Kayaking in Ecuador

A frequent comment after paddling in Ecuador is that “you paddle more continuous whitewater in a week than one can usually do in a year’s worth of boating.” Ecuador offers a network of rivers falling off either side of the Andes.

Similar to Costa Rica, Ecuador paddling is done in more rural,  jungle,rain-forest environments. From Class II-III to Class IV+, the rivers vary from steep, technical runs similar to rivers found in the southeast US, to big water runs full of surf waves and play holes. On some days you will be in a dry top, on others just a short sleeve paddling jacket to avoid the sun!

Equipment for the Trip
Creek boats, river runners and river running playboats, we keep an extensive fleet of boats in country to accommodate everyone.  Boat selection is done on a first-sign-up, first serve basis and often we can accommodate more than one boat per person to answer the need for both creek boat and play boat. We provide the kayak, all in-country transportation, and staff support. We ask each paddler to bring their personal paddling gear.

"I again wanted to thank you for an absolutely fabulous week. I know that I do not have to tell you, but the quality of the paddling that you provide access to, and support for, is just awesome. Truly one of the best trips of my life."
- Brad, Maine

THE ITINERARY

We provide itineraries from Class II-III to Class IV+. Each of our itineraries includes six days of paddling and an additional in-country day to explore the culture of Ecuador. Our focus is specifically on two regions of the country: the Quijos watershed and the Tena Region. We use various combinations of runs on our trips. The sections we use depend on the experience level of the group and water levels. And we are always looking for new rivers to add to the itineraries!

Day One: You fly into Quito, the capital of Ecuador. A representative of ENDLESS RIVER ADVENTURES meets the group at the airport. After clearing customs and checking into the hotel, you have an opportunity to relax and get acquainted with others on the trip. Quito sits at an elevation of 9,400 feet.  This is where we will spend our first two and last nights of the trip.

Day Two:  A combination of the fact that many flights arrive late at night into Quito, elevation is an issue, and Quito is the most fascinating Latin American city, this is your day to get used to the elevation change and enjoy the sights of the capital of Ecuador.  We take a city tour to some of the highlights of Old Town Quito and a trip to the "Mitad del Mundo"- the Middle of the World, or the equator.  Plan to do some shopping today, especially if you aren’t spending any extra time in Ecuador.

Day Three - Eight: Fully recovered from your travel time, we rise early and depart east over a 14,000 pass over the Andes and dropping down into the Quijos River Valley.  After outfitting our boats, we head out for a great day of paddling. We will split our week between the Quijos Valley and the Tena region—a drop in elevation from 6500 feet to 1500 feet; Tena is the gateway/stepping off point to the Amazon Jungle.  The scenery switches between high elevation cloud forest changes to thick, humid rain forest filled with monkeys and birds, lush tropical flowers and a slower pace of life.

Day Eight: After our final run, we load up in our comfortable bus and head back to Quito.  En-route we stop to soak in hot springs in the Pappallacta region.  That night in Quito we enjoy a last dinner together. 

Day Nine: Paddlers that need to get back to the States fly out.  Others are highly encouraged to take time to savor the extraordinary sights of Ecuador.

OUR LOGISTICS
Even in a rural country, we believe that this is your vacation and should be defined as a relaxing, comfortable time when the only decision you make is what paddling gear to bring along for the day!  We have chosen to support the growing tourism infrastructure in the Oriente by supporting local hotels and lodges each night of the trip.

 Meals are enjoyed in some of the best local restaurants in the area, giving the group an opportunity to experience the local cuisine of the country.  Fresh fruit and fresh fruit juices are ubiquitous, and rice, yuca or potatoes are staples with every meal.  A note regarding meals: you are in a different country. Do not look for food to be prepared the same as home.   We will go out of our way to accommodate special eating restrictions.

Accommodations are chosen to set us up in comfortable, charming places to return to after a great day on the river. But we are not trying to hide you away from the charm of the area. We want you to take time to walk down the street practicing your "buenos dias" greeting and getting to know the people who are the heart of these wonderful communities.

We also take time to enjoy special side trips to interesting sites not on the normal kayak itinerary.

Our Off-River Guide and Transportation
Hands-down we have the most reliable, comfortable paddling vehicle in Ecuador!  We have built an important partnership with our driver Angel and his super comfortable, can-go-anywhere bus. The bus has a custom kayak/bike rack. Working with Angel, we have a special bond that goes far beyond just providing transportation; our guests share time with Angel (learning they can pass their papaya off on him!), and quickly come to recognize the commitment he has to running a first class trip.

Our Community Commitment
We work hard to act as "river ambassadors," not only in our economic support of the local businesses, but in providing support to reinforce the shows the positive impact kayakers can have on an area we each come to love.  Our support has included adopting local schools, helping build recycling programs, and supporting local river projects.  Our goal is to give back something to a community that gives so much with the natural resources shared with us.  Learn more about the annual projects that have come to be a special part of our trips.