"Ecuador was wonderful and I enjoyed all the company, the paddling and the culture. Looking forward to next time!"

- Keith DeWit, OR

How much is the trip and what does that include? - $1645 - The first and last days of the trip are travel days, the other 7 days we kayak! The cost includes kayaks, lodging, group transportation, all meals from breakfast Day 2 through the last night's dinner, guiding and instruction. If you bring your own boat, take $100 dollars off the cost! The trip does not include airfare, alcohol, medical or miscellaneous expenses.

How do I make my reservation and what are your cancellation policies? - To book your space, call 866.529.2566. To reserve a space, a non-refundable $300 deposit is required with your reservation. Full payment is due 120 days before the trip date. Cancellations prior to 120 days before trip date results in a full refund less $300. No refund will be given for cancellations after the 120-day deadline. Written cancellation is required, call to verify. You are welcome to find a qualified replacement, and receive a refund less $300. We will notify you 60 days in advance if we cancel the trip with full refund.

Do you recommend travel insurance? – We sure do! Max coverage starts when you start paying for the trip. These have been recommended: Dan Divers, U Travel Pro, Travel Guard, Travel Insured International, and CSAtravelprotection.com.

Do you offer group discounts or custom trips? You bet! For 5-6 paddlers, each paddler gets $100 off the trip cost. For groups of 7, each paddler receives a discount of $200. Take $100 off if you bring your own kayak. Contact us for details.

How do I reserve a boat and what are my choices? - Upon signing up for a trip you can select your boat of choice. This is a first come (by deposit)-first serve system. The list includes Dagger, Perception, Pyranha and Wave Sport boats. Our boats come with stock outfitting. If you are super particular about your outfitting, bring your own hip pads and foot blocks. We provide the glue.

What other gear do I need to bring? - BRING YOUR PERSONAL PADDLING GEAR AS CARRY-ON LUGGAGE: airbags, helmet, lifejacket (remove your river knife), sprayskirt, river footwear, capilene, drytop and throw rope. Check your paddle in a ski bag. Click here for your packing list.

What is the weather like? - The paddling conditions in the dry season are wonderful in Ecuador. The locals say, "In the dry season it rains everyday, and in the rainy season it rains all day!" The rivers rise and fall quickly. Therefore, to take advantage of the best levels, we paddle in two different areas of the country. In the north the average air temperature is 65-80 degrees and river temperatures range in the 60s. Drytops with a thin insulating layer are the ticket for comfort. In the south, the water and air temps are quite warm. Most people wear short-sleeved paddling jackets or capilene tops, not for warmth but for sun protection! In the evenings, shorts or long pants and a T-shirt are comfortable wear. 

This is adventure travel. We'll work hard to provide you with an incredible experience. It is possible that the roads could become impassable for a spell or the rivers raging. Then we just have to make the most of the situation. If we can't follow our kayaking itinerary, we'll do our best to substitute something just as unforgettable.

What is the political and social climate? - Ecuador has experienced an active democracy for decades. Since 1995, we've traveled extensively. The people are open and friendly and curious about us. Using common sense regarding personal belongings when traveling, we find Ecuador a secure place to travel, work, and play. 

Traveling in a developing country can be fascinating and frustrating at the same moment. Our goal is to maximize the former and minimize the latter without insulating you from the experience. Nonetheless, a certain  "roll-with-the-punches" attitude will go a long way in making your trip fun and memorable.

What about our lodging? - Our hotel in Quito is centrally located in a quiet neighborhood. While traveling outside Quito we will stay in riverside hostals and luxurious jungle lodges. Phones will be occasionally available. For light sleepers or heavy snorers, securing a single room during the trip is possible. Just let us know and add $200 to the cost of the trip.

What medical considerations are there? - The Atlanta Center for Disease Control provides free information for travelers at (404) 639-3311 or you can call your local Public Health Department. Give the Health Department sufficient time to order and give you any vaccinations for which you need an update. We suggest you consult with your doctor and consider the following medications: tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever and an anti-malarial. We're careful with our food and water and few folks have intestinal problems. If you have a delicate GI system, check with your doctor about taking Pepto Bismol prophylactically. Adding swim ear to your med kit keeps your ears healthy.

 The Hall Health Travel Clinic of Seattle has been given good reviews as a place to get information. In addition, Global Travel Medicine in the Sacramento area comes highly recommended. Click here to email Global Travel or call them at (916) 783-8882.

What about flying to Ecuador? - Most flights arrive in Quito late in the evening and our itinerary reflects that. From the West Coast, Marcelo at Americas Travel (888) 703-9955 offers the best fares we've found. Tell him you're on a DeRiemer trip. If you are bringing your own kayak, we now hear that Avianca is the most user-friendly airline. Contact us for info on traveling with your kayak and take $100 off your trip price.

What other things can I do while I'm there? – Check with Freddy Ramirez of Sierra Nevada Expeditions for great prices on these adventures: Galapagos, jungle tours, birding, Otavalo market for woolens & weavings, volcano hikes or climbs, and mountain biking adventures.

It is worth checking out El Monte Sustainable Lodge. Located in the cloud forests of Mindo in the western Andean slopes, it is great for birding, butterflies and hikes. Black Sheep Inn is an eco-friendly lodge. Ask about the high Andean hike to the Quilotoa Volcano. El Sani Lodge offers Amazonian tours to an indigenous jungle village and comes highly recommended.

Do you have any travel tips for me? -
• Arrive a day or two early to get settled and explore the country before jumping onto the   rivers.
• Bring your paddling gear with you as carry-on luggage (remove your knife).
• Ecuador uses US Dollars as their currency.
• Ecuador lies in Eastern Time Zone and does not observe daylight savings.
• Airport taxis to town cost $5 or so. A taxi around town runs on a meter.
• Bring $350 minimum if you plan to souvenir shop. Alcohol, tips, medical expenses and miscellaneous expenses aren't covered in the trip cost.
• You will need a passport that is valid for six months after your return date from Ecuador. As a US citizen staying less than 90 days, no visa is required. You'll be given a tourist card on arrival, a slip of paper that you'll need to exit the country.
• Bring a copy of the important pages of your passport.
• Have $45 cash with you when leaving the country to cover the airport tax.

How can I get answers to other questions? - We love talking about our trips! Email or call us: 866.529.2566 or 530.295.0830