Quijos River Rafting, 1 Day

Level: Challenging (Class IV)
ARQ-01

The Quijos River originates from the glaciers of the Antisana Volcano at 5,758 meters. It runs a steep descent towards the Amazon through a dramatically beautiful cloud forest valley gorge filled with birdlife. This stretch of high volume non-stop whitewater action runs high at 2000 meters and is the best class IV rafting tour from Quito.

We depart from Quito at 7h00 and gain altitude until we pass the continental divide at 4,000 meters. Form the divide we drop through a stunning paramo (highland) and cloud forest ecosystem until we reach the El Chaco gorge at 2,100 meters. By the river we will have a safety briefing before paddling this beautiful and challenging stretch which is also home to many species of birdlife. During the next 18 kilometer we will run the best class IV section from Quito in one day. It has the true feeling of paddling in the Andes, as the water and climate is much cooler than the low land rivers. Snacks and a healthy river beach lunch will be served by your guides and support team. We return to Quito, arriving in the late afternoon. (L)

INCLUDED: Private transportation, professional rafting equipment, personal safety gear, wholesome lunch and snacks, and American Canoe Association (ACA) certified raft guides.

IMPORTANT FACTS

• TRAVEL TIME: 2 hours each way from Quito
• RAFTING TIME: 3 hours
• SEASON: November to April
• ALTITUDE:2200 m to 1800 m
• AVERAGE TEMPERATURE HIGHLANDS: DAY 8 - 18ºC
• AVERAGE TEMPERATURE CLOUDFOREST:DAY 12 - 22ºC
• SUGGESTED: Water sandals, rain coat, sun block and mosquito repellent.
• WHITEWATER CLASSIFICATION: Class I - easy, Class II - novice, Class III - intermediate, Class IV - advanced, Class V - expert