Rafting Jondachi & Hollin Class IV: 37 km Amazon run

Four hours on Class IV rapids while the Amazon rainforest moves past

Full-day rafting on the Jondachi and Hollin rivers near Tena, Ecuador, where you paddle 37 km of Class IV whitewater with a certified guide, safety kayaker, and all gear provided. The trip includes lunch on a river beach in the rainforest, private transportation to and from your hotel, and satellite tracking with emergency helicopter rescue capability.

The experience

You spend approximately four hours on the river itself, paddling down a 37 km stretch of the Jondachi and Hollin: two of the most remote sections of the Amazon. A certified guide leads the run and a safety kayaker stays with the group on Class III and above rapids. All equipment arrives in excellent condition: raft, safety vest, helmet, paddle, and the satellite tracking system that runs overhead. The rivers here cut through rainforest so dense that the canopy closes above the water in places. The remoteness is the point.

The day breaks into two halves. You raft in the morning, then pull onto a river beach in the afternoon where lunch happens. The stop is unrushed. You eat, rest, and push off again whenever the group is ready. A driver picks everyone up at the end and takes you back to your hotel or the drop-off point you choose. The whole outing runs seven hours from start to finish.

Safety is built in at every layer. The guides are professionally trained in first-aid and river rescue. The safety kayaker is there specifically for Class III rapids and harder. The satellite tracker means that if something goes wrong in a place with no cell service, a helicopter knows where to find you. This is not casual paddling (Class IV means big water and real current), but the setup is built to handle it.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from your hotel.
• safety vest, helmet and paddle.
• certified guide and safety kayaker.
• lunch on the river beach.
• satellite tracking and helicopter rescue technology.

Options for this experience

2 options

A full day of whitewater rafting on the Class IV Jondachi and Hollin rivers near Tena, EcuadorGuide in English or Spanish · 00:00Pickup is included

Jondachi PremiumGuide in English or Spanish · 09:00Includes side hikes, waterfall visits, an extra special lunch, and pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (15 to 80 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 15 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by River People: White Water Rafting Tena

Is this one for you?The four-hour paddle and Class IV difficulty mean this run suits paddlers who want real whitewater and the remote Amazon, not a gentler float. The safety kayaker and helicopter tracking make the big water manageable, but the rapids themselves are the draw. If you want easier water closer to town, look for a Class II or III trip instead.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What is the Jondachi and Hollin rafting like compared to other rivers near Tena?

The Jondachi and Hollin are Class IV rapids in some of the most remote sections of the Amazon rainforest. They are harder and more isolated than easier alternatives, which is why a safety kayaker is required and the trip takes a full day instead of a few hours.

How much time do I actually spend paddling versus sitting in the raft?

You paddle for approximately four hours on the river. The rest of the seven-hour day covers the drive to the put-in, the lunch break on the river beach, and the drive back to your hotel.

What happens if someone gets hurt on the river?

A safety kayaker travels with the group on all Class III and above rapids. The raft also carries satellite tracking and helicopter rescue technology, so emergency services can reach you even in the remote rainforest where there is no cell signal.

Do I need to bring my own gear or shoes?

The operator provides safety vests, helmets, paddles, and all rafting equipment. River shoes are available to rent for $5 if you want extra grip on wet rocks. A wetsuit can be rented for $10 if the water temperature matters to you.

What is the minimum age or fitness level needed?

The minimum age is 15. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to paddle Class IV rapids for four hours. The trip is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.