Southern Valley: Rafting and Zipline in Cusipata | Full Day|

Southern Valley: Rafting and Zipline in Cusipata | Full Day is a fantastic choice if you’re craving a mix of outdoor adventure and breathtaking scenery. For $80 per person, you’ll spend about 10 hours exploring two of the region’s most engaging activities—rafting on the serene Cusipata River and soaring over the South Valley on a zipline. Guided by bilingual professionals, this tour promises an active day that balances adrenaline with natural beauty.

What we love about this tour is the chance to disconnect and enjoy less crowded waters for rafting, giving you a more peaceful experience on the Cusipata River, away from the busier tourist spots. Plus, the zipline offers spectacular views of the Andean landscape, making for memorable photo opportunities. A minor drawback is the long duration—10 hours—so it’s best suited for those ready for a full day of physical activity. Overall, it’s perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, or anyone looking to add some excitement to their Cusco trip.

Key Points

• Authentic adventure with rafting in a quiet, pristine river setting.
• Spectacular panoramic views from the zipline over the South Valley.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation and pay later.
• Small group experience, limited to 15 participants, offering a more personal touch.
• Includes necessary equipment and a picnic, ensuring you’re well-prepared.
• Not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or vertigo.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Details: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This full-day experience begins bright and early, with hotel pickup and a scenic drive to Cusipata, a quiet village southeast of Cusco. The Cusipata River, located in the Quispicanchi province, is an ideal spot for rafting because of its clean waters and fewer crowds. This means you get to enjoy the thrill of navigating gentle rapids without the chaos often found on more popular rivers.

The Itinerary: A Structured Adventure with Natural Highlights

Your adventure kicks off with a safety briefing and gear-up session after arriving at Cusipata. From there, it’s into the water—riding the Urubamba River’s rapids—which is a mix of gentle stretches and more exciting sections suitable for beginners but still offering enough splash and adrenaline to make it memorable. As you paddle through the water, you’ll love the way the landscape opens up, revealing lush green valleys and towering mountain peaks—a true slice of Andean scenery.

Following the rafting, a picnic lunch by the river allows you to relax and savor the fresh mountain air while refueling for the next activity. The highlight thereafter is the zipline—flying over the South Valley, you’ll experience the sensation of gliding high above the fields and rocky outcroppings. The views are remarkable, giving you a true sense of the vastness and beauty of the landscape.

The tour wraps up with transportation back to Cusco, leaving you with a sense of achievement and great memories. The small group size (max 15) ensures personalized attention, and the bilingual guides make sure everyone understands the safety instructions while sharing interesting local insights.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $80, the package is quite comprehensive—your cost covers hotel pick-up and drop-off, minibus transportation, professional bilingual guides, necessary equipment, and the picnic meal. It’s worth noting that additional expenses or entrance fees are not included, so you might want to bring some extra cash for souvenirs or snacks.

The Experience from Travelers’ Perspectives

Many reviews highlight how this tour balances adventure and scenery well. One traveler mentioned, “The rafting was surprisingly peaceful, and the views afterwards on the zipline were simply stunning.” Others appreciated the small group setting, which made the experience more intimate and less rushed. A few noted that the long duration might be tiring, but most felt it was a fair trade for such a full day of activity.

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Practical Tips and What to Bring

You’ll want to dress in comfortable, breathable clothes—think long pants and quick-drying shirts—and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and your passport or ID. The tour specifically advises against smoking, alcohol, or drugs, which is sensible given the physical nature of the activities.

The guides will contact you via WhatsApp the day before to confirm your pickup time, so make sure your contact information is correct. Travelers with mobility issues or concerns about vertigo should consider this tour carefully, as it is not suitable for pregnant women or those with certain health conditions.

Why This Tour Is a Great Fit

This tour is perfect for adventure lovers who enjoy outdoor activities with a scenic backdrop. If you’re someone who wants to combine a bit of adrenaline with authentic Andean landscapes, it offers excellent value and memorable experiences. It’s also suited for small groups, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a more personalized journey rather than bustling tour buses.

While it’s not a leisurely sightseeing day, the mix of water, wind, and mountain views ensures you’ll come away with stories to tell—and photos to prove it. Since it’s a full 10-hour commitment, it works best for those with a full day to spare and a good level of physical fitness.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour

This tour suits active travelers eager to try rafting and ziplining in a beautiful setting without breaking the bank. If you love outdoor adventure, scenic views, and small-group experiences, you’ll find this day well-spent. It’s also a great option for those visiting Cusco who want to experience something different from traditional sightseeing tours, with the bonus of avoiding crowded spots.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed day or have mobility constraints, you might want to consider other options. Still, for anyone ready to get their adrenaline pumping while soaking in the Andean vistas, this is a day worth booking.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour price? Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with minibus transportation to Cusipata.

What should I bring for the tour? You should bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and breathable, long pants suitable for outdoor activities.

How long is the tour? The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, including travel, activities, and lunch.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors? It’s best for those who are physically fit, as it involves water activities and outdoor adventure. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or vertigo.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance fees? Entrance fees are not included, so you may need to cover those separately.

How many people are in each group? The tour is limited to small groups of up to 15 participants for a more personalized experience.

What languages do guides speak? Guides are bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English.

If you’re craving an active, scenic adventure in Cusco’s surrounding valleys, the Southern Valley rafting and zipline tour offers a well-rounded option. With a mix of adrenaline, stunning views, and the opportunity to slow down and enjoy nature, it’s a day that will likely leave you with a smile—and probably some wet clothes and windblown hair to prove it.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby