Central Highlands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 192

and guides. In addition to humorous accounts, you will find good ad-
vice and warnings. Better yet, wait to go rafting until you get to the
Oriente, where the quality of rivers and guides are generally higher.

3-740-703, is the
best rafting outfitter in town. They offer half- and full-day trips for
$25 to $50 per person, as well as full-day trips along the Río Pastaza
for under $60, all-inclusive.

Geotours , onMaldonado south of the bus station,

Thermal Baths
There are two sets of thermal baths around Baños. The Piscina de la
Vírgen is located near the southeastern edge of town, right next to
the landmark waterfall, the Manto de la Vírgen. Head toward the
falls, which is visible from almost anywhere in town. The entrance to
the hot springs is adjacent to the waterfall. Keep in mind that week-
ends here get a bit crazy, so you may be sharing the baths with many
Ecuadorian families. The alternative, El Salado Hot Springs , just
over a mile outside town, is much less crowded.

The walk to El Salado takes about 45minutes (or, if you've got a car, a
fewminutes). Take a left at the bridge (on vía al Salado) and continue
until you arrive. Both El Salado and the Piscina de la Vírgen springs
are open daily. Admission is about $1.

Tour Operators
Baños is full of tour operators; they're everywhere, offering every-
thing. But be wary. Many of these tour operator “pirates” lack integ-
rity and any sense of responsibility to the environment, the
Ecuadorian culture, or their clients. Check to make sure they are li-
censed (ask to see it); if they are, they have at least minimal stan-
dards and pay service-industry taxes. Spend some time talking to
them and asking questions so that you know exactly what to expect.
Request awritten contract as well. Some outfittersmay focusmore on
wildlife viewing, while others offer cultural tours. Prices generally
range from $25 to $50 per person per day.

Note that many operators will take you into themore developed areas
in the Tena region via Puyo, though some offer trips deeper into the
jungle as well. In addition, the entire first and last day will usually be
a travel day, so a “three-day” jungle trip ismore or less a one-day visit.
If you are paying at the lower end of the spectrum, you are pretty
much guaranteed a bad time with a less than responsible tour opera-
tor. There are, of course, some quality outfitters, as follows.