A glacier green water color on the Quijos River--from the ERA beach

A glacier green water color on the Quijos River--from the ERA beach

Walking out to the beach on the Quijos River it is always a guess as to what the river mood will be.  This morning found the river a gorgeous glacier green color. The different colors/river levels on the Quijos change as frequently as a mood ring. As a result–even having beachfront property, it is hard to check out the river and not want to be paddling it–every day, since it is always so different.

There are over 40+ miles of river that we paddle on the Quijos River.  And every section of river is an entirely different type of boating than the previous.  From Class IV+ creek type water to continuous Class IV to big Class IV Gauley style to big Class III-IV gorgeous….the river changes at each put-in.  And on any given day, so does  the water level vary from super high to super low (which almost does not exist here); thereby changing the character of the river just that much more.

The top section of the Quijos is nicknamed "Cheesehouse" because early on cheese was sold at the put-in. Cheesehouse is some of the best Class IV+ boating to be found in Ecuador.

The top section of the Quijos is nicknamed "Cheesehouse" because early on cheese was sold at the put-in. Cheesehouse is some of the best Class IV+ boating to be found in Ecuador.

The second section of the Quijos is the Class IV Baeza section. Depending on the water level, it can be continuous steep and technical creeking style paddling....

The second section of the Quijos is the Class IV Baeza section. Depending on the water level, it can be continuous steep and technical creeking style paddling....

...or at high water it can be Class IV+ balls to the wall boating

...or at high water it can be Class IV+ balls to the wall boating

just a cool photo taken on the Baeza Section of the Quijos River

just a cool photo taken on the Baeza Section of the Quijos River

The next section of the Quijos is divided into two distinct sections: the upper canyon section is Class IV big water (Gauley-ish type rapids). The river runs through beautiful lava canyoned walls. And then finishes up with a great Class III (IV-) section.

The next section of the Quijos is divided into two distinct sections: the upper canyon section is Class IV big water (Gauley-ish type rapids). The river runs through beautiful lava canyoned walls. And then finishes up with a great Class III (IV-) section.

it is hard to beat a section of river that has rapids with names like "Curvas Peligrosas"

it is hard to beat a section of river that has rapids with names like "Curvas Peligrosas"

The scenery does not anywhere on the river! The put in for the lower section is just a preview of the scenery found on this gorgeous national geographic section of river.

The scenery does not end anywhere on the river! The put in for the lower section is just a preview of the scenery found on this gorgeous national geographic section of river.

And what a combination: on every section of river there are great rapids, and great play spots!

And what a combination: on every section of river there are great rapids, and great play spots!

And more rapids with great names like "gringos revueltos"--the lower Quijos is the biggest water section of river because of all the tributaries that come into the Quijos. The water level varies from "big" to "super grande"

And more rapids with great names like "gringos revueltos"--the lower Quijos is the biggest water section of river because of all the tributaries that come into the Quijos. The water level varies from "big" to "super grande"

Incentive for not missing the takeout: San Rafael Falls. The entire Quijos falls over this soon-to-be-dammed 400+ foot cascada. This is San Rafael at a "super grande" level.

Incentive for not missing the takeout: San Rafael Falls. The entire Quijos falls over this soon-to-be-dammed 400+ foot cascada. This is San Rafael at a "super grande" level.

And eventually the river settles down after San Rafael, changing names first to the Rio Coca below the falls, and then taking a right (easterly) turn to run into the Napo River--at which time then heads to the Amazon.

And eventually the river settles down after San Rafael, changing names first to the Rio Coca below the falls, and then taking a right (easterly) turn to run into the Napo River--at which time it then heads to the Amazon.

Will look forward to what tomorrow brings on the Quijos: easy to check just by walking out onto the Endless River Adventures beach!!  This is a treat everyone will have once the Quijos Camp is finished.  In the meantime, enjoy photos of the construction progress at Camp Quijos.