A lovely little hostel just off the main square set in, of course, a beautiful courtyard garden. Its restaurant also serves up some of the best Mexican food in Ecuador.
Address: Calle Sucre (half a block from the main square).
Telephone: (593-7) 2640281
Website: www.vilcabamba.org/jardinescondido
Email: jardinescondido@yahoo.com
The market for peace and tranquillity in Vilcabamba is somewhat crowded, with spa treatments rural settings seemingly obligatory. But Izhcayluma stands out above its immediate competitors due in part to its impressive setting, at the end of the valley overlooking the village and its surroundings. And then there is the consistently high quality of its facilities for what you are paying: cabins, food, treatments, and a nice little bar to retire to at the end of a hard day’s relaxation.
Location: Well outside the village so best to get a taxi in and out.
Telephone: (593-7) 2640095
Website: www.izhcayluma.com
Email: info@izhcayluma.com
This is the oddly shaped mountain that dominates the Vilcabamba skyline – as usual in the Andes, it is said to resemble the face of an Inca lying down for a snooze. It’s no rest cure to climb it, though, but worth the scramble for the amazing view down the incredibly green valley to the village below.
Entrance: Off the Avenue of Eternal Youth, just outside the village.
Time: 3-4 hours round trip.
The best place to stay in Vilcabamba on a budget. What it may lack in spa and pool facilities (which somehow have become synonymous with the village) it more than makes up for with beautiful, clean and comfortable rooms, hammocks around the courtyard garden, great breakfast, and the best power showers in Ecuador. The friendly French owners will help you out in any way possible. And all located within easy walking distance of the village square. Relaxing and stress-free, even by Vilcabamba standards.
Address: Calle Diego de Vaca Vega 6-43.
Telephone: (593-9) 2191180
Website: www.rendezvousecuador.com
Email: rendezvousecuador@yahoo.com
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