PADDLER 96
PADDLER 96
QUIJOS VALLEY
The second area is more north in the Quijos Valley. It is more mountainous at a higher elevation, so we lose the jungle’ s humidity. However, it’ s still enjoyable, averaging around 25 degrees. Most paddlers head for the town of Beaza, as here we have cheap lodgings, a couple of great restaurants, and good kayak hire. It also gives easy access to the Quijos River.
The river has around seven sections to go at, which most will double up on in a day as most runs are much shorter than the Tena rivers. The Quijos River is slightly different from the Tena River, being more continuous and powerful, so it has a more Alpine feel. I find it good to warm up in Tena before heading over. Every section has its uniqueness, from its fast, continual, steeper
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
Tena is about four hours from Quito airport, and Beaza is around two hours. It’ s the norm to hire a taxi for your shuttles, as most have pickup trucks and know the put-ons and exits to the rivers.
Knowing a little Spanish will help as English isn’ t spoken much. Take plenty of dollars, as there aren’ t many ATMs around. There may be a couple of banks in Tena.
It’ s good to get a local guide. I always use one for my trips, as they know the put-ons / offs, changes to the rivers, and escape routes. They can also speak the local lingo to sort out any problems and logistics.
Finally, a little thought about coming to Ecuador: if you have never boated in the jungle, this is the place to do it. The Amazon will blow you away. It’ s known as the earth’ s lungs, producing over 20 % of the world’ s oxygen and with its unique ecosystems, biodiversity, fauna and flora, it’ s a breathtaking, magical place. The rivers are worldclass and recently attracted some big names exploring their hidden treasures. It’ s hot and the perfect winter destination. You will take away memories of a lifetime that will draw you back repeatedly.
For more info, contact Andy at www. escapetoadventure. com in conjunction with riverpeopleecuador. com upper sections( The Cheesehouse) to its middle with big set piece rapids in-between spectacular basalt canyons( El Chaco canyon), Then bigger volume big rapids( Bon Bon section and beyond) and open play further down. All sections are grade 3 / 4 with the odd harder rapid thrown in to test oneself or portage.
THE OYACACHI RIVER
Below the El Chaco canyon, another river comes in, the Oyacachi. It has a little less volume but is steeper, especially its harder upper section at grade 4 / 5. It’ s very technical, with many moves through boulders, slots, and small drops. I ran the lower section at grade 3 / 4 and found it a delightful technical read and run.
Another run worth mentioning, which sits between Tena and Beaza, is so good to do on your way over or back, and it is the Cosanga. This drops into the Quijos in its upper region, and if the Cosanga is big, then you can guarantee the Quijos will be challenging. At its usual lower level, the Cosanga is a delight with a couple of sections; its upper level is a little easier and lower a bit more challenging. It’ s a little creeky with some bigger set pieces thrown in, but it is one of the prettiest runs around. Worth doing on your way by. As with Tena, there are other runs to do, mostly tributaries to the main river, so they require a little more water, but if they are on, you can check out the Papallacta, Borja, Sardinas. and Salado.
There are other areas to visit or activities for those thinking of spending more time in Ecuador. Many companies do walking or longboat jungle tours deep into the Amazon for you to see the local customs, ecosystem fauna and flora. Some serious mountaineers are climbing up its many volcanic peaks, such as Cotopaxi. Banos, about three hours south of Tena, is a mecca for outdoor types for hiking, mountain biking, tours, and sightseeing, along with some great rivers. And, of course, it’ s easy to fly from Quito to the Galapagos islands, which are on most bucket lists.