With over 2,000 rivers, Ecuador is a whitewater paradise. Warm water, a year-round temperate climate, and a rainy season from October to May make it an unbeatable destination for a winter whitewater fix! The Tena region, in particular, offers an incredible mix of Class III-IV rivers from technical to big water.
NWRC’s rowing instructors, paired with our friends from Kayak Ecuador provided the ideal team for Class III-IV rowers to explore, develop, and refine their skills. Our first Class III+ Rowing School was a huge success!
“I recently returned from the Ecuador Class III+ Rowing School. Everything about it was fabulous: the training, trainers, lodging, food, transportation, gear, planning, assessment and adaptation, cultural exposure, … In short, it was another top shelf Northwest Rafting Company effort.”
Mountain Views & Mouthwatering Meals
While in Ecuador, we stayed at the picturesque Pacha Eco Lodge, nestled near Tena. Each day began with homemade breakfasts and ended with delicious dinners crafted from local ingredients, all enjoyed on a scenic balcony with sweeping views of the Amazon rainforest.
The lodge offered walking trails connecting the guest cabins, modern amenities like Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping, and even the option for a relaxing massage—a perfect way to unwind after a full day on the river.
First-Class Training in a World-Class Setting
Our on-river training and daily debrief sessions focused on key rowing skills essential for Class III-III+ whitewater. We covered proper boat spacing in rapids, hand signals for communication, downstream oar management, and ferry angles for precise raft maneuvering.
A highlight of the course was our whitewater rescue training, where we practiced raft flipping, wading, and throwbag techniques on the Misahualli River—conveniently located right next to our lodge.
Our River Itinerary
Thanks to the expert recommendations of our local guide and lodge owner, Santi, we were able to hand-pick our rivers each day:
- Day 1: We started on the Class II Napo River, a direct tributary of the Amazon. This mellow introduction gave students a chance to dial in their oar and frame setups for a comfortable and efficient rowing experience.
- Day 2: We took on a local favorite, the Class III Hatun Yaku, a bigger, deeper river with fun rapids and a riverside lunch stop where we bought chocolates and handmade jewelry from local Kichwa women.
- Day 3: A “rest day” with options for a swiftwater rescue course or a relaxing massage at the lodge.
- Day 4: We explored two new rivers, the Piatua and Anzu. The Piatua, a shallow, technical Class III+ stretch, demanded precise oar management—especially of the downstream oar. It flowed into the Anzu, a bigger-volume Class III+ river that challenged our students’ ability to control boat speed.
- Day 5: Our final river day brought everything together. We started with the technical Class III+ Jondachi and finished on the powerful Class III+ Hollín River. Set deep in the Amazon rainforest, these rivers featured breathtaking jungle scenery and countless waterfalls—an unforgettable way to end the week.
Cultural Highlights
Beyond the river, we immersed ourselves in Ecuador’s vibrant culture. We toured a cacao farm, watching firsthand how chocolate is handcrafted from bean to bar. A visit to Tena’s bustling local market introduced us to the shopping traditions of Ecuador’s Quijos, Quichua, and Kichwa communities. And to top it all off, we ended the trip with a relaxing soak (and a refreshing cold plunge) at the famous Papallacta Hot Springs.
A pro tip for travelers: Bring small U.S. bills ($20 and under). Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar, and smaller denominations are handy for local purchases.
Final Thoughts
It was such an honor to be part of the first NWRC Ecuador Class III+ Rowing School. The trip far exceeded my expectations in terms of river quality, breathtaking jungle scenery, and the beauty and peacefulness of Pacha Eco Lodge. Everyone we met was so friendly and helpful. The rivers provided the perfect training ground for students to challenge themselves and refine their skills. I can’t wait until next year and hope to see you all there!
