On a crisp Thursday morning in the Sacred Valley, a new adventure awaited me. Arriving at the Paucarbamba bridge at nine, I met Raul from the Ollantaytambo Adventure Centre (OAC), who would be our rafting guide for the day. His welcoming presence and the provision of essential gear, including wetsuits to combat the chill of the glacier-fed waters, set the tone for an exceptional day.
After changing in privacy under white tents, Raul led our team of 4 to the river’s edge, where our raft awaited for the thrilling ‘Rafting Urubamba‘ experience. The journey began in tranquil waters. In that time, Raul educated us on rafting techniques and the commands we’d need to follow. This initial calm stretch served as a practice ground, preparing us for the challenges ahead. In this time he transformed our group of friends into the collaborative and hyped team Puma.
As we floated along, Raul shared his extensive knowledge of the local birdlife and the visible Inca ruins. His insights enriched our experience, merging adventure with education. But the true test came as we approached the rapids. The river transformed, and so did our experience. The sound of rushing water filled the air, and the rapids demanded precision and teamwork.
Navigating through the level three rapids under Raul’s expert guidance was exhilarating. His commands—forward, back, left back, right back—echoed over the roar of the river as we maneuvered to avoid rocks and maximize our thrill. It wasn’t just about the physical challenge; it was about trust and unity within our group. Every conquered rapid was celebrated by our team Puma’s roar!
After about two and a half hours of intense rafting, we reached the endpoint, marked by a bridge that held a final thrill. Raul asked if anyone was brave enough to jump from the bridge. The adventurer in me could not let this pass. So without hesitation and a comfortable swing, I took the leap, adding another rush of adrenaline to an already thrilling day. We really mastered this rafting and you can also master the adventure with OAC!
At the endpoint, we could immediately change from our wetsuits into our normal clothes. After that a big lunch awaited us. OAC Adventures prepared a Peruvian classic: arroz con pollo with avocado. On the side were delicious ciabattas, a basket full of fruits and hot tea that warmed our bodies and souls.
