Ecuador Rafting & Kayaking
Napo – the area around Tena on the Napo River has quite a lot of rapids. In this area, the Upper Napo is a good bet, or alternatively, the Jatunyacu. The Upper Napo is a class three river. The Jatunyacu can be run all year around. Travelers who want to spend a lot of time rafting on their trip may want to base themselves in Tena due to the number of rafting and kayaking opportunities that exist in that area. Rafting opportunities can be arranged in Tena, which is about five hours from Quito on a bus.
Misahuallí - The best rafting opportunity close to Tena is thought to be the Misahuallí, which can be used for rafting between October to March during its the dry season. The route traverses through attractive jungles and remote canyons. The best part of this trip is the Casanova Falls. The Misahuallí is a class four river. Some sections of this river can be used for kayaking, but it depends on the time of year because water levels can affect kayaking opportunities in the drier season. Rafting opportunities can be arranged in Tena, which is about five hours from Quito on a bus.
Caoni and Upper Caoni River – the Caoni River is suitable for family rafting trips as this part of the river has slow rapids—grades two and three. The Upper Caoni river is often used by kayakers who want to get on one of Ecuador's rivers.
Río Salado – two main rafting trips are common on the Río Salado. One is the Aguas Salvajes, which runs on a class three to four rapids on part of the river. The whitewater route cuts through pristine forest and the trip usually also goes by the Río Malo Waterfall. In addition to this, another route on the Río Salado is La Planada, which makes it nice and calm. This trip also visits the waterfall.
Río Due – with class three to four rapids, rafting or kayaking trips are sometimes possible along the Río Due. The activity usually starts at Gonzalo Pizarro and finishes at Puenta de Lumbaqui. Only one operator currently runs this trip. The trip runs through clean water jungle areas.
Rio Upano- this is a river filled with action that is known as the river of the sacred waterfalls. Rafting the Upano one can witness the many moods and changing character of a jungle river. One sets 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. The river heads south of the province of Morono Santiago. When it reaches the Amazon River it becomes a calm but powerful giant. The best months for this river are October to February. For this river, from Quito, the trip takes about 5 hours to Tena, departure point for the majority of trips.
Rafting Tips
• Take sunscreen – travelers will be out in the sun for a lot of the day, and this will help to prevent against getting burned.
• Wear rapid drying clothes and take a change of clothes with you. And don't forget a towel!
• Confirm with the tour operator what is included, for example, meals.
• Make sure that your operator is qualified and experienced in running rafting trips.
