Jondachi Fest, Ecuador, January 2026
Earlier this year, the Jondachi Fest took place in Ecuador, a grassroots, volunteer-driven river festival and whitewater kayak competition that promotes the protection of the free-flowing Jondachi River.
The spectacular Jondachi-Hollín-Misahuallí-Napo watershed corridor flows freely from the Andes through lush jungle canyons into the Amazon. This January, paddlers gathered in Tena, Ecuador, for the 12th annual Jondachi Fest, celebrating the river and promoting its protection.
The watershed forum brought together over 150 participants and commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Llanganates National Park, just days after Ben Stookesberry, Wil Henkel, and Diego Robles completed an exceptional first descent of the Mulatos River, which cuts through the Andean cordillera deep within the Llanganates where mining and development interests threaten to open a controversial road.
Heavy overnight rains brought rivers to full flow, kicking off the weekend with an expert-only raft and kayak descent on the lower Jondachi-Hollín Rivers. Meanwhile, everyone else gathered for the lower basin activities, including rafting and SUPing for all ages and abilities, a cultural fair, educational programs, and live music.
The event concluded with a new 50-kilometer triathlon connecting two communities along the Napo River, joined by whitewater kayaks, dugout canoes, dragon boats, and tandem sit-on-top kayaks in the flatwater downriver races.
Ecuadorian paddlers Juan San Miguel, Matias Meneses, and Jordan Espinosa swept the podium in the Class V Upper Jondachi Race, while Maykel Andi won the Junior Pro category ahead of fellow Yaku Churi youth paddler Tupag Andi, and Joni Randall (USA) claimed the women’s division.
The festival received national television coverage and brought rave reviews. A week later, the Ecuadorian government ordered the suspension of all mining activities in Napo Province.
For more information about the event, visit ecuadorianrivers.org
Words: Matt Terry (ERI)
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