Half way round the Quillotoa Loop, Chugchilan with its picturesque surroundings is an ideal base for exploring the laguna, the Rio Sigui canyon and the nearby cloud forest. The most economic of the three accommodations here is Hostal Cloud Forest. Ecuadorian owners Jose-Luis and Patricia have been running this welcoming hostel since it first opened in 2003. The large team of local staff, home-cooked food and cosy woodburner all help to create the homely atmosphere. With splendid views across the canyon to the slopes of the Quilotoa crater and surrounding countryside, the hostel is also a great place to relax in a hammock, soak in the Andean grandeur and meet fellow travellers. Both breakfast and a home-cooked dinner are included in the nightly cost and all private rooms are en-suite. A standard double is priced at $15 for one person or $24 for two. A triple room with one bunk bed plus one single costs $12 per person. There are large dorm rooms containing double beds as well as bunks, priced at $12 per person. These are perfect for families or groups and are available for block booking/private hire. Shared rooms without private bathroom are available for $8.

Despite sleeping up to 80 guests Hostal Cloud Forest is very popular during July and August so advance booking is recommended.

The large and filling breakfast comprises plenty of bread, homemade jam, eggs of any style, porridge oats, a platter of fruit, yogurt, coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

Dinner is described by the owners as "tipico" however there are often elements of other cuisines and is accompanied by unique homemade salsas. It additionally includes a bowl of soup and dessert and changes every evening. Vegetarian options are also available.

Lunch is available for $3 offering sandwiches, soup, chicken and rice, hamburgers and fries.

Hot and cold drinks are on offer all day including beer $1.50, an array of other alcoholic beverages (whisky, wine, rum, etc), soft drinks $0.50, bottled water $1, fresh milk shakes or batidos.There are usually an array of homemade cakes and tarts on sale for snacks.

The area around Chugchilan is well worth exploring and the hostel provides both transportation services and guided horse back rides to sights of interest. Transport to the Laguna Quilotoa, Zumbahua, Sigchos or the cloud forest all cost between $25 and $30 for groups of 5 people. Horseback tours include visits to Laguna Quilotoa, the cheese factory, secondary and primary cloud forest, Pailacocha waterfall and the Toachi River canyon. Lengths of tours and prices vary from 3-8 hours and from $12 - $20 per person. These should all be arranged the day before. The hostal can also advise about solo hikes and onward travel.

Additional facilities include the use of their Turkish Bath ($3), book exchange (2 for 1 or 1 + $1.50), Ecuadorian arts and crafts for sale, and parking is available for those with their own transport.

Direct buses from Latacunga leave every day at 11.30 and 12pm (one via Zumbahua and the other via Sigchos). Once in the village walk down the hill away from the market towards Sigchos. The hostel is 100m on the left.

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