The Quijos Whitewater The Headwaters Run: Two Day Quijos River Trip (Over 50km, Class IV+)

The Quijos is set to become Ecuador’s premier whitewater trip with mile after mile of class IV-IV+ rapids and spectacular jungle scenery. Expect to run more whitewater in a day than you’d do in a week elsewhere. This trip is for experienced rafters that are confident swimmers. No wimps please!
Itinery

Day 1:

Depart from Crossroads Café and Hostel, 7am. Drive to Baeza. On arrival you’ll be issued with wetsuits, life jackets and helmets. After a short drive to the put-in the Trip Leader will give a thorough safety briefing and conduct a swim test. Then you’ll split into groups for an intensive in-boat paddle practice with your guide. Once we set off we’re straight into the action but with some easier rapids to warm up. Along the way we’ll stop for a riverside picnic lunch. In the afternoon we’ll raft through the first canyons of the Quijos running big, technical rapids. At the end of the day we pull the boats into shore and take a short ten-minute walk up to the lodge where we have cold beer, hot showers and a good meal waiting for us. O/n lodge. (L, D).

 

Day 2:

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast we’ll pull on our wetsuits again and head back to the river for a lot more whitewater action. Today you should be prepared for one of the most exciting days of your life. And to top it off you’ll be doing it all in one of the most beautiful parts of Ecuador. This river is set to become a legend. From the take-out we’ll head back to Quito stopping at Papallacta Hot Springs for a well-earned soak in the volcanically heated mineral waters. Arrive approx. 8pm or spend a night at Papallacta. (B, L).

River Grading:

IV-IV+

What to bring:

For on the river: swimsuit/shorts, spray jacket, tennis shoes/river sandals, sunglasses (with retention strap), baseball cap, sunscreen, insect repellent.

For off the river: dry change of clothes (long-sleeved shirt, long pants and a light jumper), shoes/boots, personal items (ie. Toiletries / medication).

Included:

Professional guides, expert safety kayaker for every two boats, all rafting equipment, wetsuits, transport, meals as stated and shared accommodation.

Not included:

Additional alcoholic drinks, personal expenses, tips, entry to Papallacta Hot Springs.

Departures:

Saturdays from August to February. Other days with a minimum of 6.