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Advanced White Water Kayaking Trip on Best Rivers Ecuador

Quick Details

  • Start day: Every Saturday
  • Trip Length: 7 days (airport pickup in Quito included)
  • River time: 4 to 6 hours per day (depending on water level)
  • Run: 20-30 kilometers per day
  • Difficulty: Class IV+ rivers (kayak experience required)

Person

$ 1850

Upper Tributaries: Kayaking Trip for Experienced Paddlers

Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America, yet this little paradise is one of the most diverse places on Earth. This is due to its vast amount of ecosystems and microclimates mainly due to the presence of the high Andes Mountain Range which traps and funnels water and humidity around its volcanoes and inter-Andean valleys from both, the Pacific Ocean and the Amazon Basin. With a spectacular amount of rivers and quality whitewater, Ecuador boasts more rivers per square mile in its upper watershed comparable to no other place. The amazing amount of quality class IV and V has turned this country into a world kayak hotspot for the last two decades. Surrounded by nature and with all sorts of fun rivers characters like big volume, technical, creek, pool drop, and continuous boulder gardens to name a few … The Amazon rush promises to be a blast!

 

Suggested Items to Pack:

  • Good protection helmet
  • Standard whitewater kayak rescue PFD
  • Spray deck
  • Dry top
  • Shorty splash jacket
  • Warm layers, minimum two
  • Long lightweight river pants
  • Good protective river shoes
  • Dry bag for you’re lunch and extra
  • Your own personal mini first aid kit containing personal pertinent medication
  • Water bottle
  • Throw rope and a minimum amount of rescue gear
  • Float bags
  • Insect repellent
  • Sun protection
  • Camera
  • Pair of sandals
  • Clothes for warm weather and colder high andes.

Notes: This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, inclement weather conditions, water levels, and the discretion of the guide. Although we attempt to stick to the itinerary, changes do sometimes occur. Alternate river runs are available and may be substituted for those on the itinerary. Being flexible allows you to get the most from your experience.

Important Information:

  • Cloud forecast weather: In the semi-tropical transition zone between the Andes and Amazon, daytime temperatures average 60 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius), and nighttime temperatures average 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 20 degrees Celsius).
  • Amazon weather: In the Amazon rainforest, daytime temperatures average 68 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 35 degrees Celsius), and nighttime temperatures average 64 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 22 degrees Celsius).

Itinerary:

Is this trip not long enough for you? Check out our extended Amazon to Andes tour!

River People safety procedures

River People guided kayak trips are led by a team of experienced kayak guides. With a combined total of 35 years of guiding experience, we aim for you to be able to experience the best of kayaking in Ecuador and be confident that safety is at the forefront of all we do; we run on Class IV rivers. Of course, we also want to ensure you have a super fun day and are able to get off the river and relax with a cold beer is another element of our guided kayaking trips!

We operate with the maximum amount of controlled risk possible where permitted. Nobody is paddling in above their limit of ability therefore we encourage you to be truthful regarding your paddling ability. You will be told to sit out if determined you are in above your head and other options will be available like hiking or sightseeing if you’re just not feeling right. We also restrict entry into flooded rivers or uncontrollable high water. Another activity is available if rivers are too high. Regrouping in designated eddies by the lead guide and looking back to watch the sweep boater is the fundamental river procedure. We expect you to portage a rapid or scout when strongly suggested by the guide. Forfeit of the trip is possible if you compromise the safety of the group. The speed involved in the way we carry out the river descent is in a calm, safe manner.

Drivers are stationed at emergency exits where available and will be on hand to help out if needed. Guides carry emergency coms (spot) phones. Guides carry wilderness medical First Aid kits and qualifications. Guides are advanced whitewater rescue trained and carry a spare paddle with rescue and extra emergency gear. Guides speak English and Spanish and are extremely knowledgeable about the area we paddle in, such as where the nearest hospital is, emergency evacuation plans, and other important information is carried by the drivers and guides.

  • Over drinking the night before to the extent of heavy intoxication and drugs are not allowed at River People
  • Being healthy, in good form, and the right mind set is essential to participating in this dynamic trip
  • We put a lot of emphasis on washing hands and proper hygiene
  • If feeling ill, please stay away from food prep
  • Our group water containers have a spout that must remain untouched by hands or personal bottle edge
  • Stay away from dodgy street food and food that has been in the sun too long

Guides

ECUADOR IV RIVER PROGRAM RIVER DESCRIPTIONS

Rating System

We have incorporated a slight variation to the rating system to give you a little more insight on Technical skills needed and the remoteness of some of the runs A- less to 1 hour to medical attention B- 1-3 hrs to medical attention C- 3 hrs+

Technical Difficulty Number / Rapid Grade Number/ Remote setting letter
Itinerary subject to changes depending on weather and other factors Overnighter trips are weather dependent.