At the base of the Amazon basin, Tena has become the rafting capitol of Ecuador... the lure of the unknown has brought river rat explorers from around the world to the area as dozens of rivers pulse as the life veins of the jungle. Many people boast that the quantity and quality of the whitewater per square mile (particulary for kayakers) is second to none on our big blue planet. Thus, as those that have come before us and will continue to flow in, our water gypsy souls were immediately drawn to this place.
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| Ari wading to our picnick spot for the day |
We found our people quite quickly and through a couple of connections we managed to jump on a trip down the Jondachi-Hollin with a friend at one of the oldest river companies around here aptly named ¨River People¨. With an hour drive out and a 30 min hike into the put-in, the river is pretty much the most remote day trip you can do in the area.... once you are on the river there is no sign of civilization until the take-out. They actually just started to run the Jondachi commercially a few years ago - so we were treated to spectacular views of primary rainforest, waterfalls and crystal clear water for over four hours on the river.
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| The 30 min hike into the river was a bit muddy.... they actually hire the local community to carry in the boats. |
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| Looking down at the put-in |
The river was a bit low - but still offered plenty of whitewater! We had a great crew for the day and our guide even let me take over for the last part..... including the only rapid that they scout - it went smoothly and it felt great to be in command again:)
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| Emily jumping - the water was the perfect temp! |
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| Green viper snake at the lunch spot |
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They even had cold beer waiting for us at the take-out!
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