About

Refugio Terra Esperanza offers dorms and private rooms with free WiFi and shared bathrooms. We are located in la Esperanza, 6 km south of Ibarra.

Exiting the hostel, you will find a giant view point of the 5 volcanoes of the enchanted valley. Go for a walk or enjoy the view on a bench in the company of two cute dogs. At night you can get cozy with a fire at the foot of the Imbabura volcano.

We offer different activities for nature lovers and art and culture enthusiasts.
Hiking and acclimatization to Laguna Cubilche, the Imbabura volcano, three waterfalls, la Loma Alta, thermal hot springs and 3-day tours within the new Imbabura Loop route
Rock climbing at La Rinconada
Bike tours
Horse riding tours in the Imbabura province
Local food and drinks
Live music and local dance classes
Leather workshops with one of Ecuador’s best saddlers

VOLUNTEERS
We are always looking for backpackers to help us out in the reception, design new leather crafts, marketing, organization, cleaning, or maintenance. So if you are a fun loving backpacker with an outgoing personality feel free contact us. For a few shifts a week we offer free accommodation and free breakfast

House Rules

Check In

12:00 - 14:00

Check Out

until

Taxes Included

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Facilities

Free WiFi
Bicycle Parking
Luggage Storage
24 Hour Reception
Tours/Travel Desk
Parking
Housekeeping
Internet access

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Reviews

10Superb(57)

Value for Money
10.0
Security
10.0
Atmosphere
10.0
Cleanliness
10.0
Staff
10.0
Location
10.0
Facilities
10.0

Summary of traveller reviews

Refugio Terra Esperanza in Ibarra is a welcoming mountain retreat, perfect for hikers and nature lovers. Guests praise the exceptional hospitality of the host, Emerson, who offers great local advice and assistance with mountain activities. The cozy atmosphere with a fireplace and beautiful sunrise views adds to the charm. While the beds are clean, some guests noted that the kitchen and bathrooms could benefit from more frequent cleaning.

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Stayed in May 2026

Alejandro

Male, 25-30, Colombia

Nice chill hostel, close to the Imbabura volcano. Good vibes, a fireplace that could be lightened every night. The owner helped me to get transport to go to the volcano.

Stayed in Aug 2025

Michael

Male, 31-40, USA

Stayed nearly a month—felt like family. Three-building mountain hideaway with a legit, well-equipped kitchen and sunrise views that stop you in your tracks. Emerson took me on morning runs and shared coffee at night; his sister María helped with everything, always. I came for a 2-day dance event and happily extended to reset. Flat road for runs, dreamy hikes toward Imbabura/Cubilche, and a 35¢ bus to town. The village has panaderías/pastelerías and tiny shops that make daily life easy. Perfect spot to unplu

Stayed in Jul 2024

8.3

Maria

Female, 25-30, Canada

A very chill hostel located just outside Ibarra, right next to Imbabura and Cubilche mountains. The owner Emerson is super friendly and knowledgeable about the area, I really enjoyed talking to him. Overall, this felt more like staying at someone’s house than a hostel. Other guests had been staying there for weeks. One thing is that this definitely wasn’t the cleanest place. The beds are clean, but the kitchen and bathroom could use a bit more cleaning for sure.

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