Not Just a Hostel: How Punanti Brings Travellers Together

As we drove up a rocky mountain road overlooking green valleys, the blanket of white snow over Cayambe Volcano emerged between the clouds. Stepping out from the car, I took a breath of the high mountain air and felt the world stand still in the shadow of Cayambe. My trance was soon interrupted by a unique welcoming crew of huskies and llamas.  I immediately knew Punanti Hostel must be a special place.

We entered through the doors of the wooden lodge, greeted by the warmth of the woodfire stove and the kindness of the volunteer staff. The layout sent a clear message: Welcome home. The kitchen, dining and living room were intertwined into one open space, inviting us to turn the strangers next to us into friends. Comfort also remained a clear priority, with beanbags, ponchos, and a jacuzzi available, while hot water bottles awaited us near our soft bedding. For those seeking more privacy, several cabins were a short walk away.

At dinner time, we gathered around the table to be served a delicious meal by the volunteers and to converse with the other guests. These conversations rolled late into the evening, and we found ourselves drifting outside with our newfound friends to soak in the pristine, white glow of Cayambe.

Antoine and his faithful huskies out front of Punanti.

The ambience that created these connections was no accident. 

In 2014, Punanti owner Antoine left behind his 10-year career in a Michelin-starred kitchen in Switzerland. He embarked on a journey through South America, but Ecuador possessed an inescapable, rare magic. The untouched beauty of towering volcanoes and the abundance of bears, llamas and condors alongside the stillness of the páramo (high altitude plateau) relentlessly called him back.

As the hostel where he worked expanded, Antoine realized he was missing something: the intimacy of a small, family space. This inspired him to start Punanti, a hostel for travellers, defined by Antoine as those who “mark the print of their passage by sharing it with people.” At Punanti, that companionship happens naturally, where strangers share meals, hikes and rooms. However, Antoine knew he could not achieve this goal without integrating the community and his hostel.

This community turned out to be La Chimba, nestled into the foot of Cayambe, a 2,830 m (9,280 ft) volcano. From the start of Punanti’s construction, Antoine ensured that its development and ongoing operations were directly connected to community members, whether through architectural design, hiring local employees, or preparing meals with food from local farmers.

Clouds surround Cayambe in the morning glow.

This connection extends far beyond just Punanti and into the future of Cayambe. Like much of Ecuador, La Chimba possesses endless potential for ecotourism, but with little development. Antoine sees this not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to offer locals and travellers access to the same beauty that inspired him to call Ecuador home. So naturally, when the role of the local Minister of Ecology became vacant, Antoine ran and was elected.  “I’m here to plant seeds, not tell people what to do,” Antoine says. He immediately began his work by chatting with the local community and ministers about the possibility of opening a climbing wall. They agreed, and Antoine installed a two-dollar payment box so visitors could give money back to the community and protect the páramo. 

As we approached the trailhead to the climbing wall, locals in their trucks passed Antoine and honked to say hello, and a local woman saw Antoine approaching and immediately greeted him with a hug and a “Hello neighbour!” It became clear that Antoine is truly a part of the community in the same way they are a core part of Punanti.

The trail to the climbing wall nearly took my breath away. We passed streams and fields, only surrounded by the sound of rushing water and the brush of the grass against the morning breeze. It was a crystal clear morning with Cayambe guiding us forward. As we arrived, local climbers, Punanti guests and volunteers were kind enough to belay and cheer us on. 

As word continues to spread through volunteers and guests, I’m sure Antoine’s special home will continue to grow in popularity. However, he is committed to keeping Punanti small so that it always serves as a magnet to bring travellers together. Moving forward, his biggest dream is to open a trail from Cayambe to the town of Baños, which would become the longest trail in South America. Until then, he plans to work alongside the community to build more hiking trails and a refuge near Cayambe for visitors and locals.

Llamas graze out front of Cayambe in the early morning sun.

“I want to give back to Ecuador what it’s given to me,” Antoine says.

After staying at Punanti, it’s easy to believe he already is. From waking up with the sun shining off of Cayambe’s peak, to feasting on homemade bread and jam for breakfast alongside new friends, Punanti is equipped with everything needed to inspire its guests. It left me with the same inspiration that led Antoine to open Punanti- a dream to explore more of the peaceful, breathtaking corners of Ecuador, and perhaps to do it alongside strangers.

To learn more about Punanti, check out their website.