Guestbook Comments:

“Thank you for sharing your wonderful home with us. Casa Mojanda is truly one of the most special places we've ever been. Your home, the rooms, the setting, the surrounding countryside, your Foundation - all are inspirational. We'll always remember our days here with you, along with our horseback ride with Betti, our sightseeing and hiking and the terrific meals. In fact, it's awfully hard to leave - as our extra days suggest!”
- Kara Gross and Andrew Epstein
New York City, New York

“Nello always claims he lives under a lucky star and in finding this place for us as part of our honeymoon, I would definitely agree! The scenery is of course, fantastic, but so is the way you have nestled your home into the mountains and so is your hospitality. Most important is seeing a couple make their dreams come true - dreams that benefit a world in need. Perhaps we will be able to do the same here in our corner of the world - we hope so. Thank you so much. We have many memories of our time here at Casa Mojanda to treasure. With much appreciation.”
- Ann and Nello Lucchesi
Chicago, Illinois

“‘One wonders after visiting this place why there is anyone left in Dublin, Paris or London.’ W.B. Yeats. The beauty of your Casa Mojanda is only surpassed by your warm and generous hospitality our trip to the animal market, making breakfast at 7 am, including us in the Seder, the music of the Andes.”
- McCarthy Family
Woodstock, Connecticut

“We first drove by Casa Mojanda yesterday at 4:30 pm on our way to the big lake. After a hour ride uphill on the road we got to the beach in front of the lake. A rainbow awaited us. A couple of frames were shot and I decided to drive up a little further. Lisa warned me before getting the jeep stuck in the mud. Two and half hours later, we entered Casa Mojanda, our legs shaking from the walk back down. It was 9:30 by then. Diego and Betti took us in - gave a nice, delicious dinner, and then took us back up the mountain to pull our jeep out of the mud. We got up to the top and with a little digging and pulling from behind, we were free. Then we all stayed awhile to enjoy the stars and we shot a few pictures of all of us to remember the event. We shot the Black Mountain and Lake Mojanda with the flashes of lightening. It was a beautiful night and it made our predicament actually a blessing. Our stay at Casa Mojanda was too short but we'll be back! Thanks for making us feel at home (and digging out our car)!”
- Lisa and Nils Schlebusch
Photography for Travel and Leisure Magazine

“On Sunday you welcomed me without reservations. It's Wednesday and I am on my way to Quito and home. In these fine days of fresh mornings filled with soft breezes and bird song, misty afternoons of darkening clouds, to chilly nights under cozy blankets, I have experienced the kindest hospitality, the warmth of a lovely family and an exciting new friendship. Also - incredible photo opportunities, an amazing walk at the lakes, wonderfully generous and tasty vegetarian feasts, good gardening talk (thanks for the quinoa seed), on-target recommended reading, movie talk, the fun company of two young New York/Ecuadorians, amazing buenas vistas and an inspiring look at a life-project of lives committed to the earth and committed to community-building, education, nutrition, health, conservation. Gracias por todo! Hasto pronto.”
- Nancy Landau
Remarkable Journeys Travel
Houston, Texas

"Thirteen peaceful days surrounded by Mother Cotacachi, Father Imbabura and Fuya Fuya, soft winds, impressive clouds, a tender sun and a bright moon; beautiful views, especially in the early morning; a wonderful place for meditation and getting in contact with nature and the universe. What a pleasure to live in this excellent architecture which gives you the impression of being inside and outside at the same moment. This was the best time of my vacation. I am going home with my best wishes to Sofie, Maya, Betti and Diego and everybody who is working at Casa Mojanda. I am sure I will be back and looking forward to it. And I hope you'll be very successful with the clinic. Thank you for everything, to everybody."
- Monika Bruhl
Bonn, Germany

What beautiful country. May our paths cross again, and with hope that we shall meet with new smiles to exchange and stories to ramble on about into the night. This has been inspirational and I am thankful to have spent some time here with your beautiful family."
- Claire Reichstein
Chicago, Illinois

What a wonderful spot! Great people & relationships, beautiful scenery, excellent food. Hope we left a tiny mark on your health, education and environmental projects.”
-Keith and Darlene Korenchuk, Charlotte, North Carolina, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and now planning for 2004

“The horses should not be missed...best and most comfortable trail ride ever” -Marty Haddock

“Double respect pour les maitres cette belle cite de terre. Ici on se sent chez soi. Merci.” - Balthezar, Paris

“Thanks for a fabulous honeymoon - the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. We enjoyed your company as much as the beauty of our surroundings. Thanks especially for the trip to the Cayambe volcano.”
- Kate Easterly and Aaron Zebley, New York City

I had a wonderful few days at Casa Mojanda. The scenery was beautiful and the atmosphere extremely relaxing. I enjoyed horseback riding immensely, and the dogs were wonderful company.” - Ranbir Singh, Vancouver, Canada

“A wonderful little oasis in the middle of the mountains. A warm atmosphere. Friendly Betti and Diego took care of everything. Amazing! Thank you.” - Chantal Riendeau and Allan Pennycuick, Montreal, Canada

“This was too short a stay, but SO wonderful! The friendliness of the hosts, the landscape, and to top it all off, the wonderful horseback ride. We'll never forget this.” - The Austermuhle family, Buenos Aires, Argentina

“Truly this trip has changed my life. I will see where it all takes me...but I know it will sure bring me back to Ecuador and Casa Mojanda. This place and the time I spent here are treasures.”
- Sidney Lockaby, Charlotte, North Carolina

“The views are unbelievable, the architecture is incredible, and the entire inn seems to fit in perfectly with the mountains, the cultivated hills and the trees. A lovely castle hidden in the hills. We hope to make your inn a regular vacation destination.”
- Kimberly Borst and Sheeraz Haji, San Francisco, USA

In returning here, there was some fear that the return experience wouldn't live up to the original. I am thrilled to say that this time has been the best yet!” - Dr. Tim Scott, Lexington, Kentucky, July, l998

“This is a great place to start an Ecuadorian honeymoon. The fantastic food and hospitality made us feel at home. And your horse Pinto sure can go!” - The New Mr. and Mrs. Brandon

“Thanks for a great time. I love the food, drinks and culture. The basket weaving dude was cool. If I was ever to come back to Ecuador, I would come here.” - John Moskowitz, age 13, Little Red Schoolhouse, New York City

“You have created such a beautiful, sacred place. I thank you for helping make my experience here unforgettable. The food was awesome too!” - Wendy Weiner, Clifton, New Jersey, USA

“Thank you for your warm acceptance of our herbalist group and being so present to us in so many ways. It is truly paradise here and I hope to return.” - R.Anasazi, Gloucester, Massachusetts

“Finding Casa Mojanda was like an "oasis." Had to keep reminding myself I was in a hotel - it was so much like home! A really good feeling and a lovely family atmosphere.”
- Dr.April Crollich, London, England

“This was the best time I ever had in my life. I´ll never forget this experience as long as I live. I hope I can come next year.”
- Jessica Grant, age 10, New York City

“Thanks ever so much. This is a wonderful place - the people, the food, the conversation and oh, the view! I didn't want to get out of bed this morning - I was that comfortable, and content listening to the birds and enjoy the tranquillity of my surroundings.” - Renate Dowell, Middleton, Nova Scotia, Canada

“It is a lovely and warm home. Thank you for your hospitality. I enjoyed my stay here.” - Henriette Hutabarat, Indonesia

“Thank you so much for letting us stay in your beautiful hotel. I felt like I have known you and your hotel for years. Horseback riding was great, and I learned a lot.”
- Deborah A Sklar, The Little Red Schoolhouse,
8th grade Spanish Class, New York City

“Thank you for accommodating us this week, along with our extremely loud laughs at the table. You make Ecuador a truly exciting place and put us actually in touch with the Ecuadorian people. Thanks for the nature trips and the great food. Your cabins are wonderful too.”
- Morgan Cousins, The Little Red Schoolhouse,
8th grade Spanish Class, New York City

“Lovely, lovely place. Sadly we only had one day, but this spot is so tranquil, it feels like a week's rest. We shall return.” - Alison Cade and David Hudson, Alexandria, Virginia

“I've stayed with the family for a week, and been part of everyday life here. Thanks for making me feel so welcome.” - Michael Minky, Pacific Palisades, California

“This is one of the most exciting hotels I have ever been to. Incredibly relaxed which is brilliant!”
- Jamie Walden, age 12, London, England

“I'm not leaving! I'm not going. I want to live here.”
- Dylan Lebecki, age 4, Los Angeles, California

“Thank you so much for such a wonderful few days! It has been an essential start to our traveling in South America, a few peaceful, sane days. Thanks to everyone in the kitchen for the delicious meals!” - Mike and Sharon Ralston, Harare, Zimbabwe

“This trip - the most quickly planned honeymoon ever - has turned out to be something so special, we will remember it fondly for the rest of our lives. From our experience the first morning when we woke up to such stunning views, to our last night spent talking with you, you have made it all so meaningful and adventurous. We certainly could not have dreamed of a better way to begin our new lives together. Thank you.” - Beth Venn and Tom Drapin, New York City

"Beautiful accommodations and some of the most tranquil scenery ever! It certainly provided the place I needed to be in at this time." - Cynthia Oatly, Brooklyn, Connecticut

"What a magical castle in the clouds you have created. I look forward to many visits." - Marina Nelson

"A wonderful place- great hospitality- gorgeous scenery - What more could anyone want? Answer: More time here."
- Dave Lachenbrud, New York, NY

"What a wonderful surprise to find this spot in Ecuador! Casa Mojanda has impressed us with its beauty. And the waterfalls nearby, Lake Mojanda, the delicious meals, the helpful suggestions - our hosts made us feel welcomed. A great place to stay for a year or so!" - Tamara Whittle and Doug Kahan, Boynton Beach, Florida

"Thanks for a great time. I love the food, drinks and culture. The basket (weaving) dude was cool. - John Moskowitz, age 13, Little Red Schoolhouse, New York NY

"You have created such a beautiful, sacred place. ... I thank you for helping make my experience here unforgettable. The food was awesome too!" - Wendy Weiner, Clifton, New Jersey

"For once I am speechless. But my heart is full of this special place and our warm hospitality. How much I hope to come back! Mucho gusto!! - Betsy and Jim Wooster, Norwich, Vermont

"I miss Casa Mojanda and all of you, so please say hello to everyone. I really long for that moist, clean air; serene, beautiful view of the mountains and fresh, clean smells of the earth. I was on line in a supermarket the other day and picked up a magazine to read, not buy, while I was waiting. One article featured Jane Fonda´s and Ted Turner´s Montana ranch with six Arabian horses and a designer kitchen. I thought, it isn't any more beautiful and peaceful than at Betti and Diego's Casa Mojanda!"
- Faith Collangelo Byrnes, Dobbs Ferry, New York

"Words can hardly describe the magic I have felt at Casa Mojanda. Time stood still, time raced, a lunar eclipse! I am in awe. Thank you forever." - Anne Lange, New York

"Thank you for sharing the beauty and comfort of your home. A highlight of our trip to Ecuador!"
-John and Shirley Kirincich, Allendale, New Jersey

"We can't believe what great luck we had in running into this magical place!! This has been such an enjoyable week - such wonderful hosts in the most spectacular of settings. We hope to return often, or rather, will!"
-Laurie and George Daniels, Owners of the Keene Valley Inn, Keene Valley, New York

"We could not have had a more wonderful time in Ecuador, thanks to our delightful host and hostess, great staff and friends at Casa Mojanda. It felt more like home to us than anywhere we have ever visited. We will return. Hasta Luego." - Greg Baumgarten and Joy Thurman,
St. Helena, California

"Thank you so much for a wonderful week. After hearing so much about Casa Mojanda, I have found it interesting that after a week of awesome scenery, terrific food, and beautiful comfortable buildings, my "favorite things" were the conversations and personal relationships."
- Phil Tugendrajch, New York City

"Dear Casa Mojanda, Thank you so much for letting us stay in your beautiful hotel. I felt like I have known you and your hotel for years. Horseback riding was great, and I learned a lot." - Deborah A Sklar, Elizabeth Irwin High School, New York City

"Lovely, lovely place. Sadly we only had one day, but this place is so tranquil, it feels like a week's rest. We shall return."
- Alison Cade and David Hudson,
Alexandria, Virginia

"Views, good food, warm fires, new friends."
-Veryl Goodnight, Roger Brooks, Gabe and Larry Burke,
Publisher of Outside Magazine, Santa Fe, New Mexico

"What beautiful country. May our paths cross again, and with hope that we shall meet with new smiles to exchange and stories to ramble on about into the night. This has been inspirational and I am thankful to have spent some time here with your beautiful family." - Claire Reichstein, Chicago, Illinois

"I'm not leaving! I'm not going. I want to live here."
- Dylan Lebecki, age 4, Tumbaco, Ecuador

"This was a great discovery for me; I wish I had known about Casa Mojanda earlier in my trip to Ecuador. Your place is just beautiful!! Thanks." - Kassidy Brown, Evanston, Illinois

"A home for us all." - Gabe Terrizzi, Ithaca, New York

"Perfect! The most wonderful place." - Julia Schwartz-Leeper and family

"It's always a pleasure visiting with you at Casa Mojanda. I'm coming back again for potato pancakes next year!"
- Bruce Horowitz, Quito, Ecuador

"Thank you for a beautiful, peaceful stay. Hope to be back soon!"
- Stefan and Inga Bodin, Sundsvall, Sweden

"A beautiful view in a beautiful hotel!" - Eva Keppens, Joker, Belgium

"As always ya'll have made me feel at home. The beauty and peace here under the power of the mountains is like no other. I will always have a part of Mojanda with me in taking one of Linda's puppies. She will be named Mojanda, Mo for short. Thank you kindly, Peace and love..." - Charlie Wilgus, Atlanta, Georgia

"We have discovered that this beautiful farm is the center of the earth - warm people, dogs, horses, llamas - Kyle and I loved being a part of your casa and family. Fantastico! You help us see that a way of life you love can be possible. Your work is inspiring. Thanks you! We will be back." - Jenn and Kyle Danish

"Casa Mojanda is by far the most beautiful place we have visited in our three weeks in Ecuador! We hope to be back one day to help out with the clinic and enjoy more of Nancy's wonderful cooking." - Allen Steverman and Orla Wallace, Montreal, Canada

"This visit made my affection for Ecuador 1000X stronger. I may even come back for my honeymoon . . . far, far into the future. Thanks for dreaming of this place and making it happen."
- Erica Chen, San Diego, California

"Thank you so much for such a wonderful few days! It has been an essential start to our traveling in South America, a few peaceful, sane days. Thanks to everyone in the kitchen for the delicious meals!" - Mike and Sharon Ralston, Harare, Zimbabwe

"This is a wonderful retreat, un paraiso, full of light, love and laughter. We will be back and will bring friends." - Robert Daily and Veronica Gray, Laguna Beach, California

"For a week I died and went to heaven! All the high points: the 15,000 feet of Imbabura, the meals, the little treasures of Otavalo, the views, the culture, the exercise complemented by the rest and relaxation. All are glorious...but none match the heights of joy created by the opportunity to connect with you and all who showed us and walked us, and sold us their art. A piece of them comes with me, a piece of me stays here." - Paul Sadowski, West Hartford, Vermont

"We are back at home in Carmel and continue to talk about our trip to Ecuador. We both agree that our favorite place to stay was Casa Mojanda. It was by far the most attractively decorated and had the most congenial hosts and most beautiful setting of any of the places we stayed." - Joyce and George Hahn, Carmel, California.