Refugio Terra Esperanza

The Refugio Terra Esperanza is a traditional family-run mountain lodge, cafe, and artisanal leather shop nestled in the high Ecuadorian Andes. We have shared and private rooms, a kitchen wherer you can prepare your own food and share with people, dining area with fireplace and bar.

Situated less than three hours north from Quito on the Panamerican highway and about 30 minutes by bus from Otavalo. It is the ideal location for adventure seekers, and those who just want to relax and get away from it all. Surrounded by spectacular scenery; the volcano Imbabura, the Cotacachi mountain, Cayambe glacier, and Cubilche Lake are visible from our back yard! Come hiking with an experienced guide on high altitude mountain routes, walk up to volcano Imbabura, explore untouched lakes, remote canyons, and elaborate cave systems. Explore the town or relax at our hostel socializing in the bar lounge or the comfortable common area by the fire with a good book.

Our creative family has been making beautiful fine-leather crafts for generations. You can see the workshop to learn about the entire process and, if you like, put your new skills to use in designing belts, sandals, handbags, wallets or more!

Emerson, the primary host speaks Spanish and English so you can practice your language skills.

The breakfast is not included but you can order it at reception. For a small extra price, you will enjoy a hearty breakfast of eggs, bread, milk, and juice from the bar. Coffee and drinks are also available throughout the day.

TOURS (available at reception, please ask us if your are interested, we have several levels of difficulty adapted to everybody)

- "Imbabura Vulcan": 1 day starter tour to the vulcan. For an extended visit please see the Imbabura Loop tour.
- "Imbabura Loop": 3 days round walk hiking the Imbabura Vulcan and visiting the native communities and learning how they live. Amazing views from the crater, lakes and stunning landscapes.
- "Thermal waters"
- "Laguna azul Cubilche"
- "Ventanas" (hiking where you can see several giants rocks with a window shape at 4000 meters height)
- "Glaciar Cayambe viewpoint"
- "Lake Cuicocha"


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.