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We begin with a 1 hr tour of the Maras salt mines followed by a short trek down to the Vilcanota "Urubamba" river for a 5 hr rafting trip through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Don't plan on getting too wet on this river class I and II. Instead, bring your binoculars for picturesque Andean surroundings, native birds and pot-holed cliffs. Bring your backpack for continuing on to Machu Picchu by train or Inca Trail. This is an excellent intro to packrafting which can connect your Machu Picchu trip or return to Cusco.
Duration
Difficulty
Rapids Class
Rafting Distance
Rafting Duration
River Speed
Water Quality
Bugs?
Full Day
1 of 5
1-2
16-26km/10-16.2mi
4 - 5 hrs
4-6kph/3-4mph
Fair
None
Cusco - Maras
We take a car from Cusco 40 min to the salt mines of Maras where we will have a 1 hr guided tour of over 1000 naturally occuring salt mines. From here we walk down a trail (40 min) to the Vilcanota "Urubamba" river and our starting point where we will begin rafting.
Maras - Pachar
We raft through winding canyons and valleys with plenty of slow sections for taking photos until we near the Pachar bridge.
Pachar Puente
Here while we have lunch we watch the locals fish from the bridge or observe the zipliners and sky lodges of "Via Ferrata" on the cliffs above.
Ollantaytambo - Cusco
We'll raft another hour or so until we reach Ollantaytambo and the train to Machu Picchu. We can get out here or raft another hour to Chillca depending on the group. From here we take a car to your hotel in Ollantaytambo or return to Cusco 1.5 hrs arriving at night.
Cusco - Maras
We take a car from Cusco 40 min to the salt mines of Maras where we will have a 1 hr guided tour of over 1000 naturally occuring salt mines. From here we walk down a trail (40 min) to the Vilcanota "Urubamba" river and our starting point where we will begin rafting. No experience required.
1 hr
Maras - Pachar
Leaving Maras we will have a few minutes and a very calm stretch of river where we can adjust our rafts and seats. This is a great time to get familiar with your paddle and raft. After this straight section we begin turning through the Sacred Valley taking in the mountainous scenery, quiet surroundings and local flora and fauna. We will see a variety of river birds such as Andean Gulls, Torrent Ducks, White-capped Dipper as well as jumping fish.
4.5 hrs
Pachar Puente
At about 6 miles we will pull over near the bridge at Pachar to have lunch and to observe the climbing course, zipline and sky lodges of Via Ferrata on the overhanging cliffs above. We will begin to plan out the rest of the trip, whether getting out at Ollantaytambo or further down river to Chillca.
boxed lunch
Meals L
Ollantaytambo - Cusco
After lunch we'll continue on to Ollantaytambo where we have the option to return to Cusco or portage our rafts around an impassable section to continue on to Chillca. This will depend on the group's preference and remaining daylight. After another hour or so arriving near Cachicata and Chillca we will find a quiet bank, pack up and taxi back to Cusco, arriving 7 - 8 pm.
1.5 hrs
Machu Picchu
Dry bags are provided for your day pack if wanting to continue on to Machu Picchu either by Train, Car or the Inca Trail.
| Group Size | Price/Person | Group Type | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $220 | Private | -- |
| 2 - 3 | $140 | Private | -- |
| 4 - 5 | $120 | Private | -- |
| 6 - 7 | $85 | Private | -- |
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| * Pickup from your Hotel * Private Transportation Cusco - Maras * Maras Guide * Trail/Rafting Guide * Entrance to Maras * Meals Boxed Lunch * All Rafts and Rafting Equipment * Return Transfer Ollantaytambo - Cusco |
-- |
| To Bring | Optional |
|---|---|
|
* Day Pack (if continuing on the Machu Picchu) * Raincoat or Poncho * Light Jacket * Hat or Cap and Sunblock * Snacks * Water (1.5 liters) * Sunglasses |
* Binoculars * Long Camera Lens |
