Heather Giles, Ecuador '96

ZZ-RAFTAD02
6 days/ 5 nights    $ 1,430
+ $150 for internal flight
Single room/tent  + $250

From Quito we'll fly to the remote town of Macas.  On the frontier of this massive wilderness we'll board our rafts to explore the land of the Shuar on a thrilling descent of the Río Upano, the “river of the sacred waterfalls.” This is one of the finest river trips in the world: within hours of launching we'll enter into a jungle fantasy, accompanied by toucans, egrets, oropendolas, pythons, and iridescent butterflies by the score.
At first the river alternates between wide valleys and narrow, intimate canyons, and the boisterous Class III rapids provide plenty of continuous fun-filled roller-coaster rides. During our last two days we'll enter a magnificent towering canyon where spectacular waterfalls cascade hundreds of feet into the river. Constriction caused by the narrow canyon walls and massive boulders grant us numerous Class III and IV rapids—our guarantee of an action-packed ride!
During our journey we'll stop to visit some of the Shuar families who live in traditional palm-thatched houses near the river and learn about their fascinating culture and jungle lifestyle. Along with seasonal Travel Ecuador river guides, a Shuar guide will be aboard one of the rafts for the entire journey. We’ll gain an insider’s view of this indigenous culture and their beliefs, whilst learning about the intricate web of life that links the culture to this fragile rainforest's ecosystem.

DAY 1 ~ Fly to Quito
Leave your hometown and fly to Quito, the venerable colonial capital of Ecuador, cradled beneath simmering volcanic peaks

Upon your late evening arrival, transfer to group hotel.
Hotel Mercure Alameda  

Note—Quito, at 9,000 feet in elevation, is an intriguing colonial city. Visitors are tempted by its charms and don't want to miss any of them. If you have the time, it's a good idea to fly in a day or two early.

DAY 2 ~ Macas
Your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby to give you an introductory briefing before your flight to Macas (not included in Land Cost). Transfer to the airport. After a 35-minute flight, you will get to the city of Macas.  We'll check into our lodge and enjoy a stroll around this small frontier town. Before dinner we’ll meet the river guides and have an orientation meeting to answer river-related questions and receive waterproof bags to pack.
B,L,D…Cabañas del Valle Hosteria 

DAYS 3-5 ~ On the river
We'll drive for a couple of hours to Río Upano where our rafts will be waiting for us to board.  The elevation stands at around 3,000 feet; the climate is relatively warm and pleasant. The indigenas who live here, called the Shuar, cross the river on balsa rafts (papanks) which we see tied up along the shore.  We'll occasionally float past a few acres of cleared forest where papaya, plantains or pineapple have been planted.  Living off the land, the Shuar plant, hunt and harvest fish (we'll drift by their wooden fish traps in the river’s side channels).  On the second day we’ll stop at a small village and visit some of the locals who have become quite good friends.
Each day we'll set up camp at around 3:00 - 4:00 pm on the beach.  We’ll have time to swim in tributary streams; we may see more than two dozen species of butterfly and numerous birds, including oropendolas, egrets, parrots, birds of prey, and songbirds.
As we proceed downstream into virgin rainforest, our human contact will diminish.  We'll become increasingly aware of the enormous complexity of the rainforest. Every acre has hundreds of plant species; at camp and on the river we'll learn from the river guides and local Shuar guide about this unique ecosystem and its importance to the world.
Floating on, we'll enter a spectacular gorge with an abundance of magnificent waterfalls: ribbons of white cascades several hundred feet high. The change of water volume from start to finish is astounding.  We'll put in on a medium-sized river of about 2,000-5,000 CFS (cubic feet per second), but by the time we reach our take-out about 65 miles later, the river will have at least tripled in volume being over 50 yards across in places.  With numerous Class II/III rapids and a few Class IV, there’s plenty of fun to be had!
B,L,D each day…Camp 
(Please note: Water levels can fluctuate dramatically based on rainfall, making the overall nature of this trip more Class IV than Class III. Previous rafting and camping experience is recommended.)

DAY 6 – Return to Quito
We'll reach our take-out point, get on the bus, and head back to Macas (a four-hour drive). We will take the midday flight back to Quito.  B 
End of services.

What’s Included:

¨       Expert guide
¨       Accommodations in hotels or lodges in cities and villages
¨       All arrangements in the field, including camp meals, group gear and river equipment
¨       Meals as noted (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
¨       Ground transportation
¨       Airport transfers
¨       Entrance fees and permits
¨       Basic medical and evacuation insurance

What’s Not:

Quito, Ecuador
Members: 6-19