Central Highlands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 196

3-720-917 fax
740-490, www.sangayspa.com, is just across from the waterfall and
baths. Larger in scale, it has 72 rooms and facilities well-suited for Ec-
uadorian and foreign travelers. Amenities range from a thermal pool,
hot tub, and tennis courts to a nice restaurant and bar with a view of
the waterfall. Rooms throughout are comfortable and modern, though
they tend to be a bit nicer in the newer of the two buildings. $-$$

Nearby, the Hotel Sangay , Plaza Isidro Ayora 101,

Villa Gertrudis , at Montalvo and Alfaro, 3-740-441, offers a fam-

ily atmosphere in a beautiful converted home. Relax by the garden or
go for a swim in an unusually large pool. Tasty meals in their restau-
rant are included in the price. Quite a popular establishment, it is of-
ten full during peak-season weekends, so check before you go. $

A step up, with a jungle feel, is the HosteríaMonte Selva , Montalvo
and Halflants,

3-740-224, fax [phone], which has 12 attractive
cabañas built into the hillside overlooking Baños. The very pleasant
gardens include a pool and saunawith a great view. Individual cabins
are comfortably perched along the cliff, as are the restaurant and re-
ception area. These cozy cabins offer a nice retreat without ever leav-
ing town. $$

Luna Runtún Resort , Km 6 on the road to Runtún, 3-740-882, in

the US, 888-217-8254, fax [phone], lunaruntun@ecuadorexplorer.

com or [e-mail], www.lunaruntun.com. The name
means “fortress of the moon,” and this colonial-style hostería has a
magical charm to it - a beautiful, secluded, romantic mountain re-
sort. The Swiss-Ecuadorian couple who built it have invested all of
their dreams in this getaway. The attractive buildings are scattered
among terraced gardens that overlook Baños and the valley below.
The guestrooms range from singles to a presidential suite with a fire-
place. Some of the facilities border the edge of the volcano itself and
offer spectacular views. All rooms are comfortable andwell-decorated
and include private, hot-water baths. The restaurant serves delicious
food, using organic vegetables grown on the property. Just beyond the
botanical garden and cattle farmare trails leading into the surround-
ing countryside. The friendly staff can also help with travel services.
All-inclusive, with dinner and breakfast. Prices are per room for one-
four people. $$$$-$$$$+

East of Baños is El Otro Lado , a secluded bungalow retreat offering
peaceful simplicity along a beautiful river and near a towering water-
fall. To get there, go just past Río Verde on the road to Puyo, and hike
down the Pailón del Diablo Trail. Reservations can be made through