Preferred Places to Stay In Ecuador

 

Typically Johanne and I are just off the beaten path, so you will not find any all inclusive in our list of places to stay. We are happy when we find quiet, clean, safe and convenient. We often friendly, generous and helpful and have wonderful experiences at the following places:

P.S. We draw the line at a shared bath.

 

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Santa Mariantia-Donkey Den

Right on the beach and it is amazing. Linda is a wonderful manager and will make sure you are well looked after. This is a must visit!!

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Bahia de Caraquez  -Saiananda

 Treat yourself to a few nights on this riverside property. It is a few KM out of town but worth it DO NOT miss breakfast!

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Canoa -Sundown Beach Hotel

Very friendly affordable and a few km. down the from the busy town. Sand in your toes.

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Quito- La Rosario

 This is very convenient and the owners are incredibly kind most helpful warm Ecuadorian hospitality.

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Otovalo- La Luna

A peaceful mountain retreat, great natural food, and coffee. Rural yet an easy taxi ride into town.

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       Otovalo – Hostal  Curinan

Close to town, Jose and his family are delightful, caring people. The style is very unique and charming.

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Montanita -Hanga Roa Hostal

At north end of the beach away from the parties and noise. Ask for one of the ocean side rooms.

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San Clemente- Cottages By the Sea:

connect 

We have not stayed here yet but we know that Kimberly and Chris have done a great job. Just on hospitality alone, we know that you will be very well looked after and the location is superb.

 

the joyful travellers     

Preferred Places to Stay in Nicaragua

 

Typically Johanne and I are just off the beaten path, so you will not find any all inclusive in our list of places to stay. We are happy when we find quiet, clean, safe and convenient.

We appreciate the friendly, warm and helpful hosts and have had wonderful experiences at the following places:

P.S. We draw the line at a shared bath.

 

Rates Between $25 and $65

 

Little Corn Island- Casa Iguana

Amazing Location, good value and a very nice place for breakfast with Azul view.

Our little casita hung right on the cliff and we slept to the sounds of the Caribbean surf.

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Corn Island-Paraiso

A very relaxing property operated by a young caring Dutch family.

We enjoyed our time here very much. Just off the beach.

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Leon-Hostel Mariposa

A delightful retreat from the bustle that is Leon. A short cab ride to town. A lovely French couple recently bought this place and are doing a great job of providing an enjoyable experience. 

Marvelous French cooking is a bonus.

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La Boquita – MYRINaMAR B&B

Right on the cliff with a spectacular sunset Pacific view sits this lovely retreat. Owned by two wonderful women who know about hospitality.  We had the great fortune of celebrating New Years Eve 2015 there and were treated royally. Just 20 minutes from Diriamba on a very good road.

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Granada-Casa San Fransico

 Walk to everything in town, very peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy the mini pool, yummy breakfast and check out the city view from the rooftop terrace. The attached restaurant has great tapas.  The owners Terry and her sister Nancy are very kind and helpful. Feels like coming home!

 

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Laguna  De Apoyo- Laguna Beach Resort  

A very nice well-maintained property with small lakefront access. Water toys included and the lake is so soothing. We spent hours playing in the soothing water.

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San Juan Del Sur Park Avenue Villa

The pool was essential in this hot town. The rooms are clean and the hospitality comes with a smile. A few blocks to the beach and town.  We enjoyed the happy hour views from the breezy terrace.

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Playa Hermosa – Playa Hermosa Eco Lodge

This is an easy surfer shuttle from SJDS, a very special place to enjoy the stellar beach.  We stayed here for three nights and loved it. (no other place to eat, but the food was fine).

Muy tranquilo!

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Popoyo -Hotel Popoyo

What luxury, we greatly appreciated the pool and the property.

Good value. Wonderful poolside restaurant and comfie beds.

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Managua- Hostal Monte Christi  

This is where we start when arriving after a long flight, airport picks arranged.

“Hola” to Calvin and Molly very gracious hosts. 

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Hacienda Merida

Ometepe Island-Hacienda Merida 

A bit out of the way down a dusty road but this is a surprise well worth the journey. Kind caring people, great meals and good value. (see also Escuela Billingue de Ometepe).

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Accommodation, Ometepe Island

Ometepe , Moyogalapa –  Hospedaje Soma

Here is a very nice little resort about a fifteen-minute walk from the ferry dock. It is run by a flock of Canadians and is quiet, clean and very friendly.   Check them out on trip advisor (always outstanding reviews).

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Drop us a line if you have any questions about these and other places that we might know of.

 

Spectacular Beaches

Johanne and I know for a fact that we are beach people. Being Card Carrying Aquarians we need regular douses of sun and surf. A day ocean side is very well spent playing in and out of the water like kids on summer break.

 

Here are a few of our favourite spots:

 

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If you are looking for deserted  that “NO OTHER FOOT PRINTS” experience, then here is how it find it.

Make your way to Las Penitas south of Poneloya and rent a kayaka. Paddle across the mouth of the laguna and come ashore at  Reserva Natural Isla Juan Venado. Be prepared to be overwhelmed by the vastness  and undisturbed beauty. (pack a lunch because you may not want to leave).

 

The Corn Islands

The Corn Islands are a special place and well worth the effort to get here. Think small Caribbean Beaches with beautiful colours and warm soothing waters.

 

Playa Hermosa

Take the surfer shuttle from San Juan Del Sur, Hermosa is about 20 minutes South. We found this to be a place worth staying a few days.

 

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Ecuador has some of the most breathtakingly magnificent beaches we have ever seen anywhere. Of course only if you are into endless miles of uninterrupted sand with the Pacific Ocean doing it’s thing and offering a joyful playground.

 

 

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Nude Beach – Somewhere North of Montanita

 

 

 

 

We would love to hear about your favourite beaches, drop us a line.

A Helpful Connection in Managua

Hostal Monte Christi

Managua

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Calvin and his wife Molly run a very tidy and extremely friendly hostal just a few minutes from the airport in Managua.

We find it a great place to land and get started on our way to adventures. The accommodation is very clean and comfortable offering a peaceful nights rest. The have private rooms with baths plus dorm style for backpackers.

They are most kind and welcoming and  helpful when it comes to arranging transportation and other details and very quick to reply to enquiries.

They will pick you up at the airport and help to relieve any stresses from your journey.

Tell Calvin we said “Hola”

www.hostalmontecristi.com