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This allows customers flexibility in their travel plans and provides them with the option to receive a full refund if they need to cancel their reservation.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

The tour offers some flexibility to customize the itinerary. While the core activities are fixed, customers can request adjustments such as pickup location or additional stops within reason, subject to availability and any applicable supplements.

The Sum Up

The "From Pachar: White Water Rafting in Vilcanota and the Magic of Ollantaytambo" tour delivers an exhilarating combination of white-water adventure and cultural exploration. Riders will navigate thrilling rapids, savor authentic Andean cuisine, and enjoy the rich history of Ollantaytambo. This unforgettable experience seamlessly blends adrenaline, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, making it a must-do for adventurous travelers in Peru’s Sacred Valley.

You can check availability for your dates here: