The Best Hotel in The Central Highlands, Ecuador

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.