Rafting & Kayaking
Highlands:
one day - two days
- five days
Jungle: river
runners - two day - three days
- four days - kayak school
The Ríos 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. 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.
Departures: Daily.
The Ríos 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 trip to remember.
Day 1 starts when we pick you up from your hotel at 6.30am . 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 a 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.
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 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.
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 (15.50). Drive to our put-in and first
nights camp. Orientation briefing from the trip leader and meet the guides.
Days 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: We raft a short distance from our final camp to the
take-out point and drive back to Macas for the flight to Quito (16.20).
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 (1 litre), 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.
Not
included:
Flight (or bus) Quito-Macas-Quito, personal expenses.
Departures: Thursdays from August to February
Come run the river with us.
Rafting tours : Water running off the high Andes Mountains to the east and to the west offers fantastic rafting possibilities from the beautiful Anzu class 2-3, the Jatunyacu class 3-3+ along with the Blanco and Toachi class 3-4 the Quijos class 4-5, Hollin Spectacular is the best way of describing this new River People trip. One of the most beautiful class 3-4 rafting trip you will find anywhere featuring exciting rapids and incredible jungle scenery, cascading waterfalls and that really remote away from it all feel and The hottest new product of the year2004, get ready for Intag constant action from beginning to end. You can choose from 2 sections class 3 or class 4 according to river conditions. This trip can start from Otavalo or from Intag itself. People have been running rivers for as long as anyone can remember. Before in whatever one could find. Now in self-bailing rafts, modern equipment and up to date skills in guiding and rescue it can be safe as well as fun.
RIVER RUNNERS offer a number of full one-day trips and half-day trips. We are always looking for different rivers so feel free to ask about any new developments. On our one-day trips we always serve a delicious lunch and after trip drink. Our guides are well known for their Irish style sense of humor. Be warned you will be entertained... River Runners are a family of guides, we think as guides and work as guides. Safety is our first priority, with increased safety there is more fun and adventure and that's what we are about
Day
1: Starting from Tena we take a 45 min. car ride to the borders of
the Llanganates national park and the river Jatunyacu that translated from
the local quichua language means big river. Once there the guide will give
a full safety talk and instructions. We are then ready to start our journey
by river descending the first 5 k. down to our cabins yacuñambi where
we will be accommodated in our cabins and receive a tasty lunch. In the afternoon
we have the option of taking a jungle hike or practice kayaking or inner tubing
on the river Iloculin.
Day 2: After breakfast we can pan for gold on the shores
of the Jatunyacu using the traditional native method and we will learn some
of the native methods of hunting and trapping animals. Lunch follows and then
we prepare ourselves for the rest of our descent some 20 k. of roller coaster
waves and big fun on the river Jatunyacu arriving at the town of Puerto Napo
at around 4.30pm where we will be transported back to Tena and the end of
our trip.
What you should bring: T-shirts, Camera, Shorts, Sandals, Long pants, Tennis shoes, Bathing suit, Insect repellant, Light coat, Torch, Sun block
Day
1: Starting from Tena we take a 45 min. car ride to the borders of
the Llanganates national park and the river Jatunyacu that translated from
the local quichua language means big river. Once there the guide will give
a full safety talk and instructions. We are then ready to start our journey
by river descending the first 5 k. down to our cabins yacuñambi where
we will be accommodated in our cabins and receive a tasty lunch. In the afternoon
we have the option of taking a jungle hike or practice kayaking or inner tubing
on the river Illocution.
Day 2: Breakfast is at 8am. After which we prepare for a
jungle excursion of about 5 hours during which we can observe many medicinal
plants, insects, a wide variety of exotic jungle flowers. Our goal is to arrive
at some beautiful lagoons and a waterfall to enjoy swimming and a picnic lunch.
In the afternoon we make our way back to the cabins by a different route where
we can pass some free time swimming or relaxing. After the evening meal we
will participate in some cultural activities with members of the local community
including music and dance.
Day 3 :After breakfast we can pan for gold on the shores
of the Jatunyacu using the traditional native method and we will learn some
of the native methods of hunting and trapping animals. Lunch follows and then
we prepare ourselves for the rest of our descent some 20 k. of roller coaster
waves and big fun on the river Jatunyacu arriving at the town of Puerto Napo
at around 4.30pm where we will be transported back to Tena and the end of
our trip.
What you should bring: T-shirts, Camera, Shorts, Sandals, Long pants, Tennis shoes, Bathing suit, Insect repellant, Light coat, Torch, Sun block
Day
1: In the morning we leave Tena at 9; AM.. Heading towards the Llanganates
national park, a journey of about 45 mins. by car. There we start with a short
walk in the jungle arriving at the lagoons and waterfalls of GUAYUSA YACU,
there we can swim in crystal clear water until 12;AM. At 12; 30;PM. the guide
will give a safety talk concerning the rafting trip and will explain about
the equipment you will ues, after which we will commence the first 5 K. descent
of the river Jatunyacu which in the local quichua dialect means (big river).
We will arrive at the cabins Yacuñambi in time for lunch after which
we will enjoy a 2- 3 hour jungle walk. Dinner will be served at 7, PM:
Day 2: Breakfast Hill be at 8;AM., alter which we Hill take
a hike along the banks of the river Jatunyacu or a demonstration of gold panning
in the traditional way that is still occupied today by the indigenous Yumbos.
At midday we will return to the cabins or lunch. In the afternoon we can choose
activities such as kayaking or tubing on the river Iloculin or relax in beautiful
jungle surroundings. Dinner will be served at 7; PM:
Day 3: After breakfast we will take a vigorous walk in virgin
jungle for around 6 hours during which we wil see and learn about many medicinal
plants, local customs and culture. At the half of our journey we will arrive
at the waterfall of the rive Yani in dense jungle here we will enjoy a picnic
and a refreshing swim before returning to the cabins for a rest before dinner.
Day 4: Breakfast at 8; AM which will then be followed by
a fascinating visit to a local native family to watch and learn how the locals
use jungle materials to make such items as baskets, to hunt and fish in traditional
ways and survive in the natural environment. At midday we return to the cabins
for lunch to gain energy for rafting 20 K. of exciting class 3 rapids of the
Jatunyacu river riving at Puerto Napo where are transport will be waiting
for us to take us bake to Tena and the end of our journey.
What you should bring: T-shirts, Camera, Shorts, Sandals, Long pants, Tennis shoes, Bathing suit, Insect repellant, Light coat, Torch, Sun block
This course starts with the basic techniques of whitewater kayaking and builds on those techniques with lots of on-river time. More advanced techniques are introduced each day as your confidence in whitewater increases. By the end of the course you should be ready to read and run grade III rapids (under supervision of more experienced paddlers!).
Program:
Day
1: Meet in Tena. The morning will be spent learning basic paddling
techniques and safety procedures. Lunch. In the afternoon we will practice
balance and edging techniques. Discussion of river reading.
Day 2: The emphasis today will be on moving into, out of
and across the current and practicing techniques learned on Day 1. Lunch.
Introduction to Eskimo roll.
Day 3: Practice Eskimo roll. Rapid running. Emphasis on balance
and edging techniques.
Day 4: This day will be spent running lots of rapids to bring
all your newly learned skills together. Emphasis will be on perfecting technique,
reading whitewater and river running skills. And of course having loads of
BIG fun!
Included: Kayaking instruction, all equipment, transport during the course, lunch.
Not included: Transport ex Quito, accommodation and meals except lunch.
