Ecuador Travel

Amazon rafting

Ecuador is an excellent place for whitewater rafting because it has a number of different rivers utilized by tour operators both for rafting and kayaking. It is possible to head from Quito to the Santo Domingo area, the jungle (Tena, El Chaco, Macas), up north to Imbabura and in the Baños area for good rafting. Most agencies will charge between $65 and $85 for a one day rafting or kayaking trip. For most of the rafting and kayaking trips detailed below, unless otherwise stated, transportation to the rafting site is usually included as part of the package from Quito. Rafting and kayaking destinations include:

Toachi - This river is located close to Santo Domingo de los Colorados, which is only three hours from Quito by bus. Due to the altitude here, the weather and water are both warm. The rivers range from class three to four, allowing for some exciting rafting possibilities all year around. This is one of the most frequently visited whitewater rafting spots in Ecuador.

Blanco – the Blanco river, which is known for its large rapids, is three hours from Quito, and towards Santo Domingo, which makes it popular with rafting operators. Often this route is run in conjunction with the Toachi River. The Upper Blanco is thought to be the longest day trip with 45 kilometers of rapids. It is best to go here between February and June.

Quijos – the rafting for this river usually begins close to El Chaco, which is three hours away from Quito. Access is easy to this river because it is on the way from Quito to the jungle. There are excellent rafting and kayaking opportunities that surround the town. The Quijos River has class four and five rapids, which makes it an exciting rafting trip. Rafting is available here from October to February for rafters, which is during the dry season. During the rainy season, which is from March to September, the rapids here are fierce, and only suitable for experienced kayakers. The 2005 Whitewater Rafting World Championship was held in Quijos, Ecuador.

Mira River - The Mira River is about three hours to the north of Quito, and is located near Imbabura and the El Chota valley in the northern Ecuadorian Andes. A little more placid than the Qujios, Blanco and Toachi rivers, the class of river is generally rated at two to three. The river can be rafted pretty much all year long, but this depends on the rainfall levels. Here, the water is pleasantly warm due to the climate of the region.

Río Upano/Namangosa Gorge – this trip goes through the Namangosa Gorge, which eventually feeds into the Amazon. The trip starts with low grade rapids and then progresses in speed until the river has rapids that are grade four and higher. Some operators will also include the unusual experience of camping alongside a Shuar settlement as part of the experience on an overnight trip. The trip begins close to Macas, a less visited but interesting off-the-beaten-path spot for travelers. The best times of year for this trip are from October to February. This trip often requires flying to Macas from Quito, which takes 40 minutes.

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