Casa Mojanda is a mountainside inn and farm set between 15,000 foot volcanoes, near the indigenous town of Otavalo. This is a beautiful, tranquil location which provides an excellent base to visit Otavalo’s famous market and the surrounding countryside. The operation of the inn is based on the principles of ecological tourism, which strives to exert a minimum impact on the natural environment while actively promoting awareness of local cultures and traditions.
Casa Mojanda utilises traditional methods of construction, with rammed earth walls providing cooling during the day and releasing stored, warming solar energy throughout the evening. Hand moulded terra cotta bricks, hand formed roof tiles of native red clay, red tile floors and large white walls all enhance the Andean ambiance. Within each structure there are exposed eucalyptus roof beams, locally made furniture of Ecuadorian cedar, antique furnishings, hand-carved Ecuadorian masks and a collection of lithographs and drawings. The accommodations are in private adobe cottages with private bath and terrace, each with spectacular mountain views, and some with fireplaces. Additional facilities include a mountainside hot tub, library, games room and video library. Breakfast and a 3-course dinner are included. The home cooked Ecuadorian and international meals are served family style with organic produce harvested daily from Casa Mojanda’s gardens.
There are a range of activities available at Casa Mojanda, from short hikes in the local area to full day trips to Indian villages. Otavalo market is just an hours hike from the inn, and there are also longer hikes to the Mojanda Lakes where kayaking can be arranged. Horseriding is a popular activity, with short rides for younger or less experienced riders and full day treks for experienced riders. Mountain biking (please notify in advance) can be arranged on easy, moderate and more challenging trails. A tour of the nearby Mojanda community enables the visitor to see the important work being carried out by the Mojanda Foundation.
