Class IV- through Expert Daily Schedule
Class III+ Introduction to Ecuador

Class III+ Introduction to Ecuador

Day 1 - You'll arrive in Quito late evening. We'll meet you at the airport and take you to our charming, quiet hotel.

Day 2 - At 8 a.m. we'll sit down to a hearty breakfast, pack up then head to the Oriente. Our drive takes us over the 13,400 ft pass of Vulcan Antisana, the headwater for our northern Amazonian rivers. Here in the lazy mountain town of Papallacta, we'll detour to soak our jet-lagged bodies in the recuperative hot water springs. Afterward we'll drive one and a half hours to our first night's lodging to outfit boats and, if water levels allow, play at the warm up rapid.

Day 3-5 - The exact itinerary will depend on water levels and abilities of the group. Rivers we may run include the Jatunyacu, the lower Jondachi, and stretches of the Misahualli and the Cosanga. We will repeat runs and focus on improving skills, water reading and playing! We'll drive through the Guacamayo Mountains and drop down to 1800 ft to paddle the tropical jungle rivers in our shorties! All our lodging is riverside and our surroundings are beautiful.

Day 6 - We'll offer a short river option or you can take the whole day off to rest those paddling muscles. Options* include exploring the jungle surrounding our remote riverside lodge, a motorized dugout trip down the Napo (headwaters of the Amazon basin) or kicking back to read, or bird watch at the lodge.
*Options are not included in price of trip.

Day 7-8 - These are two more days where we might hit a new run or repeat a favorite. If water levels are high we'll spend our last day at the famous market town of Otovalo shopping for gifts. That evening we'll celebrate with a farewell dinner overlooking the city in Quito.

Day 9 - We'll ensure you get to the airport for your return trip home or wherever the next leg of your adventure takes you.

If river levels are ideal our first preference is to boat! If they aren't then we'll explore remote and fascinating aspects of this incredible country. Because the rivers rise so quickly with the rains, a Class 3+ can turn into hard Class 4 overnight. For the past five years we have boated every day. However, we need to be ready to take advantage of whatever Ecuador tosses our way.

"Thanks for one of the BEST organized trips I have ever been a part of. No wonder you have so many return guests."

- Peter Palmer, CANADA

Class IV- through Expert Daily Schedule

If we don't take out at a riverside lodge after each day of paddling, a short drive brings us home. Often there's time to interact with the community, then enjoy a hot shower, delicious dinner and a comfortable night's sleep.

Day 1 - You'll arrive in Quito late evening. We'll meet you at the airport and take you to our charming, quiet hotel.

Day 2 - At 8 a.m. we'll sit down to a hearty breakfast then pack up and head to the Oriente. Our two and a half hour drive takes us over the 13,400 ft pass of Volcan Antisana, the headwater for our northern Amazonian rivers. We'll get the boats outfitted and do a warm-up section of the Rio Quijos. You know your vacation has begun as we paddle through cloud forests and remote farmlands. Afterward, we'll settle into our lazy, little dairy community that sits one mile high. In beautiful surroundings, all our lodging provides us with firm beds, hot showers and great views.

Day 3-5 - Each itinerary is tailored to the ability level and interests of each group. We'll take advantage of the best water levels and paddle our favorite runs. Traveling south we'll descend to 1,800 ft to paddle the tropical jungle rivers around Tena in shorties! Our nights are spent in riverside lodges.

Day 6 - We have a river option or you can take the whole day off to rest your paddling muscles and explore the jungle surrounding our remote lodge at the headwaters of the Amazon basin.

Day 7-8 - These are two more days of great boating where we might hit some new runs or repeat some favorites. The last evening we'll return to Quito and celebrate with a farewell dinner overlooking the city.

Day 9 - We'll ensure you get to the airport for your return trip home or wherever the next leg of your adventure takes you.

"Fantastic! Truly unique, beautiful accommodations with home cookin' and killer paddling. Through it all the DeRiemer's guide, inform, and help you take your paddling to the next level."

- Dave Phillips, WA