The Global Paddling Community

Waterfall: Ecuador, Oriente, Tena Area, Chico Hollin Falls

What's it like

A 50ft fall with a fold on river right. The best line is to hit the plunge pool where the fold hits the plunge pool. At high water levels the pool runs straight into a grade 5 rapid so a good safety cover is recommended. Be careful of the steep muddy slope down to the top as well as sudden rises in water levels. You could expect a winding or worse depending on your line and landing position. The fall is at the start of a great multi day trip (class 3/4) but best not to paddle loaded boats on the fall!

The picture shows the fall at high water after a sudden increase which included some large logs. Follow the paddler down the ideal line:

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How to get there

It is easy to use local taxis to take you there from Tena (a few hours drive). Using the 'approved' taxis from Rios Ecuador will mean that you don't get ripped off and that you don't over inflate the prices.

More info

Plenty of rafting set ups in Ecuador. The best being Rios Ecuador run by Gynner Colonel who has done most of the first decents in the area. Email him at rios@uio.satnet.net

Locals

All the locals seemed helpful and friendly- Speaking Spanish is very useful, if not essential.

Footage

The fall can be seen on the video Aphrodisia by Erik Voake.

Info sources

Ian Wilson