In one line: in Asturias, "piraguas" is the age-old word for going down the Sella. We explain exactly what a piragua is (an open canoe), where to hire yours in Arriondas, how much it costs and what it has to do with the famous Fiesta de Las Piraguas. All clear, and straight from kilometre zero of the river.
If you have searched for "canoeing on the Sella" or "canoe hire in Arriondas", you are in the right place. In Asturias, piragua is the traditional word for the boats used to go down the region's most famous river. Here we explain it all, from the team that has been in Arriondas for more than 25 years.
What a piragua is (and what we actually hire out)
"Piragua" is a broad, local word. When people say "going down the Sella in a piragua", they almost always mean the open canoe: stable, comfortable, with room for 1, 2 or 3 people, and dead easy to handle even if it is your first time.
- Piragua / open canoe: what we use for the tourist descent. Stable, family-friendly, no technique needed.
- Kayak: more enclosed and sporty, for anyone after something different.
- If you are torn between the two, we make it clear in kayak vs canoe.
So when you hire a "piragua" with us, you are hiring an open canoe with a factory-fitted backrest, the most comfortable choice for going down the Sella with family or friends.
Canoe hire in Arriondas
We hire out canoes (piraguas) with 1 (K1), 2 (K2) and 3 seats (K3), all with the full kit included: paddle, life jacket, dry barrel, a mini lesson with a qualified instructor, the return transfer, parking, changing rooms and lockers. You do not pay extra for the basics.
The hire takes place in Arriondas, kilometre zero of the descent, where we have our base and the launch parking. You have the full detail in canoe rental on the Sella, and the two routes (Mini and Complete, same price) in prices.
The Fiesta de Las Piraguas · the International Descent
The name "piraguas" is so tied to the Sella for one reason: the Fiesta de Las Piraguas — that is, the International Sella Descent, declared an event of International Tourist Interest. It is the big date of the year, with paddlers from all over the world.
In 2026 it falls on Saturday 8 August. An honest note: that day the river closes for the race and we do not run the tourist activity, though the atmosphere in Arriondas and Ribadesella is spectacular. On any other day of the season you can go down by canoe with us. Everything about the event on the International Sella Descent.
Your canoe descent · what it is like
You do not need to be an athlete or have any experience. Before you set off, a qualified instructor gives you a mini lesson with the basic paddling technique and the safety rules, and the team keeps an eye on the river throughout. There are only two requirements: knowing how to swim (compulsory by law, children included) and closed shoes that can get wet. Suitable from 5 years old and 1.15 m.
- Mini route: 7 km, ~2h. Ideal for a first time or with little ones.
- Complete route: 14.5 km, ~4h. The classic Arriondas–Ribadesella descent.
- Both at the same price. The timings, in how long it takes.
Booking your canoe on the Sella
- Book via the website (real-time calendar), WhatsApp, phone or email. Not at the desk unannounced.
- 2026 price: €35 adults, €25 children aged 5 to 12, pets free. All included.
- If you are coming from out of town, we help you in how to get to Arriondas. And if you want the full picture of the season, in the Sella descent 2026 guide.
We are the Arriondas team that welcomes you at the river; you can meet us in about us and we are backed by 147 real reviews (4.5★).
Call it piragua, canoe or whatever you like: what matters is that the Sella is waiting for you. Book your canoe here and we will see you on the water.
What you ask us most
- What is a piragua and how does it differ from a canoe or a kayak?
In Asturias people call the boats used for the Sella descent a piragua. In practice, what we hire out are open canoes (stable and easy), which plenty of folk here call piraguas. The kayak is a more enclosed, sporty boat. For the tourist descent, the open canoe (piragua) is the comfortable, family-friendly choice. We compare the two in kayak vs canoe.
- Do you hire out canoes in Arriondas?
Yes, we hire out canoes (piraguas) with 1, 2 and 3 seats in Arriondas, with all the kit included. It has been our day-to-day for more than 25 years. All the detail on canoe rental and the 2026 prices.
- When is the Fiesta de Las Piraguas 2026?
The Fiesta de Las Piraguas (the International Sella Descent) 2026 takes place on Saturday 8 August. That day the river closes for the race and we do not run the tourist activity, but on any other day of the season you can go down the Sella by canoe with us. Everything on the International Sella Descent.
- How much does it cost to go down the Sella by canoe?
€35 adults and €25 children aged 5 to 12, with pets free. It includes the canoe (piragua) with backrest, paddle, life jacket, a mini lesson with a qualified instructor, the return transfer, parking, changing rooms and lockers. No seasonal surcharges. Full detail on prices and what is included.
- How do I book my canoe for the descent?
Via the website (real-time calendar), WhatsApp, phone or email. We walk you through it step by step in how to book the Sella descent. In July and August, best to book a few days ahead.
