*PLEASE NOTE* This itinerary is subject to change due to water levels or weather condition.

DAY 1: Jungle Hike and Jatunyacu River Rafting (Class III+)

You take an early-morning drive through Andean valleys and gain elevation through stunning canyon scenery until you reach the Atlantic-Pacific continental divide at 4,100 meters. From this point you begin a scenic downhill ride toward the Amazon Basin. The eastern Andes are home to stunning nature reserves which are part of a larger United Nations Biosphere Zone.

At the 700-meter level you begin to see many of the Kichwa communities that live in this area. You reach the put-in upon entering the Llanganates National Park. Before you start your rafting adventure you hike to nearby naturally-formed river pools. Here you can jump, slide and swim in these incredible rock formations.

You return to the put-in and begin your whitewater journey. Jatunyacu, which means “big water,” is considered one of Ecuador´s best one-day river runs. It has lots of big waves and fun play holes. The river is flanked by spectacular jungle scenery, birdlife, and Kichwa Indian families that live along the shores in small bamboo and wood houses. The evening will be spent in a river front lodge surrounded by jungle sounds.

(Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 2: River Cave and Jondachi & Hollin Rafting (Class III – IV)

The morning drive takes you toward the Jondachi River to experience Ecuador´s newest whitewater attraction. It combines a technical section of the Jondachi with the big volume waves in the Hollin. You hike for 30 minutes to access the river. Before getting into the rafts you visit a hidden canyon where you can play and plunge into the deep pools.

You return to the put-in to begin an epic 38-kilometer run through a remote and pristine jungle canyon. The Jondachi section is tighter and requires careful maneuvering through the channeled rapids among granite boulders. When the Jondachi joins the Hollin the water volume increases significantly, creating big waves and demanding a more aggressive paddling style.

The high-rising canyon walls that frame the river are covered in verdant green forest and decorated with multiple crystal clear waterfalls. There is plenty of time to appreciate the surrounding rainforest scenery and birdlife. You can see kingfishers, egrets, yellow-rumped caciques, and brilliant blue and green tangaras during the run.

Suspended above the canyon you see occasional wooden foot bridges that are used by the Kichwa people to access their deep jungle territories. You take-out near the town of Archidona and return to the jungle lodge for another serene jungle evening.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3: Kichwa Encounter and Papallacta Hotsprings

In the morning you begin your return trip back through the Andes. You stop to meet and learn from the Waira Churis, also known as the “Wind Dancers.” This is an extended Kichwa family, guardians of vast botanical knowledge and traditional music lore. Through their music and dance they express the harmonious balance between human and earth.

Many of these nearly forgotten songs are played with animal and plant instruments. You continue your journey up the Andes as you enjoy fantastic vistas of tropical valleys, natural waterfalls, and lush green landscapes. You arrive to the Papallacta Hotsprings Resort where you can choose to relax in any of 9 different thermal pools, ranging from 97F to 104F (36C to 40C).

The pools are surrounded by mountain cloud-forest and an occasional snow-capped volcano. The mineral-rich Papallacta water comes from underground geothermal springs. Spa services such as massages, aromatherapy, and other treatments can be provided at an additional cost when arranged in advance. You arrive to Quito in the afternoon.

(Breakfast, Lunch)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

TRAVEL TIME: 1 to 4 hours per day

RAFTING TIME: 3 to 5 hours daily depending on water level

SEASON: All year except June

ALTITUDE: 1,600 to 2,300 feet (500 to 700 meters)

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE – CLOUD FOREST: Day 60-86F / 16-30C

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE – AMAZON: Day 68-95F / 20-35C; Night 64-71F / 18-22C

SUGGESTED ITEMS TO PACK: water sandals, flashlight, sunblock, bathing suit, and mosquito repellent

WHITEWATER CLASSIFICATION: Class I – easy, Class II – novice, Class III – intermediate, Class IV – advanced, Class V – expert