Back

Go river rafting in the Ecuadorian jungle

ECU39_Tena_Rafting_1

Go white-water river rafting in the headwaters of the Amazon in Ecuador's Oriente. 

Tena, a busy river port founded in 1560 by the Spanish in an area devoted to cattle raising and the cultivation of bananas and coffee , is now the capital of white water rafting in the Ecuadorian Amazon. This is an experience which should not be missed. Rafters have the opportunity to tackle the headwaters of one of two rivers which flow down into their confluence in the Amazon, Rio Jatunyacu (‘big water’ in Quichua).

This is a great trip for both beginners and experts alike – fully guided by expert river runners, you embark on an exciting ride on the waves. You get the perfect combination of frothy rapids, calm pools, and fabulous jungle scenery.

Following a briefing and geared up with safety equipment, you set off in your inflatable raft, gliding and crashing down to a beach where you can swim in crystal clear water. Pull in at another river beach for a buffet lunch.  

Activity Rating: moderate

Holidays Go river rafting in the Ecuadorian jungle

From expertly designed Private Journeys to trail-blazing Group Tours, browse our range of carefully crafted holidays.

Amazon river flowing through the rainforest

Private Journeys

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands

Self-drive Ecuador: The back roads of the Andes

10 days from £3,050pp

(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

  • Rosie profile
    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

0 1 2 3 4 5