Cabañas de Wimbi

Location:
Community of Wimbi (5 de Junio), Canton Eloy Alfaro, Provincia de Esmeraldas.
Ecuador

Hotel Types:
Cabin

By Alex Narracott

A trip to Wimbi is well worth the effort. Its a spotless jungle community surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal clear river, in fact, its like visiting a health retreat.

The villagers take you on canoe trips and walks into the deep forest to discover some incredible spots. Back in the village, pan for gold, bathe in the river, breathe in the purity of the air from a hammock in the tropical fruit gardens or learn about the incredible nutrional value of the of the exotic, locally grown fruits you are savouring. And if you happen to be around during one of the annual festivals, you are in for a uniquely treat!

Wimbí is an Afro-Ecuadorian community bordering the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Wimbi was an African Princess from Burkina Faso, from where some of the first slaves came, and the town was first settled around 200 years ago. Now with around 370 people, they are a slightly larger community than some of the others. The smooth stone beach and narrow, crystal clear river that virtually surround the town, keeping the forest at bay, make it feel like a little oasis in the jungle. They are fiercly proud of their reputation as the cleanest community in the area, something which is helped by their mudless, pebble lined streets which also keep biting insects to incredibly low levels.

Wimbí offers visitors a comfortable, newly constructed cabin set on a hill, with inspiring views of the town, the river and the bordering jungle. It has capacity for 12 people split between two rooms with 3 bunkbeds in each. The beds are all fitted with mosquito nets, and the rooms accomodatingly furnished and equipped with modern bathrooms. The restaurant serves a variety of local and international specialities, all lovingly and hygenically prepared, using locally grown and organic produce where ever possible. All the weird and wonderful fruit juices you will no doubt become addicted to come from plants around the town and in the gardens in front of the cabin, which make the perfect place to relax.

The community really want to share their lives and forest with you, and can arrange great day trips to a variety of beautiful spots in the area, which will involve a memorable lunch prepared in the heart of the jungle. The guides will share their wealth of knowledge about the jungle, its stories and its fascinating myths with you. Keep an eye out for margays (small tigers), sloths and armadillos among other jungle creatures of all shapes and sizes, and any number of exotic birds.

You can also join this friendly community in their daily activites, hunting and farming in their expansive forest reserve, and fishing in their own backyard, where they also still pan for gold. They have, however, recently benefited from the installation of electricity in the town, so when night falls, you will probably find them in the village salsateca, moving to latino and afro beats! You don't want to miss the annual festivals if at all possible. The most notable ones are a week of festivites during easter (Semana Santa), a three-day anniversary celebration falling around 5th of July, and the 8th of December Fiesta Patronal, a religious celebration for the Santa Luna (Saint of the moon).

This Hotel is: Very cheap

Hotel Amenities, Services and Facilities Restaurant, Bar, Laundry Service, Linens Included, Towels Included, Taxes Included in Price

Getting There:
From the city of Esmeraldas, which has regular connections from all over the country, you need to take a bus to Concepcion with transporte Del Pacifico. There is a direct bus at 6.00am, or at 10.30 with a connection at the turnoff to Concepcion.

Room Prices:
Lower:$6
Price Description:This is per person, per night in shared rooms, includes tax.. Meals are extra at $2 -$2.50 each. Excursions are not priced, but the community ask for a donation (in the region of $15-20).

Contact Information:
E-mail: alex.narracott(at)remove-this.googlemail.com
URL: www.touchthejungle.com/visitchoco