Upper Amazon Whitewater and Yoga Retreat November 8 -15 2026

Upper Amazon Whitewater & Yoga Retreat

Where stunning beauty meets adventure and adrenaline!

November 8 – 15, 2026 | Niyama Yoga Retreats & Vistamar| Ecuador

Niyama Yoga Retreats & 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 longest 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.

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:

River conditions may require us to spend an additional night on the river.
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. Space will be limited. Enroll now to reserve your spot!

What is Included:

4 nights lodging in Archidona at the Monkey Lodge!
1 Night lodging at Termas de Papallacta
Entrance to Papallacta Springs
3-day / 2-night Hollín River expedition, including:
Expert guides
All whitewater and safety equipment
All camping gear
Transportation durrng entire retreat
Three delicious meals per day prepared riverside
Epic riverside yoga
Epic riverside excursions
The most epic trip of a lifetime!
All Breakfasts and Lunches in Archidona
Breakfast at Papallacta
Guided excursion to one of the region’s most spectacular waterfalls
River journey to visit and learn from Indigenous Amazonian communities
Visit to a traditional cacao farm and chocolate factory
Jungle Exploration and wildlife encounters
Multiple waterfall trips
Indigenous community Encounter
All ground transportation, including transfers to and from Quito Airport*

What is not Included:

Air Travel / Book Flight To Quito, Ecuador (UIO)
Individual airport pick/up drop off. There will be one time in our bus that is included.
Alcohol
Spa treatments at Papallacta
Travel Insurance (Highly recommended / Retreats are NON REFUNDABLE)
Cost of dinners off river (we will coordinate, accompany, provide transport and coordinate dinner every night and drinks after on occasion too!)