- THE LONG RUN-TOACHI AND BLANCO RIVERS, CLASS III, IV (1 DAY)
- THE DOUBLE RUN- TOACHI AND BLANCO RIVERS, CLASS III, IV (2DAYS)
- THE HEADWATERS RUN - QUIJOS RIVER, CLASS IV (1 DAY)
- THE HEADWATERS RUN- QUIJOS RIVER, CLASS IV+ (2 DAYS)
- THE GORGE RUN - UPANO RIVER, CLASS IV+ (6DAYS)
- UPPER NAPO RIVER CLASS III (1 DAY)
Ecuador is considered one of the best destinations in the world for whitewater sports due to the steep drop-offs from snow-capped peaks to rich lowland areas connected by one of the highest concetrations of rushing rivers per squere kilometer. In addition, its tropical location provides for year-round water sports
White water rafting in Ecuador is a unique experience and at the same time an exciting adventure. Warm water, tropical rainforest and dozens of accessible rivers concentrated in such a small area have made Ecuador, a unique place for rafters and Kayakers.
THE LONG RUN- TOACHI AND BLANCO RIVERS
Class III, IV ( 1 Day)
The Rios TOACHI AND BLANCO are a fantastic introduction to the rivers of Ecuador. Flowing off the coastal side of the Andes they have some of the longest navigable sections of whitewater in the country. Combine this with the sights and sounds of the forest environment we pass through and you are guaranteed a day to remember.
The day starts when we pick you up from your hotel or from our Meeting Point at Crossroads Café and Hostal (6.30am corner of Foch y Juan León Mera). We travel west down through beautiful cloud forest to the shores of the river. The trip will take about 3 hours.
Before setting off we will fit you with life jackets and helmets, give you a comprehensive safety briefing and train each crew in the paddling techniques needed to navigate our way down the river. Once on the river you can expect both the action of thrilling whitewater and the tranquility of drifting silently through tropical rainforests. So while you’re guaranteed to get wet you’ll also have the opportunity to be absorbed by the sounds of the forest and to see wildlife up close from our mobile “viewing platform”. Rafting time approx. 3½ hrs. (NB. From March to May we usually run the upper Blanco river – 43km, approx. 4½ hrs).
During the trip we’ll stop by the side of the river for a delicious picnic lunch including fresh tropical fruits and served with soft drinks, juice and water. At the end of the trip we celebrate a fun day on the river with a few ice-cold beers and return to Quito (approx. 6.30-7.00pm).
RIVER GRADING
III- IV (Depending on the time of year).
INCLUDES
Professional guides, top of the line rafting equipment, a delicious lunch plus snacks and beers, transport ex Quito, and a safe, fun trip!
WHAT TO BRING:
Swimsuit/shorts, T-shirt, tennis shoes/river sandals, sunglasses (with retention strap), baseball cap, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, dry change of clothes. NB. During the months of March to May we highly recommend the use of a wetsuit. If you don’t have a wetsuit you can rent one. Cost is $5.
DEPARTURE
Daily.
THE DOUBLE RUN - TOACHI AND BLANCO RIVERS
Class III , IV (2 Days)
The RiosTOACHI AND BLANCO are a fantastic introduction to the rivers of Ecuador. Flowing off the coastal side of the Andes they have some of the longest navigable sections of whitewater in the country. Combine this with the sights and sounds of the forest environment we pass through and you are guaranteed a trip to remember.
DAY 1:
Starts when we pick you up from your hotel or from our Meeting Point at Crossroads Café and Hostal (6.30am corner of Foch y Juan León Mera). We travel west down through beautiful cloud forest to the shores of the river (approx. 3hrs).
Before setting off we will fit you with life jackets and helmets, give you a comprehensive safety briefing and train each crew in the paddling techniques needed to navigate our way down the river. Once on the river you can expect both the action of thrilling whitewater and the tranquility of drifting silently through tropical rainforests. So while you’re guaranteed to get wet you’ll also have the opportunity to be absorbed by the sounds of the forest and to see wildlife up close from our mobile “viewing platform”. Rafting time approx. 3 and half-hours.
During the trip we’ll stop by the side of the river for a delicious picnic lunch including fresh tropical fruits and served with soft drinks, juice and water. At the end of the trip we celebrate a fun day on the river with a few ice cold beers and return to our hosteria alongside the river - the sound of the waters a constant reminder of our adventure. In the afternoon there’ll be time to hike in the surrounding rainforest or just relax by the pool. In the evening we can relive our experiences as we enjoy a delicious dinner and a few celebratory drinks.
DAY 2:
we’ll head back to the river for more whitewater action but also have the chance to catch our breath and take in the splendor of the surroundings. Return to Quito (approx. 6.30-7.00pm).
RIVER GRADING
III - IV (Depending on the time of year).
INCLUDES
Professional guides, top of the line rafting equipment, accommodation in twin cabins, meals from lunch Day 1 to lunch Day 2, snacks, celebratory beers, transport ex Quito, and a safe, fun trip!
WHAT TO BRING:
Swimsuit/shorts, T-shirt, tennis shoes/river sandals, sunglasses (with retention strap), baseball cap, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, dry change of clothes.
DEPARTURES
Any Day.
THE HEADWATERS RUN - QUIJOS RIVER CLASS IV
(1 Day)
The Quijos is set to become Ecuador’s premier whitewater trip with mile after mile of class IV rapids and spectacular jungle scenery. Expect to run more whitewater in a day than you’d do in a week elsewhere.
ITINERARY
Depart from Crossroads Café and Hostel, 6:30 am. Drive to Baeza. On arrival you’ll be issued with wetsuits, life jackets and helmets. After a short drive to the put-in the Trip Leader will give a thorough safety briefing and conduct a swim test. Then you’ll split into groups for an intensive in-boat paddle practice with your guide. Once we set off we’re straight into the action but with some easier rapids to warm up. Along the way we’ll stop for a riverside picnic lunch. In the afternoon we’ll raft through the first canyons of the Quijos running big, technical rapids. At the end of the day we celebrate a fun day on the river with a few icy cold beers and return to Quito (approx. 7:30 pm).
RIVER GRADING: IV
WHAT TO BRING:
swimsuit/shorts, spray jacket, tennis shoes/river sandals, sunglasses (with retention strap), baseball cap, sunscreen, insect repellent.
INCLUDES:
Professional guides, expert safety kayaker for every two boats, all rafting equipment, wetsuits, transport, lunch.
NO INCLUDED:
Breakfast, additional alcoholic drinks, personal expenses, tips.
DEPARTURES:
Any day. (Minimum 4).
THE HEADWATERS RUN - QUIJOS RIVER TRIP
(CLASS IV+)( 2 Days)
The Quijos is set to become Ecuador’s premier whitewater trip with mile after mile of class IV-IV+ rapids and spectacular jungle scenery. Expect to run more whitewater in a day than you’d do in a week elsewhere. This trip is for experienced rafters that are confident swimmers. No wimps please!
ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Depart from Crossroads Café and Hostel, 7am. Drive to Baeza. On arrival you’ll be issued with wetsuits, life jackets and helmets. After a short drive to the put-in the Trip Leader will give a thorough safety briefing and conduct a swim test. Then you’ll split into groups for an intensive in-boat paddle practice with your guide. Once we set off we’re straight into the action but with some easier rapids to warm up. Along the way we’ll stop for a riverside picnic lunch. In the afternoon we’ll raft through the first canyons of the Quijos running big, technical rapids. At the end of the day we pull the boats into shore and take a short ten-minute walk up to the lodge where we have cold beer, hot showers and a good meal waiting for us. O/n lodge. (L, D).
DAY 2:
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast we’ll pull on our wetsuits again and head back to the river for a lot more whitewater action. Today you should be prepared for one of the most exciting days of your life. And to top it off you’ll be doing it all in one of the most beautiful parts of Ecuador. This river is set to become a legend. From the take-out we’ll head back to Quito stopping at Papallacta Hot Springs for a well-earned soak in the volcanically heated mineral waters. Arrive approx. 8pm or spend a night at Papallacta. (B, L).
RIVER GRADING:V - IV+.
WHAT TO BRING:
For on the river: swimsuit/shorts, spray jacket, tennis shoes/river sandals, sunglasses (with retention strap), baseball cap, sunscreen, insect repellent.
For off the river: dry change of clothes (long-sleeved shirt, long pants and a light jumper), shoes/boots, personal items (i.e. Toiletries / medication).
INCLUDES:
Professional guides, expert safety kayaker for every two boats, all rafting equipment, wetsuits, transport, meals as stated and shared accommodation.
NOT INCLUDES:
Additional alcoholic drinks, personal expenses, tips, and entry to Papallacta Hot Springs.
DEPARTURES:
Saturdays from September to February. Other days with a minimum of 6.
Class IV+ (6 Days)
A journey down the Río Upano is a very special experience. Rafting the Upano we witness the many moods and changing character of a jungle river. We set off on a shallow and braided river having to choose a route where the waters divide into numerous channels. The pace steadily increases until the river plunges into the magnificent Namangosa Gorge. Here we tackle rapids up to grade IV+ in the midst of virgin rainforest and the spectacle of dozens of waterfalls cascading from the lip of the gorge. Finally, the river broadens and deepens to become a calm but powerful giant on it’s way to meet the Río Amazonas. One of the highlights of this trip is the night we spend camped by a Shuar settlement. Here we have the opportunity to visit a traditional farm and learn about the Shuar way of life.
ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Fly Quito-Macas (14.00). Drive to our put-in and first night camp. Orientation briefing from the trip leader and meet the guides.
DAY 2- 4:
We begin with a comprehensive safety briefing and instruction in paddling techniques. Then we’ll launch our rafts - laden with camping equipment and fresh supplies - onto the jungle waters. During the days we’ll take time out from the action to explore the edge of the jungle, venture up to cascading waterfalls or simply drift through the calmer stretches in awe at our surroundings. At night we’ll camp on sandy beaches by the side of the river and enjoy an excellent meal in this most extraordinary ‘restaurant’.
DAY 5:
After a relaxing morning in our final camp we raft a short distance to the take out point and drive back to Macas. Overnight in Macas.
DAY 6:
In the morning you can explore this small jungle town that offers great views across the Upano valley and also the local market which is the center of commerce for the valley. Afternoon flight back to Quito (15:00).
RIVER GRADING: IV – IV+
WHAT TO BRING:
For on the river: swimsuit/shorts, T-shirt, tennis shoes/river sandals, sunglasses (with retention strap), baseball cap, sunscreen and lip balm, insect repellent, water bottle (1litre), thermal top, light rain jacket.
For off the river: long-sleeved shirt, long pants (not jeans), light jumper/fleece jacket), shoes/boots, personal items (i.e. toiletries/medication), sleeping bag, Thermorest or sleeping pad, headlamp or torch, small towel, plastic bags for wet gear.
INCLUDES:
Professional guides, complete rafting and group camping equipment, all meals on the river (i.e. from dinner Day 1 to lunch Day 5), transport from Macas to the river and back, 1 night accommodation in Macas.
NO INCLUDED:
Flight (or bus) Quito-Macas-Quito $ 122, personal expenses, meals in Macas.
DEPARTURES:
Thursdays from August to February.
(Class III) ( 1 Day)
The Upper Rio Napo is also known locally as the Rio Jatunyacu, which means “BIG WATER” in Quichua. “Big” is probably the best word to describe this river - BIG WAVES and BIG FUN! A great trip for both beginners and experts alike, it has the perfect combination of exciting rapids, calm pools, and fabulous jungle scenery to delight everybody. Being the headwaters of one of the two rivers that form the mighty Amazon River, this is a rafting adventure that should not be passed up! No previous rafting experience is necessary.
25 kilometers / 1-day trip
SEASON: All yearhor
Unforgettable memories of Ecuadorian Highlands
