FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose Yacu Amu for my whitewater rafting or kayaking adventure in Ecuador?

Yacu Amu Rafting and Kayaking is a specialist operator run by experts in whitewater rafting and kayaking. We do what we love and we love what we do. Rivers are our life's passion. That passion drives a commitment to consistently run the safest and highest quality trips available.

So whether you think us blinkered or you consider us focussed there's no disputing we remain the best at what we do because we only do what we do best.

Is it safe?

We at Yacu Amu Rafting and Kayaking our proud of our excellent safety record. Although there are some inherent dangers in river running, our Commitment to Safety is what makes a rafting or kayaking trip with us relatively safe.

Do I need to have experience to take part in a Yacu Amu Rafting trip?

No previous experience is needed to join any of our whitewater rafting trips. However a reasonable level of fitness will make your adventure more enjoyable. Participants on our class IV+ trips should be confident swimmers.

What about for kayaking?

Our LEARN TO KAYAK course is designed for those with no previous whitewater kayaking experience. Our whitewater kayaking safaris are for groups of experienced paddlers only.

How many people fall in?

On some trips nobody falls in while on other trips there can be several 'swimmers'. Either way we guarantee you'll get thoroughly soaked while whitewater rafting!

What if I can't swim?

Don't worry! We've introduced lots of non-swimmers and weak swimmers to the excitement of whitewater rafting. In fact, during the safety briefing given at the beginning of each trip the Trip Leader instructs participants to not swim but to adopt the whitewater float position if they fall out of the boat.

What is the river grading?

River grading is based on an internationally recognized scale that grades rapids from I (very easy) to VI (extremely difficult and dangerous). A '+' rating is commonly used to grade rapids that fall between grades. The river grading takes into account the general difficulty and the most difficult rapids on a run. Both factors can change depending on water levels. That's why many of our river gradings are a range e.g. HEADWATERS RUN Quijos river is IV-IV+.

What do I need to bring?

For on the river you'll need a swimsuit, shorts, t-shirt, river sandals/tennis shoes, and sunscreen. Off river you'll need a copy of your passport, towel, dry change of clothes and insect repellent. Optional items include a baseball cap, sunglasses with retention strap and waterproof camera.

For the LONG RUN Upper Blanco (Mar-May) we recommend a wetsuit. We have wetsuits available for rent for $US5.

What personal equipment do you provide?

On all our rafting trips we provide life jackets and helmets. On the HEADWATERS RUN Quijos river we also provide wetsuits and splash jackets.

How do I book a trip?

Easy! Just fill in a Reservations request and click SEND. We'll get right back to you to let you know if there's space on the date(s) you requested and how to make payment to secure your reservation.

Looking for authentic jungle adventures? Visit our sister company Rios Ecuador
If you prefer a multisport adventure that directly benefits local economies visit Ecuador Uncommon Adventures
If you're an active traveller seeking enriching experiences without the usual day to day hassle visit Yacu Amu Experiences