Ecuador by Denise

These are a few of my favourite places in Ecuador.

Hacienda

Only an hour and a half from Quito is my favourite hacienda.  This wonderful 15^th century working farmhouse is absolutely gorgeous inside. It is all Art Noveau décor, wonderful doors, art and furniture, enormous bowls of roses in every room and in each bedroom a wonderful huge fireplace burning eucalyptus wood so a lovely aroma also and fabulous furnishings and colours.   Outside you have magnificent views of Cotopaxi on a clear day with surrounding hills, glasshouses growing roses, beautiful gardens and a courtyard with a visit from llamas. A great base to stay for a couple of nights and you can enjoy some outdoor excursions of trout fishing, horse riding, mountain bikes or visit the local markets.  

Banos  

Banos is only 55 kms from Riobamba so while in this area I recommend a visit.  Known for its baths fed by thermal springs from the active volcano Tungurahua and entrance to the Amazonian basin – this is a lovely place to kick back for awhile, do some walks, visit the jungle with a reputable guide and enjoy the town.

The Devils Nose train…

There are two types of train from Riobamba to Alausi. The very famous and rustic Andean Express train that tourists/backbackers love to ride on the roof!!  We however went on the very upmarket Autoferro, bright red, seating 24 passengers that tootled off into the dawn on its lonesome. There were bars around the roof and cushions and packed lunches, so we could go up onto the roof at one of the stops and enjoy some outside viewing.  You need to have about five layers if you are travelling on the top all the way as it can be pretty cold first thing. Great photo opportunities of  people in their bright coloured full skirts, ponchos and felt hats working the fields, crops, rivers – a fantastic experience and you feel really part of it sitting out on top.   You travel 350 kms and between 1800 and 3200 metres.  The town of Alausi before going down the Devils Nose is fantastic – little cobbled streets, people in their national costumes and Sunday is a lovely day to be there as families come to town for the day. 

Cuenca

A World Cultural Heritage site founded in the 15^th century this town is very picturesque with cobbled streets, flower filled plazas, wonderful architecture, great hanging houses along the river with the indigenous people’s colourful washing hanging out to dry.  Market day is Sunday and there is an interesting animal market as well.   Cuenca is known for the panama hat making – prices range depending on the quality and time taken to make them.  I would have enjoyed more time here, especially as you can visit outlying villages – great for a craft tour.