Cuenca & the Southern Highlands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 229

Vilcabamba
At the plaza in Vilcabamba is Hotel Valle Sagrado , 7-673-179.

Very basic, clean, and quiet, this hotel is popular among travelers
looking to economize. The good vegetarian restaurant is a big draw. $

/fax 7-
580-272 or 673-122, is just outside of town, about half a mile from the
plaza. Overlooking the Río Vilcabamba, the Parador has clean rooms,
private and shared hot-water baths, and a good, inexpensive restau-
rant. The Parador is operated by the same family as the Hostería de
Vilcabamba, below. $

The simple but pleasant Parador Turístico Vilcabamba ,

For a very pleasant stay, try the Hostería Las Ruinas de Quinara ,

7-580-301, www.lasruinasdequinara.com, [e-mail].
The “Ruins of Quinara,” a renovated tropical fruit farm, now offers
plenty of comforts and a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley of Lon-
gevity. Exotic plants, a tasty restaurant with homegrown organic food
and a central poolside garden compliment cozy rooms (private and
shared), game room with billiards, sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi, and
other amenities you would never expect at this price. Great value. $

The popular Hostal Madre Tierra is just over a mile north of town,
before Vilcabamba if you are arriving from Loja, 7-580-269, 7-580-

687, www.madretierra1.com, [e-mail]. It's a nice set-
ting for young travelers. Cabañas come with shared baths and break-
fast and dinner are included. A book exchange, videos, and a pool and
steam bath are added bonuses. They also offer massage therapy, for
an additional charge. The restaurant serves delicious vegetarian
dishes. $-$$

The Ecuadorian-run and flower-happy Hostería Vilcabamba is at
the north entrance of town,

/fax [phone].
It has clean and spacious rooms with private, hot-water baths. It's also
home to the finest restaurant in town and is considered by many to be
the best place to stay. Its pool and spa, which are open to the public, are
great for relaxing after aworkout in the exercise room. Spanish lessons
are also available. Rooms at the Vilcabamba run $20/night. $

7-673-131 or 7-580-273,

Camping
C

amping is available in Podocarpus National Park
and El Cajas National Park . Inquire at the
Ministerio de Turismo or Minesterio del Ambiente offices
in Cuenca or Loja, where you can also pay the park en-