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

8.8Fabulous(59)

Value for Money
9.3
Security
8.7
Atmosphere
8.7
Cleanliness
7.3
Staff
10.0
Location
10.0
Facilities
7.3

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 Sept 2026

9.7

Jacques

All Male Group, 18-24, France

We had an amazing stay at this refuge. The hosts were incredibly kind, welcoming, and generous from the moment we arrived. We laughed a lot together and they did everything possible to make our stay easy and enjoyable, helping us arrange our arrival, dinner, taxi, and 4x4 transportation. The prices are also very affordable, especially considering the quality of the service and the warm hospitality. We highly recommend this refuge and would be happy to come back!

Stayed in Aug 2026

6.6

Meghan

Couple, 25-30, Canada

The owners were great and extremely helpful with local facts and local transport!! Unfortunately, the negatives outweighed the positives. Our room smelt horrible and we had mold on the ceilings, above the cupboard and the mattress smelt like mold. The washroom was dirty and smelt like mildew. We were told the water was filtered and drinkable however, we both had digestive issues for a few days following our stay. We ended up only staying 1 out of 4 nights due to the state of the hostel.

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.

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