
Gary's Tours at La CasaBlanca
Tena, Napo, Ecuador
How to talk to us or get here!
Call us: 480-327-9812 (free from the US)
Email: lacasablancahotel@yahoo.com
WhatsApp: (+1) 480-760-5961
or (+1) 480-327-9812
Want to buy the place?
Rent to own available! It's a house and a hotel combined.
Click here to read more.
We are not currently renting rooms or giving tours. Sorry!
Inflatable Kayak
or Raft Trips
If you can picture a ridiculous grin on your face as you plunge through the rapids, then choose the Jatunyaku River. It's a class 3+ river that delivers big waves and big fun! If you are looking for even more adrenaline pumping through your veins, choose to do it in an inflatable kayak.




If you pictured a look of terror on your face, instead of a big grin, then you're like many of our guests whose idea of a great time is more in the direction of floating down a beautiful river in the rainforest, listening to the birds, seeing some of them, and experiencing a general sense of peace. If this is the case, choose the Anzu River.
To add a little edge, go in an inflatable kayak.
Going inflatable kayaking or rafting out here is just too much fun! You can't imagine what a blast you'll have. And getting out on the beautiful rivers in Ecuador is a must do when visiting this country.
Either one of the rivers we run, deliver breathtaking views of the rainforest. It's just awesome! If action is what you want, the Upper Napo River, aka the Jatunyaku, meaning "Big Water" in Kichwa delivers big waves and lots of adventure, class 3+. If you don’t want to get too wet and are looking for a more relaxing time floating through pools and smaller to no rapids, choose the Anzu (see note below). The amount of rain the night before will also determine the level, i. e. how high and fast the rivers will run on our day.
Are you ready to book your tour(s)? Yes? Yeah! We can't wait to meet you!
Just fill out the Tour Booking Form here and we will get right back to you.

If we happen to see anyone panning for gold or fishing with nets, we will stop and ask them if they mind giving you a try at it. No one has ever said no so far! If you have never been in an inflatable kayak before, you will find them extremely sturdy and while being an easier and safer option for beginners, advanced kayakers will also find them to be a really fun way to go downriver. Safety is first, so rest assured, you will be given a comprehensive safety briefing. You will be fitted with life jackets and helmets. If choosing kayaking (highly suggested), know that each kayak has two seats. Either Gary or a safety kayaker will be in the back seat of each kayak, to ensure maximum safety. (If you want to man your own kayak on the Jatunyaku, Gary will need to approve you first.) The first person who books this tour, gets to decide which river we go on that day. Once the first person has booked, we will note that on our Join a Tours Calendar for that day.
Please note that the Anzu is a nice calm river, right up to the last 60 seconds. The Jatunyaku recently changed course and now joins it a little farther up. So the last 60 seconds is now like the Rockin' Jatunyaku. You needn't worry, however, Gary or your safety kayaker will safely guide you right around those big waves!
Itinerary: Drive 30 minutes to put-in, safety orientation, 20km kayak trip (longer for raft trips) to take-out, 15 minute drive back to Tena. (Time in river in kayak is 2-3 hrs., in a raft: 3-4 hrs., depending on level of river plus a stop for lunch.)
What's Included: Transportation by private taxi, the services of one or more safety kayakers, and all the equipment needed, including dry bags, if you need them, and a delicious picnic lunch.
What to Bring: You will want footwear that will not come off if you go in the drink, like strap-on sandals or watershoes. Wear something you can get wet in, our recommendation: swim shorts and ideally a thin synthetic top with long sleeves to keep you warm on a rainy day and keep you from getting sunburned on a sunny day. If you are worried about getting cold, a simple rainjacket over a synthetic shirt goes a long way. You can also find completely waterproof jackets that close at the neck, wrists and waist, that are made for this. You may bring your camera and store it in a dry bag until you want to use it. You will also need water, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Health insurance is now mandatory for tourists. Read more here. Check out our What to Bring! page for a more comprehensive list of suggestion for things you might want to bring when coming to this area and to Ecuador in general.
Estimated Local Cash Needed: Nada, please leave your valuables back at the hotel.
Activity Level: Moderate
Kid Friendly: Yes. The Jatunyaku River trip is suitable for ages 13 years and up, the Anzu, ages 8 and up.
Please advise us before the trip if someone in your party is unable to swim.
Start time: 8:45am
Duration:
Kayak Trips last 4 to 5 hrs, returning to Tena between 12:30 & 1:30 pm.
Raft trips last 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 hrs., returning to Tena between 3 & 4 pm.
If it has rained the night before, the level of the river will be higher and the trip faster.
Cost:
Inflatable kayaking: 2 to 4 participants for $70 per person. (min. 2)
Raft Trips: $65 per person (min. 4)
SPECIAL OFFER: We currently have a deal going where if you sign up for a full day tour you get one night free in the hotel with a minimum 2 night stay. Mention this when booking to redeem offer.