GET A ROOM: ABODE OF THE WEEK
Since my mind has been a little Ecuador-oriented lately with our season of Jet Set Zero’s Webby nomination, I thought I’d share one of my favorite places to stay in Ecuador. The moment we pulled up to this place (riding in the back of a truck, no less), I knew I wouldn’t want to leave.
Chilcabamba was a romantic, rustic paradise that appeared out of nowhere as we bumped along a dirt road circling the base of Cotopaxi volcano. With stunning views of the volcano, cozy fireplaces in our room, and mouth-watering meals, it was the perfect weekend getaway. The thatched roof and earth tones blended with charming details like wool ponchos provided for extra warmth and a saddle perched high on a beam in one room. A telescope offered incredible glimpses of trekkers who were climbing the volcano. How can you not love a place that has a baby horse in the front yard and an alpaca roaming the grounds?
The crisp air sharpened our senses as my friend Amy and I rode horses into Cotopaxi national park one afternoon. We rode alongside a cliff that dropped into a deep gorge below, spotted wild horses in the park, and felt like the only people in the world.
In the evening, the caretaker Diomedus (yes, he’s part Greek) prepared us a hearty meal of locally-sourced pork chops, chicken, and trout, topped by the most incredible dessert. It was like eating a cloud with the subtle flavor of naranjilla, a fruit native to Ecuador with a citrusy orange flavor. My friend Freddie is a fast eater and usually devours his food before anyone else finishes, but this time, Freddie lingered over the naranjilla mousse longer than any of us, relishing every morsel of flavor.
Which is exactly how I felt about Chilcabamba overall - I wanted to linger as long as possible and savor every moment of it.
Photos by Amy Cao
