Hosteria La Cienega

The hacienda is invariably grand, with walls of volcanic stone and gardens alive with greenery - and a wishing well for good measure. The restaurant has a medieval feel with studded wooden chairs and plated windows where Chef Alfredo serves a fixed menu of Ecuadorian and international fare - don't miss the trout! The lounges and hallways are lined with bright, floral couches and gilded oil paintings, and there's an authentic Spanish chapel on the grounds, which is definitely worth a visit.

The rooms are plush and beautiful with wood-panelled ceilings, gold-framed artwork and twinkling chandeliers above enormous four-posters. In shades of rose, sage or robins-egg blue, the rooms are spacious with wide windows, antique furnishings and intricate rugs. The bathrooms are light-filled with a shower or tub, while some rooms also have a fireplace in the bedroom. There are triple rooms available, which have three single beds, and the Family Suite can accommodate four people.

Hiking, hiking, and more hiking. La Cienega boasts a plethora of trails to explore, from the Cotopaxi Refuge where you can enjoy a picnic at 4,800 metres and the stunning Rio Pita waterfalls, to the Quilotoa Crater Lake, a one-of-a-kind place to kayak. Explore the landscape on horseback or two wheels, getting to know the flora and fauna as you go. For something more laidback, browse the colourful handicrafts at Saquisili Indigenous Market or visit a sweet rose plantation.