Baños de Agua Santa: Whitewater Rafting Tour

Exploring the crystalline waters of Ecuador’s Baños de Agua Santa is an unforgettable experience, and an exciting whitewater rafting tour of its tumultuous rivers is an experience of a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate adventure or a peaceful floating tour – Baños de Agua Santa has something for everyone!

Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador, is a small and charming town in the Central Highlands’ Tungurahua Province. This secluded area of the country is known for stunning natural beauty and its lively watersports and outdoor activities – like whitewater rafting, among many others. Baños lies in the Pastaza River gorge, at the foot of the active and imposing Tungurahua Volcano. This makes it the perfect place to explore nature’s tranquil beauty and test yourself on a wild river.

The magnificent Rio Pastaza is world-renowned as an expert’s paradise, with the opportunity to take on its Grade III-V rapids. Professional guiding services make it possible for less experienced visitors to take on these more treacherous waters. Qualified guides will provide detailed instruction and step-by-step support to ensure a fun and safe adventure for all participants.

Guides will also tell you all about the incredible history of the region as you drift with the wind, making it a cultural as well as physical adventure. Besides rafting, patrons of the Rio Pastaza have their choice of swimming under towering cliffs, or simply floating downstream, taking in its magnificent landscape. Take on grade III and IV rapids on thrilling white water rafting routes and feel the adrenaline rush take you over the edge!

Baños is the gateway to Ecuador’s lush Amazon rainforest. With its bustling streets, delicious cuisine and thrilling white water rafting tours, it makes an excellent base for exploring the area’s many attractions. Head out on one of GetYourGuide’s full-day whitwater rafting tours from Baños de Agua Santa, and experience the adrenaline of taking on rapids with a twist of tropical flavor.

These exhilarating tours usually take about 8 hours, during which you will get to explore this amazing region. Your tour guide will take you through the area’s unique vegetation, local wildlife, and awe-inspiring views while he provides insights on the fauna and culture encountered along the way. This is a fantastic experience that makes an enlightening excursion when combined with a few days of sightseeing in Baños.

As you journey downriver, you’ll come across some of the most photogenic gorges and virgin rainforest nature reserves in all of South America. Keep an eye out for animals – you’re likely to spot dolphins, toucans, sloths, and even jaguars! GetYourGuide also makes sure that each tour provides ample time for sightseeing and for photos along the way as well.

And finally, if that’s not enough reason to join a GetYourGuide guided tour of Baños de Agua Santa – all trips include a boat, lunch and a relaxing swim in some of the calmest waters around. You’ll also get to take a dip in an invigorating natural hot spring at the end of your journey – the perfect way to shrug off stress and achieve inner peace!

So make sure you keep Baños de Agua Santa on your list of must-visit destinations when planning your next Ecuadorian vacation! Take advantage of GetYourguide’s full-day whitwater rafting tours from Baños de Agua Santa, and get ready to embark on an adventure unlike any other – one that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized!

# Insider’s Guide to Baños de Agua Santa

Baños de Agua Santa, or commonly known as Baños, is a small but bustling city located in the central Andean region of Ecuador. Known for its hot springs, adventure sports, and beautiful waterfalls, Baños is a must-visit destination for any traveler in Ecuador. In this insider’s guide, we will explore the best things to do, see, eat, and experience in Baños.

## Local Attractions

### Casa del Arbol

One of the most famous attractions in Baños is Casa del Arbol, also known as the Treehouse. It is a small treehouse located on the edge of a cliff that offers stunning views of the Tungurahua volcano and the surrounding mountains. Adventure seekers can ride the famous ‘Swing at the End of the World,’ which dangles over the edge of the cliff, giving an adrenaline rush.

### Pailón del Diablo Waterfall

Pailón del Diablo is Baños’ most spectacular waterfall, located a few kilometers outside of the city. It is a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall with a 150-foot drop, and visitors can walk down to the bottom of the waterfall to experience its full power.

### Thermal Baths

Baños is known for its hot springs, and there are several thermal baths around the city. The most popular thermal bath is La Virgen, located just outside the city. It is a public bath with several pools, each with different temperatures. You can relax in the hot water and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

## Dining Spots

### Café Hood

Café Hood is a cozy café located in the heart of Baños. It is famous for its delicious breakfast burritos and freshly brewed coffee. The café also offers vegan and gluten-free options.

### El Jardín Café

El Jardín Café is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch. It has a beautiful garden where you can enjoy your meal amidst the sound of the nearby waterfall. The café offers a wide range of options, from sandwiches to pasta.

### Stray Dog Brewing Company

If you are looking for some cold beer after a long day of adventure, Stray Dog Brewing Company is the place to go. They offer a variety of handcrafted beers, along with tasty pub-style food options.

## Cultural Experiences

### Baños Cathedral

Baños Cathedral is a beautiful neoclassical church located in the center of the city. The church is open to visitors, and you can explore its stunning interiors.

### Baños Museum

Baños Museum is a small museum that showcases the history and culture of the city. It is located in an old house, and visitors can explore the different rooms, which have been converted into exhibits.

### Baños Marketplace

Baños Marketplace is a vibrant market where you can shop for local souvenirs and handicrafts. The market also has several food stalls selling delicious street food.

## Local History

### Basilica of Our Lady of the Holy Water

Basilica of Our Lady of the Holy Water, commonly known as Nuestra Señora del Agua Santa, is a magnificent church located in Baños. The church is believed to have healing powers, and people from all over the world come here to pray for miracles.

### Volcano Museum

Volcano Museum is an excellent place to learn about the history of the Tungurahua volcano, which is located near Baños. The museum has several exhibits showcasing the various eruptions of the volcano and their impact on the surrounding areas.

## Off-the-beaten-path Suggestions

### Biking to Rio Verde Waterfall

If you are feeling adventurous, rent a bike in Baños and take a scenic ride to Rio Verde Waterfall. The ride is about 25 kilometers, and you will pass through several small villages and beautiful countryside.

### Canyoning in Rio Blanco

Canyoning is a fun and adventurous activity that involves rappelling down waterfalls and jumping into natural pools. Rio Blanco, located just outside of Baños, offers an excellent canyoning experience for adventure seekers.

In conclusion, Baños de Agua Santa is a magical destination that offers something for every traveler. Whether you are looking for adventure sports, cultural experiences, or relaxation, Baños has it all. We hope this insider’s guide helps plan the perfect trip to Baños.