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Is paddling in the Amazon risky? 😬 | Puerto Misahuallí, Ecuador #153 - Chez Team

3 September 2023 · 24 min · 21K views · Puerto Misahuallí

What this video covers

Chilu and Eze navigate a kayak approximately 12 kilometers down the Napo River in the Ecuadorian Amazon, departing from Puerto MisahuallĂ­. After camping overnight on a river island during heavy rain, they monitor rising water levels using marked sticks to ensure their gear remains safe.1:53 The pair encounters significant currents and river hazards, including a dangerous whirlpool known to capsize inexperienced boaters, forcing them to navigate through smaller, calmer channels to avoid the main rapids.0:57 They rely on local knowledge and visual navigation to identify safe landing points, as the river lacks clear signage or infrastructure.8:42 Upon reaching a remote landing site near Aguano, they disassemble their kayak and utilize local bus transport and hitchhiking to return to their starting point.22:28 The journey concludes with a final river crossing by boat back to Puerto MisahuallĂ­, where they observe that the river current has intensified significantly due to the persistent rainfall.22:54 Navigating the Amazon requires constant vigilance regarding water levels, current strength, and the ability to identify safe exit points before encountering hazardous rapids.

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