Whitewater Rafting on the Urubamba River

I was a bit nervous for this part of our Adventure! Whitewater rafting was something I had never done before. Part of me was thinking, “Don’t you have to have a few days of training before you attempt something crazy like this??” The other part of me was thinking, “You’re traveling with Adventures by Disney and you know in your heart that you are in very good hands.”

We departed our lovely Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa after a delicious breakfast, complete with lots of water and some coca tea to help stave off any altitude sickness. It was a cool sunny day. Upon our arrival, we were introduced to the team of people who were going to be our guides. We were given instructions on how the occupants of each boat would work together as a team to maneuver down the river in both the calm and rough waters of the Urubamba River. It was suggested that we bring water shoes with us for this experience. We were each suited up with wet suits, windbreakers, helmets, life jackets, and paddles. We were all wearing sunglasses, so along with our similar rafting gear, it actually became difficult to tell us each apart!

After posing for a few photos taken by our Adventure Guides, we grabbed our paddles and climbed into our boats. Our river guide, Raul, led us in a few more instructions and hands-on practice in this calm part of the river. Once the team was prepped and ready, it was time to make our way down the river. Raul expertly guided us down the river and pointed out highlights along the way when we were in calm waters. The scenery was breathtaking. We craned our necks to see the peaks of the Andes Mountains that surrounded us. I couldn’t get over the Inca-built walls that lined the river in many places. How did these ancient stone walls stand the test of time anywhere, let alone along the banks of a raging river??

As we approached our first set of rapids, the guides of each boat gave us a few reminders about what to expect and how to work as a team. Each boat took their turn going through the rapids. Our hearts pounded with anticipation as we waited for our chance. When the time came, we sailed through the rapids like experts. Raul shouted paddling instructions over the roar of the churning waters. We bumped and bounced through the rapids as water splashed our smiling faces as we paddled. What an exhilarating feeling! We laughed and hollered with joy. We wanted more!! This same scenario was repeated a few times as we made our way down the mighty Urubamba.

When someone asks me about my favorite part of my Adventures by Disney Peru vacation, they probly expect me to say that it was Machu Picchu, horseback riding, or whitewater rafting. But my very favorite part of that trip was how much I laughed. A testament to how carefree the trip truly was. Yes, nerves are to be expected when you're doing something that's outside your comfort zone. But stepping outside that comfort zone and laughing are the very best parts of life. Especially when you know you are in such good hands every step of the way.