| Ecuador HIGHLIGHTS |  |
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| River descriptions: | | Ecuador is considered a "hot spot" for kayakers and rafters due to its abundance of rivers, warm waters and tropical rainforest areas giving infinite options to both the experienced and first timer.
The major raft operators who also supply a full range of equipment, food and mobilization along with guides are found in Quito, Baños and Tena in the Oriente.
Before
booking also check that the operators have a repair service for break downs, first aid system and a river rescue matrix as well as checking your equipment carefully before booking, as a clue most of the higher quality services will be run by foreigners or trained by foreigners ensuring the guides are of the highest caliber. See also our kayaking tour operators section. |  Grades | | | Many of the whitewater rivers in Ecuador have very severe plunges up to mark V and present heavy technical difficulties and only for the most experienced kayakers as well as grade III-IV so, do check prior to disembarking the river that is most suitable in relation
to your experience. |  | | Water quality | | | Although you are not drinking the rivers waters the quality of water in the rivers can have sections that are quite polluted especially near towns and agricultural areas who use the rivers to run off
their pollution. | | | Pacific coast rivers | | | The most popular run river from Quito is the Blanco river with some 200 km whitewater passable routes along with its various small tributaries. The Upper half of Blanco river along with Toachi/Blanco areas has grade III-IV routes and includes El Sapo canyon rapids passable between February and June. Other good examples for kayakers are Pilaton, grade IV-V, Mindo, grade III-IV, Caoni, grade II-III
and Mulate, grade III. | | | Quijos river | | | The Quijos river and its surrounding tributaries are heaven for whitewater pursuits and are located within a 30 km radius from El Chaco and houses grades from the more technical grade V down to grade III as well as level V in the Papallacta area. The highlight and largest plunge of 145m may be traversed over the San Rafael Falls, the largest waterfall in the country. March to September is the rainy season and along with its high flows attracts the expert rafters while the dry season is the best time for first timers as well
as commercial rafting. | | | Amazon | | Up from Puerto Libre on the Lumbaqui-Tulcán road the Upper Aguarico river affords the rafter grade II-III rapids and further south a few km the Dué river offers grade II-IV. The best time to experience these northern rivers is February to July.
Tena and Napo rivers offer great rafting opportunities, the most frequented area is the Upper Napo grade III although the most exciting with varying water levels is the Misahuallí grade IV taking you through virgin jungle and around Casanova Falls
is simply breathtaking. Other options could also be taken at Anzu, Misahualli and Hollín rivers.
Trips can be arranged through one of the Quito tour operators. | | | Pastaza | | | There are some accessible grade IV high level routes in a canyon running from Shell and the Puyo-Macas road bridge, in addition the Patate river running from Baños, a highland tributary has also been frequented regularly. Finally Topo, grade V has been advised by many senior rafters as the place to best experience the steepest
creek descent in Ecuador. | | | Upano | | | This gorge has an abundance of waterfalls, the highlight being the sheer 100 m drop that many falls have making this a sensational run which cuts into the southward areas of Province Morona Santiago. The rapids on route are grade IV and challenging to anyone but also do be on the look out for Raft-flipping boils. The gorge will finally merge into the Amazon and becomes more tranquil. The best months are from October to February when several commercial trips will be available. Do not try the other months due to unexpected
flooding. | | | River descriptions: | | | Tour operators: | | |
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| ECUADOR HOT LINKS | 
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| ECUADOR HOT SPOTS | |
| Guayaquil, Ecuador "Pacific Pearl" |
| Discover "The magic of the South Pacific". A complete travel guide to Guayaquil, Ecuador including hotels, tours, travel tips and main attractions. | | Salinas, Ecuador | | The best weather, tours and much more!. Salinas, is considered the best tourist beach resort in Ecuador's Pacific Coastline.... | | Quito, Ecuador | | Ecuador's capital and the country's second largest city. A complete travel guide to Quito, Ecuador including hotels, tours, travel tips and main attractions. | | Ecuador Travel Guide to the Galapagos Islands | | Discover the wonders of the Galapagos Islands including history, tours, travel tips, tour operators, Geology, weather and much more... | | Ecuador "Route of the Sun" | | "Ruta del Sol" is Ecuador's most beautiful coastal scenery road that runs all the way to Esmeraldas..... |
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About Ecuador
Ecuador Regions
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