How to Sign-up
MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS
We have detailed information sheets for all our trips as well as packing
lists, reservation forms and travel
hints. We love to talk about our trips so please call or
email us to get more
information.
To sign up for a trip:
- Call (1 (800) 585-2925) or
email us to see about
trip availability.
- If you wish to download our forms click here:
registration form (for everyone)
kayakers form
waiver (for everyone)
(All forms require Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click Here for a free copy.)
- If you wish to pay by credit card or check click here
to complete the form.
- Pack your boating gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests are on each trip?
Our average is four and our maximum is normally seven. Our typical minimum
is three people to run a trip.
Are individuals welcome or do you just have groups?
Most trips are a combination of individuals and groups of two or three. We
screen each participant in advance to be sure that all paddlers are of
similar skill. Occasionally a group of seven will charter an intire trip.
Do we camp or stay in hotels?
We stay in the best local lodging in the areas where we boat. Most SWA trips
split our time between a luxurious lodge in Tena and
our own exclusive riverside lodge. No other
trips experience the beauty, tranquility and great food that we enjoy at
Cabanas Tres Rios. Our guests are usually,
quite pleasantly surprised at the level of comfort in all the lodging we
use.
What is the weather like?
The weather varies between the two distinct valleys that most trips visit.
You can expect moderate temperatures in the higher elevations near our lodge
(air in the 70's and water in the low 60's) and warmer temperatures (air
80's and water 70's) in the lower region around Tena. Our season is in the
so called dry season which is good because during the rainy season the odds
of having flooded rivers go way up. Even during the dry season it can often
rain.
Is Ecuador Safe?
South America in general is a great place to travel since it has seemingly
been skipped over by today's world troubles. Ecuador is a very peaceful
democracy and has a much lower crime rate than most of South America. The
regions where we paddle are rural and extremely quiet and our experiences
have always been very favorable.
What about bugs, snakes, alligators and piranhas?
They aren't a problem. There seldom are mosquitos and only occasionally do
we run into no-see-ums. The caiman and piranhas are further down into the
Amazon basin. Although I am sure there are some snakes around we rarely see
one.
What's included in the price?
Ground transportation within Ecuador, food, lodging, guides and use of
kayak. Personal kayaking equipment (except on our beginner and novice
trips), drinks and tips are not included. Most people spend very little
extra unless they buy lots of souvenirs. By the way, the official currency
of Ecuador is the US dollar so you don't need to exchange money at the
airport.
How do I prepare for a trip?
If you are a US citizen you will need a passport valid for at least 6 months
after your trip. A tourist card is issued at the airport upon arrival so no
visa is required. If you are from another country please check if a visa is
required (usually not). Reserve your flight as early as possible especially
around Christmas. We can usually help you get a very low airfare.
What about Vaccinations?
Small World has a unique arrangement with the Center for Disease Control: We
agree not to give medical advice and the CDC agrees not to lead kayak trips
to Ecuador. Please consult your local travel clinic, visit the
CDC website or call us
with questions.
What kind of kayaks do you have in Ecuador?
We add new ones each year but here is our present list:
- DAGGER: G Ride 6.2, Juice7.1, Kingpin 6.3, Nomad 8.1, Nomad 8.5, Honcho, Redline, GTX, RPM, Agent 6.4, Mamba 8.5
- WAVE SPORT: T2, T3, Diesel 65, EZ, Big EZ, Super EZ, EZG 50, EZG 60, Habitat 74, Habitat 80, Project 45, Y,Z, ZG54
- PYRANHA: Ammo (medium). Burn(small), Burn(medium), Burn(large), Seven-O (sm/m), Seven-O(m/l), Prozone 235, H2O Zone 245, Sub 7 1ball, S6F 193
- LIQUID LOGIC: CR 125, Lil Joe, Skip, Vision Bigfoot, Jefe Chico, Jefe, Jefe Grande
- PERCEPTION: Pirouette, Whiplash
- JACKSON KAYAKS: Star, AllStar, SuperStar, 2Fun, Rocker
What if I want to put together a group?
It's easy and we love to guide a group of buddies on the kind of water they
like best. Contact or office early and to reserve the week you want and
we'll help you with the rest. Since we only run two trips at a time maximum
don't wait too late to choose your dates.
What about airlines?
Continental flies out of Houston and American out of Miami to Quito. There
are also numerous Latin airlines that fly from Miami and New York. If you
would like help getting a cheap flight we can recommend a discounter who
specializes in flights to Latin America.
Why paddle with SWA? Everyone says our lodge and our
guides make our trips. We have had well traveled guests say that our lodge
is the nicest place that have ever been in their life! Our guides love
boating and no one else has near the experience that Don and Larry have in
guiding kayak trips in Ecuador. The fact that we have the largest modern
kayak fleet in Ecuador and probably all of South America assures you to have
the right boat for the right river. We also know you are here to kayak so
most of our trips paddle 7 full days compaired to 6 with some others.