If our plane arrives late at night in Quito, where do we stay?

Actually many flights from the US and Europe arrive in Quito at night. Unless you plan to stay in the city of Quito for a visit, most of our guests prefer to be met at the airport and drive to Casa Mojanda directly. Our experienced and reliable driver will greet you with a Mojanda sign at the airport. The transfer presently costs US$55 including taxes, and the taxis hold up to four passengers with baggage. As the airport is in the north of Quito, the drive bypasses most of the city traffic and takes about one hour, forty minutes. Just let us know if you want an airport pick-up.

If our flight leaves Quito early in the morning, is it necessary that we stay in Quito the night before?

All international flights and most national flights require arrival at the airport at least two hours before scheduled flight time. Some travelers find they must be at the airport between 5am and 7am. We offer the same transfer service back to the airport, also for a cost of US$55, including an early breakfast-to-go. The drivers we send are prompt, safe, reliable, and available 24 hours a day. Unless you plan to spend at least a full day in Quito, it may be far more relaxing to transfer directly to the airport. This is equally convenient for those with flights to Galapagos and the Amazon.

What kind of weather can we expect at Casa Mojanda? What type of clothes will we need?

At Casa Mojanda, the climate is spring-like all year 'round -- in the 60's and 70's during the day and in the low 50's at night. Although there is a rainy season from November until May (minus December which is generally a sunny month) and a dry season from May until October, we usually expect a daily changing mixture of sun and clouds, even in the wet season. There is almost no variation in temperature from month to month. You can count on jeans and T-shirt weather, but don't forget to carry a sweater or jacket. Click on our packing list above to get an idea of the most comfortable clothing to bring along.

How do I drive from Quito to Casa Mojanda?

Driving instructions from Quito: Take the Panamerican Highway north toward Otavalo, either via Tabacundo or via Cayambe - both are the same distance. In either case, once you pass Lago San Pablo on the right, you will pass a Repsol gas station on the right. After you pass it, make the next true left turn (where there is a turn lane and a green sign which indicates MOJANDA to the left). The turn comes up just after a curve, so slow down after the Repsol station. Once you are off the Panamerican, there is an immediate fork. Take the cobblestone road to the left and follow it 3.8 km. (This is the road toward the Mojanda Lakes.) You will then see a small Casa Mojanda gate and sign on the right. The driving time from Quito is about 1 hour, 40 minutes. (Do NOT take the road to the Mojanda Lakes that you may see indicated in Tabacundo. This is a frequently impassable road that takes up to several hours.)

Driving instructions from Ibarra: Take the Panamerican south to the road to the Mojanda Lakes. Make a right turn where there is a green sign indicating MOJANDA to the right. Then make a quick left and follow the cobblestone road (going toward the Mojanda Lakes), travel 3.8 kilometers and look for the Casa Mojanda sign and gate on the right.

How much will it cost?

Please check our price page for current rates. Our rates include a full breakfast and a three course dinner consisting of homemade soup, entree, dessert, coffee or tea and fresh fruit juice, and use of all facilities including our traditional hot tub. Lunches and picnic lunches are available upon request. All cottages have private baths, gardens and terraces. A shared dormitory style room is available for groups of five to ten persons. Children three and under are free; children four through eleven are half price if rooming with adults at regular rates. Discounts are available upon request for full-time students, groups, as well as South American Explorers members. Budget travelers should inquire about hostel rates which we are sometimes able to offer. Remember you can make your Casa Mojanda reservations on line and we will respond promptly to answer any further questions and help you plan your trip.