Quijos River
Location: The town of Baeza, 3 Hours from Quito in the Andes Mountains
Located just a few hours from the country’s capital, Quito, the Quijos River is famous for hosting the 2005 International Rafting Championships. It flows through some of the highest Andean peaks in Ecuador and eventually drains into the Amazon River. The put-in is located at almost 7,000 feet, giving rafters the experience of paddling a high alpine river. This eleven mile stretch of river is a perfect intermediate rafting option.
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Level of Difficulty: Class III-V / Intermediate – Advanced
The Quijos is formed by two other high Andean rivers: the Papallacta and Cosanga. Parts of the river are wide and offer easier whitewater, while other sections are more narrow and technical. The rapids are pretty continuous and challenging.
Scenery: High Altitude Cloudforest
As the river flows through a cloudforest, there are ample opportunities to observe beautiful wildlife, birds, and scenery. The climate on the Quijos is cooler than most rivers in the Amazon region.
Season: November – March
Rafting trips on the Quijos are offered during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.
