"Vilcabamba- the place where years are adds to your life, and life is added to your years"

Vilcabamba is often referred to as the "Sacred Valley", a name derived from the Quichua language. Vilca means the sacred huilco tree and bamba means valley. It has an elevation of 1500 meters and a constant spring-like temperature averaging from 18 to 28 degrees celsius (65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit).

Vilcabamba was put on the map when scientists discovered that there were several residents over one hundred years old. The exact reasons for this astounding fact have not yet been proven, though no villager has ever died from a heart attack. Some of the factors leading to the vitality of Vilcabamba are:

• The year-long spring climate
• The simple and healthy diet
• The purity of the drinking water
• Plentiful exercise
• The clean air

At the end of May, Vilcabamba has its local fiestas complete with the election of the beauty queen, a rodeo, dances and many other activities. Vilcabamba is famous throughout Ecuador for its Carnaval where people come from all over to celebrate in the square, making it impossible to find either accommodation or peace of mind for the few days it lasts.

What is there to say about the people? They tend to be very friendly, open and always ready for a conversation. There is always something to talk about, be it the weather or small-town gossip. Just go out and make first contact.

From Vilcabamba there is easy access to the Podocarpus national park, named after the only conifer that is native to Northern South America. The park is one of the most biodiverse in the world and in it you can find many plant species including the malaria healing cascarilla, tree ferns, orchids and bromeliads.

Vilcabamba has fantastic air quality. Why don't you come and find out for yourself? The Izhcayluma Hotel is waiting for you!

Find out more about Vilcabamba at www.vilcabamba.org.

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© 2007 Peter and Dieter