Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Septimo Paraiso (7th Heaven)
1 mile (2 km) before the fork that leads to Mindo on the Quito-Mindo road
$$$
Septimo Paraiso Hosteria and Cloud Forest Reserve is by far Mindo Valley's best luxury
option. While there are many eco-lodges in the area catering to nature lovers, the rooms
are rustic and services range from basic to just average. For more of a getaway, Septimo
Paraiso offers 23 rooms, an 18-hole golf course, extensive nature trails, a heated outdoor
pool with Jacuzzi, a modern conference center made of bamboo, two fine dining restaur-
ants, two bars and an extensive wine list.
Otavalo
Otavalo is a city about 2.5 hours north of Quito known for its largely indigenous popula-
tion who host South America's largest handicraft market in the town's center. Though the
colorful market is a main draw the city and its outskirts have more to offer than just
souvenirs. Situated on the crossroads between Imbabura, Cotacachi and Cayambe volca-
noes, Otavalo serves as a cultural and business hub for natives and an Andean escape for
visitors. The town is encircled by dramatic landscapes that are rich with waterfalls, rivers,
mountains and farms and filled with hard-working
Otavalos
(the region's indigenous iden-
tity), classical churches and inviting streets that captivate travelers year after year.
There is a general easy-going ambience about Otavalo, whose blocks are laid out in multi-
colored marble and lined by lampposts. None of that aggressiveness other touristy market
towns are fretted with. The Otavalos are everywhere, run everything and exude a kind of
integrity that is the hallmark of honest businesspeople. The men wear perfectly-tailored
white pants, felt fedora hats with a little feather tucked into the ribbon and long ponchos,
while women don embroidered white shirts with flared sleeves and black skirts. But what
really stands out are the accessories: a regal collection of beaded bands washed in gold
that adorn the neck and chest and delicately woven ribbons that are tightly wrapped
around the waist and hair braid. Murals that illustrate historical moments in the indigen-
ous struggle for equal rights speckled about town are just some examples of how proud
locals are of their city's cultural significance.
