7 Best Hotels in The Northern Highlands, Ecuador

The Quichua name of this colorful hotel means "good heart," and indeed the American owners go out of their way to make you feel at home. The spacious bedrooms with terra-cotta floors and local weavings surround a flower-filled courtyard, beyond which is Volcán Imbabura in the distance. Two expansive suites are ideal for families. The bright restaurant has wholesome dishes, including vegetarian lasagna and deep-dish chicken pie served with organically grown vegetables. There's live folk music on Friday night. For a real get-away-from-it-all alternative, these folks operate a lodge 5 km (3 mi) southwest of town. Four sparkling, fully equipped houses ($$$) have terra-cotta floors, cactus-braid rugs and wood-burning stoves to ward off the night chill. (There's even Wi-Fi access, but come on: leave the laptop at home and enjoy the surroundings.) Both properties are entirely no-smoking.

Two hours out of Quito puts you smack-dab up in the heights of Ecuador's best-known cloud forest, replete with trails, waterfalls, orchids, and an amazing 275 bird species to add to your life list. You can do the place as a day trip—a long day trip from the capital—but staying here at the reserve's rustic but comfy dome-shape hotel makes a much more relaxing alternative. Rooms, one of which is wheelchair-accessible, have wood floors, basic furnishings and private balconies. (The birds will be your morning alarm clock.) A couple of other small cottages on site offer more seclusion, but all offer you access to surprisingly yummy food considering the isolated location. Various mix-and-match packages let you include tours and transportation.

This restored colonial hacienda on the edge of San Pablo is one of the country's most delightful inns. Rooms are filled with period furnishings, and many are warmed by fireplaces. The main buildings, which date from the 17th century, hold the restaurant, bar, and sitting rooms, where you can enjoy the views of the colorful gardens.

French and Spanish antiques fill this colonial ranch house, built in 1790, surrounded by palm trees. The huge light-filled suites, which can accommodate up to five people, have canopy beds, fireplaces, and spacious sitting areas. Some rooms have views of Imbabura Volcano. Horseback-riding trips are the hacienda's specialty.

This inexpensive lodging beside the town church provides an authentic Ecuadoran experience. Most rooms are on the second floor surrounding a courtyard restaurant and have small balconies and soft beds. A spacious suite on the third floor is a great deal for a couple.

You'll pass trickling fountains and shady courtyards as you wind through flower-filled gardens on the way to your casita on this 200-year-old property. Suites are chock-full of decorative touches, from handcrafted furnishings to crystal chandeliers, antique canopy beds, gilded mirrors, ornate trim, and lavish baths. International cuisine is served in the wood-beamed dining room, part of which looks out onto the lawn, where peacocks roam. Much of the produce is organic and grown in the hotel's own garden. While you're at dinner, staff members slip in to build a fire and place hot water bottles at the foot of your bed, an example of the sort of pampering you can expect throughout a stay here. Aside from the standard massages, the spa has volcanic mud treatments, aromatherapy, massage instruction for couples, and unique shaman treatments.

Volcanic peaks form a dramatic backdrop for this lakeside country inn just a few miles southeast of Otavalo. The view from the restaurant, built out over the lake, is enough to warrant a stay here. Don't miss the panfried trout, served head and all. Bungalow-style rooms are spacious, with brick walls, wood-beam ceilings, and cozy fireplaces. You can rent a rowboat or kayak, or take an excursion on a festive pontoon boat with live music. Breakfast and dinner are included in the rate.