Like stepping back in time... It truly feels like you are staying in an old hacienda and monastery. Around every corner is a little sculpture, fountain or llama. The... read moreIt truly feels like you are staying in an old hacienda and monastery. Around every corner is a little sculpture, fountain or llama. The rooms feel old fashioned- they come in and make you a fire every evening and leave hot water bottles in your bed! The dining room feels quite magical and the food is traditional Ecuadorian. Service is excellent. My kids loved the horse back ride and riding around the grounds. We also wandered into a game room and there is a beautiful library with fire place to curl up by and read when the evening gets chilly. One of our favorite spots in Ecuador! read less

Highly recommended! I have been fortunate enough to travel extensively during a long career as a magazine photographer. My assignments have taken me to 77 countries... read moreI have been fortunate enough to travel extensively during a long career as a magazine photographer. My assignments have taken me to 77 countries in Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe. In the United States, where I'm from, I've been to all fifty states. I have spent many, many nights in hotels, some posh (Hotel George V, Fullerton Bay) and some primitive (Mopti, Mali; Chitral, Pakistan). But I have never stayed in a place as serene, charming, eclectic, and unusual as Hacienda Cusin.

My three simple tests of a good hotel are: comfort, staff, and food. Hacienda Cusin excels at all three. My wife and I (vacation trip) rented a casita in the garden of HC at a ridiculously fair price. Every night while we were at dinner, members of the Hacienda's friendly, helpful staff lit a fire in our room and placed a hot water bottle in our bed. When we turned in, we curled up under alpaca blankets and slept the sleep of the gods. There are three chefs on Cusin's staff. They prepared delicious and original meals--Ecuadorian dishes for the most part--that were fabulous. Fresh fruit and fresh vegetables always. At the end of our stay, we received (and gratefully returned) hugs from many of the staff members.

The owner, Nik Millhouse, deserves a thankful nod. Nik is the heart and soul of Cusin. His extensive (and eccentric) decorations and his knowledge of all things South American and beyond are the spirit of this imaginative place.

I can't imagine a more calming holiday from our troubled world then this gem in the high Sierras of Ecuador. Highly, highly recommended. read less

Beautiful, peaceful hacienda Outside Otavalo lies this beautiful, tranquil, and in many ways luxurious authentic hacienda. Our room was spacious and well appointed, and opened to... read moreOutside Otavalo lies this beautiful, tranquil, and in many ways luxurious authentic hacienda. Our room was spacious and well appointed, and opened to an garden that welcomed wandering and relaxing at a leisurely pace. The restaurant on site was richly decorated and the food was excellent. We took short walks into the nearby village of San Pedro, and along country lanes into the surrounding hills. All in all, a fabulous end to an otherwise rapid-paced trip to the Galapagos. I would return in a heartbeat if ever in the area again. More read less