The Ecuadorian Andean topography with the eastern and western mountain ranges crossing and dividing Ecuador’s territory provides incredible opportunities for river rafting and kayaking. Most of the rivers used for these purposes are born in the Andean glaciers, and run across waterfalls, canyons, valleys, gorges and white water rapids from class 2+ to class 5. Reasons enough to be the proud host of the Fifth World rafting Championship in 2005.

Ecuador offers excellent, year-round whitewater rafting & kayaking. In addition to their nearly continuous flows, Ecuadorian rivers, especially those in the east, have warm, tropical waters and excellent accessibility. There are a variety of rivers to choose from, with varying grades of difficulty. Some of the best rafting rivers are: Quijos, Toachi, Blanco, Jatunyacu, Misahualli and Upano. Whether you are a whitewater rafting enthusiast or a kayaking fan, Ecuador is an unrivaled whitewater destination that you should not pass up.

What to bring:

For on the river: swimsuit/shorts spray jacket, tennis shoes/river sandals, sunglasses (with retention strap), baseball cap, and sunscreen, insect repellent.

For off the river: dry change of clothes (long-sleeved shirt, long pants and a light jumper), shoes/boots, personal items (ie. Toiletries / medication).

See:

The Headwaters Run
Rafting the Long Run
Rafting the Double Long Run
The Gorge Run

The Headwaters Run

Full day at Quijos River (Class IV – IV+)

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.

We leave Quito at 6:30 am and drive east to Baeza for about 2 hours. On arrival you’ll be issued with wetsuits, life jackets and helmets. 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 including the famous “El Toro” and the spectacular Linares canyon. Rafting time approximately 3 to 3½ hrs. Back in Quito around 7:30 pm. River season: October – February.

Visit also:

Rafting the Long Run
Rafting the Double Long Run
The Gorge Run

 

Rafting the Long Run

The Toachi and Blanco rivers 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 with an early pick up at 6h30 and a drive of approximately 3 hours. Once there and 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 to. 3½ hrs. Back in Quito around 7:00 pm

Visit also:

The Headwaters Run
Rafting the Double Long Run
The Gorge Run

Rafting the Double Long Run

Toachi & Blanco rivers 2 Days / 1 Night

The Toachi and Blanco rivers are a fantastic introduction to the rivers of Ecuador with 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.

After the challenges and rewards of Day 1 we 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.

On 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 splendour of the surroundings.

Visit also:

The Headwaters Run
Rafting the Long Run
The Gorge Run

The Gorge Run

Journey down the Upano river – 4 Days / 3 Nights (Class IV – V)

A journey down the Upano River 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 Amazonas River. 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.

Visit also:

The Headwaters Run
Rafting the Long Run
Rafting the Double Long Run