El Hato

Recently Mick, Pat, Sue, and I took a little road trip to Hosteria El Hato, located off the road to Loja at mile marker 35. The drive is lovely. The entrance is marked by a sign that marks the turn. After turning you wind down a narrow road for about a mile.

The views are spectacular.

There are many exotic birds, including ostriches.

This building houses the eventos area and pool.

The pool.

There are many exotic birds including a number of varieties of pheasants and chickens.

The grounds and gardens are quite lovely.

The fireplace in the sala.

The veranda overlooking the garden.

More of the garden area.

One of the suites, complete with jacuzzi, $35 per night.

An Andean orchid.

The proprietors, Veronica and Pablo, are residents of Cuenca and commute to the hosteria. They're very hospitable and accommodating. We were too early for lunch and were provided with coffee, homemade breads, cheese, and jams, all of which were delicious. It is well worth the drive.

Remember to dress warmly. We were dressed for Cuenca weather and about froze our buns off, so the roaring fire in the dining room fireplace was most inviting. If you feel the need to get out of the city for a few hours, head down to El Hato.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy