The Upper Rio Napo is also known locally as the Rio Jatunyacu, which means “BIG WATER” in Quichua. “Big” is probably the best word to describe this river – BIG WAVES and BIG FUN! A great trip for both beginners and experts alike, it has the perfect combination of exciting rapids, calm pools, and fabulous jungle scenery to delight everybody. Being the headwaters of one of the two rivers that form the mighty Amazon River, this is a rafting adventure that should not be passed up!
The trip begins in our office. About ten minutes outside town we cross the Napo river, one of the principal tributaries of the colossal Amazon, and continue for about another thirty minutes south into the jungle.
Once we arrive at the river you will be fitted out with a life jacket and helmet and the trip leader will give the group a comprehensive safety briefing. The group will then be divided into teams and your team will be introduced to your guide. Your guide will train you in the paddling techniques needed to navigate your way down the river, revise your safety equipment, and securely stow any items you bring along like sunscreen or a small camera. Then it’s off onto the jungle waters for a day that contrasts furious paddling down fun, bouncy rapids and moments of quiet contemplation of the beauty of the passing jungle.
During the trip we’ll stop at a riverside beach for a delicious picnic lunch that includes fresh tropical fruits and is served with soft drinks, juice and water. At the end of the trip we celebrate a great day out with a few ice-cold beers or sodas. The drive from the take-out back to Tena takes about ten minutes.
The trip begins at 8.30am in our office (Tarqui & Días Pineda in front of the Austria Hostel).
Arrival time is approximately 4pm but may be earlier or later depending on the river level.
Copy passport, outdoor sandals (type Teva) or other footwear (will get wet!), light weight shirt or T-shirt, short light weight trousers, swimsuit, extra pair of dry T-shirt and trousers in plastic bag for After the rafting, sunscreen, insect repellent, if you wear glasses: cord to assure these, enough money for unexpected buys or tip.
NO large earrings or necklaces, no loose things in your pockets.
- International Rafting Federation-certified guides
- Top-of-the-line rafting equipment
- Sit-on-top kayak
- Transportation from Tena to the river and back
- Riverside lunch
- Celebratory beers or sodas
- Unsurpassed safety
- Personal expenses
- Tips
No previous rafting experience is necessary. Minimum age is generally 12 years
Ríos Ecuador Cía. Ltda. reserves the right to modify or cancel any tour operated directly by us before or after departure for reasons including but not limited to insufficient sign-up and circumstances amounting to "forcé majeure". In such cases we regret that we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation or be responsable for any costs or expenses incurred by the client (s) as a result. If a tour is cancelled by Ríos Ecuador Cía Ltda. prior to departure all monies paid will be refunded. No refund will be issued for the unused portion of a tour or in the case of cancellation by the client within 24 hours of departue. Luggage and personal effects are at all times carried ath the clients risk. Rios Ecuador Cía. Ltda. cannot accept liability in any circumstances where we act only as an agent for the client(s) in arranging services that are neither run nor