This 150 year-old hacienda, with its towering palm trees and garden cottages with roaring log - fires, is tucked in a lush mountain valley less than two hours north of Quito, Ecuador .

A few miles north of the equator at 8,500 feet (2,800 meters), the valley has a climate of perpetual spring (daytime 65-75 F / 17-21 C; night time 55-60 F / 11-14 C). The sun rises on sometimes snow-capped Cotacachi (4,939 m / 16,298 ft) and sets on the sacred Imbabura mountain (4609 m / 15,210 ft).

From such tranquility, it is just a brief downhill walk to the bustling indigenous markets of Otavalo. Tile-topped earthen walls contain an ever-blooming perennial garden with hibiscus, bougainvillea and a variety of other flowering plants and fruit trees, which attract hummingbirds, vermilion fly-catchers and a profusion of other native birds.

The inn's thick adobe walls preserve the day's warmth for the cool mountain nights, and roaring eucalyptus log - fires provide a cozy atmosphere.

For visitors to Otavalo's markets, our nearby restaurant makes a perfect stop for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea!