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!
- You must book at least 2 days before the date of the trip
- To book online we need at least 2 people to confirm the trip
The trip begins at 9am in our operations base (Tarqui & Días Pineda in front of the Austria Hostel). About ten minutes outside town we cross the Napo river, one of the principal tributaries of the colossal Amazon, and continue for about another twenty 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. Arrival time is approximately 3:30 pm but may be earlier or later depending on the river level.