Rafting in Baños: Big waves and rapids

The rapids in Alto Pastaza are big enough that you'll paddle hard the whole way.

Rafting on the Alto Pastaza river in Baños is a five-hour activity where you paddle through big waves and rapids with a live guide in English or Spanish. The tour includes a stop on the riverbank to rest and refresh, private transportation to and from the river, a wetsuit, shoes, helmet and life vest, plus photos and videos of the run. Children from age 7 are welcome.

The experience

What makes the Alto Pastaza section stand out is the size of the rapids and the pace they set. You're paddling the whole time, not watching from a boat. The guide handles navigation while you and the group work the current. The big waves are real enough that adrenaline is part of the deal, and the river doesn't let up for long stretches. Vegan and vegetarian meals are available if you need them.

The five hours break into paddling and a stop partway through on the riverbank. That break is built in so you can catch your breath, shake out your arms and reset before the second half. The gear (wetsuit, shoes, helmet, life vest) comes with you, and the guide briefs you on technique and safety before you push off. Private transportation picks you up and brings you back, so the logistics are handled.

Photos and videos of the run are included, so you get the shots without stopping to take them yourself. The guide speaks English or Spanish and knows the water well enough to read the current and keep the group moving safely through the sections that demand it.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from the river.
• a wetsuit, shoes, helmet and life vest.
• photos and videos of the run.
• a meal with vegan and vegetarian options available.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 70 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 11 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Geotours Adventure & Fun

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to paddle hard through real rapids with a group: the big waves and the pace mean you're working the whole time, which is what makes the adrenaline real. It's built for people who are fit enough to handle five hours of paddling and want the river itself to be the challenge, not a guided tour watching from the boat.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

117 verified traveler reviews

5 ★117

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (7 to 11 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

What's the Alto Pastaza river like for someone who's never rafted before?

The Alto Pastaza has big waves and rapids that demand paddling the whole time, so it's not a beginner's float. You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness to handle the pace, and the guide will brief you on technique before you start. No prior rafting experience is required, but the river itself is the teacher. The current is strong and the rapids are real.

How long is the rafting part, and what happens during the riverbank stop?

The whole activity is five hours from pickup to drop-off. The stop on the riverbank is built in so you can rest, refresh and recover your breath before paddling the second half of the run.

What gear do I wear, and is it included?

You wear a wetsuit, shoes, helmet and life vest, all included. The guide will fit you before you get in the water and make sure everything is secure.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Private transportation to and from the river, all gear, photos and videos of the run, and a meal with vegan and vegetarian options are included. Bring a change of clothes and a towel. The water is cold and you'll be wet.