Ecuador Class III+ Rowing School Itinerary
Join us for an immersive Class III+ Rowing Achool in Ecuador, where you’ll refine your whitewater rowing skills under the guidance of our rowing instructors. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Ecuadorian Andes and lush jungle rivers, this course is designed for those looking to build confidence navigating technical rapids while mastering proper rowing techniques.
Day 1 – Drive from Quito to the Pacha Ecolodge
Our adventure begins with a morning pickup at 10:00 AM from the Holiday Inn near Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito. From there, we embark on a scenic 3.5-hour drive over the 13,120-foot Papallacta Pass, descending into the lush Amazon Basin. Upon arrival at Pacha Ecolodge, we check into our accommodations and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
The afternoon is dedicated to gear preparation, ensuring that all equipment is ready for our first day on the river. Afterward, we relax and enjoy a delicious dinner overlooking the Amazon jungle.
Night at Pacha Ecolodge (L,D)
Day 2 – Row the Río Napo
Our first river day takes us to the Río Napo, where we paddle from Puerto Napo to Puerto Misahuallí. This Class II river provides the perfect environment to ease into the rowing experience, allowing participants to practice catching eddies and refining their technique before facing more challenging waters later in the trip.
Night at Pacha Ecolodge (B,L,D)
Day 3 – Row the Jatun Yaku
The adventure continues on the Jatun Yaku, a high-volume river featuring fun Class III rapids. This stretch offers the perfect opportunity to focus on perfecting ferry angles and boat control in more dynamic conditions.
Night at Pacha Ecolodge(B,L,D)
Day 4 – Rest & Cultural Exploration
Midway through the course, we take a well-deserved rest day. Participants can choose to relax at the ecolodge, join a cultural tour, or take part in rescue training exercises to further enhance their skills. This flexible day provides time to recharge before returning to the river.
Night at Pacha Ecolodge (B,L,D)
Day 5 – Row the Río Quijos or Río Piatua
Depending on river flows and weather conditions, we will either navigate the Río Quijos or the Río Piatua.
oth rivers present a more technical challenge, providing an excellent opportunity to develop oar management skills in swift-moving water. Participants gain hands-on experience handling tighter lines, making precise maneuvers, and improving their river reading abilities.
Night at Pacha Ecolodge (B,L,D)
Day 6 – Row the Río Hollín
Our final river day brings us into the heart of the jungle as we take on the Río Hollín. We begin with a short section of the creeky Río Jondachi before merging into the larger Río Hollín.
This Class III+ run provides a thrilling way to apply all the skills learned throughout the course, challenging participants to execute proper techniques in a dynamic environment.
Night at Pacha Ecolodge (B,L,D)
Day 7 – Drive back to Quito and Visit Papallacta Hot Springs
On our last day we drive back over Papallacta Pass and return back to the Quito Airport Holiday Inn. Along the way we’ll stop at the beautiful Papallacta Hot Springs for a soak. We generally arrive in Quito around 3 or 4 PM so you can catch a flight home on this evening.
(B,L)