Amazonas Explorer

Amazonas Explorer is a long-established adventure company in Cusco, describing itself as adventure travel experts since 1985 and running the Apurímac river since that year. It is a registered Peruvian company, and its office is at Avenida Collasuyo 910 in the Miravalle area of Cusco, open from 09:00 to 16:00 local time.

Where many Cusco operators focus on trekking, Amazonas Explorer is known for getting people onto rivers and bikes. Its signature trip is rafting on the Apurímac, including a one-day option, and testimonials describe multi-day rafting on the Vilcanota as well, the river that runs through the Sacred Valley past Pisac. Mountain biking and e-biking are offered as day trips and as part of longer itineraries, and the company runs kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, publishing its own guide to favourite paddleboarding spots around Cusco.

Trekking is part of the mix too. The company offers the Inca Trail and alternative treks, including Salkantay, Ausangate and Choquequirao, as well as day hikes. A dedicated range of family trips, both multi-day adventures and day outings, makes it a useful option for parents who want active holidays with children, and small-group fixed departures are available for travellers who are not organising a private trip; one customer described travelling in a group of 13.

Sustainability is a central part of the company's identity. It states that every trip is carbon positive and aims to benefit both the environment and local communities, and it displays B Corp and 1% for the Planet logos, alongside membership of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and the Peruvian adventure tourism association APTAE. Logos for the Lata Foundation and Grupo Inca also appear on its website. Customer testimonials name Paul Cripps as the owner.

Amazonas Explorer suits active travellers, families and anyone who wants to combine Machu Picchu with rafting, cycling or paddling rather than only walking. The office keeps fairly short hours, from 09:00 to 16:00, so get in touch early in the day if you want a quick answer. Contact is by WhatsApp or a toll-free number from the United States and Canada, and there is a separate emergency line for operations when you are on tour.