The Intag Valley Guide: $33 Riverside Cabanas & $4 Thermal Springs (Ecuador)
Let's get down to the dollars and cents. You don't have to blow your budget to live like a king here. The lodging I secured was a cozy cabana right next to the river, costing only $33/night, which even included a decent breakfast! This rate is fantastic for a traveler looking for a comfortable base in a primary ecotourism zone.
You can grab a full lunch or dinner for around $6 or $7 USD at the Intag Cabana restaurant, or find even cheaper traditional food in the nearby town. Transportation is also a breeze, costing only 30 or 40 cents by bus. To see the exact setup, from the comfy beds to the infamous "suicide shower" (or termoducha), you can check out this video for more information.
The Secret of Termas de Nangulvi (Hot Springs)
If you're looking for relaxation after a long travel day or a bit of whitewater action, the best kept secret is just a short walk from the cabanas. I'm talking about the famous Nangulvi Thermal Springs. Fed by the Cotacachi Volcano, these are some of the most accessible and beautiful thermal pools in the region.
For only $4 USD, you get access to the complex with several pools, ranging from warm to Muy Caliente (very hot). It's the perfect, low-cost way to soak those tired muscles. I captured the pure chill and relaxing atmosphere in the above video.
Adventure on the Rio Intag: A River Rat's Delight
This is truly why I came! The Rio Intag flows right through the valley, offering some seriously fun water that appeals to any fellow River Rat. The journey to get here—just a few hours of descending through the cloud forest from Otavalo—is worth it for the stunning views alone.
To get a better, in-depth look at the route, the views, and the long ride through the cloud forest on the way, you can watch my full travel day video above, Rio Intag Ecuador Three Hours from Otavalo.
Go Local, Support Pachamama (Mother Earth)
One of the best things about the Intag Valley is the spirit of the local community. They have a long history of opposing copper mines and are intensely focused on ecotourism and conservation to protect their ancestral homes. Your travel money directly supports locals who care about Pachamama.
It's a gorgeous area that's surprisingly easy to get to from Otavalo. Take a quick look at the stunning scenery on the road into the valley—it's pure cloud forest magic. The Intag Valley has the price, the views, and good water quality!
