La Merced del Alto Boutique Hotel

Standing out like a glistening white pearl amongst the wild landscape, La Merced del Alto embodies the region's sense of adventure. The restaurant serves an array of gourmet Andean cuisine – many ingredients are harvested from their own garden – accompanied by wines from the cellar. Decorated in adobe, wood and cane from the area, the hotel is homely and warm. There is a communal lounge where you can enjoy a good book and lovely pool with views of the surrounding mountains.

The hotel has a total of 14 rooms, each decorated in a charming neo-rustic design. You'll find terracotta-coloured floors, quirky lighting fixtures and ornate wooden and iron beds, as well as authentic, bold textiles from the Cachi region. All rooms feature a sitting area, although they do vary in size, a wardrobe, and a desk. Of all of them, the most spacious is the grand suite. For views, you'll have a choice of either the pretty gardens or the distant, ridged mountains.

There are plenty of ways to explore the scenic landscapes including cycling excursions, hikes and horseback rides. You can also take a ride a little further afield, up winding passes, amidst acres of 'candelabra' cacti in the desert and meandering exploration of tiny villages on the way. If you fancy a little pampering, head to the spa for a restorative treatments, a splash in the Scottish shower or long soak in the rooftop hot tub.