Rhiannon Community is the perfect place for a peaceful getaway in nature. Your stay here includes all vegan meals and access to our shared spaces for all your creative endeavors. We are nestled in the Andean Highlands, northeast of Quito, about an hour drive. We are dedicated to regenerating the land through permaculture, wellness, and community learning. Since 2008, we’ve welcomed volunteers to work and live together. We warmly invite guests to stay and experience our unique way of life.
The space
Where You’ll Sleep:
Our private room/family room can accommodate groups up to five or individuals traveling solo who prefer their own space.
Our private room is located in Rhiannon’s main house and is equipped with one double bed and one bunk bed (smaller single bed up top and double bed on the bottom). All bedding and towels are included.
Spending Your Time:
As a guest, you are not expected to participate in the daily activities of the farm or community. Volunteers and residents are here to learn and contribute to ongoing farm projects as well as to cook and take care of communal spaces.
If you are interested in learning more about the volunteer program or contributing to daily activities, please check in with us so we can arrange for you to join a group or contribute in some way! We welcome guests to join in on any events or activities happening at the farm and would be happy to chat with you about any questions.
Our hope is that, as a guest, you enjoy the beautiful mountainous surroundings, find rest and relaxation, connect with community members if you choose, and enjoy the quiet pace of life here at Rhiannon.
Food:
At Rhiannon, we grow much of our own produce and eat a vegan/vegetarian diet. Volunteers and residents are responsible for cooking three meals per day– as a guest, THESE MEALS ARE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF YOUR STAY!
We hope that you join us for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your time here! If you’d rather prepare your own food, we have an outdoor stovetop range you are welcome to use. Mealtimes are:
Breakfast: 7:30-8:30
Lunch: 1:30-2:30
Dinner: 7-8
As we are off-grid and powered by solar energy, please note that we do not have any refrigeration.
We request that you keep all personal food items on a shelf in the kitchen to avoid any pests in the bedrooms– we are a working farm in a rural location and have frequent visitations from wildlife! We do our best to avoid any issues by prohibiting personal food items in the guest rooms.
We have filtered water available in multiple locations throughout the community for water bottle refills.
Please note that we are not located near a major supermarket– if you have any personal food needs, it’s best to do your shopping and bring food from a larger town/city. There are a few small shops in the town of Malchingui (10 minute car ride) with a small selection of basic items.
We do have a small food shop in the main house with items for purchase including coffee, chocolate, eggs, wine, beer and other various sundries. Please let the host know if you are interested in purchasing anything from our shop.
Wifi:
We do not currently have guest wifi available at Rhiannon. We are not currently set up for digital nomads or individuals who need access to constant wifi for work purposes. It is possible to purchase a local sim card with data in order to access the internet and make phone calls.
While cell phone use is absolutely permitted throughout the community, we value interpersonal connection in our main spaces and prefer to be screen free whenever possible.
Laundry:
We have a hand washing laundry station and open-air clothes lines where you are welcome to wash any items. Soap is provided. Please be mindful that this is a shared space for guests and volunteers and make sure to collect your clothing before the rain rolls in!
Bathrooms:
All bathrooms at Rhiannon are eco-friendly, either composting toilets or drop bucket toilets.
The main toilets are located just outside of the main house and are shared between guests, volunteers, and residents. Instructions for composting toilets are posted within each bathroom.
Two full showers are also located in the bathroom complex and are fully equipped with hot water. Please bring your own toiletries! We request that you do your best to bring eco-friendly toiletries and personal care items whenever possible as all of our waste water is used elsewhere on the land.
Community Spaces:
Guests are welcome to enjoy all of our community spaces and any activities that are offered during their stay. Workshops may have a small cost or be donation based, but there are also regular, ongoing offerings for free. Some of the past offerings have included art workshops, yoga, acrobatics, dance, and more.
Rhiannon has focused on creating structures and community spaces through experimental techniques such as earthbag building. We have ample outdoor spaces as well!
Our community spaces currently include:
Main House (dorms are located here)
°Communal dining space and living room
°Shared Kitchen
°Yoga/Meditation Room
°Lending Library- located in hallway outside of the dorms
The Caracola
°Communal Hall for larger events, dancing, and more
°Lounge with a projector, foosball, pool, and couches
°Ample Hammocks for hanging out
°Book Exchange
°Art Room
Outside Spaces
°Fire Pits
°Outdoor hammocks throughout the community
°Children’s play areas
Nearby Sights and Attractions:
Rhiannon Community is ideally located for anyone looking to get a break from the hustle of city life while still being close enough to many local sites and scenes! Wonderful for travelers who are looking to explore the highlands of northern Ecuador.
Rhiannon is located in the town of Malchingui and is easily accessible from Quito via public and private transportation. We are located in a rural sector of town with great views of the surrounding volcanoes and lovely local hiking opportunities. We are very near Parque Jerusalem, a national park and protected forest, which has swimming, camping, hiking and barbecue pits. We are also very near the Cochasqui archaeological site.
Easy 1 day or overnight trips from Rhiannon include:
Lago Mojanda
Otavalo
Cayambe
Mitad Del Mundo
Papallacta
Mindo
Other Information:
- Parking is available if you are arriving in a car
- Pets are not permitted– we have a number of community house pets who live at the farm as well as two donkeys. Dogs and cats do not live in the main house and are not permitted in the dorms.
- Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor spaces– please make sure to clean up after yourself!
- Please do not bring meat or fish products to the property.
- Rhiannon Community is located in a high, dry climate– the sun can be quite strong and the wind fierce! It is generally warm during the day and chilly at night– bring clothes for all occasions!
Guest access
All spaces in the project are open to guests, except for the private dorms.
We have extensive green areas, an event room with family games, kitchen, community living room and dining room, children's playroom, orchards, and children's games.
During your stay
We are fully available during your stay here. Ourselves, the owners, as well as the volunteers are welcoming and helpful should you have any problems or questions.
