Hacienda Manteles Hotel

Hacienda Manteles puts you in a gorgeous location for exploring Ecuador’s volcanic landscape. You’ll be able to see several impressive volcano peaks from the hotel — including the Tungurahua, Chimborazo and El Altar. It sits on its own 494 acres (200 ha) of cloud forest.

This area is known as an Important Birding Area — take a nature hike early in the morning to see some of the area’s most exotic species. Explore the Sangay National Park on a boating tour past beautiful waterfalls, or go abseiling down a canyon around Rio Blanco. For more adventure, consider going rafting on the Pastazas, one of Ecuador’s swiftest-moving rivers.

Your stay starts with a welcome cocktail. If you want a massage, there’s a beautiful, wood-panelled room with massage tables with a huge window and an incredible view. The rustic feel continues in the dining room, which serves hearty, inspired fare and a breakfast that’s included in your stay. Local art makes the shared spaces especially inviting.

Guests can gather around the enormous fireplace in the common room, which comes with overstuffed chairs and sofas. The hotel’s outdoor spaces encourage you to take in the stellar views. There is Wi-Fi available in the common areas.

There are a total of 20 rooms here. They emphasize natural materials, combining elements of wood and stone. The best rooms have incredible views, with windows that stretch the length of the far wall. All of the rooms come with private bathrooms, and the staff provides a handy laundry service. Rooms also come stocked with tea, coffee, and water.