Trip Highlights
- Four Days of Boating
- Class III/III/IV Rivers
- Visit Local Hot Springs
- Optional Cultural Tours
Explore the Rivers of Ecuador by Raft
R-2 School
Learn from Professionals in Our
Ecuador R-2 School
- Length: 7 Days
- Season: January
- Activities: Class III/IV Rafting and Cultural Tours
- Meeting Place: Quito, Ecuador
- Trip Cost: $3495
- Includes: Lodging, Food, Raft Rental, Instruction, and Airport Transfer
- Additional Cost: Upgraded Rooms
Join Northwest Rafting Company for a one-of-a-kind whitewater experience in the Amazon Basin of Ecuador. This immersive R-2 (two-person raft) paddling course is designed for paddlers looking to refine their technique, improve team communication, and explore the dynamic rivers of the Napo Province.
Our home base is the Pacha Ecolodge, a comfortable glamping-style retreat perched above the Río Misahuallí. From here, we’ll venture out each day to paddle warm, jungle-fed rivers with Class III and some Class IV rapids. The instruction is focused on two-person raft handling — ideal for boaters interested in stepping up their paddle game, learning more responsive moves, and preparing for technical rivers back home.
What You’ll Learn
- Paddling technique
- R-2 paddling dynamics
- Communication and decision making
- Reading and running technical whitewater
- Surfing, ferrying, and catching micro-eddies
- Rescue considerations for small boats
Course Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Quito and Transfer to the Jungle
We’ll pick you up at 10 AM at the Holiday Inn Quito Airport. From there, we cross the Papallacta Pass and descend into the Amazon basin, arriving at Pacha Ecolodge in time for dinner and orientation.
Days 2 & 3: R-2 Instruction and River Time
Each day we’ll paddle a different section of river in the Napo watershed, including the Río Napo, Jatunyacu, Misahuallí, and others depending on conditions. Expect warm water, continuous rapids, and plenty of time to practice technical moves and team coordination. Instruction will be a mix of on-water drills and evening debriefs back at the lodge.
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.
Days 5 & 6: More paddling and river instruction
We’ll step it up a notch these days and challenge our skills on some of the more technical creeky style runs in the area.
Day 7 – Morning Paddle & Departure
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.
Why Ecuador?
Ecuador’s rivers offer year-round flows, warm water, and a tropical landscape unlike anywhere else. January is the ideal time to paddle here — with stable weather, great water levels, and abundant wildlife. Combine that with the comfort of Pacha Ecolodge and expert instruction from NWRC guides, and you’ve got the perfect winter paddling getaway.
Who Should Join
This course is designed for experienced paddlers or enthusiastic intermediates who want to level up their paddling in a tight, responsive craft. Some whitewater experience is required, but no prior R-2 experience is necessary.