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Inflatable Kayak Piñipampa

overview

Piñipampa kayaking

Embark on a serene and scenic half-day adventure with our Piñipampa Inflatable Kayaking & Pisac Market experience. Nestled just 45 minutes from Cusco, this peaceful section of the Vilcanota River (Urubamba) offers gentle Class I–II rapids—perfect for beginners or families. Glide through a beautiful canyon in one and two-person inflatable kayaks (“Duckies”), learn basic paddling skills with expert instruction, and spot rare torrent ducks in the wild. After a riverside picnic, you’ll have the option to explore Pisac’s vibrant craft market before returning to your hotel refreshed and inspired.

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Trip Highlights
  • Ideal for beginners: Easy paddling on tranquil Class I–II rapids.
  • Scenic canyon route: Navigate peaceful waters with dramatic Andean surroundings.
  • Wildlife spotting: Look out for the elusive torrent duck during your float.
  • Riverside picnic: Enjoy a tasty lunch in nature after your paddle.
  • Cultural bonus: Optional visit to the vibrant Pisac artisan market.
Included
  • Inflatable kayaks (solo or tandem “Duckies”)
  • Full safety and white-water gear (wetsuit, helmet, buoyancy aid, splash jacket, boots)
  • Safety boat and expert guidance from Swift Water Rescue–trained English-speaking guides
  • Picnic lunch, snacks, and drinking water
  • Round-trip transport to the river access point
NOT Included
  • Visit to Pisac craft market (optional and self-directed)
  • Breakfast and evening meals
  • Tours or entries not specified in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance and personal expenditures
  • Optional Tips

The Pinipampa section of the river Vilconata is clean, tranquil and incredibly beautiful. It lies just forty-five minutes outside Cusco and one hour from the Sacred Valley. The Class I-II rapids are perfect for beginners.

On arrival we inflate the one and two person kayaks, while you put on your wetsuits and life-jackets. Your guide will give you a full safety brief and instruction in the art of inflatable kayaking or “Duckies” as we like to call them.

The river starts gently with time to practice your technique, then builds up with a few fun rapids through a beautiful canyon where you may see the famous torrent ducks. After a final flat section where you can play some games, you reach the take out point where your dry clothes and a tasty picnic lunch will be waiting.

If you wish, a short drive takes you to Pisac. This beautiful town is famous for its daily craft market, selling everything from colourful textiles to hand-made bags. You will have time to fully explore the market and winding streets, before continuing to your hotel for the night. Alternatively you can head straight back to your hotel after canoeing.

Picnic Lunch

Summary
  • Beginner-Friendly Adventure: Easy Class I–II rapids, ideal for first-time paddlers.
  • Scenic & Peaceful: Paddle through a tranquil canyon with stunning Andean views.
  • Culture & Nature Combined: Enjoy a riverside picnic and optional visit to Pisac’s famous market.
Insider knowledge

Our inflatable kayaks—affectionately called “Duckies”—give you the freedom to navigate the river at your own pace while still enjoying the safety of expert guidance and a support boat. The Piñipampa stretch is one of the cleanest and most picturesque parts of the Vilcanota River, and spotting the rare torrent ducks here is always a special highlight.

Piñipampa Kayaking

Equipment & Packing List

Watersports kitlist

TRIP LENGTH
1 Day
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
PEAK ALTITUDE
~2800m
SEASON
March to December
TRIP AVAILABILITY
Private Departure on request only

See What Past Travelers Have to Say

We absolutely love kayaking with them on the Pinipampa section of the Rio Urubamba

Top-notch tour operator in Cusco! We absolutely love kayaking with them on the Pinipampa section of the Rio Urubamba. The guides are always helpful and friendly, and the equipment is high-quality too. We will certainly be back next season for another fun day of kayaking in the Sacred Valley!
Zealous Travel Co.
Recommendations

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      Day ToursPeruvian CultureCultural & Soft AdventureTrekkingBudget Friendly ToursBikingRafting & KayakingSingle Day Rafting TripsFamily ToursMulti-Activity TripsSustainability




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