Ecuador White Water Rafting Programs
AAER01 Full Day Rafting (Toachi or Blanco) 1 Day
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 we
guaranteed a day to remember.
The day stars
when we pick you up from our meeting point.
Transport to Santo Domingo de los Colorados, from where we drive approximately 15 minutes to the put-in where the adventure starts.
Before setting
off we will fit you with life jackets and helmets, give you a comprehensive
safety briefing and train each crew member 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
tranquillity of drifting silently through tropical rainforest. So while you are guaranteed to get wet you
will 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 ½ hours.
During the trip
we will 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 –
7:00 p.m.)
River Grading: III-IV (depending on the
time of the year)
Included: private transport, professional guides, top of the
line rafting equipment, a delicious lunch plus snacks and beers, safe and fun
trip, entrance fees.
What to bring: Swimsuit/shorts, T-shirt, shoes/river sandals, sunglasses (with
retention strap), baseball cap, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, dry change
of clothes.
Grading: Easy – moderate
AAER02
2DAY RAFTING (Toachi or Blanco)
2D/1N
After the
challenges and rewards of day 1 we return to a lovely Hosteria near to Santo
Domingo alongside the river where the sound of the water is a constant reminder
of our adventure. Here we can relieve our experiences as we enjoy a delicious
dinner and a few celebratory drinks.
On day 2 we 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. In
the afternoon return to Quito
Included:
private
transport, professional guides, top of the line rafting equipment, hotel with
American breakfast, 2 box lunches, 1 dinner, entrance fees.
What to bring: Swimsuit/shorts, T-shirt,
shoes/river sandals, sunglasses (with retention strap), baseball cap,
sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, dry change of clothes.
Grading: Easy – moderate
AAER03
The Headwaters Run 2D/1N
2 Day Quijos River Trip (Over 50Km, Class 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. No wimps please!
Day
1
Depart at 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 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 onto 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 sleep and a healthy 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: IV-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 (ie. Toiletries / medication).
Includes:
Professional guides, expert
safety kayaker for every two boats, all rafting equipment, wetsuits, transport,
meals as stated and shared accommodation.
Not
included: Additional alcoholic
drinks, personal expenses, tips.
Departures: Saturdays from August to February. Other
days with a minimum of 6.
Grading: Easy –
moderate – hard
AAER04 Namangosa Gorge Rafting
5D/4N
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 its way to meet the Amazon 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.
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).
Dates: September to March
River
Grading: III - 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 litter), 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, Thermos rest or sleeping pad, headlamp or torch, small towel, plastic bags
for wet gear.
Included:
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 Quito-Macas-Quito ($110), personal expenses.
Grading: Easy – moderate - hard
AAER05 Double Down: Bike & Rafting Adventure 2D/1N
Day 1: Full day
downhill biking (Cotopaxi). As described above.
Day 2: Full day
rafting. Early departure to the Blanco or Toachi Rivers. Safety briefing and
paddle techniques. 3 hours rafting excitement.
Included:
Quality
mountain bike (special sizes upon request), helmet, private transportation,
knee & elbow pads, and box lunch, rafting equipment, guides, camp
accommodation, entrance fees.
Not
included: personal outfits and gear and personal expenses.
Grading: Easy –
moderate