Discover Ecuador! Ecuador - An Overview Kayaking Season The Rivers The Kayaker's Guide to Ecuador   "This was the best week of kayaking in my life!" Eugene Buchanan, editor of Paddler Magazine January, 2006 Small World trip "This is absolutely one of the finest weeks of paddling I've ever had. Your excellent guiding, the accommodations, the suburb food, not to mention the fabulous rivers and scenery have all combined to create an unforgettable week." Kelly Stone

ECUADOR Ecuador is a land of dramatic landscapes both geographically and historically. Throughout the country the influences of the ancient Inca and Spanish Conquistadors still linger, and in the villages traditional hunting and fishing are still practiced. With an area about the size of Colorado, Ecuador supports ecosystems so diverse that a traveler can go from a snow capped volcano rising 20,000 feet to the Amazon basin the same day. All of our trips start and end in the colonial capital city of Quito. From there it's only a 3 hour scenic drive to our base and cabins on the Rio Quijos.

KAYAKING SEASON

THE RIVERS

In the heart of Ecuador's most spectacular terrain are the clear waters of upper-Andean creeks and the thundering rapids of big water Amazonian tributaries. While inaccessible to most travelers, these are our playgrounds. Our trips are designed to offer kayakers of all abilities the unique opportunity to experience fantastic whitewater in one of the most interesting regions on earth. Roughly half of the runs we do are suitable for for rafting and kayaking while the others are kayak only. We have never excountered an area with a higher concentration of good whitewater rivers and such a long season. The combination of steady rainfall and amazing geographic relief add up to one of the worlds best whitewater areas. Below we have listed just a sampling of the rivers found in the area around our river base.

Rio Quijos: From its birth as a glacial creek on the flanks of of the Andes to a huge river deep in the Amazon basin, the Quijos has over 70 miles of spectacular whitewater. The upper runs are continuous and technical while play spots abound the lower canyons. Our exclusive lodge is midway on the Quijos. Class III to V

Rio Cosonga: Experience lava cliffs, lush rainforests, tropical birds and waterfalls hundreds of feet high while you paddle this river's three wonderfully technically runs. This tributary of the Rio Quijos is always a favorite with the guides and guests. Class III+ to IV+

Rio Misahualli: Clear warm water, polished granite boulders, tree lined banks, and kids swimming near indigenous villages characterize the Misahualli's upper runs. The "Lower Mis" is the quintessential jungle run of Ecuador. Passing through a remote rainforest it has it all; great surfing, big powerful rapids, parrots, toucans and waterfalls. Class II to IV+

Rio Jatunyacu: This big volume river has long straightforward rapids perfect for the intermediate paddler. The calm pools allow plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent views of the rainforest as well as the Andes. For the advanced boater there is also some great play.

Rio Jondachi: Although the upper run is only about 10 kilometers long there must be at least a hundred rapids. The setting is truly breathtaking on this steep creek. Class IV to V The lower Jondachi is longer and just as beautiful as the upper but easier.

Rio Oyacachi: One of the many tributaries to the Rio Quijos, the Oyacachi is best described as a powerful technical river in a beautiful remote valley. It's clear water and non-stop rapids make it one of the most memorable rivers in Ecuador. There is a day run as well as a multi day section. Class IV to V

THE KAYAKERS GUIDE TO ECUADOR - How to Order