Hacienda Cusin is a restored 17th-century Andean estate at 8,500 feet, close to the Equatorial Line and 90 minutes north of Quito and its airports. This elegant Ecuador hotel is 20 minutes south of the famous market town of Otavalo.

Cusin's terracotta-tiles, winding cobblestone path-ways, fountain court- yards, towers and perennial gardens nestle beneath a deep blue sky in a wide lake-valley. Nearby, the often snow-capped 15,000-foot Imbabura mountain and Cotacachi volcano are reflected in Lago San Pablo.

Ancient lakebed soil, cool nights and a predictable equatorial sun have conspired with avid gardeners to create ever-blooming perennial gardens that include belladonna, bougainvillea, agapantha, acanthus, foxgloves, orchids, palms, flora, which attract over 50 species of birds.

Antiques and select Andean craft-furnished salons and guest rooms, the majority with log-burning fire places, beamed-ceilings and King beds, have extensive garden views.

Perfect for an Ecuador wedding. Stimulating for a conference. A wonderful environment to learn Spanish. And convenient for an Otavalo market-goers lunch at our sister hotel Las Palmeras Inn.