- White Water Rafting, Kayaking &
Canoeing
 The
rivers tumbling down from the high Andes towards the Pacific
coast on the west, and the Amazon basin in the East make Ecuador
one of the best whitewater destinations in the world. There are
some magnificent waters to be found here, and naturally a number
of companies offer trips. Before you book, do check out the experience,
qualifications and equipment your guides can provide -this is
not an area to take unnecessary risks to save a few dollars.
Trips to the Amazon Basin in
the east can combine an opportunity to see and experience the
lifestyle of native tribes. Most trips start at Tena, around
5 hours from Quito. From here rafting takes place on the Rio
Napo (class III), one of the two main sources of the Amazon.
More challenging rafting can be had on the Rio Mishahualli (class
IV) combining canyon rapids and unspoilt jungle scenery, although
this trip can only be run about half the year.
To the West are the Rios Toachi
and Blanco (class III), which join at the Valle Hermoso. The
Toachi is extremely popular as the closest whitewater to Quito,
while the Upper Blanco offers a longer trip in non stop rapids
with lush surroundings.
- Endless River -white water kayaking in the Quijos River in the
Tena region.
- Kayak
Ecuador -information
on the Napo River Festival and kayaking in Ecuador. Includes
advice on travelling around with kayaks, bus timetables and detailed
guides to the main rafting and kayaking sites. Also hosts a page
for the Ecuadorian Rivers Institute.
- Magic River tours
-German run tour operator offering canoe tours to explore the
Cuyabeno Nature Reserve in 603.000 hectares of protected park,
deep within the Ecuadorian Amazon.
- Paddler Magazine -article on kayaking in Ecuador in 1999.
- Piedra
Blanca - Rafting in replica
ancient rafts, as well as trekking adventure eco-tours at Piedra
Blanca in Bolivar Province in rural Ecuador.
- Rios
Ecuador -customised rafting
and kayaking adventures in the Oriente on the Upper Río
Napo (Grade III), and the Río Misahuallí (Grade
IV).
- Rivers Guide Book
-some really useful trip reports can be found at this site -follow
the link to 'Reports' at the top of the page -the South America
section includes the titles below:
- South America for Beginners
1-Marc Musgrove reports from part of a Round the World Trip.
- Ecuador Diary -by Guy Austin.
Report and photos from a recent trip.
- Ecuador 1 & 2- by Chris
Wheeler. Articles on paddling in Ecuador.
- Slimes Guide to Paddling in
Ecuador -guide and maps of Ecuador's rivers.
- Tourist Report from Ecuador
-Mark Rainsley.
- Yacuamu -specialist whitewater rafting and kayaking
operator with offices in Quito and Tena Ecuador. Offer rafting
on the mainland and sea-kayaking on the Galapagos.
- Wicked Liquid Expeditions -U.S. based company specialising in whitewater
rafting and multisport vacations world wide, including vacations
to Peru.
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