ECUADOR WHITEWATER KAYAKING TO ITS BEST!!!: Sea kayaking-Touring

CUYABENO: 8 days tour. 6 days-5nights $2250 per person.
SIERRA: 3 days tour. 3 days-3nights $850 per person.
COAST: 8 days tour. 7 days- 6 nights $1650 per person.

WHY TO GO KAYAKING IN ECUADOR: No better way to check out Ecuador than Kayaking, enjoy touring kayaking and discover the best of this country from the water along the beautiful beaches of the Pacific Ocean in Manabi Province (Central Ecuador). Take the challenge and tour around la Isla de la Plata or paddle along the Frailes beach, Bahia de Caraquez, Ballenita, Canoa , , ,Pedernales and the hidden paradise beaches in between this. We also can visit Esmeraldas province (northern coast) Mompiche also check out the tallest mangrove forest in the world, or visit Otavalo and other andean towns while you paddle on top of the majestic Andes mountains in Imbabura province, Lago San Pablo next to Otavalo, Lago Cuicocha close to cotacachi and Yahuarcocha close to Ibarra.

CUYABENO NATIONAL PARK

Cuyabeno National park in the morning, when the jungle awakes in the morning

Touring Expeditions to the the CUYABENO FAUNISTIC RESERVE : This is one of the most amazing places in the world to take touring kayaks in the Northern province of Sucumbios.

Early in the morning, one beep will unleash the most intense display of birds in the wild you will ever come around. This is bird watching heaven and not just birds but a incredible number of all kind of species that live in the amazonic basin.

Mega biodiversity, home of one the greatest wildlife concentration places in the world, both flora and fauna-wise. It is a complex system of 13 small lakes, rivers and tropical wild forests turning this 1,500,000 acres into a record of level of biodiversity in the world.

Within the tropical rain forest vegetation, there is a rich variety of plants such as palms, bromeliads, Ceibos, heliconia, Macrolobium, wild roses and 60 different orchid species. 12000 different plants have been approximately found inside the wildlife reserve. Many are used for medical purposes by the native tribes.

Ecuador best Eco-tour in the Cuyabeno flooded lagoons. Amazon river basin treasure.

More than 550 different bird species have been identified in Cuyabeno, such as more than 350 fish species, including piranhas; a great variety of reptiles such as anacondas, alligators and river turtles. Frequently observed species include various birds species, such as colorful parrots, kingfishers and hoatzins or Amazon eagle, which flaunts its 8-foot (2.4 m)-wide wingspan, and lots of varieties of beetles and poison dart frogs as well. Amongst the mammals, the tapir, freshwater pink dolphins are
ramdom visitors of this waters along with the amazon manati.

The river system covers the rivers Aguarico, San Miguel and Cuyabeno along with their tributaries. Amongst the Cuyabeno, there is a system of 14 black-water lagoons, which are formed by floods in the rains of the lowland rain forest from April to July. The rainy season is clearly marked from April to July, followed by a season of mixed rain and drought from August to November and a dry season from December to March. The climate corresponds to a wet tropical forest, with precipitations between 0.18 to 0.25 cubic inches per year, and humidity ranges from 85% to 95%. The annual temperature oscillates around 25 °C (77 °F)

Due to this wildlife reserve belonging to the National Protected Areas System, very few tour operators are qualified to work in this zone. This is why not so many tourists can be found visiting this zone, making it more attractive to enjoy the nature and its sounds.

Kayaking Eco-tours, paddling Cuyabeno flooded lagoons

bird watching paradise, early morning.

Bookings, questions please email at ecuadorpaddling@gmail.com.

This tours include:

Professional instruction and guiding.
All meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last
All nights lodging accommodations
Single or double expedition-type sea kayaks including all kayaking and safety equipment
All necessary gear for the touring trips
All required National Park fees and permits.

Also as noted, our tours are fully outfitted and include everything you need for a comfortable kayaking experience. We provide both single and double sea kayaks, you are free to select either at your preference. . There is nothing (other than your personal items as outlined in our Trip Packing List) that you need to bring from home.

Not Included

The trip price does not include:

transportation to and from your home to the trip start/end point
Flight or bus Quito-Coca (Cuyabeno) Quito-Manta ( Coast)
personal travel insurance
alcoholic beverages
pre- and post-tour accommodations
guide gratuities
personal items (see packing list)

Mountain lakes paddling:
Check out the volcanic lakes of the Andes from a Sea kayak.

San Pablo lake near Otavalo, on a mountain lakes trip.

Mojanda high elevation lakes paddling.

Cuicocha lake on a Andes Lakes tour.

Weather

The Ecuadorian coast straddles the indefinite boundary between tropical and temperate climates. During the North Hemisphere winter months we generally experience a tropical dry season with abundant sunshine, hot days, warm nights, low humidity and little rain. The insects are also greatly reduced. This is the best time of year to visit Ecuador's beaches and jungle ! However, a packable rain/wind jacket and one set of warm camp clothes are still necessary. A specific personal Trip Packing List is provided in our Pre-Departure Information packet.

Spend 5 days paddling along the coast, stay at the best Lodges resorts, cabins or campgrounds, eat the freshest sea food and experience the culture of Ecuador's coastal area in a unique way that sea-kayaking allow to experience. Begin the day with a full breakfast on the beach with fresh shrimp or what is available that morning from the night fishing of artesanal fisherman. (ex). Paddling good distance during the day and stoping at especially wonderful sights for quick hikes, beach time fun and tons of photo opportunities. Starting in the south following the north currents. Lunch time will be determined by the wants of the crew as well as ideal places for beach dinning. Lodging is a balance between hotels and beach side camping depending upon crew and location. Dinner is comprised of the freshest caught fish with, unique to the area, spice and local style All food is local to that particular area and all fish is fresh from the hook to your plate! Early starts are ideal in order to squeeze the most fun into every day. Extra activities Sea fishing (catch to eat!) Boogie boarding Scenic photo sights Beach bonfires Surfing (when available) Walks along virgin beaches Perfect for the adventures honeymooners, romantic getaways, adventure family vacations or just fun with friends. Traveling by sea is a wonderful, unique and exotic way to explore Ecuador's beautiful central coast as it gives you access to areas unlike anything available to your average visitor. Summer months are particularly special for sea kayaking as Ecuador's ocean become a nursery for the great humpback whale. Sightings are almost a guarantee during this time! What to bring. Any personal camping gear you might want to use such as Pillows, sleeping bags or mats. High SPF sun screen and a hat to protect your head and face from the sun. Comfortable clothing as well as hiking shoes. Binoculars for whale watching and please remember your camera with lots of memory.

Whale Watching Ecuador:

Every summer between the months of June to October the warm waters off Ecuador’s Pacific coastline become a breeding ground for Humpback Whales. The whales travel from the furthest southern seas to congregate on Ecuador’s coastline for breeding. Since the whales are born without sufficient fat to survive in colder waters, the young are reared in the warm water until they are big enough to survive elsewhere.

Ecuador boasts some 28 species of whales and dolphins, about 30% of all cetacean species reported worldwide

If any mammal understands the value of life, it is the Humpback Whale that migrates more than 7000 kilometers every year from the cold waters of Antarctica to the warmer waters off the coast of Ecuador to give birth to their cubs and ensure their survival.

They travel in large pods and stay close to the coast. Young males are the first to begin the migration and the first to arrive off the coast of Ecuador. Pregnant females are the last to arrive. The average swimming speed is about four knots but when migrating it can be up to 6 knots.

From late June until late September, about 400 to 2600 whales arrives to Ecuador

Food and Beverages

All meals are included from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last and are prepared by your guides in camp. We feature fresh, nutritious, tasty foods, multi-course meals of large portions. With our planning and experience, we have learned it is not necessary to use bland and unhealthy prepared meals in the backcountry. All meals are served buffet-style with several courses where you are free to help yourself to what you like and as much as you like. Dinner is a highlight that includes a splendid array of tasty preparations such as fresh local seafood, appetizers, fresh salads, and desserts. We often gather for a "happy-hour" at sunset with appetizers and drinks. We provide plenty of fresh drinking water for the duration of the tour along with some beer and wine. You are welcome to bring additional beverages (soda, wine, liquor, etc), although be aware that our ice supply only lasts for the first day. We include cooked breakfasts on most mornings including fresh coffee, juice and fresh fruit. Cold cereal with milk and toast with spread is always available. Lunches are buffet picnic-style where possible or self-prepared brown bag meals that we carry inside our kayak cockpits. Most special diets can be accommodated. Please list dietary restrictions and preferences on your Tour Reservation Form.

Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel your reservation, you may be eligible for a partial refund if the cancellation is made at least 60 days before departure. Our cancellation policy is firm. We operate under federal regulations, which restrict the number of guests per trip and the number of trips per season. We require a nonrefundable deposit of $300 per person to confirm your reservation. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure. Cancellation within 60 days of a trip are not eligible for refund.