Amazon Adventures

Ecuador

Galapagos Islands / Jungle Lodges / Active Adventures
Traditional Tours & Hotels

The Upano River Expedition, 6 days

Level: Challenging

The Upano River is the longest in Ecuador making this the most fascinating multi-day rafting expedition in the country. The run begins in the southern Ecuadorian Amazon from the town of Macas. Next travel through the stunning Namangosa Gorge that includes incredible rainforest and towering waterfalls that pour into the river giving it the name of the "River of the Sacred Waterfalls". While crossing the southern jungles we will come into contact with the fascinating culture of the Shuar Indians. A truly intense rafting and camping expedition along the best river expedition in Ecuador.

DAY 1: TRANSFER OR FLIGHT QUITO TO MACAS
This first day is spent traveling by land or air from Quito to Macas, a small Amazonian town in the southern Amazon. In the evening, we will have a trip briefing and welcome dinner. (D)

DAYS 2 TO 5: RUNNING THE UPANO (CLASS IV)
After a nutritious breakfast we will put our equipment into the water. The next four days will be spent travelling down the Upano River through the stunning Namangosa Gorge filled with towering waterfalls. This is a truly intense rafting and camping expedition through picturesque and untouched areas of the Amazonian jungle. The Upano starts as a wide and peaceful river with Class II and III rapids. Along the way we will make contact with the fascinating Shuar Indians while they wash clothes, fish or pan for gold. After crossing under the Patuca Bridge the riverbanks grow into towering canyon walls and water is channeled into a narrow boulder-choked gorge. The next two days are spent plowing through stretches of river riddled with Class IV rapids surrounded by unbelievably beautiful expanses of untouched jungle. The afternoon of our ninth day we will reach our take-out where our vehicle will meet us to drive us back to Macas through the countryside. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: TRANSFER OR FLIGHT MACAS TO QUITO
Transfer or flight back to Quito. (B)

2007-2008 PRICE PER PERSON: 2 people = US$990, 3 = $836, 4 = $725, 5 = $615

INCLUDED: Private transportation, top quality rafting equipment, deluxe camping, professional certified bilingual guide and meals as indicated. (Breakfasts will include: yogurt, granola or cereals, bread, cheese, fruits and eggs. Lunch is mainly box lunch that include different kind of sandwich, vegetables, fruits and soft drinks. Dinner include: soup,chicken, fish or other kind of meat, vegetables, rice or potatoes - water and soft drinks are always available.)

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare Macas-Quito, hotel & restaurant beverages, National Park entrance fees and tips/gratuities. (Air fare Quito/Macas/Quito USD 120.00 per person - air fare subject to change. Quito/Macas EQ-203 depart at 14:00 arrive 14:30 every day except Saturday and Sunday. Macas/Quito EQ-204 depart at 15:00 arrive 15:30 every day except Saturday and Sunday.)

IMPORTANT FACTS:
TRAVEL TIME: 30-minute flight from Quito to Macas or 6-hour drive.
RAFTING TIME: 4 to 6 hours each day. Rafts are for 7 people max.We use one guide per boat plus one guide in kayak for safety.
SEASON: October thru April
ALTITUDE: 700m to 400m
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE AMAZON: DAY 18-34ºC, NIGHT 15-20ºC
SUGGESTED: Water sandals, hiking boots, rain coat, non-cotton trekking gear, sun block, bathing suit, hat and mosquito repellent. It´s suggested that pax have malaria and yellow fever vaccination but is not a must because no cases have been registered
WHITEWATER CLASSIFICATION: Class I - easy, Class II - novice, Class III intermediate, Class IV - advanced, Class V - expert