www.ecuadors.org

[Misty]

My husband & I will be travelling to Ecuador for 6 days in May. In addition to spending a day or two in Quito, we are trying to decide whether to travel to Banos or Otalavo & surrounding areas for the remaining 4 days. I am also looking for feedback on places to stay (anyone stayed at Hacienda Manteles near Banos?) and possible itineraries in both places. Our interest on this trip is rest and relaxation amongst beautiful surroundings primarily, with culture being a close second.
Thanks,

[mrjoe]

I would HIGHLY recommend staying in the Otavalo region. There is a wealth of natural beauty in the area with the lakes and mountains. Some options that I like for staying in the area are Casa Mojanda, Hacienda Pinsaqui and Hacienda Cusin, and Rancho Ali Shungu (not the Hotel Ali Shungu, which has the same owners - nice, but the other is luxurious and in the countryside). Besides Otavalo, visit Cotacachi and nearby Cuicocha lake, Peguche waterfall, drive through the countryside to Zuleta, visit the Mojanda Lakes.
I've heard good things about Hda. Manteles but have no experience with it. I stayed in nearby Hacienda Leito, and it was very nice, gorgeous setting, they have horseback riding.