Testimonials / Comments
Important Note - our accomodation is currently closed, and we are working with Janet, Kevin , and Kirk Narum, at nearby río Lindo Coffee farm https://www.riolindocoffeefarm.com/ please check out their website and we very much hope to see you in Cuellaje. As for Patricia and Ned, we currently work in local politics, trying to develop tourism and agriculture as much better alternatives to the giant metal mining projects proposed by international corporations. We hope to meet you, as we're just over the river from the río Lindo coffee farm.
Here are testimonials from our volunteer project, and from the san antonio cabins, which are closed until our venture into politics ends in may 2027.
I've had a great time here, staying with Mabel's family. A complete contrast to my usual routine, working in the fields on the farm. A fun family to spend time with! Graham, UK, november 2022.
Thank you for our stay! It was a pleasure to spend some time with Alba's family. Alba was so nice, we enjoyed learning how to make coffee, chocolate, cakes with her. It's great to be with animals everyday and surrounded by nature - Agathe and Marilou, France - October 2022
Thank you so much for our wonderful stay! We enjoyed everything. We will never forget your warm welcome. This was one of the most, in fact the most
Such a great experience, with wonderful people and a beautiful location/environment! Bob Harr, USA, january 2022
What an impression you have made on me! Thank you for all the great food and teaching me to make a basket. Despite the rain, I will cherish these days. Anne Devechi, Switzerland, january 2022
My family had a wonderful time staying here. Our daughter Alice was so happy to spend time with Andy splashing in puddles, drawing in coloring books, putting the chickens to bed, picking blackberries, throwing rocks in the river, etc. Thanks so much to Patricia for spending her time with us while taking care of the farm, while Ned is busy protecting this wonderful land.
This is a special place to stay and we feel like we were let in on a secret. It's marvellous land and we'll never forget our time here. Cara and Adam, USA, March 2020
Loved the food, the forest, the animals. Muchas gracias por tenerme aquí. Es un lugar especial. Ulli, Germany and New Zealand, Dec 2019
Thank you so much for the hospitality, the amazing accommodations and food. It is unfortunate that our time here is short. We will carry our memories of this place andy your family with us forever. Shannon and Carl, USA, Nov 2019
This is my first time visiting South America and Ecuador. I'm so glad that I got to stay at this farm house and enjoy all the amazing food and views. Hopefully I can take my family here one day, cuz I'm sure they gonna love it like I do. Miya, Taiwan, august 2019
Sitting on the porch, fresh ground coffee in my mug, Benji at my feet, sunny view of the mountains - what a wonderful place to come to! Patricia and Eduardo have made us feel so welcome - cozy cabins, incredible food, willing to help with whatever we need. We wish them all the best in protecting and caring for this little piece of heaven. Daniel and Susan, USA, august 2019
This has been our third visit to Eduardo, Patricia and Andy's home and we hope to return again! Each time we visit we are amazed by the incredible views, the beautiful walks, Patricia's delicious home made from scratch cooking and the friendliness and warmth of the family. Again we leave with precious memories and a sense of relaxation and peace. Thank you Eduardo , Patricia, Andy and Benji for sharing your place in the world with us... Hasta la proxima vez.. The Robayo family, New Jersey USA, august 2019
Thank you for allowing us to experience this little corner of the world. We loved getting to know your way of life and enjoyed helping where we could. It's not often that a family welcomes strangers with such open arms. We are grateful for the time we spent here and hope you can continue to share this with many more people. Silke and Nina, Germany, June 2019
Thank you so much for an incredible few days here on your farm! I will never forget the breathtaking view from the far cow pasture... or the amount of corn I shucked and cut off the cob with Patricia! Andy, thank you for teaching me the names of all the animals. This a truly special place here, where time seemed to slow down for me, and I felt relaxed even while hard at work. Thank you all for welcoming me into your home and letting me share it with you for a brief time. Sophia, USA, june 2019
Thank you for welcoming us in your house, for the warm hospitality and good care. Thank you very much for those unique moments spent with you in a very special and fantastic environment. Thanks for the amazing cooking, and Eduardo for your guiding tours through your farm and reserve. It was a very special time. Keep up the good work to preserve this unique and amazing ecosystem! Zita and Jerome, France and New Zealand, May 2019
We were here 2 nights, it was an amazing time and I think I could have stayed for weeks! Thanks a lot for the hospitality, the nice walk through the cloud forest, and the good food. Wouter and Devo, Netherlands, may 2019
I've loved your view and connection and love for this precious land. Many thanks for sharing it and for taking such good care of us with your home raised delicious food. Abi, USA, april 2019
No words can formulate the inspiration and family-like feeling that we experienced here. One of the few places that we definitely would like to visit again, and soon too! And best food ever!!!! Tanja and Nikos and Eva, Germany/Denmark february 2019
Merci pour ces magnifiques semaines ici, cloudforest adventure est vraiment une aventure extraordinaire. Merci pour votre generosité, simplicité et votre acueil chaleureux. Kevin, France, february 2019Few words can express the depth of gratitude I feel for the experience I have had here. Lleno es mi corazon. Paul UK, jan 2019.
Thank you very much for your heartwarming welcome at your wonderful place. Keep up the good work so our children can find an intact natural environment and good natural food. We are very happy we met you, it was a big chance. Tessy and Claude, Luxembourg, Jan 2019
Il faut avant tout commentaire indiquer que le lieux est unique.. perdu dans la foret équatoriale. les conditions d'hébergement sont très rudimentaires. un cabane en bois. un sanitaire basique. le lit est très bon.. par contre, Patricia et ned se mettent en 4 pour vous accueillir , vous aidez et vous guider ds les différentes activités. La cuisine est typique , locale, bio et préparée avec qualité par Patricia .Sejournez chez eux est en soit une aventure inoubliable !!!. prévoir un bon équipement. réservez aux routards aguerris et aux amoureux de la nature totale et vierge.. Sébastien, France, Jan 2019
Wonderful family, thank you very much for accomodating us! We loved the food, the views and the walks. Our kids loved the animals and the horseriding. Anke, Jan, Seppe, Mirte, Belgium, jan 2019
After a 6 hour walk from Pueblo Viejo, it was such a nice surprise to be welcomed here by your wonderful family. It's a small piece of paradise that you have here. Thank you for welcoming us in your home. The night and day walks were very interesting, the nature around is amazingly beautiful. Many thanks for the amazing home made food, for your patience and answers to our questions, for your kindness. Matthieu, Charles, Ophelia - France, Nov 2018.
We spent 4 wonderful nights here in October and couldn't have had a more brilliant time. Thank you so much for the wonderful food and for being so generous with your time by teaching us how to make baskets, numerous long envigorating walks, teaching us to cook, answering our questions and generally being great company. Thank you. Emma and Jane, UK, oct 2018.
If you are the type of traveler who likes to immerse yourself in the life and culture of the place you are visiting, then look no further than Cloudforest Adventure. Ned, his wife Patricia and son Andy live in a breathtaking spot in the mountainous region of Intag. Whether you want to hike into the surrounding cloud forest to experience the incredible biodiversity of the region, help feed the farm animals, learn how to basket weave with materials from local plants, help to prepare and cook traditional Ecuadorian dishes, harvest the many fruits and vegetables that are grown on the farm, just relax on a hammock and enjoy the view or any number of invigorating experiences, Ned and Patricia are there to guide and teach you! This is a place that feeds the soul and I am grateful that Ned and his family have chosen to share it with us! Alyse, USA, august 2018
Our time living here was impactful and unforgettable. My sister Natalie Robinson and I stayed and worked with a kind, local family—Patricia, Ned, and their baby Andy. While living on their farm, they showed us how to pick fruits and vegetables, milk the cows, make cheese and jam, and weave baskets. From homemade bread and cheese, to vegetable soups, fresh eggs and jam or juice made from berries picked that morning, each meal was better than the last. All of the people in this community rightfully take pride in the incredible food they help the land produce without the use of pesticides. It was so cool to me that their hard work every day had such clear motivation: to feed themselves. Every day consisted of nurturing their farm, in order to nurture their bodies. It was a simple mindset, which makes life back home feel complicated... so I’m excited to integrate some of what I learned there into my own day-to-day. Colette and Natalia, San Francisco USA, august 2018
Link to a great video that Colette made of the farm https://www.facebook.com/helloimcolette/videos/495400267600362/
I feel I had a dream, a very nice dream with landscape, animals, very nice people and delicious food. This is a place I keep in my heart and want to go back. Thank you for everything.
Yvan from Québec, Canada. August 2018
Airbnb commentary, july 2018. For me, this was an unforgettable experience in a beautiful, remote part of Ecuador. Ned, Patricia, and little Andy are a wonderful family, and they welcomed me warmly. Yes, this is a farm, which means mud, chickens running around, and all kinds of farm wonders, so if you're not up to that, then maybe this isn't for you. It was exactly what I was looking for: an authentic experience with an Ecuadorian family. I got to meet extended family members, go to the town market on Sunday, and best of all, volunteer at the local elementary school, where one amazing teacher works with seven different groups of students ages 7-12 in one room. As a teacher myself, I know how challenging this is. The kids were absolutely wonderful, and I loved my time there. I also appreciated Patricia's cooking! She is an amazing cook, and I loved the farm-fresh organic meals she prepared daily. I also want to mention my best amigo, Benji, who walked with me to school every day, waited patiently for me (after getting his water and snacks) and then walked me back every afternoon. Without him, who knows where I might have ended up, as my sense of direction is not the best. For those of us who live in hectic places, the solitude and beauty of the farm does wonders. I loved it! Gracias Ned, Patricia, and little Andy!” Tracy, USA.
The farm is very cool and the food is delicious! It was very nice that we were able to make the outside playfield for the guinea-pigs. Hugo was a super-friendly horse and Benjy (the dog) aswell. Ned and Patricia and Andy were very welcoming and helpful. I really enjoyed to help and would love to come back. Kiera (aged 11), Schwarz family, Germany, June/July 2018
From Airbnb Ned, a very gentle man and his lovely wife Patricia with their little devil Andy (18 month old son) run an (organic) homestead like Patrica’s parents have done for many years. Whereas ‘sustainable living’ has become a fashionable term used in the Western world, Ned’s family practices it every day. Therefore, if you want to experience truly sustainable living book your stay with them. Their place is in the local community of San Antonio, the last but one place (El Rosario) before you enter the untouched part of the ‘Reserva Ecologica Cotacachi Cayapas’ with cloud forest and paramo. The area and views are fantastic and Ned is more than keen to take you on hikes. If you decide to stay at home, Patricia will be keen to demonstrate her fantastic cooking skills or teach you how to ‘weave’ baskets. Andy makes sure he gets sufficient attention whereas the two ‘pensionados’ Hugo (horse) and Benji (dog) don’t mind a bit of attention too. Check out this place if you are truly interested in the experience. Jan, Canada/Holland june/July 2018I loved every moment we have spent in your beautiful home, thank you for showing us exceptional kindness and warmth. We have learnt so much and have so many new and wonderful experiences to carry forwards with us. I am leaving your place with a heart full of happiness and contentment. Kerri, UK, may 2018
This is unlike any other AirBnB I've come across. If you're in for an adventure, I definitely recommend you to go! It's more than worth the long travel, and one of the best experiences we've had in Ecuador. Ned, his wife and son live on a remote farm in a beautiful area, surrounded by hills and cloud forests. What wasn't clear from the description is that Ned and his wife are open to teaching about the things they know: roasting coffee, making cheese, making baskets, fermenting vegetables... There are so many things we've done here for the first time! The 5 hour hike through the cloud forest, crawling through tunnels of ancient roots and jumping stepping stones was an adventure we will never forget. Go here! Benjamin and Isabel, Holland, May 2018
We were glad to have been part of this lovely family, even it was only for a few days. This was by far the best experience on our whole trip to Latin America. It was the great nature, the good food, the beautiful hikes, the work with the animals and of course Eduardo, Patricia and Andi that made us feel home from the very first beginning. We can highly recommend to spend time at this nice place! Nico and Rick, Germany, april 2018
We had the most wonderful time here. Never been to a more beautiful place with more beautiful people. We were welcomed with open arms, and couldn't have asked for a more lovely weekend. We had a fantastic time and herding cows was super fun, waterfall hike, basket-making and birthday cake! The animals are cute and Andy is hilarious. Amanda and friends, USA, march 2018
This is a magical place - beautiful views, new and fun experiences, wonderful people, delicious food and baby Andy is so much fun. Lucas, Kim, Iris, Everett, Susan, Steve. USA Feb 2018
We felt so at home at this wonderful place. We were amazed by the nature, the excursions and the friendliness. The food was the best in Ecuador and a real good deed after all those wonderful hikes. We also loved the animals, especially the cuyes, Hugo (pony) and Benjy (dog). Jana and Juri, Germany, Feb 2018
The Orange Tree. "The path wriggles through the uneven landscape, coloured in a marvellous variety of green. Chasing our fellows in front of us, we stumble through the countryside. The unusual sight of Benji, the family's dog, a horse, and a child carried by him mom's love, struggle for our attention. Disappearing behind a hillock we lose view of them, just to encounter our fellows in a blink of an eye later standing beside an orange tree. Full of fruit, its branches are trying to reach the never-ending blue sky. Climbing up high and shaking the old wood, we let the orange rain fill our baskets and stomachs." Just a small glimpse on the myriad of memories we will take home from this place... Marc, Michael, Stefan - Germany november 2017.
Our daughter (14 months) loved loved loved your farm, the animals, the open spaces to doddle and eventually your son! We'll all miss your little piece of tranquility... Catherine, Daniel, Valerie, Emily - Canada, Nov. 2017
Our stay was an experience we will remember forever. From the people we encountered, to what we learned in the fields with Patty and Ned. Every day was a little adventure in the paradise valley. The sun either greeted us in the morning, or the clouds, and as always the life sounds of the farm. The energy ran deep throughout the farm, with the abundance of food and water springs. Thank you Ned and Patricia for such memorable moments, hours and days. Jimmy and Amy, USA, november 2017.
Thanks so much to you both for allowing us into your home. It's been a great experience to see how you work your land and how you live up in the clouds. The area is so nice, with stunning views. Glad I had a chance to help herd the cattle, and I hope they stop chewing through the water pipe. Patricia is a wonderful cook, and it's by far the best I have eaten since arriving in Ecuador a week ago. Paul and Maria, UK and Spain, oct 2017.
We've had a marvellous stay on your beautiful farm! Thank you so much for your open hospitality. The kids have really enjoyed all the animals and we will all remember our time here with you in Ecuador! Julia, Mark, Frankie and Arlo, Australia, September 2017.
It was a fantastic stay with Ned and his family at this amazing place. We are very sad that we have only 2 days to spend here. We felt welcome from the first emails we exchanged. Ned was so helpful and explained everything to us. And Patricia cooked the best food we had until now in Ecuador. We will really miss their hospitality back in Germany. Claudia and Denny, Germany, Sept 2017.
This place has been a real eye-opener for me, though our stay was really too short. The way you live in accordance with nature is beautiful beyond words. Thank you Patricia and Ned, you probably do not realize how much this resembles heaven on earth. Marie and Paul, Belgium, July 2017
Well! What an amazing experience! Lovely family that hosted. Patricia's food was heavenly. I am very grateful that I stumbled upon Ned's website and decided to come. I wish I have the chance to come back one day. Ashwin, India, june 2017
What about this could be more perfect? A true ecuadorean experience with a lovely family. Phillip and Heather, (USA/Ecuador), May 2017.
I told you I'd be back! Intag has held a very special place in my heart since I was first here two and a bit years ago. Everything is as good, if not better, than my last visit, and I leave with a very happy heart, soul and belly! Lily, UK, April 2017
On this farm, I had an experience like no other. The family was very welcoming and kind, just like all the other animals. I have to say, Patricia made some of the best food I have ever tasted, and Eduardo (Ned) was a very helpful guide on the long walks we took, and sometimes even let me lead the way to find a trail. Juguete was a gentle horse whom I always brought up to a field at night to sleep. This place definitely deserves a 5-star rating! There was so much nature and great views, and that made it so that we could never forget this. Thank you! Gabe (aged 13), and Ethan (aged 11), USA, April 2017
If you are wanting to get a true taste of Ecuadorian culture, then look no further! Ned and his wife Patricia have a beautiful home tucked away in a remote area called Intag. From the moment I had arrived I felt an incredibly warm sense of welcome. Ned and Patricia are unlike any people I have ever met, they are carefree, full of love and passionate about the land that they own. Their son, Andy, is also very joyful and fun to be around. When you stay with Ned and Patricia you have the freedom to ultimately do whatever you like. I had the chance to help out with organic farming, explore the nature reserve and physically observe what true peace looks like. Their mission and fight for the rights of the land in Ecuador is phenomenal. Yes I enjoyed myself, but I also felt that I was making an impact for the better in Intag. I have been forever impacted by them and their home. Aaron, USA, march 2017
We have enjoyed every minute of our stay - where else can you hike up waterfalls and weave baskets all in one day (not to mention the stellar company and one adorable baby)... we are far better equipped for the rest of our journey thanks to Ned's spanish tutelage - and thanks to Patricia for feeding us like kings. Kathleen and David, Canada, Feb 2017
Thank you Ned and Patricia for an incredible week at CFA. It was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. I experienced so many new things and feel that I learnt an amazing amount during my time here. I loved getting such a genuine introduction to life in Ecuador, and waking up each morning in the cloud forest was incredible. Peter, USA, Dec 2016
Such an incredible life you have created here! We can't thank you enough for hosting us. Your farm and focus on balance with nature is inspiring and beautiful. The food was delicious, filled with love and every new creation from Patricia was a delight! We wish we could stay longer and hope we can return one day. We will cherish our memories (and our baskets!) forever!!
Maria, Arturo, Jaime, Lucy - USA October 2016It has been a true gift to share these brief few days with you and the beautiful people that you attract to this absolutely magnifcent piaece of earth. Thank you, I look forward to the next time.
Shannon and Ngoc, USA, August 2016Great Family Experience! I visited Ned and Patricia's farm with my sister-in-law, adult niece, and my two children, ages 10 and 11. The stay was perfect and allowed us to participate in farm life however we chose. It was such fun to see the farm through the eyes of my children. They got to experience milking cows, moving cows to different areas of the farm, feeding and caring for bunnies and guinea pigs, riding and leading a horse, cooking traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, making baskets, picking fruits and vegetables, and learning about the region on hikes around the property. Ned and Patricia were gracious hosts and made our family feel welcome the minute we met them. The food was the best I ate in Ecuador. Patricia is a marvelous cook (and Ned's fermented cabbage was a treat as well). The cabins were extremely clean and comfortable! Getting to the farm was a great experience including the scenic bus ride (along winding dirt roads), truck taxi, and 20 minute walk to their farm. Such a fun place!
Amy, USA, June 2016Thank you for your patience and kindness in taking care of us these past days. It has been a wonderful expeience in so many ways. We enjoyed the variety and richness of the meals, the many different work experiences, taking care of the animals, making humitas, and much more. The cabin was comfortable and relaxing and the many dfferent walks and excursions were extremely interesting. The views in all directions are stunning and each day brought a new view and different weather. We especially enjoyed our last day of beautiful weather and finishing our baskets with Patricia. We are both inspired by what you are doing here. Thank you for your contribution to keeping a small part of Ecuador beautiful and sustainable.
Fran and Spence USA April 2016
Wonderful place to take a break and discover a peaceful atmosphere. Warm welcoming, good food and interesting visits. This kind of project gives us some ideas, let's see what will come out of it.
Tanguy, Belgium, May 2016
I would just like to thank Ned and Patricia - more than being the friendliest hosts, always ready and helpful, they created with their joyful and peaceful personalities a place and an atmosphere where I felt really happy and had the best of times. Suggestion: boost the birdwatching tourism. Alex, Belgium, Dec 2015.
My time spent here is the highlight of my trip to Ecuador! Your kindness and generosity and your open hearts has meant a great deal to me and I will always treasure having met and learned from you both. Suggestion: You have an excellent location, that rivals Mindo - need listings in travel guides. Dallas, Canada, Jan 2016.
Thank you so much for an amazing experience! I felt like I got to experience the real Ecuador. The accomodation and food were more than I could ask for - and to have a hot shower here is amazing! I think that what you are doing here is very important. I will remember my time spent in Intag always. Larissa, USA, Jan 2016.
Had a wonderful stay with Ned and Patricia. Yesterday's long hike in the forest was incredible - something I'll remember for a long time. I like Benji (the dog) a lot too and will miss his warm greetings in the morning. The food was delicious and plentiful. Enjoyed myself a lot. Thanks for the generous hospitality. Mark, Canada, Nov 2015
Most excellent hiking and food and basketmaking. I had a wonderful time and loved every second! Your land/farm is beautiful! Kristin, USA Oct 2015
Thank you so much Patricia and Ned for including me in your lives and sharing the experience of living in Ecuador and in your special valley. You have been not only grand hosts but also trusting friends. I will remember this experience the rest of my life and share it with friends at home. Paula, USA, Sept 2015
The internet information on Finca San Antonio is very clear and appropriate. I am grateful for all the wonderful people and systems that have smoothed this journey and made it so educational and memorable. An extraordinary experience in every way. Phyllis, USA, Sept 2015.
Ha sido un placer pasar el finde con vosotros. Nos ha encantado los paisajes, las comidas, y sobre todo, la hospitalidad y la calidez que nos habeis brindado. Suri, espana, Sept 2015
Tras 2 meses viajando por Ecuador, hemos encontrado con Eduardo y Patricia el autentico ambiente acogedor de una familia ecuatoriana. Unas maravillosas comidas y unas aun mas, maravillosas sonrisas nos han hecho sentir como en nuestra propia casa.. Una pareja maravillosa a la que de Corazon les deseo toda la suerte en su vida porque, sin duda, se lo merecen. Una suerte encontrar gente como ellos para terminar nuestro viaje. Daniel, espana, Aug 2015.
I didn't know what to expect. I thought it would be lots of hard work. Actually it was the most pleasant 4 days I've had in a long time. This place is very beautiful, speaking Spanish helps to bring the culture and perspective of this place. These memories will make me happy for a long time. Adam, USA, march 2015.
We found this place on the internet and with very little research and not knowing why, I knew we had to come here. After meeting Patricia and Ned, we immediately knew why we had come here! The land, silence, birds, hospitality all blend together to an incredible stay. Michael says after eating Patricia's meals, he'll never eat out again!! Thank you so very much. With love and Alohe, Michael and Debora, Hawaii, feb 2015.