Description: For such a small town, Mindo has a wealth of accommodation. It's not surprising considering the internationally acclaimed birding found here and the growing number of adrenalin filled sporting activities.
Due to limited funds and wanting somewhere a little secluded left La Casa de Cecilia as the only option. The hostel is located to the south east of the village’s central, scruffy looking park, up a muddy path. It’s quite easy to miss the poorly signed turn off to the lodgings, although following the dim roar of the nearby river helps with the sense of direction.
Once found I was impressed with the non-abrasive style of the building, constructed entirely out of wood, which blends in excellently with the surrounding cloud forests. The rooms seem to be more directed towards the 'fit as many beds in the room as you can' approach, which could probably explain the cheap $5 a night per person price for staying here. On the negative side, it also means then if you aren't a big fan of sharing a dorm then your choice becomes limited, especially at the weekend when Mindo transforms itself into a Gringo hangout matching that of Baños.
Arriving a day earlier, beating the tourist influx meant bagging one of only two double rooms here, out of the fifteen rooms available. My room was situated under the roof making it virtually impossible to stand up. I’ve never slept in such a small room that made closets under stairs look airy. Considering the amount of time spent here this never proved a problem.
Some rooms fail to have walls on all four sides, excellent for getting up close and personal with nature, but can prove dangerous in terms of mosquito attacks. Although all beds have mosquito nets, they aren't of the highest quality, so bringing your own is recommended.
The hostel also offers Internet facilities for $2 an hour, a limited service in Mindo, and kitchen facilities located scenically next to the river. Other highlights include a lounge area on the second floor with hammocks to rest those weary activity-ridden legs and the village’s only cinema, a small open room where two films Friday and Saturday night are projected onto a white washed wall. Snacks, drinks and milkshakes are also served for virtually half the price of the restaurants in the village.
One problem with La Casa de Cecilia was security, with no locks on the bedroom doors. During my whole stay here there was no sign of the owners, their adolescent children was in charge. Bathrooms are all shared, although good quality hot water is available. You will also need to bring your own supply of toiletries and towels, which are not provided.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here. On one hand being so close to the village centre to sample the selection of restaurants. On the other hand, being secluded so still awakening to views of mist covered cloud forests. More information can be accessed by calling the hostel on +593-(0)2-2765453.
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