I took this photo of the Vilcabamba valley and mountains when we visited Ecuador a couple years ago. We went to the restaurant at Hosteria Izhcayluma, located outside of the town. The view from this place are amazing, you can stay there or just come for lunch/dinner or drinks. We shared a bottle of wine and had a caprese salad, with this view!
My favorite coffee is the one that my mom grows on our farm in Vilcabamba. It’s not a large farm, but there are enough coffee plants that we get enough coffee for family and friends. I am by no means a coffee expert or connoisseur, and to a coffee snob this might not be the best coffee. However, for me personally the coffee from Vilcabamba is the best, it’s the coffee that as soon as I smell or taste it, it brings back memories. I love that it’s very smooth and hasn’t been over-roasted (like most coffee you get in the US). This doesn’t mean it isn’t strong or is lacking in caffeine – completely the opposite, it will definitely get you caffeinated….
Vilcabamba is a small valley in Southern Ecuador. Vilcabamba, from the quechua Huilcopamba means Valley of the Huilcos – after the huilco trees that are very common in this valley, is well known for its longevos or centenarians. Vilcabamba is also called the Valley of the Eternal Youth or the Valley of Longevity. It is a resort like town that has a great warm spring like climate year-round, but can also have a brutal rainy season. This small town is part of the province of Loja and is about a 45 minute drive away from the city of Loja. Vilcabamba, and nearby towns of San Pedro, Malacatos and Landangui, has always been a weekend getaway for people living in Loja, most wealthy lojanos have fincas or vacations homes in these small towns. Vilcabamba is also a popular gringo or foreigner destination. It used to be that most foreigners were backpackers passing through on their way to Peru and only a few would end up of staying as long term residents. But as the years have gone by, more and more foreigners are finding it a great place to retire or settle down….
