The River House
- Premier host
- Puerto Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
- See on map
- Sleeps: 2 or 5 per chalet
- Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per chalet
- Bathrooms: 1 per chalet
- Minimum stay: 1 night
The River House boasts a wealth of five-star guest reviews with good reason: once you’ve visited, you’ll never want to leave!
Deliciously secluded in Ecuador’s lush tropical forest region, the retreat evokes the irresistibly welcoming atmosphere of a luxury mountain lodge – with check-in and check-out times freely chosen by you! This is a place where fresh experiences are savoured and new friends are made, against a backdrop of diverse and mesmerising nature.
Each of the chalets you’ll discover here is expertly crafted from fine wood, with a sound-proofed roof for peaceful nights of slumber. Inside, cosy and sumptuous furnishings feel like a luxurious extension of home. Most chalets sleep two guests, though if you’re bringing the family along, Saudade sleeps up to five guests in two double rooms and a single sofa bed.
While Italian marble bathrooms, Egyptian cotton bedding, and scenic, private outdoor spaces all come as standard, you’ll also find your chosen chalet boasts its very own personality, for a stay that feels genuinely unique and special.
Once you’ve checked in, why not treat yourselves to a drink in the sociable wine lounge? Styled as a relaxed communal living space, here you can chat with new friends – and often with your host, Frank, or another member of the friendly on-site team – over a glass of wine from the carefully-curated selection. Don’t worry if you have your own favourites, however, as there’s a large wine fridge for guests to store their own bottles, too.
As the sun goes down, you’re also welcome to hang out in the barbecue area-cum-nightspot, equipped with a fabulous sound system and everything you’ll need for the finest, freshest sizzling supper you’ll ever savour! If you’re lucky, your stay will coincide with one of the regular informal barbecue evenings hosted by the on-site team, for a fun and memorable evening filled with an addictive sense of camaraderie.
A true foodie’s delight, the on-site restaurant serves breakfast each morning, with gourmet meals freshly crafted from mouth-watering local produce. And if you love chocolate, you’re in serious luck: simply pay a visit to the nearby Chocolate Trail and waterfall, for a magical journey into biodiverse nature… that ends with heavenly gourmet chocolate-tasting.
Keep readingAt a glance
- A luxurious, fully-hosted Ecuadorian forest and mountain retreat, immersed in tropical nature near a cacao farm and chocolate trail.
- There are no check-in or check-out schedules, so you get to choose when you’ll arrive and leave, a real luxury!
- A selection of chalets each sleep 2 guests, with one sleeping up to 5 in two double rooms and a single sofa bed.
- Each chalet features an en-suite bathroom, tea and coffee-making facilities, and private outdoor spaces, with a desk area for those who have to work.
- On-site delights include a communal wine lounge, barbecue area, gourmet restaurant, and outdoor nature spa.
- Indulge in a signature cacao facial – a truly immersive and relaxing experience!
- There is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the magnificent local nature, from mountain-biking and wild swimming, to wandering along peaceful nature trails.
Features
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Large Groups
Facilities
Wood-crafted chalets, sleep 2 or 5 guests. Double bedroom (Saudade features 2 double bedrooms and a single sofa bed), tea and coffee-making facilities, en-suite bathroom with toiletries, lounge area, private furnished outdoor space, desk area, high-speed Wi-Fi, air-conditioning. On site: restaurant, wine lounge, barbecue area, outdoor spa, reading area.
Local activities
Nature trails, wild swimming, mountain-biking, bird-watching, spa treatments, reading, stargazing, wine tasting, chocolate trail.
More information
What else? As well as curling up with a good book from the thoughtful selection provided (Frank is a committed bibliophile, and has even written some books himself), you can take advantage of the outdoor spa’s signature treatment: an immersive cacao facial! You will be invited to harvest the cacao fruit personally, then roast, grind, and mix the ingredients before relaxing in tranquil nature – a genuine bucket-list experience.
If you’re in the mood to exert a little more energy, it’s easy to get up close and personal with these incredible surroundings. You could take an energising dip in the crystal-clear river close by, or stroll along magnificent nature trails, for an idyllic break that will live long in your memory.
Things to note
EV charging is available on site. Pets are permitted to stay. Guests can book the barbecue area privately on request. Informal wine tasting and barbecue evenings are held regularly on site.
Where you'll be staying
Puerto Quito, Pichincha
What the guests of The River House say
“A tranquil retreat in a tropical paradise, where you are treated as a cherished guest. Everything about the River House was wonderful. It is a pristine and tranquil bit of paradise, little hills and valleys of trees, and flowering shrubs and plants. Birdsong is a chorus at dawn, and continues during the day. The river winds its way through the tropical forest at the bottom of the property. You can walk, swim, birdwatch or relax in the hammock on the porch of your cabin. The cabins are large and well-appointed with everything you need to be comfortable, including a desk, a sofa and plenty of space for your things. The air conditioning and shower keep you cool when you need a break from the temperature outside. Meals were delicious, made from fresh local ingredients, and catered to each person’s requests and needs. They were exquisitely presented, and always accompanied by a pitcher of fresh fruit juice. The warmth and personal attention from Frank, the proprietor, are delightful, and he went beyond all expectations to make my stay at the River House enjoyable and memorable.”
“This was a great place to stay. It is far from the busy city or even a village, in the middle of nature where you can completely relax. It has all the luxury and comfort you can think of that will make your stay even better. In the morning you wake up with the sound of the birds and out there you only hear the river flowing. You can even swim in it if you want, which was very refreshing for me. I have been able to completely relax here, have time to read and write and to completely relax in myself. The food is all organic and delicious. And the mango juice they serve comes from the mango trees in the garden itself. They even have fresh coffee and cocoa beans here that you can make yourself coffee and chocolate. Which tasted delicious. I had a beautiful view from my room and could so quietly start my day or read in my room with that view. The common space is surrounded by windows that make you feel like you are always surrounded by nature. I’m definitely gonna come back here and definitely recommend this. Thank you!”
“This is one of the most special places I’ve ever been. There are several cabins surrounded by a tropical forest and a short walk to the river. The owner, Frank, speaks fluent English and goes above and beyond for the guests. The cabin is high-class with air conditioning, hot water, a balcony and a hammock. The music of the river and birds is all around. The wifi is also excellent for video calls on Zoom. The place is a few kilometers from Puerto Quito. The town itself has everything you need and an ATM. The meals there were amazing and not expensive. And Frank generously invited me for a beer, fascinating conversations and organized trips for me in the area. Everything was perfect. If these weren’t the last days of my trip, I would definitely stay a few more nights. Highly recommended.”
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