Hostería Hacienda Pinsaqui

The setting is welcoming and homely, with stone paths that lead to lounges warmed by a crackling fire, and rooms filled with hand-carved furniture. The kitchen is rustic and the chefs use local, seasonal ingredients to whip up tasty dishes inspired by Ecuadorian delicacies and European delights. The dining room is decorated with large, framed paintings and cerulean table cloths, while expansive windows let in the natural light. The surviving portion of the original house was turned into the Equestrian Bar, where you'll enjoy live music and a drink.

The rooms have a colonial-era style with vintage, wooden desks, ornate beds (double or triple) and floral motifs. There are also splashes of the hacienda's signature bright-blue on the headboards, window panes and textiles. The family suites feature two queen beds, a sofa bed and, in two of them, a white brick fireplace. All also have a large wooden wardrobe, neat en-suites and heaters for those chilly nights. You'll also enjoy a lovely view onto the garden, which is filled with chattering birdlife.

You'll have ample chance to explore the natural surrounds, whether its walking the hacienda's 2 kilometre-long trail, or hiking into the hills to see flowing rivers, soaring volcanoes and the sacred spring. You could even make the trek to Cotocachi's turquoise crater lake. Peruse the sprawling Otavalo market, where you'll find anything from hand-made jewellery and leather goods all the way from Peru, or remain closer to home and join a local farmer for a day of milking cows and jam-making.