Rafting in Baños: 14 km on volcano-fed rivers

Fourteen kilometers of whitewater fed by volcanic peaks

Rafting in Baños de Agua Santa puts you on the Pastaza River for a 14 km run through mountain terrain, with a live guide leading the navigation, equipment, lunch and hotel pickup included. The day runs five hours total: pickup at 9am, technical instruction on the riverbank, the full run downriver, lunch at a restaurant, and return to Baños by 2pm. Children from age 7 are welcome. You'll need moderate fitness and should bring your own towel, water bottle and sunscreen.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel ten minutes before 9am, then a 45-minute drive to the agency where you'll get fitted with a lifejacket, neoprene suit, helmet and sneakers. Once at the river, a guide walks through the technical instruction on the bank before you push off. The Pastaza River originates in the volcanic peaks above Baños, and the 14 km run takes you through the landscape those mountains shape.

Navigation downriver is the core of the five-hour day. After you finish, you change clothes at the agency and head to a restaurant for lunch before the air-conditioned vehicle returns you to Baños around 2pm. The guide speaks English throughout, and photographs are taken during the run.

You'll need at least moderate physical fitness for the paddling and the river conditions. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or if you're pregnant. Bring your own towel, water bottle and sunscreen. The operator provides the rest of the gear.

What’s included

• Lifejacket, neoprene suit, sneakers and helmet.
• technical instruction on the riverbank.
• 14 km navigation down the Pastaza River with a live English-speaking guide.
• lunch at a restaurant.
• photographs taken during the run.
• air-conditioned vehicle pickup from your hotel at 9am and return by 2pm.

Options for this experience

2 options

Rafting on the river in Baños, EcuadorGuide in English · 00:00 and 09:00Includes pickup

River RaftingGuide in English · 09:00Lunch and pickup are included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 10 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 34 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

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

Operated by G.N.Turismo

Is this one for you?Moderate fitness is the entry point: you're paddling 14 km of whitewater, not watching it, so the physical demand is real. The five-hour window and the 9am start fit a morning or early afternoon slot in your Baños schedule without eating the whole day.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (7 to 10 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

What rivers do you raft on in Baños?

The Pastaza River is the main run, a 14 km stretch that originates in the volcanic peaks above Baños and flows through the mountain terrain surrounding the town.

What's included in the rafting price?

Lifejacket, neoprene suit, sneakers, helmet, lunch at a restaurant, photographs, and the air-conditioned vehicle for pickup and return are all included. You bring your own towel, water bottle and sunscreen.

What time does the rafting start and end?

Pickup happens at 9am from your hotel, and you're back in Baños by 2pm, making it a five-hour day from start to finish.

How long is the actual rafting on the river?

The navigation run covers 14 km down the Pastaza River. The full day is five hours including pickup, instruction, lunch and the return drive to town.