Hacienda San Juan de La Vega — Hotel in San Pablo del Lago

Janine told me in advance that her place wasn't the right place for me, but I wouldn't listen. It turns out that she was right, though it's not at all what you are probably thinking. You see, I needed a hotel to use as a jump off point to visit several destinations in the Otavalo area. It turns out that Janine' place IS a self-contained destination. ||||It's out of the way, kind of hard to find, tranquil and stunningly beautiful. A nearly perfect setting for a peaceful holiday or extended weekend with family or friends. However, as I was traveling solo, had a sightseeing agenda and only limited time, it was not the right place for me. ||||The property features several guest cabins or rustic guest houses. My quarters appeared to be the smallest by far, suitable for one or two guests at most. Except for the flat screen TV with Nextflix, it was a relatively plain space, though fully furnished and equipped. My unit had a kitchenette, included dishes, etc., so you could cook your own meals, provided you thought to bring supplies, which I did not. In addition to its natural beauty, the property features horses and other livestock, including goats, cows, llamas and chickens. All in all, quite an eye feast to a city dweller like me. ||||My criticisms? First, the place doesn't accept credit cards, which is a bit of a hassle. Second, it could be more clearly advertised for what it really is: a resort, as opposed to a traditional hotel. Perhaps because it's out of the way, while there I had trouble getting a clear internet signal and had no telephone service whatsoever. Finally, while Janine's staff could not be nicer or more eager to please, no one spoke much English. In combination with a lack of phone service, I felt a bit isolated. ||||Janine was very understanding when I decided to move after only one night, and even offered to refund some of my money, despite the fact it was more "my bad" than hers that I departed early. Knowing what I now today, however, I might one day return, fully prepared to take advantage of what this splendid property...

My husband and I stayed here with our 8 and 10 year olds in March and couldn't have been more pleased. ||||First, the property is stunningly beautiful. It's nestled in a verdant, eucalyptus-filled Andean mountain valley. A creek snakes through the property, just a stone's throw from the casa we stayed in (Casa Ana).||||Casa Ana was beautifully decorated. The large sun-filled kitchen and dining room were perfect for morning and afternoon meals, while the fire-lit salas offered a cozy spot to sip one's morning coffee or enjoy an evening glass of wine.||||The staff couldn't have been more friendly and accommodating. They took our children under their wings and showed them the ropes of farm life, from milking cows to making cheese and empanadas, collecting eggs for breakfast, feeding the animals and more.||||The day we arrived was my son's 8th birthday and Janine arranged for a family pinata party for him. Such a special and fun way to kickoff our stay.||||Although this is set up to be a self-catering place, we were able to arrange to have meals prepared for us. The food was fantastic. Home cooked, often using ingredients grown or produced right on the farm.||||Janine arranged for us to have a guide one of our days. Our guide was fantastic--the best we had during our 10 days in Ecuador.||||A few caveats: the drive back in to the valley where San Juan de la Vega is located is long and bumpy. So while it's well located for doing some sightseeing in the Otavalo area, it's probably a bit remote for someone wanting to go into town frequently. Also, the staff's English is limited. If you don't know much Spanish, it might be helpful to have Google translate. Finally, as another has mentioned, we had virtually no cell service while there. None of these were problems for us, but just wanted to make others aware.||||San Juan de la Vega alone would be a reason for us to...

This was our third time at the hacienda and we love it more every time we return. We go with family and usually rent one or two houses. Casa Monica is our favorite but they are all wonderful. Rustic beauty all around with fireplaces ready whenever you need them. WiFi, hot water, books and TV are available as well as all the necessary appliances. We have cooked ourselves and also had the staff cook for us. Both are good options depending on what you want. This last visit we wanted to relax fully and the staff prepared amazing breakfast and barbecue for lunch (for lunch it is necessary to provide the ingredients, except for vegetables and fruit, which can be obtained at the hacienda). We went hiking with a guide, milked the cows and picked up eggs which the kids loved. At night he staff started a fire and we made s’mores underneath the stars. The staff is attentive and professional and know their stuff. The hacienda is a bit out of the way but you can use it as a base to travel to nearby attractions like the Otavalo arts and crafts market, Cotacachi (hand made leather products) and Zuleta. All worthwhile. Or you can just stay and enjoy the peaceful feeling of life in the Andean countryside. We would recommend bringing enough food if you want to cook, snacks, wine, etc., so you don’t have to make several trips to the town...