FAQs...

Does the farm have an electricity supply?

Yes; 110 volts, 2-pin plugs.

Does the farm have treated water?

No – the water comes from a stream on the farm itself, and is free from pollution; but in our experience water almost anywhere in the world is a frequent source of upset for travellers and we prefer to play safe by providing boiled water.  Delicious coffee, tea and herbal drinks are  also provided free to all visitors.

How do I wash my clothes?

In the same way as most Latin Americans do: using a specially built tank, a scrubbing brush, and plenty of soap, all of which are provided!
Locals will gladly do your washing for you if you need a well- deserved rest from such chores.

Where is the nearest bank and cash machine? Do you accept credit cards?

The nearest banks/cash machines are in Otavalo. We do not accept cheques or credit cards, so do bring enough cash to cover your costs. If you prefer self-guided walks and "hammock days", then you can budget at about $10 per day per person, all included.  If you have more energetic plans to visit local nature reserves or enjoy horseriding, fishing etc., then $25 per day should take care of your needs.

Where is the nearest Doctor?

The nearest doctor is in Cuellaje, 10 kilometers from your accommodation. If you have concerns about health, you are recommended to take out medical and accident insurance before travelling.

Is smoking permitted?

Of course.  Please show consideration for other guests.

What is a cloud forest?

One of the least known types of tropical forest, cloud forests are found in remote valleys at higher elevations 1600-2500m. The name comes from the clouds which drench the forest in a fine mist, allowing some particularly delicate forms of plant life to survive. Cloud Forest trees are adapted to steep rocky soils and a harsh climate. They have the characteristic low gnarled growth, dense small-leaved canopies, and moss-covered branches supporting a host of plants such as orchids, ferns, bromeliads and many others. These aerial plants, which gather their moisture and some nutrients without ground roots, are collectively termed epiphytes. The dense vegetation at all levels of this forest gives it a mysterious and delicate fairy-tale appearance. It is the home of such rare species as the wooly tapir, the Andean spectacled bear, and the puma. This habitat is particularly important as a source of fresh water and to control erosion.

Are there any special health problems in the area?

In general, this is a remarkably healthy area in which to stay. The altitude (about 2600m) may cause temporary feelings of breathlessness and headache, and it would probably be a good idea to avoid vigorous activity during your first couple of days at this sort of altitude.Malaria and dengue fever are absent, though there are a few mosquitoes, and you may like to bring a repellent. In general, biting and stinging insects are not a problem in San Antonio, and nor are spiders and snakes.

Is there telephone/internet at the guest-house?

No; Communications in San Antonio are poor. The nearest telephone is about 4km away, and the nearest internet service is in Cuellaje. There is no mobile phone signal at present.

What is the currency?

From march 2000, Ecuador has used the United States dollar. The only difference from the US is that Ecuadorean coins bear the faces of their own national heros.

What is the time zone of Ecuador?

Ecuador is at GMT -5 (The some as Lima,Bogota, New York and Miami)

Is San Antonio a suitable place to bring children?

Yes,most children would have a wonderful time here. There are so many different things for them to see and do, and the local children, like their parents, are friendly and cheerful.

How can I make a phone call to Ecuador?

The international code for Ecuador is 593, followed by the city code (for example Quito is 022), and finally the phone number, usually 6 digits.
For example: +593+062+648 627

Are there any environmental issues in intag?

There are 2 main environmental issues in the area...
The first is the threat of mining; there are huge mineral deposits in Intag, including copper, gold and uranium. Whether or not to mine these deposits is a hotly-debated issue. For an environmentalist viewpoint, visit www.intagnewspaper.org , a website which is edited by a North-american, Marie-Elena, from the nearby village of Apuela.
The second issue is deforestation. "Slash and burn" agriculture has been practiced for generations on a  small scale, and the burnt land is sown with maize and then grass seed.  Ilegal felling on the edge of the reserve also takes place, largely driven by local people´s need to obtain more land to pasture their cattle.The small expenses of a visitor in this relatively cheap country, can have a powerful beneficial effect on such environmental problems. This is because the economic needs of local people are very modest by western standards. Provided there are other means of surviving, most would much rather not engage in practices which are clearly harmful to the area, both for present and future generations. One of the main reasons for promoting eco-tourism in the area is to privide the population with an ecologically sustainable source of income, and so slow down the destruction of the forest.