Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
rooms, a ranch-like atmosphere, and friendly owners. The restaurant
serves an excellent trout dinner. Rooms range from $10 to $25 per
night. $
Another nearby retreat is San Jorge (in the US,
877-565-2596;
outside the US,
203-263-0705, www.eco-lodgesanjorge.com, info@
eco-lodgesanjorge.com). This is a recently converted 18th-century
farm, located in the foothills of the Pichinchas, 10 minutes outside of
the city and high above the valley of Quito. This beautiful lodge and
nature retreat consists of 375 acres on the San Jorge Botanical Re-
serve. You'll find Spanish architecture, a relaxing atmosphere and at-
tractive garden patios, along with 25 cozy rooms that include private
baths and rustic stone fireplaces in each suite or cabin. There is a
heated swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, hydromassage pool and
a restaurant that offers both international and Ecuadorian cuisine.
They can also arrange a variety of adventure excursions on foot, bike
or horseback into the surrounding area.
Staying for Long?
If you are staying in Quito for any length of time, you may
prefer to rent your own apartment or reside with a local
family. Either way, Quito has plenty of great options. Check
inwith the SouthAmericanExplorers Club , at GWash-
ington 311,
2-2225-228, www.samexplo.org, explorer@
saec.org.ec. A home stay is nearly as cheap as a stay at the
budget hostels, and it's much more social.
Camping
The Pasochoa Forest Reserve , managed by FundaciĆ³n
Natura, Ecuador's major non-governmental environmen-
tal organization, offers a nice getaway within close prox-
imity to Quito. Camping is permitted in designated sites
behind the Education Center and near where the trails begin. The fee
to camp is $3 and cooking facilities in a simple hostel that also
features bunk beds and showers cost $5. Pack everything in and out.
See Eco-Travel , page 98-99, for more detailed information and how to
get there.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search