I was born in Quito, and my story with travel started at the age of 15. Instead of celebrating my birthday with the traditional Latin American party, dress, and waltz, I chose something different, so I took a train to Cotopaxi National Park with friends.

That decision changed everything..

Since then, I’ve celebrated every birthday exploring a new destination, discovering not only landscapes but also my identity and connection to Ecuador’s ancestral roots.

Following My Ancestors: The Qhapaq Ñan Experience

At 28, I felt the need to reconnect with my origins. This journey led me to the ancient Qhapaq Ñan, the legendary Inca road system that crosses several countries including Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.

I organized this experience on horseback for my birthday. At the time, no guide wanted to operate the trip for just one person, so I created a a facebook page called Aventuras del Páramo to gather a group. I found 8 travelers and none of them knew I made this for my birthday.

That trip didn’t just mark a personal milestone, it became the foundation of my business.

Through this experience, we activated local communities in the Andes, working with families who provided horses, accommodation, and food.

Galápagos: One of the Most Unique Destinations on Earth 

Another life-changing destination was the Galápagos Islands.

This archipelago is considered one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations in the world, often compared to places like the Great Barrier Reef or even the biodiversity of Borneo.

The main islands you can explore include:

• Santa Cruz

• San Cristóbal

• Isabela

• Floreana

• Española

• Bartolomé

• North Seymour

I’ve explored the Galápagos both through cruises and land-based programs, including full-day tours that allow a deeper connection with each ecosystem snorkeling with sea lions, observing giant tortoises, and walking among marine iguanas.

Ancestral Roots: From the Cañari Culture to Hidden Mysteries

My roots also led me to Cerro Punay, considered the origin of the Cañari culture my grandmother’s heritage.

From there, I continued exploring ancestral history through places like:

• Laguna de Culebrillas, an artificial lagoon linked to the lost Cañari city

• The continuation of the Qhapaq Ñan

• And the mysterious Cueva de los Tayos

The Cave of the Tayos is one of the most enigmatic places in South America, often compared to legendary sites like Machu Picchu or even unexplored cave systems in Vietnam.

My first visit to the Cueva de los Tayos was in 2019. I realized there was very limited knowledge about safety when descending with ropes, especially considering it’s a 54 meter vertical drop. To reach the cave, you need to hike for about three hours before starting the expedition.

Since then, I began organizing these expeditions with experienced guides specialized in rope techniques and vertical descent. I also love sharing real stories from my experiences there, as well as the myths and legends that the local community holds about the cave.

In my tours, I make sure to involve local people so travelers can enjoy an authentic, adventurous, and safe experience. Departures are available from Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca.

I’ve completed over 20 descents into this cave, working closely with the local community and exploring the Amazon rainforest in depth.

Ecuador: A Paradise for Mountain Lovers

Ecuador is surrounded by volcanoes, making it one ofthe best destinations in the world for high-altitude trekking and climbing, similar to destinations like Nepal or Patagonia.

Most Iconic Volcanoes in Ecuador

• Cotopaxi Volcano

• Chimborazo Volcano

• Cayambe Volcano

• Antisana Volcano

• El Altar (my favorite)

Hidden Gems (Less Touristic, Highly Recommended)

• Sumaco Volcano

• Cubillines

• Chiles Volcano

• Reventador Volcano

How to Start: Medium Mountains Before High Altitude

If you want to experience high-altitude mountains, you should start with medium-level hikes:

• Rucu Pichincha (best for beginners)

• Guagua Pichincha

• Iliniza Norte

• Pasochoa Volcano

• Fuya Fuya

These mountains prepare you for more technical climbs like Cotopaxi or Chimborazo.

The Amazon: Wildlife and Raw Nature

Ecuador’s Amazon is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.

In places like:

• Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

• Yasuní National Park

• Tayos Cave

You can experience:

• Pink river dolphins

• Monkeys, birds, reptiles

• Dense jungle ecosystems described by explorers like Alexander von Humboldt

In a country this small, you can explore the Amazon, the Andes, and the Pacific coast within just a few days.

Travel Ecuador Your Way

I design personalized travel experiences across Ecuador based on your time, interests, and travel style.

You can choose:

• Full-day experiences 

• 3 to 7-day programs

• 15 to 20-day immersive journeys

From culture and ancestral routes to adventure, wildlife, and luxury experiences. I’ll create the perfect itinerary for you.

Ready to explore Ecuador? Let’s design your journey.

Traveling to Peru is one of the most enriching experiences in South America, combining history, nature, culture, and adventure. In this guide, I share my real travel experience starting from Ecuador, along with practical tips and recommendations to help you plan your trip.

Arrival in Lima

My journey began flying into Lima, the capital city and main gateway to explore the country. From here, travelers can easily connect to coastal, desert, and Andean destinations.

Paracas and Ballestas Islands Tour

Upon arriving in Lima, we continued our journey to Paracas to visit the famous Islas Ballestas, often called the “poor man’s Galapagos.” The trip from Lima takes approximately 3 to 4 hours by road, followed by a boat tour through the islands. During the experience, we enjoyed wildlife spotting such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds, as well as views of the Candelabra geoglyph. 

• Boat tour through the islands

• Wildlife spotting: sea lions,Humboldt penguins, seabirds

• View of the Candelabra geoglyph

• Visit to Paracas National Reserve

Huacachina Desert Oasis

Next, we continued our adventure from Paracas to Huacachina, a short drive of about 1 to 1.5 hours through the desert landscapes.

Highlights:

• Sandboarding

• Dune buggy rides

• Sunset views over the desert

Important tip: Always choose certified operators with proper safety equipment.

Nazca Lines Flight Experience

From Huacachina I visited Nazca Lines, takes like 2 hours no more than 02h30. 

The best way to see them is by airplane, where you can observe massive geoglyphs like the monkey, hummingbird, and geometric shapes. 

Beyond the scientific explanations, locals share fascinating stories. Many believe that Maria Reiche, known as “the lady of the desert,” dedicated her life to protecting the lines, living for years in this remote area.

Some communities say the lines were created as messages to the gods, while others believe they are connected to water sources or constellations. Even today, many feel this place holds a special energy.

Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca

My next stop: Huaraz, known as the “Tibet of the Andes,” a paradise for mountaineers and trekking lovers. Here are some of the most famous peaks:

• Alpamayo / 5,947 m – Technical climb, multi-day expeditions (typically 6–10 days)

• Huascarán / 6,768 m – Highest mountain in Peru, challenging ascent (5–7 days)

• Huandoy / 6,395 m – Demanding and technical climbs (5–8 days)

• Pisco Mountain / 5,752 m – One of the most accessible peaks, ideal for beginners (2–3 days)

• Pastoruri Glacier – Not a climb, but a scenic high-altitude excursion

If you are interested in any of these mountains, feel free to message me. I work with certified local guides who can ensure a safe experience and help you plan a well-organized trip, combining different activities to support proper acclimatization and make the most of your time in Huaraz or Cusco.

Must-do activities in Huaraz:

69 Lagoon

The hike to Laguna 69 is one of those experiences you can’t miss in Huaraz. It’s called “69” simply because all the lagoons in the area are numbered, and this one got that number. The day starts early, around 5:00 AM, usually including breakfast and lunch. The hike takes about 2.5 to 3 hours up and around 2 hours back down, but what makes it special is the journey: trails full of waterfalls, rivers, and small lagoons, plus you can even see abandoned houses from ancient communities along the way. And at the end, you reach that intense turquoise lagoon surrounded by snow-capped mountains… truly worth it.

Pastoruri Glacier

The tour to Pastoruri Glacier from Huaraz is a popular full-day Pastoruri Glacier tour in Huaraz, Peru, ideal for travelers looking for high-altitude landscapes and easy trekking in the Andes. The experience usually starts early in the morning (around 8:00 AM) and returns in the afternoon, and it typically includes breakfast and lunch, transportation, and a professional guide. During this Huaraz day tour, you will explore stunning Andean scenery, visit scenic viewpoints, and enjoy short walks that lead to the glacier located at around 5,200 meters above sea level.

Lima to Cusco & City Tour

This day we traveled from Lima to Cusco, a flight that takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Upon arrival, a transportation service is waiting to take us to our hotel. The places you can visit include:

• Plaza de Armas

• Qorikancha

• Sacsayhuamán

• Qenqo

• Puka Pukara

• Tambomachay

Sacred Valley of the Incas

The Sacred Valley of the Incas includes:

• Pisac

• Urubamba

• Ollantaytambo

• Moray

• Maras Salt Mines

A cultural and archaeological route full of breathtaking landscapes.

Machu Picchu Experience

From Ollantaytambo, we will take the PeruRail Vistadome, one of the best train experiences to reach Aguas Calientes. This panoramic train is known for its large windows, comfortable service, and live cultural shows on board, The train ride takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, offering incredible views of the Andes.

Key tips:

• Tickets can be purchased online in advance

• Limited last-minute availability may exist

Alternative: Choquequirao

Another incredible Inca city is Choquequirao.

Choquequirao is one of the most impressive Inca sites in Peru, often considered up to three times larger than Machu Picchu, yet much less visited.

You must know:

• Larger than Machu Picchu

• Less crowded

• Requires a multi-day trek (approx. 4 days)

• Located in the Apurímac canyon

Rainbow Mountain vs Palcoyo

Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)

Vinicunca is very popular but often crowded. It usually takes around two to three hours to reach, and you can choose to go on foot or use horses or ATVs for assistance. However, there is also Palcoyo Mountain, a less crowded alternative.

All of these mountains are part of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, which features several colorful peaks such as Vinicunca, Palcoyo, Pallay Punchu, and the Red Valley.

Palcoyo Mountain

Palcoyo Mountain is a better alternative, for this reasons:

• Fewer crowds

• Shorter hike (30–45 minutes)

• Multiple colorful mountains

• Views of Ausangate glacier

• More relaxed experience

Travel Tips for Peru

• Book Machu Picchu in advance

• Choose certified operators for adventure activities

• Consider altitude acclimatization in Cusco and Huaraz

• Plan routes carefully to optimize time

• Travel with a well-structured itinerary

Custom Peru Tours (4 to 20 Days)

As a Travel Designer, I’m constantly traveling and working. In this photo, I was at a hotel in Huacachina, preparing a proposal to deliver it as quickly as possible.

Whenever I create a travel personalized itineraries based on:

• Number of travel days

• Type of experience (adventure, cultural, luxury, mixed)

• Budget and travel style

***I offer curated tours from 4 to 20 days or more***

 I have visited iconic places as well as hidden corners, local markets, vibrant cities, and breathtaking landscapes, and I’ve learned that travel doesn’t start   °       on the plane—it starts in the way we observe life and seek to connect with it.

With Ragde Adventures, I design private tours that truly connect people with the world, combining adventure with first-class services. Every experience is designed for those who want to immerse themselves in local culture, enjoy authentic cuisine, explore iconic places safely and joyfully, all with comfort, private transportation, and expert guides who accompany without rushing.

I know what travelers are looking for: authentic experiences, safety, freedom to go at their own pace, discoveries that surprise, and moments that truly stay in the memory. That’s why I created an operator that meets these needs and connects my travelers with the world, offering personalized and unique experiences beyond any generic package.

We don’t sell packages; we design experiences. Every trip is adapted to the pace, interests, and expectations of the travelers, because after so much experience and knowledge, one no longer wants just anything: one wants what truly matters. 

Is It Better to Travel Privately or on Your Own? Discover Why Traveling with Ragde Adventures Transforms Your Experience

Traveling is more than moving from one place to another. It’s about living experiences, discovering cultures, tasting authentic flavors, and creating memories that last a lifetime. And if you’ve ever wondered whether it’s better to travel on your own or book a private tour, let me tell you: there’s no comparison. Traveling with Ragde Adventures allows you to explore the world with safety, comfort, and experiences designed just for you, from start to finish.

When you travel on your own, you may enjoy the freedom to decide, but often that comes with the stress of handling every detail: finding internal flights, booking quality hotels, securing tickets to exclusive attractions, or coordinating reliable transportation. This can become overwhelming, especially if your goal is to make the most of your time. That’s why private travel is not only more comfortable but also optimizes your experience: you have a tailor-made itinerary, safe and punctual transport, expert local guides who know every corner, and access to experiences that would otherwise be nearly impossible to arrange.

With Ragde Adventures, every trip includes everything you need to fully explore and enjoy a country. For example, in Bolivia, you can discover the Uyuni Salt Flats, La Paz, and Lake Titicaca, with internal flights included, private transportation, and expert guides who reveal local culture and hidden gems. In Chile, you can combine Santiago with Patagonia or the Atacama Desert, enjoying exclusive routes, first-class accommodations, and experiences you won’t find on large group tours. In Italy, from Rome to Venice, you can explore iconic sites, savor authentic cuisine, and uncover secret corners that mass tours never show.

We also offer three types of tours depending on your time and interests:

1 week: covers the essentials of the country, perfect for a compact yet meaningful experience.

10 days: allows you to explore further, add special activities, and discover an additional destination within the country.

15 days or more: the complete experience, two destinations per country, internal flights included, and the opportunity to explore everything at a relaxed pace with luxury and depth.

The best part is that we can customize your itinerary: you can tell us if there’s a special place you want to visit or an activity you want to include, and we will integrate it seamlessly. Every journey becomes unique and designed exclusively for you, combining adventure, comfort, and exclusivity.

Traveling privately with Ragde Adventures means access to first-class hotels, private transportation, expert local guides, exclusive tickets to iconic sites, and authentic experiences. It is the safest, most comfortable, and most enriching way to discover the world. While others spend time coordinating every detail, you are free to live, enjoy, and create unforgettable memories.

At the end of the day, the question is not whether you can travel on your own. The real question is: do you want to travel with true freedom, safety, comfort, and experiences that are genuinely worth it? With Ragde Adventures, every trip is a unique and exclusive adventure, designed for you to explore the world in the most complete, fun, and luxurious way possible.

The word “retired” has always felt wrong to me, because when the system tells a person they are retired, it actually makes no sense. That person has not lost any ability; they have not stopped thinking, feeling, walking, learning, or dreaming. They simply completed a certain number of years working in one place and gained the right to retire.

But that does not mean they have retired from life. No one can retire from life while they are still breathing.

We continue to have daily routines. We continue to feel curious, to want to move, to explore, to live different experiences. Life is not about how many years we have, but about what we do with them, about how we fill them with unique moments, real memories, and experiences that make us feel alive.

Time is the only thing that does not come back. Once it passes, it is gone.

And that is why, if today you feel the desire to travel, to see the world, to fill your life with adventure in a safe and thoughtful way, to eat well, sleep well, feel accompanied but free, and live experiences designed for you and at your own rhythm, write to me.

Because while we are breathing, life is still meant to be lived.

The Cueva de los Tayos, hidden in the Ecuadorian Amazon (Morona Santiago), is not just a cave—it’s a sacred portal filled with mythology, science fiction-like legends, and ancestral power. Named after the nocturnal bird “Tayo”, this place is both feared and revered by those who dare to explore it.

The cave lies in the territory of the Shuar people, an Indigenous group historically known for shrinking the heads of their enemies—a practice long abandoned, but deeply rooted in their ancestral memory.

🌿 Ancestral legend: Betrayal and discovery

According to the elders of the Kuankus community, the cave was discovered after a woman broke a cultural code of fidelity. In ancient times, it was accepted that men had multiple wives, but when a woman was caught being unfaithful, she fled into the jungle to escape death.

Running through rivers and thick vegetation, she found a giant hole in the ground, surrounded by thousands of “tayos.” She hunted a few and brought them back to the community as a symbol of repentance. Her only chance of forgiveness was to guide the men back to that strange place.

The men followed her, built ladders from vines, and climbed into the abyss to hunt the birds. Since then, the cave has been part of their spiritual traditions. April, the birds’ migration season, became sacred.

🌍 The golden tablet and the secrets of Juan Moricz

In 1969, Juan Moricz, a Hungarian-Argentine explorer, claimed that the Shuar language resembled Hungarian, allowing him to bond closely with the community.

They guided him deep into the cave, where he explored uncharted chambers. One rock inside still bears his name. Moricz claimed to have encountered intra-terrestrial beings who showed him a golden tablet written in an unknown language.

Two main theories surround the artifact:

1. That it was taken by a British expedition in 1974, led by Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the Moon.
2. That it was gifted to Father Crespi, a missionary in Cuenca, whose artifact collection mysteriously disappeared in a fire after his death.

🧭 Things you didn’t know about the Cueva de los Tayos

✅ It’s not an easy hike.
Slippery jungle trails, steep hills, constant rain and mud make it physically challenging.

✅ No food or clean water is available.
You must carry at least 4 liters of water per person and hiring a local porter is highly recommended.

✅ The “Tayo” is a unique bird.
It’s a nocturnal cave-dwelling species with a sharp screech. In Shuar mythology, they are guardians of the underground world, and their loud cry warns of human presence.

✅ Most of the cave remains unexplored.
Only a small portion has been scientifically mapped. Many chambers are still untouched.

✅ The Shuar no longer shrink heads,
but it’s important to be respectful and keep personal belongings secure while visiting.

✨ Are you ready to go deeper?

Visiting the Cueva de los Tayos is not just an expedition—it’s a spiritual rite, a survival challenge, and an awakening.
At Ragde Adventures, we offer guided, respectful, and authentic journeys in collaboration with the local Shuar community.

Book your transformative journey now.

My name is Ragde—it’s Edgar spelled backward, in honor of my father, who has been a true inspiration in my life and in the history of skydiving in Ecuador.

My dad, Edgar Narváez, is an exceptional man. A retired Colonel of the Ecuadorian Army, he fought in the 1995 war between Peru and Ecuador. Beyond his military career, he is one of the pioneers of skydiving in South America. He founded Skydive Ecuador, one of the first skydiving schools in the region, with over 35 years of safe operations and no accidents throughout its history.

I grew up surrounded by parachutes and open skies. At just 6 years old, I did my first tandem skydive, making us one of the few families in the world that practice this sport together. My sisters, Nadya and Erika, are also skydivers—and we’ve shared unforgettable moments in the sky as a family.

Over the years, Skydive Ecuador has hosted national and international events, bringing together skydivers from around the world and working with legends of the sport like BJ Worth, Bruno Brokken, and many more.

More Than a Jump: A Way of Life

For many, skydiving is a bucket-list item—a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But for us, it’s a way of life. People who practice this sport regularly are often disciplined, focused, calm, and deeply responsible. While it might not seem obvious from the outside, those who choose to make skydiving part of their lifestyle must be extremely cautious and committed.

Skydiving is not just about falling—it’s about learning to control your body in the air, becoming one with the wind, and realizing that freedom is not found on the ground, but in the sky.

Fly With Us

Today, we want to share this legacy with the world. Our mission is not only to offer you a tandem jump but to give you the chance to experience skydiving in a professional and empowering way—to feel true freedom, to discover what you’re capable of, and to become part of a community that calls the sky home.

At Ragde Adventures, we invite you to take your first jump—or your next one—and begin your own journey in the sky.

¿Are you ready to fly?