Ecuador Rafting (Whitewater)

Ecuador Rafting

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Navigate through rivers surrounded by the stunning Amazon jungle forest passing by Indian communities and admiring abundant bird life.

The famous world championship of Whitewater Rafting, took place in Ecuador's Quijos River on October 2006. Ecuador's rivers are getting more and more attention every year.

This highlights the vast water resources that pour from the Equatorial Andes, famed to be the legendary headwaters of the Amazon River.

Hundreds of thousands of small streams create rivers that flow all year, with increased water volume during the rainy season in the highlands, from January through May.

Not only the constant water volume makes Ecuador rafting an exceptional experience.

But also the stunning jungle scenery, Indian communities, abundant bird life and occasional river otters are common sights when you navigate through the jungle on these great arteries of life.

A qualified guide will show you much more than your eye can see.



Ecuador's ecosystems can be overwhelming, as they are unique and varied, changing rapidly in altitude and humidity.

Plus, a quality guide from any experienced travel company will guarantee your safety and provide the confidence for you to relax and enjoy. From the City of Quito several rivers can be reached in a single day.

The most popular sections for Ecuador rafting run from 700 meters to 450 meters above sea level, such as the Toachi (class III+), Blanco (class III), Caoni (class II), Baba (class II), Mulate (class II) and other smaller tributary rivers on the coastal valleys.

On the Amazon Rain Forest you'll find the Quijos river that offers an excellent choice for the most adventurous rafters, as this is a class IV, at an altitude of about 2000 meters.

Here with cooler water, it requires the use of a splash jacket, or insulating suit when the sun is not shinning.

See Our Recommended Amazon Jungle Tours here

If you continue down the Amazonian road you can find many more river rafting options, such as the Jatunayacu (class III), or Misahualli (class IV) rivers, but this will take 2 or 3 days; well worth it, if you have the time.

River Classification System:

Degrees of Difficulty. An International System

• Class I: Waves small, passages clear, no serious obstacles.
• Class II: Rapids of moderate difficulty with passages clear.

  (Great rafting for families with very small children or for people looking for an introduction to kayaking.)

• Class III: Waves numerous, high, irregular, rocks, eddies, rapids with passages clear though narrow, requiring expertise in maneuvering.

  (This is the most popular classification for whitewater)

• Class IV: Long rapids; waves powerful, irregular, dangerous rocks, boiling eddies; powerful and precise maneuvering required.

  (Rivers such as these should be run by athletic individuals who are challenging themselves.)

• Class V: Exceedingly difficult, long and violent rapids, following each other almost without interruption.

  The riverbeds are extremely obstructed, big drops, violent currents, very steep gradients.

• Class VI: Commercially un-runnable.

Visit this stunning country and experience the real adrenaline of an Ecuador rafting adventure.

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Ecuador Recommended Reading

Ecuador: Climbing and Hiking Guide
This book provides information on the difficulty of the hike or climb, access, equipment recommendations and hiking directions. It is organized according to the geographic areas of Ecuador and now includes very useful hiking and climbing matrices that will help you plan your trip. (It is a detailed, accurate and very comprehensive guide)

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