Lauriver's Travels: Vilcabamba

Dubbed the "Valley of Longevity"due to its aged population and relaxing vibe, Vilcabamba spoiled us like rich vacationers rather than the budget-strapped backpackers we are. Tucked away in the southern highlands, this small village was our last stop in Ecuador and our last chance to be pampered at ridiculously cheap expense. Our "hostel" was more like a resort, complete with free breakfast buffet overlooking the valley, swimming pool, hammocks, bar with billiards/ping-pong, life-size chessboard, and spa with massages priced to steal. Whether drinking jars of their house wine, reading books in hammocks, or merely wandering down the hill to town, we felt like retirees soaking up the good life. The main highlight, though, would be a fantastic 3 hour horseback ride through the valley. As neither of us had experience riding horses, we were a bit nervous to start. Our minds raced with questions such as, "Do they bite? What if they just start running?" and, "Should we be wearing helmets?" We would have nothing to fear, however, as our young Ecuadoran guide knew his horses and the horses knew the way. With low whistles, he could bring them to trot, which was surely as painful for us as the horses, or coax them up a steep dried-up riverbed. Not to say that the ride went without a hitch. Oliver claims that the circles his horse, Paloma, would turn was his doing, and poor Laura´s Tequila was relegated to the back by the rest of the pack, a spot he happily accepted as he moseyed along, stopping to eat, daydream, etc. and then running to catch up. The ride would take us through town, over a river, up a ridge, around the valley and leave us with great memories and sore butts. The latter, however, would be treated by the magical, yet firm, hands of the ladies of the spa. In the end, we spent less time in Vilcabamba than we could have, for the road calls, but it was definitely time well spent.