Pampa Hermosa
Pampa Hermosa
Pampa Hermosa is located in a beautiful situation at the bottom of a steep-sided, forest-mantled valley beside the rapids of a river and with its own ‘beach’. Except for the sound of the river it is very calm and very peaceful. Access from 
Pampa Hermosa is one of the few places in the area where you can truly enjoy nature, yet be pampered with superb food and comfortable accommodations at the same time. The cabins are roomy and well equipped (but bugs do get in), and there is electricity 24 hours per day. The food is varied and surprisingly good. There is even a separate bar. If Alex or Elmer (an excellent local guide) is in residence, they can make you their own delicious drink, "tranca hermosa", which means "beautiful drunk." The staff is very friendly and accommodating. The nature trails can be a bit steep, but the local fauna is worth it. You can go by yourself (it's very safe) or with a guide that the staff can provide.
Access is a bit of a problem, since the last
The accommodation is simple but adequate with (hydro)electricity, gas-heated showers and flush toilets. Each cabin has its own balcony. The food, three hot meals a day, is generous and based on local supplies of fruit and vegetables. I didn’t drink the tap water (I brought my own bottled water) but all water used in cooking is pre-boiled. I had no problems. Similarly, there are no annoying or biting insects to contend with. You just need to keep your cabin closed up after dark to keep out moths etc.
Because the daily charge includes full-board and a guide it is good value but I thought that the charge for the essential 4x4 transport to bring me
it is very important to say it is an "Eco" lodge was exactly that. Completely run on hydroelectric power 100% of the time. The cabins were made from natural wood and stone, complete with authentic thatched roofs. All of the food (which I may add was very close to 5 star dining) is grown and bought from local farmers at the markets in San Ramon. All of your meals are included in the price which makes this an absolute bargain. The cabins were beautiful, hot showers, full power, relaxing porches and amazing views. Words won't convey how breathtaking this place really is so I have added a few photos. The sounds and sights of nature were everywhere, from the Macaws at breakfast to the river lulling us to sleep at night.
The staff was very friendly. The food was unbelievable. The tiki-bar was a must. The drinks are the only thing that is not included in the price, but Alex ,"Master of Mix-ology", makes a fine "welcome" drink for sure!! A true piece of paradise in
The price also includes the option of guided hikes around the area. There are several beautiful waterfalls to see as well as the magnificent "Grandfather" tree. We went during the rainy season/off season and it was great. We pretty much had the run of the place and saw very little rain.
I visited Pampa Hermosa in the Spring to see the cloud-forest butterflies. I was not disappointed, they were stunning. I also saw birds, lots of vegetation, a few flowers, heard wild boar and smelt monkeys. The hiking trails are somewhat limited in scope although I didn’t have time to attempt the longest walk up to a village near the head of the valley. The friendly and accommodating staff speak only Spanish and it was difficult making conversation when the English-speaking owners were away. If you don’t speak Spanish take a good phrase book, plus some other books to read in the evenings or write your own if you have the time. It’s a perfect hideaway.
