Within the context of the extremely diverse nature of Ecuador, Vilcabamba (known as the 'valley of longevity') stands in a class of its own. In fact, it can even be said that life passes so slowly here it may even be possible to travel back in time. The local people's ability to live for over a hundred years is a regular occurence.

The many travellers who come all away to our end of the woods experience this peaceful and magnificent way of living. Some of them even choose to stay, making Vilcabamba their permanent residence, as happened with Carol & John, owners of Hotel Spa Madre Tierra.