Rafting in Tena: 27 km on the Jatun Yaku River

Navigate class III rapids through untouched jungle and swim in the river between action.

Day rafting on the Jatun Yaku River near Tena takes you 27 km downstream through Amazon rainforest, past local villages, with class III whitewater, a midday beach lunch, and a safety kayaker in support. The river runs for seven hours total. Equipment, guide in English or Spanish, and photos are included. Children from age 12 are welcome, and a moderate level of fitness is needed for the rapids and swimming sections.

The experience

The Jatun Yaku River starts high at Cotopaxi and cuts through untouched jungle on its way to the Amazon. You spend the day following it downstream in a raft, hitting wild class III rapids and paddling through stretches where the water calms enough to jump in and swim. A safety kayaker stays with the group the whole way. The 27 km run takes about seven hours, which means you cover real distance and see the landscape change as the river widens toward the lowlands.

Halfway through, the guide pulls the raft onto a beach where you eat lunch and dry off before the second half starts. You'll get wet (the operator is clear about that), but the equipment is checked regularly and the safety rules come first. A guide speaks English or Spanish throughout, and the operator includes photos of the day so you have proof of what you did.

Pickup is included, and public transport options exist near Tena if you prefer to arrange your own way to the river. Bring a moderate level of fitness. The rapids and the full day of paddling demand it. Children from twelve onward can join.

What’s included

• Rafting equipment and paddles.
• a safety kayaker with the group.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• lunch on a riverside beach.
• photos of the day.
• hotel or meeting-point pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Raft Amazonia

Is this one for you?Seven hours on the river means you commit most of the day to paddling and rapids, which rules out combining this with other activities but gives you real distance and time in the jungle instead of a short float. Choose this if you want to work the paddle and feel the current, not watch from a bench.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How fit do I need to be to handle the rapids on the Jatun Yaku?

The Jatun Yaku rafting requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness because the class III rapids and seven hours of paddling demand sustained effort and balance. If you have spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or are pregnant, this activity is not suitable.

What happens if I fall in the river during the rapids?

A safety kayaker stays with the group throughout the day and is there to help if anyone goes overboard. The guide also teaches you the safety rules at the start before you push off, so you know what to do if the raft tips or you end up in the water.

Is there time to rest during the seven hours on the river?

Yes, about halfway through the 27 km run, the guide stops the raft on a beach where you eat lunch and rest briefly before starting the second half with more action and paddling.

Do I need to bring my own swimwear and sunscreen?

You'll need to bring your own swimwear and sunscreen. They are not provided. The operator includes the raft, paddles, safety gear, a guide, lunch, and photos of the day.

What is the Jatun Yaku River like as it flows toward the Amazon?

The Jatun Yaku starts at Cotopaxi high in the mountains and flows through untouched jungle past villages of local people. By the time you raft it, the river has wild class III rapids in the upper sections and calmer stretches where you can swim, and it eventually feeds into the Amazon basin.