ORGANIC COFFEE
Coffee from the Intag Valley is one of Ecuador´s best and also has earned a lot of international praise. The coffee farmers association AACRI has more than 300 members and they all grow 100% Organic Arabica Coffee in altitudes between 1.500-2.300m (5.000-7.500ft). You can visit coffee farms and the local processing factory in Apuela on our Coffee Circuit.
BIRDWATCHING
The Intag Valley is part of the bioregion Chocó, one of the planet´s biodiversity hotspots with hundreds of bird species. Especially in the lower parts of the valley there are extensive protected areas like the private Los Cedros Reserve or the Junín Community Reserve. Besides many endemic species you will also see such emblematic species as the cock-of-the-rock or the nocturnal oilbirds on our birdwatching tour in Intag Valley.
NANGULVI HOT SPRINGS
Fed by a hot spring waters from Cotacachi Volcano, the thermal baths of Nangulvi offer several pools at different temperatures, perfect for relaxing after activities like downhill mountainbiking or a hike through pristine cloud forest. The place also offers a small onsite restaurant and hotel and makes a good base for exploring remoter areas of the Intag Valley.
MICRO-ENTERPRISES AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Due to the threat of large-scale mining activities in the area and the resulting damage to their environment, the inhabitants of Intag Valley came up with a whole range of ideas how to boost the local economy in a sustainable way. On some of our tours to Intag Valley we visit organic farms, women groups, ecotourism initiatives, and/or handicrafts workshop using natural materials from the area.
ADVENTURE SPORTS
The lush cloud forests, numerous waterfalls and whitewater rivers, extensive hills and valleys of Intag Valley are a real paradise for all sorts of outdoor activities and adventure sports. There is hiking, mountainbiking, ziplining, canyoning, whitewater rafting, horse riding...you name it. On our tour Taste of Intag you can combine some of those options.
CLOUD FOREST RESERVES
Although many of the cloud forests along the Intag River have been cut by loggers and farmers, you still find extensive forests in the lower Manduriacos area and on less accessible hillsides. Some of them are protected, be it in private or community owned reserves or in government protected areas. On our 5-day Cloud Forest Circuit you will learn more about these fascinating ecosystems and marvel at their beauty.