Rafting and Kayaking
White-water rafting combines the thrill of riding rapids with the chance to reach some spectacular landscapes that simply can't be visited otherwise. Each heavy-duty inflatable dinghy takes six to eight people plus a guide. Beginners can happily handle waters graded Class II and III, which usually involve substantial sections of quiet paddling between rougher and more exciting rapids. Class V runs are difficult and can be terrifying for the non-expert. A small number of rafting and kayaking companies, mainly based in Quito, Tena and Banos, organize trips to dozens of rivers. Not far from Quito, on the way to Santo Domingo, the Rios Blanco and Toachi offer a selection of popular runs suitable for beginners and old hands alike. A high density of rivers around Tena has singled the town out as a growing centre for the sport in Ecuador. Among the most popular is the Upper Napo , a typical beginner's run, while the nearby Rio Misahualli is suitable for more advanced paddlers, weaving through a stunning canyon in a remote section of rainforest, described as the best rafting trip in the country. Other options from Tena include the Rio Hollin, Rio Anzu , and the Rio Quijos and tributaries give up a range of possibilities. In the southern Oriente, the Rio Upano is one of the most talked about runs, involving a trip of several days which has the spectacular Namangosa Gorge on the itinerary. Safety is the prime consideration for white-water rafting and kayaking. Rainfall can have a dramatic effect on a river, as an easy Class II in the dry months can turn into a swollen torrent too dangerous to run in the rainy season. Obviously, a good rafting company will be on top of the situation and will not attempt to run unsafe water. A few shoddy outfits with untrained guides and inappropriate equipment do exist; only go rafting with a reputable company, those that have fully-trained guides who know first-aid, can supply good-quality life jackets and helmets, and employ a safety kayak to accompany the raft on the run. Check whether they do all this and that your guide is accredited with AGAR (Asociacion de Guias de Aguas Rapidas). For rafting around Tena, contact Rios Ecuador (tel & fax 06/887438 or in Quito tel & fax 02/558264; info@riosecuador.com ), in the Hostal Camba Huasi and also opposite Hostal Travellers Lodging in Tena . For trips around Quito, contact Yacu Amu Rafting, Amazonas N24-03 and Presidente Wilson, Quito (tel & fax 02/236844, yacuamu@rafting.com.ec ).
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