Our Otavalo Tours Explore the Andean Sierra & Beyond

a very special place This is a beautiful and historic hacienda in the shadow of the Andes. I had imagined a more rural setting but it did seem... read moreThis is a beautiful and historic hacienda in the shadow of the Andes. I had imagined a more rural setting but it did seem to be rather close to town with all its noises and activities. In the end, though, this was not really an issue and did not interfere with our sleep! The profusion of antique furnishings and art - in both the common areas as well as the private accommodations - was overwhelming. Perhaps the staff could conduct a tour of the grounds and buildings so we could better appreciate all the beauty around us. Our room - really a little cottage with a porch and a sitting room independent from the bedroom - was wonderful. We enjoyed the little fireplace and the hot water bottles placed in our beds each evening. Somehow the latter never seemed to lose its heat. We did not have wi-fi in our room but had to go a few steps to the library, a charming area well worth the little walk. The dining room served up very nice breakfast and dinner. Service was excellent. There was a nice cozy little bar off the dining room. Drink selection was very limited but there was enough choice to satisfy the urge to imbibe. Housekeeping was attentive, front desk totally accommodating. Noted other remarks about noise from wedding festivities. We had that too but did not feel this to be all that bothersome, easy enough to shut it out. Enjoyed the llamas on the grounds and all the beautiful flora. read less

Exceptional We had an exceptional stay at Hacienda Cusin. The place was clean, friendly, quiet, beautifully tended. The staff made us a lovely fire to... read moreWe had an exceptional stay at Hacienda Cusin. The place was clean, friendly, quiet, beautifully tended. The staff made us a lovely fire to keep the room warm and brought us hot water bottles for the night. This place is a gem, would love to go back! Had a little cabin with a gorgeous park view: wow! read less

Absolutely Wonderful! This was the start of our recent visit to Equador. Originally we planned to stay by the airport but changed our minds at the... read moreThis was the start of our recent visit to Equador. Originally we planned to stay by the airport but changed our minds at the last minute to stay here. It was a highlight of our trip. Planning in advance the hotel responded to all of my emails same day which was appreciated. They arranged for a driver to pick us up at Quito airport. We were in a group of 3 adults so our suite was very nice and roomy. Decorated hacienda style with comfortable beds, authentic wool bed comforters, blankets etc. At turn down they put hot water bottles in the beds which are wonderful. Our suite did not have a fireplace, but it was still nice, warm and cozy. The room had a nice seating area and nice size bath. We stayed 2 nights and ate dinner at the hotel both nights. The food was very good with a nice selection. They have a special with courses you can order so it includes everything. We thought the food was fair priced. The service in the dining and bar area are very good. The bartender made me a Caprinia which I highly recommend. The guys in our group ordered the guinea pig and it is quite the presentation! (order in advance) Breakfast is hearty and very good also. If there is 1 food group I'd recommend in Equador, its the fruit. The fresh juices at breakfast are really good.... This was the start of our recent visit to Equador. Originally we planned to stay by the airport but changed our minds at the last minute to stay here. It was a highlight of our trip. Planning in advance the hotel responded to all of my emails same day which was appreciated. They arranged for a driver to pick us up at Quito airport. We were in a group of 3 adults so our suite was very nice and roomy. Decorated hacienda style with comfortable beds, authentic wool bed comforters, blankets etc. At turn down they put hot water bottles in the beds which are wonderful. Our suite did not have a fireplace, but it was still nice, warm and cozy. The room had a nice seating area and nice size bath. We stayed 2 nights and ate dinner at the hotel both nights. The food was very good with a nice selection. They have a special with courses you can order so it includes everything. We thought the food was fair priced. The service in the dining and bar area are very good. The bartender made me a Caprinia which I highly recommend. The guys in our group ordered the guinea pig and it is quite the presentation! (order in advance) Breakfast is hearty and very good also. If there is 1 food group I'd recommend in Equador, its the fruit. The fresh juices at breakfast are really good. Everyone at this hotel is very professional thoughtful and courteous. A highlight for us was the tour the hotel arranged for us. I asked for a taxi to take us to a few local tourist attractions. We got the most amazing tour by Christian, a local tour guide. He showed us the "authentic side" of the Otavalo area and we had a great day. It was way above and beyond our expectations! I highly recommend Christian and his tour. He designed the whole tour and it was wonderfully creative. He took us to a couple of local eateries and hand craftsman shops in nearby towns while touring the countryside.The grounds of this hotel are a bit of paradise. Romantic sprawling vines of bouganvilla, blooming salvia with hummingbirds everywhere! The hotel is decorated with some amazing artwork and antiques. You can tell the owners are really passionate about this place. I highly recommend taking a walk thru the gardens and explore. Its really a special place. Our room had a nice small outdoor seating area and it was nice to open the doors to a view of a beautiful garden. In the evening we sat by the fire in the library which was so nice. We met people from everywhere and everyone anxious to share their travel itineraries in Equador. There is also a spa, but we were not able to take advantage of it. The hotel also has maps/guides of hiking trails and there is plenty to do in the area. The second day we spent the morning visiting the Otavalo Market. This is close to the hotel and quite a bit of fun. if your wanting to get authentic crafts from the area, the tour Christian took us on really is your best bet. There is also a store in Quito called "Olga Fische" which has the most beautiful crafts from all over Equador. Highly recommend it. I can see why people return to Hacienda Cusin year after year. Its really a very special spot and you will really enjoy it. Equador is a wonderful country. More read less