Hacienda Cusin

Past the gardens' weathered adobe walls, you'll find rows of fruit and vegetables of every kind, all destined for the dining room. Surrounded by large flower arrangements and splendid murals, tuck into farm-style breakfasts, a la carte lunches and three-course Ecuadorian dinners (there are international options too). Head to the bar for a glass of wine and, perhaps, catch a performance of live folk music. When you're not off exploring, the sky-blue library has deep couches and rows of books to enjoy.

Ranging from rooms in the hacienda to more secluded garden cottages, the accommodations vary in style and size. All, however, feature large beds draped in woven bedspreads, locally-crafted or antique furniture and a cosy fireplace for those chilly evenings. The large suites have two bedrooms and a private living area overlooking the garden. Converted from the original stables, the garden cottages are particularly pretty with thick walls covered in jasmine and thunbergia vines. And every evening, you'll find a hot water bottle in bed. It's the little details...

Follow in the footsteps of Alexander Von Humboldt, who gave the Avenue of the Volcanoes its name, on fantastic hikes past tranquil lakes and plummeting canyons. Explore the surrounding mountains on one of the hacienda's palfry horses or cycle the trails at San Pablo Lake. For a less active approach, visit the Cochasqui Pyramids, learn to weave with a local artisan or pick up hand-crafted items at the sprawling Otavalo markets. Back at the hacienda, there are cooking and Spanish classes too.