Visitor Guide – Finca Sagrada

Complete Visitor Guide to Finca Sagrada

We’re excited to welcome you to our intentional community and ecological sanctuary in the mountains of southern Ecuador. This guide contains everything you need to know to prepare for your stay with us.

Getting Here

By Air

Most travelers fly into Quito (UIO) and then take a domestic flight to Catamayo Airport (LOH), approximately 90 minutes from Finca Sagrada. This is our nearest airport. From there, you can:

Take a taxi to Loja ($25-30)
Take a taxi directly to Vilcabamba ($65)
Use our recommended taxi service (English speaking drivers available)

By Bus

Buses arrive regularly in Loja from Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca. From Loja bus terminal:

Take a bus to Vilcabamba (1 hour, $1.50)
Buses run hourly from 6am to 7pm

From Vilcabamba to Finca Sagrada

We can arrange pickup (please give 24 hours notice)
Taxis from Vilcabamba ($25)

What to Bring

Essential Items

Passport (Ecuador requires it to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay)
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
Flashlight or headlamp (important for nighttime navigation)
Reusable water bottle
Sunscreen and hat
Light rain jacket or poncho (especially during green season)
Natural insect repellent
Long pants and socks (very important for protection against no-seeum bugs. The bites can be very itchy and irritating, especially on the ankles and legs)
Cash in small denominations ($1, $5, $10 bills)

What Not to Bring

Hairdryers or high-power electronics (our solar system has limitations)
Non-biodegradable products
Disposable plastics

Weather & Seasons

Our subtropical highland climate remains relatively consistent throughout the year:

Daytime temperatures: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
Nighttime temperatures: 50-60°F (10-16°C)

Dry Season (June-September)

Clearer skies and more predictable weather
Cooler nights
Better for stargazing
Dustier conditions on trails
Less abundant fruit harvests

Green Season (October-May)

Frequents evening and morning rains
Occasional afternoon showers
Lusher landscapes
More abundant fruit harvests
Flowing creeks and streams
Slightly warmer nights
Morning fog in the mountains

Important Green Season Travel Considerations

During the green season (particularly December-April), heavy rains can occasionally impact travel in the region:

Mountain roads may experience temporary closures due to landslides or washouts
Travel times between Loja and Vilcabamba can increase
In rare cases, Vilcabamba may be temporarily inaccessible by road for 1-2 days
We recommend building flexibility into your travel plans
Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers weather-related disruptions
If traveling during peak rainy periods, allow an extra day buffer for departures

We’ll do our best to keep you informed about road conditions and can help arrange alternative transportation options if needed.

Accommodations

All accommodations include access to:

Community house with shared kitchen
Indoor bathroom
Outdoor showers
Composting toilets
Community spaces

Each accommodation has its own characteristics:

Linens, towels and toilet paper provided
Storage space varies by accommodation
Shared bathrooms (except Hobbit House, which has private facilities)

Laundry Facilities

There are washing machines at some of the houses and accommodations. Please arrange to use these beforehand with whoever is occupying the house
We hang our laundry on clotheslines and in the dry season clothes are generally dry in a few hours. In the green season, be sure to hang your laundry on a clothesline in a covered area and wash your clothes early in the day
Soap is generally available. Please bring your own laundry detergent with no fragrances and biodegradable if you are visiting the farm longer than 2 weeks.
Please do not wash clothes in the river or canals

Food & Meals

Kitchen Access

Fully equipped shared kitchen in the community house
Basic pantry staples provided (salt, sugar, dry spices)
Individual storage space available
Cooking equipment includes gas stove, blender, and basic appliances

Food Sources

Harvest from our gardens (seasonal, guidance provided)
Farm fresh eggs & milk, (seasonal)
Farm raised poultry and goat (limited availability)
Vilcabamba markets (Saturday & Sunday mornings)
Small grocery stores in Vilcabamba

Connectivity

Wi-Fi available in the community house and Hobbit House (moderate speed)
No cellular service at Finca Sagrada
We encourage limited screen time to fully experience community life

Health & Safety

Medical

Basic first aid kit available in the community house
Nearest hospital is in Vilcabamba (45 minutes)
Large hospital services in Loja (1.5 hours)
Inform us of any medical conditions before arrival

Safety

Finca Sagrada is generally very safe
Mountain paths can be steep – proper footwear recommended
Flashlights needed for walking after dark
Well water is available from the tap

Local Currency & Money

Ecuador uses US dollars
Bring cash in small denominations
Nearest ATM is in Vilcabamba
Many local businesses accept only cash
Budget $15-25/day for meals if eating in town

Community Living

Guidelines

Be mindful of noise in the early morning and evenings
No smoking
No drugs or excessive alcohol
There are native hallucinogenic plants on the farm. Do not pick these unless there has been prior discussion with a community member. If you wish to engage in a ceremony using substances, discuss and approve with community beforehand
Respect community and private spaces
Ask before harvesting from gardens. Some plants are being saved for seeds
If you find a gate closed, to ensure it closed after you. This ensures animal and community safety
The front gate is locked every night

Local Attractions

Vilcabamba town (45 minutes)
Podocarpus National Park (day trip)
Local rivers and swimming holes
Hike our Sacred Mountain

Hiking the Mountain

It is highly advisable, unless you are an experienced hiker, to climb the mountain accompanied by another person.
An adult with moderate level of fitness can expect to take 2.5 hours to hike to the antenna (visible from the bottom) and back
To go to the top of the mountain is a full day hike
It is best to go early in the morning, when conditions are best

Local Area Information

Shopping in Vilcabamba

Vilcabamba (45 minutes by car) offers a variety of shopping options:

Several tiendas (small shops) with organic products
Raw dairy from local producers
Biodegradable soaps and natural products
Vibrant Saturday organic market with local produce and crafts
Live music venues and cafés with regular performances
Restaurants serving a range of cuisines from traditional Ecuadorian to international

Nearby Communities

Tumianuma: The closest community to Finca Sagrada (30-minute walk) has a small corner store for basic necessities
Loja (1 hour by car): The provincial capital offers more urban amenities including supermarkets, malls, medical facilities, and banking services

Environmental Practices

Composting toilets (instructions posted)
Water conservation requested
Solar power system (limited capacity)
Organic waste composting
Recycling separation
Please minimize items with packaging to reduce trash

Booking Deposit

To reserve your accommodations for more than 3 weeks, we ask for 25% deposit prior to your arrival. Your stay will be officially booked when we receive your deposit
If you have an Ecuadorian bank, you can easily do a money transfer online to us
If you don’t have an Ecuadorian bank, the simplest and cheapest option is to use Wise, an easy and convenient online bank app that lets you send money internationally at the best rates

Booking Extensions

If you fall in love with Finca Sagrada (as many do):

Check with us about extended stay availability

Contact During Your Stay

WhatsApp: Mel Thompson, +593 99 885 9549
Email: [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming you to Finca Sagrada!