Perched up in the quiet hills a few miles south of Otavalo, La Luna feels like a home away from home and is an excellent choice for backpackers who want to chill out for a few days. The charming lodge-style hostel offers beautiful views of the valley – particularly from the hammocks on the terrace.  The cozy indoor/outdoor restaurant serves basic, but wholesome, food, and there's a wood-burning stove for colder evenings. The restaurant sometimes has live Andean music on Saturday nights.  The lounge has plenty of games to keep you occupied, as well as a DVD player and a selection of DVDs in English.

The rates recently rose (no surprise given its excellent value and service) but are still quite reasonable.  Since it can get chilly at night, La Luna generously offers extra blankets.  Ask for one of the rooms with a fireplace and enjoy a cozy slumber to lullabies of crackling wood.  A taxi from the town costs around $3 during the day, $4 at night.

There are several good walks in the area, and the helpful English/Ecuadorian owners can provide you with a map and suggest some good routes. They can also arrange transport to the Lagunas de Mojanda, as well as organize horseback riding and mountain-biking trips.

Location:
Kilometer 4 1/2 via route to Mojanda (from Otavalo)
Lagunas de Mojanda, Ecuador

Hotel Types:
Hostel

Hotel Amenities, Services and Facilities Restaurant, Travel Info Desk, Lounge, 24-Hour Hot Water, Towels Included

Room Prices:
Lower:$6
Higher:$16
Price Description:Tax not included. Camping available for $3 a night.

Contact Information:
Phone: 593-9-315-6082/593-9-829-4913
E-mail: lalunaecuador(at)remove-this.yahoo.co.uk
URL: www.hostallaluna.com

By Rachel Anderson

I'm a twentysomething dandelion floating across the field of youth. I have an unquenchable thirst for writing, exploring and cheap wine. A cross...

Created: 18 Mar 2009

Updated: 18 Mar 2009

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