IVAGA TOURS BAÑOS | CANYONING | RAFTING | MONTAÑA | PARAGLIDING | AMAZONIA | TURISMO | CUADRONES | ATV| BANOS ECUADOR — Local services in Baños de Agua Santa

We had two really nice tours with Ivaga.

First ,we went on the Chimborazo full-day tour. It was really nice, we were really well taken care of. But it is expensive for what it is. The guide, the kind Alberto, thanks to him he's a love, took us to the Chimborazo through the 2 hours ride to there. It's a bit long, but all right, because we had to pass through Riobamba on a Saturday (day of fiestas and mercados). We arrived to the first refuge, the guide left us to go up to the 2nd refuge, alone. He didn't come with us. We hiked up, had fun with some other people, really nice experience. Then we got down, and we went to eat. At this time it was about 14-15h. Then we went back to Baños, another 2h ride. Also, it's nice that we've been told everything we needed for the tour, but I'd like to add that up there, there is snow, it's about 4-5°C, so get dressed pretty warm, with hats and gloves. So, I would say it's a really nice tour, but a bit expensive for the service (it's pretty much just a shuttle service to Chimborazo). Thanks to Alberto, a really nice guide, that gives informations about Ecuador on the way, and has a really nice energy!

On our third day to Baños, we decided to go explore the Amazon. It was really a great experience, and even if it was a bit expensive, this time I feel my money was well spent (compared to Chimborazo tour). First, we went to see a Mercado in Puyo, with a lot of typical food and medicine. Alberto, our favorite guide, gave us a lot of informations all day long, about everything we saw with him. Then, we went to do some canoë on a river. We had another guide, Franklin, who was really sweet too, even though really silent. Didn't talk much, but the river was beautiful, and amazing. Sometimes the river is a bit scary and wavy, but Franklin knows his river, everything went fine. Then, we went to eat a typical dish, a tilapia (2$ extra if you want it instead of chicken, but it is really worth it). It was at a cute outside restaurant, that Alberto knew really well. Really sweet staff. Then, we went on a short hike/walk in the Amazon forest, to get to an AMAZING waterfall. Also there, we were with another guide, another Alberto's friend, that took us there. Very king too, and took photos of us all along. It was really amazing. I just thought the walk was a bit fast, I would've like to enjoy the nature that was really special and different to me. After this, (nope, not over yet), we went to see how cocoa beans are harvested, and transformed into chocolate. And then you get to taste a hot chocolate milk made from the people that own the place (that are also Alberto's acquaintances, he really seems to know everyone there). It was delicious and very interesting, as you get to prepare the beans yourself. Then we finally got back to Baños, around 18h. Also, this time it really hot and humid, 25-30°C. Dress light, bring sunglasses or hat, sunscreen, and mosquitos repellent. And to swim in the waterfall, towel and swimsuit. It was an amaaaazing tour, and because we got to meet to "secret places", and meet people that you would never have met by yourself, that's why I think it was worth my money. In total, for both activities, the cost was around 400$ for 2 people. (~100$/pers. per day). Muchas gracias to Alberto for this...

When we first decided to go canyoning in Ecuador, we honestly didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into. As adventurers ourselves (adrenaline junkies if im being honest), we are always up for a challenge. But little did we know, we’d be scaling La Chamana Alta with some of the best guides in the business. Angelelo, Daniel and Ronaldo not only guided us on on one of the most exciting, adrenaline experiences of our lives, but they also went to great pains to ensure we were safe the entire time.

The journey took us to several waterfalls that are nestled gently in the Baños forest. After a 90 min hike to the top, our team (Los Cinco Amigos) then started a multiple hour descent. Each step of the way Angelelo (or Angelito as the guys teased) showed us how to descend, what strategies to use and spent time pointing out critical landmarks along the way. Our other two guides did the same and brought some incredible humor and even used my GoPro to shoot some footage that we can use to brag to our friends about.

This excursion is not for the faint of heart however. Even though I am extremely active, I needed a little break during our arduos incline to the top. Our guides were patient and offered breathing techniques to assist. During one of the descents I totally slipped and banged my back on the side of the waterfall. The guides all checked to see if I was okay (hint, I was laughing waaayyyy too hard to be hurt) and offered to take a break if needed. The multiple hour climb and descent into Baños was a safe and incredible experience that we will be talking about for years. These guys love what they do and during lunch after, they offered their guidance on our next...

Thought of countless ways to write this review but simply you can't put this adventure into words.

Let me start off with, Thank you so much Adolfo! This was a last minute reservation which literally was booked hours before BOTH the white water rafting and water rappelling where to begin. I wasn't expecting a response but lo and behold Adolfo was there to take care of all my needs. He coordinated pickup from my hotel the following morning which when you're in a new country makes life so much easier.

After a smooth pickup we were taken to their main office where we signed paperwork and made our payment. After getting our sizes down, we were transferred to our group where the white water rafting would begin. Everything was so organized and worry free. This was my fifth time white water rafting but this right here was a whole different, nothing compares to the waves and views, absolutely breathtaking!

Once our white water adventure was done we were taken to a great lunch which was included in the itinerary. Shortly after, my friend and I were taken to meet with our guides Angel and Steven.

Angel and Steven, thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am a self claimed adrenaline junkie but rappelling was terrifying. Sure waterfall jumps don't sound too bad when you're watching online or reading the reviews but this is a different level of WOW. These two guys were beyond patient, very encourage and most importantly so patient. We were always always always in great hands and trust me you will be too!

I wish I could give this place 10 stars since it's well deserved but if you're looking to book a trip of a lifetime,...