The Quijos River

With almost 80 kilometers of contiunous whitewater ranging from class III+- IV, the Quijos River must be one of the worlds best whitewater playgrounds. I will admit, my kayak travel portfolio is not as world wide as I would like but I know what makes a great kayaking river and consider myself an kayak enthusiast to say the least. As a winter kayak destination, the Quijos has it all- easy logistics, stellar creeking and big volume play, couple that with gorgeous scenery and culture and you have a recipe for kayaking bliss.

The Quijos river is the first river I kayaked in Ecuador and this usually goes the same for all of my clients. I was floored by the diversity of the Quijos and found it necessary to pinch myself on a regular basis. Initially, the Quijos starts as a small but steep creek high up in the snow covered Antisana Volcano. When the Papallacta River and the Quijos meet the Cheesehouse section starts. One rapid before the confluence on the Papallacta side is the Confluence rapid. The rapid is spectacular for shooting photo and video of some of the craziest boofing action I have witnessed. Cheesehouse is all about boofing large smooth boulders and getting launched into space. The Powerhouse boof is another great spot for multiple boofing and great photos, you will know your get there when you see a power station on the left!
After the Cheese house section comes the Bridge #1- Bridge#2 section, a bit watered down from the Cheese but a great run for those who enjoy paddling steep continous creeking. From this section it is worth while to continue and complete the next section know as Baeza to Borja. The take out is Borja beach (playa de Borja) from there you can take out and Enjoy a monster meal at Doña Cleo's. I would almost argue that Doña Cleo cooks the best food in Ecuador with lovely atmosphere, and colourful staff, be sure to eat outside the restaurant in the palapa to avoid the diesel fumes coming from the floor. It is common in Ecuador to preserve wood floors with Diesel, if you cant get used to the smell be prepared to eat outside or close to a window in most restaurants.

The next two sections of river change dramatically. The Borja run starts out with braided boulder gardens and the occasional big water rapid. Be sure to check out Dragans rapid when you see a decreped walking bridge stay left! The next rapid of concern is in the El Chaco section. El Toro is a class 4 run with a obvious line that ends in some monster holes, a good idea to scout or enjoy the gorgeous basalt while munching some lunch. About 4 rapids after El Toro, you will come to a beautiful park n play spot that hosts a wave at most levels, a great place to stall for time if you are taking out a Facundo Bridge which is about 4 more rapids from the play spot. The next rapids give you a taste of what is to come for the rest of the El Chaco section and the famous Bon Bon section. The El Chaco section ends at the confluence of the Quijos and the Oyacatchi. Below the union is a huge hole that can easily loop any large sized creeker. ALthough it looks deep and fluffy there is a chance to contact a rock on the surfers left side, be careful!

The following section is one of my favourites for big water play. Big long wave trains, fast and steep waves, and of course boat munching holes. The Bon Bon is a short section so be sure to make the most of it by playing in as many features as possible.
After the Bon Bon bridge you are committed to a long 4 hour paddle on the lower Quijos. Most of the class 4 rapids are at the beginning of the run. All rapids end in flat water, perfect for yard sales and such. The Gringos Revueltos (sp?) rapid ends in a rather large and powerful superhole that can be snuck on the left. Souct or portage on the right. There is a long flat water paddle to the take out with occasional rapids, be prepared to paddle at least an hour of such water. The take our is on the left shortly after the bridge.
The next section is called the Final, some great big volume play rapids coupled with some LOOONG flatwater be sure to take out before the San Rafael Falls unless you are keen on blowing Tyler Bradts waterfall record with a 500 foot drop. If you plan on viewing the falls, be prepared to pay $10, accessed by the road heading downstream.
After the Quijos falls 500 feet into a hairy gorge it is renamed the Coca, a potential 2-3 day paddle will bring you to the end of th Coca.

Enjoy this loose description of a very dynamic river, remember this is not intended as a guide for the river. Always scout what you are unsure about and paddle with care!

For a glimpse into Ecuador whitewater follow this link to my great friend Dito{s video after staying with Endless Adventure International for over a month.



Stay tuned for the following posts: The Cosanga River, The Oyacatchi, and more......

See you on the River,

Chris Ryman