The Black Sheep Inn Ecolodge

Location:
Chugchilán, Ecuador

Hotel

V!VA User‘s Description

This friendly, remote mountain lodge set in the Andean Highlands of Ecuador caters to international travelers interested in hiking, biking, horseback riding and getting involved with the community. The lodge makes a strong effort to promote environmental awareness in the local community and with guests. Vegetarian meals, permaculture practices, shared compost bathrooms and more all work toward that goal.

The activities in the area are mostly of an athletic nature. Hike to the spectacular Quilotoa Volcanic Crater with its turquoise waters, passing a handful of farms and local families going about their daily business on the way. Bike the mostly downhill ride to the Sunday market at Sigchos. Rent horses for a morning ride to the local cheese factory or cloud forest with waterfalls and a variety of birds, plants and wildlife. Or, if you are more interested in staying close to home, relax in the cozy main lodge: listen to music, partake in the book exchange, relax or go for a ride on the zip-line.

The lodge staff are helpful and mostly native English-speaking. They will happily help you plan your day's activity, and arrange for transportation and guides. There is hot water 24 hours, which you will be grateful for in this chilly mountain climate.

Room Prices:
Lower:$25-$55
Higher:$30-$70

Contact Information:
Phone: 593-3-281-4587
E-mail: info(at)remove-this.blacksheepinn.com
URL: www.blacksheepinn.com

Traveler Reviews of The Black Sheep Inn

We want to return!

Rating: 100%

Sometimes you find a place that you just have to write about. The Black Sheep Inn is such a place. The food is fabulous - vegetarian and excellent. You might just stay a few days for that, but add the hiking, the horseback riding, the scenery, and you have a winner. There are other travelers to share hikes with and to talk to at breakfast and dinner. You can always get some great travel information from the group! If you hang around the comfortable lodge, there’s a sauna, hot tub, zip line, and water slide to entertain you. The Black Sheep Inn gets rave reviews from us; can’t wait to return.

By V!VA User from Chicago, Illinois, USA, Feb 10, 2008

Black Sheep Inn Rocks!

Rating: 75%

Michelle, Andy and Susan made our trip a marvel. They work very hard to accomodate their guests and are an inspiration. Their dedication to their rural community and unslavish but real green/ecology made our trip to the Andes very wonderous. Thanks, you guys.

By V!VA User from Los Angeles, Dec 11, 2007

disappointing

Rating: 50%

We were sheduled to spend 6 nights here, but left after 3 nights. The setting is lovely, with great hiking. However, the vegetarian food was heavy and loaded with cheese each night. Lunch choices were PB&J or cheese sandwiches--nothing else for a whole week. We left after 3 nights and didn't receive any refund even though our rooms were re-rented. The drive there via the southern route was amazing, but the exit via the northern route wasn't as interesting. The area is so remote that you almost are compelled to hike near the lodge or take a 1 1/2 to 2 hour ride to another trail area. Our 3 days of hiking were great, but there wasn't enough else to merit a longer stay.

By V!VA User from california, Feb 14, 2007

Was our poor service because we were with a school group?

Rating: 25%

This past winter I went to Ecuador as a part of an international study abroad program. When our group went to Quilotoa we happened to stay at the La oveja negra. I did not enjoy my experience there at all. I have to admit that the view from the Inn was spectacular and the accomodations were comfortable and descent however, the resception from the staff and the owner was less than welcoming. They were rude and unfriendly. Their behavior was extremely disappointing, considering we had heard nothing but rave reviews from students who had previously stayed there. I hope to one day return to Ecuador and I would not recommend this Inn and I would not stay there again.

By V!VA User from Columbus, Ohio USA, Aug 18, 2006

best coffee & veggie food in ecuador!

Rating: 100%

Really an ecological lodge... but at the same time not skimping on the comforts that make a big difference. Budget travel with lots of luxuries at every corner. At dinner, you sit around a big table with folks from all over the world: travelers, vacationers, families, and exchange travel stories and world views. Very interesting if you're into ecotourism, to see what these folks have accomplished. Great coffee every morning, good tunes, and super tasty HUGE vegetarian meals. A great deal.

By V!VA User, Oct 22, 2005