Baños: Pastaza River White Water Rafting with Lunch & Photos

Summary

Pastaza River rapids, waterfall views and riverside lunch in Baños

You’ll start your day in Baños gearing up with your group before heading out to see waterfalls along the route to San Francisco town. After a hands-on safety briefing with your local guide, you’ll tackle class III/IV rapids on the Pastaza River—expect laughter, adrenaline, maybe a splash or two in your face. Afterward there’s a simple riverside lunch before heading back to town still buzzing from it all.

What’s the experience like?

We met up at the agency in Baños right on time, still a bit groggy from too much coffee and not enough sleep. The guides handed out wetsuits and helmets—mine smelled faintly like river water and sunblock, which I guess is how you know it’s legit. There was this energy in the group, part nerves, part excitement. Our guide, Diego, joked about how he could spot “first-timers” by their grip on the paddles (guilty). We piled into a van headed for San Francisco town, windows down because the air was already warm. On the drive, Diego pointed out waterfalls—Agoyán looked almost unreal through the mist, and someone tried to count how many we’d pass but gave up after three.

The safety talk was longer than I expected but honestly made me feel better. We practiced commands on dry land first; I kept mixing up “forward” and “back,” which got a laugh from everyone. Then suddenly we were in the raft on the Pastaza River, cold spray hitting my face before I even started paddling. The rapids were class III+ or IV (Diego explained what that meant but I mostly just hung on), and there were moments when all I could hear was shouting and water slapping against plastic. At one point we spun sideways and I nearly lost my paddle—my heart was pounding so hard it felt like another set of rapids inside my chest. But then there’d be these weirdly calm stretches where you could see green hills rolling away forever, mist hanging low over everything.

I didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did—especially when Diego started calling out silly paddle commands just to see if we’d follow (“banana!” isn’t actually a thing). By the time we finished at Topo, my arms felt like noodles but I couldn’t stop grinning. The van was waiting for us (bless that driver), and we changed out of our soaked gear as fast as possible because lunch was calling. It wasn’t fancy—rice, chicken, some kind of sweet plantain—but after an hour fighting rapids it tasted like a feast. Someone passed around photos from the trip; there’s one of me with my mouth wide open that’ll probably haunt me forever.

Back in Baños later that afternoon, still smelling faintly of river mud and sunscreen, I realized I hadn’t thought about anything else for hours—not work or home or anything except keeping my paddle moving and not falling out of the boat. That’s rare for me. If you’re even halfway curious about white water rafting in Ecuador, this day trip from Baños is probably going to stick with you too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — White water rafting adventure in Baños

• Meet at agency at 9 am
• Receive rafting equipment
• Travel by van to San Francisco Town
• View waterfalls along the route
• Receive safety talk on riverbank
• Practice paddle commands on land
• Raft through class III+/IV rapids
• Finish rafting trip in Topo
• Enjoy lunch after rafting
• Return to Baños

Top questions

How long does the white water rafting tour in Baños last?

The main rafting portion lasts about an hour on the river; including transport and lunch, plan for most of your day.

Is lunch included in this Pastaza River rafting tour?

Yes, a post-rafting lunch is included before returning to Baños.

Are photos or videos provided during the tour?

Yes, pictures and videos are included as part of your experience.

What level are the rapids on this Baños rafting trip?

The rapids are class III+/IV on the Pastaza River section used for this tour.

Is transport included from Baños to the river?

Yes, private vehicle transport is included both ways between Baños and San Francisco town/Topo.

What should I bring for white water rafting near Baños?

A swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, water bottle and sandals are recommended.

Is there a minimum age for this rafting activity?

The minimum age is 10 years old.

Are vegetarian meal options available for lunch?

Yes; let them know at booking if you require vegetarian food.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary rafting equipment plus safety kayaker support throughout your time on the Pastaza River. You’ll get round-trip private transport from Baños to San Francisco town and back from Topo after finishing on the water. A professional local guide leads your group with safety training before you start paddling. Photos and videos are provided so you can relive those moments later—and after it all wraps up you’ll share a simple riverside lunch before returning to town together.