Getting Around
Commercial raft trips and guide services should include transportation from their office location or meeting place for the trip to the river, and back. For trips that don't base in Quito, this usually means that you must travel to the local meeting place in Tena, Baños, Macas, etc, on your own, unless it is specifically included in the cost of the trip.

Paddlers will find that Ecuador is one of the easiest places in the world to travel with a kayak. Some groups may prefer to hire a van or a truck with a driver for their entire trip, but most people use public buses to move long distances between cities, and hire taxis locally to get to and from the river.

Almost all of the buses have roof racks and/or spacious under storage areas. Make sure to have tie-down ropes or straps handy, and that bow and stern lines are secure. It is NOT customary to pay more for the kayak, unless the bus stops en route and has to wait while loading, in which case $1 per boat should be sufficient.

In most of the paddling towns, the local "taxis" are double-cab pickup trucks, which charge very reasonable fares. In Quito, Santo Domingo de los Colorados, and Baños, you may have to get more creative and seek out the owner of a suitable shuttle vehicle. Always confirm the price of the shuttle or taxi before the trip.

As a simple precaution, try to have all of your gear packed securely in your kayak, or inside of gear bags to discourage theft. Keep all valuables within sight and on your lap while on buses, and be alert. Always carry a photo copy of your passport and visa/entry stamp with you in case you need to show these documents at a police checkpoint.

Bus Schedules: Quito - Baeza - Tena This is the most direct route to Tena. Also serves the Quijos River Valley.

Bus Schedules: Tena - Baeza - Tena Return schedules.

General Advice for Rafting

River Beta Guide to Rafting & Kayaking in Ecuador

Intl. Scale of River & Rapid Difficulty