Amidst the Tolkien-esque landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, Chilcabamba embodies a passion for nature, appreciation for indigenous culture, and the adventurous spirit Ecuador is known for. The entire lodge was built from locally-sourced and recycled materials, its thick adobe walls keeping out the chilly night air and its style is rustic and authentic. In every room, there is a wood-burning stove to keep you toasty after a day spent delving into the rapturous surrounds with Chilcabamba's resident chagra (an Ecuadorian cowboy), Rafael. And there are horseback rides across the grasslands, hikes along trails of petrified lava, and kayaking in a crater lake to get stuck into as well.
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In thatched villas, there are 10 rooms with giant picture windows to let in the views of snow-hatted Cotopaxi and the pretty Andean páramo. The rooms are simply but tastefully done with wood-burning stoves, alpaca wool ponchos and heavy duvets topped by colourful runners. The en-suite bathrooms have a shower and biodegradable toiletries. The Family Cabins can accommodate up to five people and feature private living rooms with beanbags to recline on.
Most of the staff grew up in the villages around Chilcambamba, so they have a wealth of knowledge to share.
Order the chef's tasting menu for an introduction into Ecuador's cuisine.
The Cotopaxi volacano appears closer than it is and the journey there takes around 90 minutes.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Chilcabamba Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Ecuador trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Ecuador trips featuring Chilcabamba Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our Ecuador specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Chilcabamba Lodge start from around $90, or US$90, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
Explore the King of the Andes and its surrounding grasslands that thrum with wildlife and adventure.
