The Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge on the Quilotoa Loop Hike

The gorgeous Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge high in the Ecuadorian Andes in the small town of Isinlivi is the perfect place to enjoy the mountain views whether you are looking for a place to stay for a few days, or are hiking the Quilotoa Loop. If you have time we recommend staying at the Llullu Llama Hostel for a few days and enjoying some of the local activities.

Overview of Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge

Llullu Llama is a beautiful eco-lodge with several different lodging option set in a 120 year old farmhouse right in the town of Isinlivi. This gorgeous lodge/hostel is integrated into the community and offers visitors an authentic experience high in the hills of Ecuador. Take in the mountain views and volcanos from the patio and enjoy delicious meals served family style in the dining room.

The Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge offers private garden villas, dorm style rooms and double rooms in the farmhouse in addition to comfortable and beautiful common spaces.

Highlights of the Llulu Llama Hostel

The Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge is the best hostel on the Quilotoa Loop. In addition to comfortable and attractive rooms, the lodge offers a large dining room, a read room with some games and books, a yoga room, a snug sitting room, a gorgeous patio, and a hot tub and sauna.

After hiking all day to get to Llullu Llama, we loved soaking in the hot tub and sauna and sipping the complimentary tea while playing chess in the reading room.

All the spaces are open to all guests, and the sauna/hot tub can be booked and reserved for an extra $5/person. We visited Llullu Llama as a family of 5 and split into one of the farmhouse rooms and one of the garden villas. We loved having out own woodstove and balcony with a hammock.

In addition to the comfortable accommodations, Llullu Llama offers several local activities. You can arrange to visit some of the local artisans, stop at a market, milk a cow, or take a hike. For more activities, check out the Llullu Llama official website. You can also book a package that includes lodging and activities in a bundle.

Getting to Llullu Llama

Llullu Llama is a relatively remote mountain lodge but can be reached in several ways.

Bus

To get to Llullu Llama Hostel by public bus, you have several options that all originate in the city of Latacunga. Latacunga is about 2 hours south of Quito.

The most direct route is to take the bus from Latacunga to Isinlivi that runs just a couple times a day. You can also take the more frequent bus from Latacunga to Sigchos and from here catch a ride in a car or truck to Isinlivi. The final option is to take a bus from the market at Saquisili to Isinlivi.

See more about Bus Travel in Ecuador.

Car

It is also easy to reach Isinlivi by car. This can be your own or a rental car, or you can arrange for a transfer. If you are already doing a tour in the area, you may be able to arrange a drop off in Isinlivi. Enter Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge into good maps to find the best route to reach Isinlivi.

Foot

The best way (in our opinion) to reach Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge is by hiking on the Quilotoa Loop trail. This trail is part of a 3 day hike from Sigchos to Quilotoa and is a popular Ecuador trek. Most hikers travel along this route stopping at different hostels along the way, and stop at Llullu Mountain Lodge on the first night of the trek.

Take the bus to Sigchos and walk on foot to Isinlivi. This hike is about 7 miles with 1,600 feet of elevation gain.

Hiking the Quilotoa Loop

The Quilotoa Loop is an incredible hiking route in Ecuador and most people staying at Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge were visiting during this hike. The traditional way to do this hike is to start in the town of Sigchos and hike to Quilotoa over 3 days.

Each night of the hike you can spend in an incredible mountain lodge (in the towns of Isinlivi and Chugchilan).

The hike itself is challenging and involves hiking 7-8.5 miles each day with significant elevation gain. The trade off is a hike with incredible views through the mountains and farmland of Ecuador that ends at the stunning Quilotoa Crater Lake. This was one of the best hikes we’ve ever done and we highly recommend making it a priority on your visit to Ecuador.

See: The Ultimate Quilotoa Loop Trekking Guide: Ecuador’s Best Trek

Things to Know About Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge

Altitude

Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge is located at 2800 meters of elevation. If you are coming from sea level, be prepared to feel the altitude. If possible, give yourself a day or two to acclimate and make sure to drink plenty of water and get extra sleep.

Weather

The weather in Isinlivi is consistent across the year with temperatures between 50-60 degrees on most days. The best time to visit is during the dry season (June-September). In general morning weather in the mountains is better than the afternoon, so plan for morning activities when possible.

Meals

Dinner and breakfast are included in your stay at Llullu Llama as well as coffee and tea. We thoroughly enjoyed both meals and we also ordered lunch after arriving at Llullu Llama midday. They offer multiple options for folks who have dietary restriction.

If you are hiking you can order a bagged lunch for just a few dollars on the day you are hiking. Alcoholic drinks and snacks are also available for a reasonable price.

Other Things to do in Ecuador

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