Fodor's Expert Review La Merced del Alto

Although this stately white-adobe building looks like it's been here forever, it was in fact built in 2006; inside, rooms are huge and comfortable with tasteful wood and iron furniture. Communal areas include an enormous reading room, a well-stocked bar, a wine cellar, and a lovely restaurant. In a separate building there's a fully equipped spa with outdoor Jacuzzi, and hotel staff can arrange trekking, horseback riding, and visits to archaeological sites. The hotel sits between two streams, with the Nevada de Cachi on one side, the Parque Los Cardones on the other, and the town spread out below.