Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking are all avail-
able. It's pricey but worth it. All-inclusive. $$$$
Another rural retreat is
Hacienda Yanahurco
, in Quito, Pasaje A
#25 and J.M. Agascal,
2-2241-593, fax 2-2445-016, yanahurco@
impsat.net.ec, www.yanahurco.com.ec. Located three hours from
Quito on the southeast side of Cotopaxi, Yanahurco is a place of the
past, of
vaqueros
and wild
toros
, of peace and harmony with the land.
The enormous 64,220-acre private refuge provides the opportunity to
escape amid the backdrop of Cotopaxi, Antisana, Sincholagua, and
Quilindaña. It is a working hacienda that encompasses elevations
from 11,445 to 13,734 feet and includes 2,000 head of cattle, 100 rid-
ing horses, and 200 wild horses. Rustic but comfortable, the rooms of-
fer full baths, hot water, and fireplaces or heaters for warmth. There's
even an on-site generator. Although this land is near the equator, it
can be quite chilly around Yanahurco.
A professional outfit, the staff has put together a variety of package
tours that include hiking, fishing, camping, mountain biking and
four-wheel-drive excursions. This sanctuary for Andean wildlife is
also a paradise for anglers, with 19 rivers and streams and a small
lake. Prices include all meals and package tours. $$$$
The Black Sheep Inn
. If you are interested in spending some
time in the backcountry near Lake Quilotoa, there are accommoda-
tions available in each of the small villages, though they are very ba-
sic. This is the best home base for exploring the region. The inn is just
north of the lake and south of the village of Chugchilán. Contact them
directly via e-mail at info@blacksheepinn.comor visit their website at
www.blacksheepinn.com. Prices as of publication are $18-$38 per
person, including dinner and breakfast, and free tea and coffee and
purified water. Lunches, home-baked desserts, cheese from the local
Swiss-styled cheese cooperative, and full bar, including Chilean
wines, are also available. The Black Sheep Inn provides hiking maps
and can arrange transportation, mountain biking and horseback rid-
ing excursions. The simple accommodations offer surprising comfort
for such a remote location. $$
Ambato
A relatively pricey option is
Hotel Ambato
, at Guayaquil 01-08 and
Rocafuerte,
3-412-005, fax 3-412-003, hambato@hotmail.com. It of-
fers the amenities of a more modern facility, and is still inexpensive.
There are comfortable, clean rooms with private baths, telephone/TV,
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