The small town in southern Ecuador of Vilcabamba is known in as “The Sacred Valley,” and also “The Valley of Longevity.” Residents of the area are rumored to live to the age of 140; now, whether you believe this or not is up to you... mostly it's a place where hippies come to soak up the positive vibes, eat organic foods, and sell their crappy jewelry. For everyone, it's a great place to relax and enjoy the incredibly tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery. 
We found our niche at an outstanding hotel a mile outside of town called Izchcayluma (eesh-kah-loo-mah). It's a great collection of cabins that includes a restaurant, bar, pool, and a spa. We ate at the restaurant, swung in hammocks, and soaked up the perfect sunny weather while we watched the Chicago-area temperatures plummet from a distance! We enjoyed several outstanding hikes in the gorgeous surrounding mountains, including several that had us walking along ridges where the trail was no wider than two feet during some sections and the cliffs shot straight down on either side. Great walks during perfect weather with surreal views of the great valley. 
Not only was our time in Vilcabamba a great way to spend a week before we move into an apartment for a month in the city of Cuenca, but it was a time for celebration for us. We celebrated our 5th anniversary this past week by renting a private cabin. Considering our often less-than-perfect accommodations on this trip, we relished with a private bathroom, private hammock-deck, and views of the mountains – not bad for $18 per night (per person, but that's still ludicrously cheap and it included a massive breakfast!). We celebrated in style with a bottle of champagne and a lush dinner. In our most debaucherous act of celebration, we got 75 minute full-body massage for a meager $18. Pure luxury!Today, we moved into our own apartment starting for a month and plan to take more spanish and art classes, and cook a big, belated Thanksgiving feast! And with that we left the beautiful Sacred Valley behind.
3 comments:
I am thankful that you will make a delicious feast. I ate some ice box cake for you! Congratulations on celebrating 5 years you two cuties!
Dana said you looked like a "Chilean miner" on your Skype call. Do you even know their story? The video was grainy, you were looking up and the camera was moving. With your bald head, the comment was priceless. Enjoy your luxury - 5 years? unbelievable.
Glad you are settled in one place for a while to recharge. It is windy and cold up here this a.m. Dennis and Rosalee drove home from Arkansas yesterday and had rain all the way. Rosalee is driving back down this a.m. for a Dr. appt. and maybe the start of chemo. Enjoy the warmer weather. Just think you will miss winter up here. Love you lots. Grandpa n Grandma C
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