So you want to go to Ecuador?

Big boofs on the Papallacta

It's that time of year again. When temperatures drop and you begin dreaming of far-off paddling destinations with warm water!  If you're thinking of heading south this winter, you should definitely consider Ecuador.

Ecuador is awesome.  It's one of the top international paddling destinations, and I'm not sure that there's any better place to get your boof on.  I headed there last January for two weeks to take a vacation and get some paddling in.  This is what it's like.

Papallacta and Quijos confluence rapid

The sleepy town of Baeza is an incredible base camp for whitewater kayaking.  This is where you'll find the Quijos river valley, serving up multiple class IV and V runs.  There are just a few class III sections, so class III paddlers may want to head down to Tena instead.  Baeza lies in the Andes at about 6,000 feet, and the weather we experienced in Baeza in January was very comfortable, not too hot and not too cold (think dry top... but Tena is warmer).


If you want to go to Ecuador, you have some options:

Upper Miss

- Follow the "do it yourself" approach.  This is the least expensive approach and easier to do than you might think.  Stay at Rodrigo's and eat at Gina's (or stay there).  Rodrigo can help you arrange taxi's for shuttle, but expect to guide yourself down the rivers.

- Go with Boof Sessions.  This is a great "middle of the road" option.  Abe will help you with all logistics and be your river guide.  Meals and lodging are not included, but you will be given options and decide for yourself exactly how much you want to spend.  Get more information at http://www.ecuadorpaddling.com/.

- Go with a complete outfitter like Small World Adventures.  This is the most expensive option, but they will take care of all planning, guiding, meals, and lodging for you. It's all inclusive (excluding alcohol).


But how do you get your boat there?

More Papallacta action

The saying goes, "Boats go to die in Ecuador."  All the rock boofs can be hard on your boat, and many boats break.  Also, it's VERY easy to sell your boat, and it's VERY difficult to buy a boat.  You can rent boats from Abe or Rodrigo, but be forewarned, it's about $30 a day, and many of them are welded and leak.  I think it's best to take a boat down that you plan to sell.  And if you don't break it, it just might fund a good portion of your trip.

Most airlines technically don't allow kayaks, but they do allow "wave skis."  I recommend getting a kayak bag.  You can usually find black felt ones that boats are shipped in - ask around at your local shop.  Tape the bag closed and write "wave ski" on it.  Add handles to accommodate baggage handlers.   Depending on the airline, they may charge you a fee. Don't put gear in your boat - you might be overweight and the airlines really don't like that (and might want to charge you an additional fee).  Last but not least, check for baggage embargos prior to booking - one was in effect and delayed my trip by a day.

Twin boofs!

Happy Paddling!!

Jen Jakub

** All photos courtesy of Boof Sessions (www.ecuadorpaddling.com) - Thanks, Abe!!