Upper Amazon Whitewater & Yoga Retreat
Nov 1st - 7th 2026
Nov 1st - 7th 2027
Where stunning beauty meets adventure and adrenaline!
Vistamar is joining forces with River People to bring you the adventure of a lifetime in what many call the true Garden of Eden — the Upper Amazon of Ecuador. At the heart of this retreat is a 3-day / 2-night whitewater camping expedition down the “Pearl of the Amazon,” the Hollín River. You’ll journey into some of the most beautiful and stunning areas on the planet; remote canyons and untouched Primary Amazon rainforest—places few people ever have the privilege to experience—guided by the Amazon’s oldest operating whitewater company. The adventure also includes two days and three nights in Archidona, where we’ll explore breathtaking waterfalls and spend meaningful time learning from Indigenous Amazonian communities about their culture and traditions, interact and observe wild life and enjoy a night on the town in Tena. We’ll close our journey with a relaxing evening soaking in the gorgeous and healing waters of the hot springs at Termas de Papallacta. Throughout the retreat, you’ll enjoy daily yoga classes, comfortable lodging, and delicious, nourishing meals designed to support and energize your adventure.
What is Included:
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3 nights lodging in Archidona
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1 Night lodging at Papallacta
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Entrance to Papallacta Springs
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3-day / 2-night Hollín River expedition, including:
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Expert guides
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All whitewater and safety equipment
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All camping gear
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Transportation
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Three delicious meals per day prepared riverside
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Breakfast and Lunch in Archidona
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Breakfast at Papallacta
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Guided excursion to one of the region’s most spectacular waterfalls
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River journey to visit and learn from Indigenous Amazonian communities
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Visit to a traditional cacao farm and chocolate factory
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Jungle Exploration and wildlife encounters
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All ground transportation, including transfers to and from Quito Airport*
What is not Included:
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Air Travel
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Individual airport pick/up drop off. There will be one time in our bus that is included.
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Alcohol
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Spa treatments at Papallacta
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Travel Insurance
The Expedition Experience
While River People pioneered commercial trips down the Hollín River more than 20 years ago, this journey is designed for those ready to embrace true adventure. This is a remote, expedition-style trip that includes two nights camping deep in the Amazon jungle. Although we take every possible safety precaution, flexibility and an acceptance of some risk is part of the adventure:
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River conditions may require us to spend an additional night on the river.
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In the unlikely event of an emergency, extraction would be conducted by continuing downstream. There will be no heli-vacs. We do have a satellite phone to call for assistance but that does not change the fact that extractions are made by continuing down river.
We believe in being transparent from the start, and we will provide detailed information about this if you are interested in the trip.
The Hollín features 60 kilometers of class III and IV rapids. No prior whitewater or camping experience is necessary. We provide all camping equipment, safety gear, and expert, world-class guides. All you need is a positive attitude and a sense of adventure.
Flights should be booked in and out of Quito.
From:
per person: $3499
for couple: $6299