Hacienda Manteles

Allowing its scenic Andean setting and views to really hold sway, this lovely and simple mountain lodge is a cosy, comfortable and perfectly placed stay in Banos.

Choose from one of the 16 individually-decorated rooms, warmly decorated in a traditionally rustic style, with exposed brick walls counterpointed by bright flashes of yellow and orange paint and wood-burners in the slightly larger suites. Each room provides great views of the countryside, showing the hotel gardens, the surrounding mountains or the nearby Tungurahua volcano. In the modest dining room, expect a range of both national and international favourites – the head chef comes from the nearby village of Patales so the local influences are strong.

With a 200 hectare area of primary cloud forest on its doorstep, the hacienda naturally operates a broad range of activities. Ride horses, hike, explore the canopy by zip-wire, go bird watching and canyoning, camp out in the wilderness or learn more about Ecuadorian cooking – the choice is yours.