2 Best Hotels in The Central Highlands, Ecuador

This quartet of three-room bungalows is nestled on a lush hillside at the edge of town. Each room has several beds and a small bath. Many have views of the town. At the foot of the hill are a swimming pool, a sauna, and a lovely little restaurant.

This ranch, set 9,000 feet above sea level, is surrounded by natural hot springs. The springs line the Cinnamon Trail, the route taken by Francisco de Orellana in 1542 when he crossed the Andes in search of spices and wound up discovering the Amazon. All rooms have private baths and breathtaking mountain views. Individual cabins scattered around the grounds offer a little more privacy. Walk or ride horses through the rain forest, and bring binoculars to observe the varied species of birds.