FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAVELING TO ECUADOR WITH KAYAKS IN PLANES AND MORE.

FLYING WITH KAYAKS?? a half slice may be easier and can call it a surfing boar, a full size creek boat is not the easiest but certainly rides 60% of the time.

Not everyone can but if you fly FIRST CLASS is the best way to bring a kayak with you. here is some advise for you if not in the first class program:
Get a kayak bag SALAMANDER BAGS are the best really, or take the time to get a fabric bag, (any bag works) or wrap in a tarp and put a big sign that says, WIND SURF EQUIPMENT Very important DO NOT MENTION OR ADMIT to THE AIRLINES IT IS A KAYAK, because SEA KAYAKS are no different to them than WHITEWATER kayaks, and kayaks are definitely on the NOT allowed list on most airlines. So call it what ever you want, surf shoe, surfing equipment, surfing boards, paddle board, kite surf, surfski but NEVER call it or admit is a kayak. put some duct tape over the words kayak on the vessel so they don’t identify it as a kayak…
Easier is WINDSURF as is associated with the size cuz they will question about surf boards sometimes, but if you are lucky surf boards only cost $40 bucks to check in. Add some webbing loops to the grab loops of the boat, pull them out of the bag and it will be easier for the airlines people to move them around.
(Do not bring 3 bags unless you have no option) you may not even be able to have a 2nd, there is a cargo embargo from Nov-Feb sometimes. Ecuador’s hi taxes make people bring as much merchandise as posible to avoid taxes and they fill up the planes very much. So checking your boat in doesn’t need to be filled with gear as it gets weighted and you don’t want it over 50 pounds for many reasons.

Hope for the best but always plan for the worst and if the boat does not get in for whatever reason, then make sure you showed up early enough to have time to put the boat back on the car or have something figured out as a plan B. ( just in case).
One more thing never take a NO as an acceptable answer, you insist and call a supervisor and tell them how you never had this kind of problem before and can not be possible they not taking your WINDSURF.

CAN I SELL MY KAYAK AFTER MY TRIP : YES you can, usually Small World Adventures will pay the best for your kayak. Everyone is trying to get good deals so don’t be surprised to get low balled by the local boaters. A newer kayak may take a little longer to sell but everything sells at the end as we have no retailers. The Boofsessions Kayak Shop will help with consignment gear if you don’t want to take it back to where it came from.

PASSPORT AND VISA :Your passport must have a remaining validity of at least 6 months from the date of your entry into the country. Although special visas are not needed for stays of up to 90 days, valid passports are required for entry into Ecuador. ( CHECK BEFORE YOU GO)

CURRENCY
US Dollar is the main currency and ATM's available for VISA and MasterCard. In all main towns. Near Baeza we have an ATM 10 minutes away.

You dont want to do payments with credit cards here as you end up paying a high % for fees and taxes. Don’t need to bring many $100 dollar bills, is hard enough to brake a 20, alwys good to have some change to make your life easier. Bring those 5$’s to pay for shuttles.

AIRPORTS
UIO (Quito International Airport) is the one you want to fly in to be picked up for our tours and it will be the best location to start your kayaking adventure, other than Quito is Guayaquil International airport another main airport, but is 6-8 hours away from Quito on the bus.

VACCINES? Not required as May 2022. Is up to each individual to check on this topic.
If you are concerned you can check the travelers health page on the cdc site that will recommend vaccines for prevention.


WHAT PADDLING GEAR DO I BRING: Endless Spring here. Your PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) PFD, Helmet, Skirt, Drytop, maybe drypants if you get cold easy this are really a good combo for when we paddle up on the highlands around 6000 feet on the Quijos area.
When we are in the lower lands ( Tena) a shorty top is the winner or a splash jacket is recommended it helps keep the water out of your boat or simply skin to the wind will be good ( a whole different dimension).
Most paddlers travel with their own paddle. you can rent paddles if you are not too picky.
If you don't want to carry your old gear bag back, you can donate or sell your gear to the school or a local kids program called jungle roots, we don't have retailers and gear is very rare around here.


CAN I BRING MY PADDLE? YES YOU SHOULD! or rent paddle for a week and avoid extra charges flying both ways.

RESCUE GEAR?
ALWAYS unless you want to rent a throw bag.
You don't have to bring your rescue gear but if you want to have it with you is that much better, We carry rescue gear with us always and we have plenty of extra throwbags for every boater, everyone always carry one when in the river

WHAT TO WEAR OR BRING? Spring like weather clothing.

Required – good footwear !! slipery AF .
Be advised that the weather can change quickly, be ready for spring weather to hot tropical jungle.
minimum temps 50 degrees celcius, a fleece and a rain coat will do.

DO I NEED TO SIGN A WAIVER? Yes, all guests must sign a waiver. Also, guests under the age of 18 will need a guardian’s signature.

HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS
* Guests should be prepared for some demanding physical activity.
* Tours are not recommended for anyone who may have a heart condition, neck/back issues, or other medical concerns, please check with your doctor first.
If you have questions please let us know our staff is highly trained on rescue and medical fields and prevention is the first step to take to avoid any incidents.
* Please let us know about if you have any medical conditions before hand and if you have any special needs with food ( allergies, vegan or anything else).

ARE TOURS CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER?

Tours will run Rain or shine; however some extra driving may occur during floods. In these events, we will do our best to find adequate rivers to fit the occasion and if is out of control and not safe we may cancel til we can find something appropriate to kayak.

WHAT IS THE MAX SIZE GROUP? We run logistics for the World Class Kayak Academy , 2019 crew had 30 people on the group. We have no problem accommodating any size groups.

TIP MY GUIDES? YES . If you feel you received exceptional service, feel free to tip your guides we really appreciate it.

CAN I BUY A GIFT CERTIFICATE? YES any time, best gift for a whitewater kayaker.


WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE A CREDIT CARD TO PAY ON LINE?
WESTER UNION, PAYPAL, VENMO, CASH, BITCOIN, CRYPTOCOINS






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