Hacienda Las Cuevas Terra Lodge

We ended our Ecuador and Galapagos trip with two nights and three days here in February, and it made for a memorable finish. The setting is striking, a historic cave beside a stream or moat with beautiful mountain views. The hotel also has a jacuzzi, table tennis and a pool table. Our host was incredibly welcoming and helpful, somehow covering chef, housekeeper, laundry and tour guide duties. He adapted the menu for allergens, and the food was delicious. I enjoyed trying typical Ecuadorian dishes. We explored nearby trails on our own, which were easy to follow, then joined a guided walk to the waterfalls and caves. Horse trekking was especially fun. I’d absolutely recommend this place.

The place itself feels magical, and the unusual stay and range of activities make it worth visiting. The night walk was great, though I couldn't understand it because it was in Spanish, and there was no indication beforehand of the language. Horse riding was wonderful too, but a few horses looked tired before we set off, and one seemed a bit skinny. A few practical things let the stay down. The road is rough, and I'd want a 4x4 to get there safely. My partner's meal was okay, but my ravioli was tough and tasted undercooked. We missed our jacuzzi hour because nobody seemed to make sure guests left when their slot ended. It could use more privacy too, since it's basically in a hallway. There wasn't a hair dryer in our room. Still, it's an enchanting place.

The room was comfortable and the views were amazing. We enjoyed both tastings, beer and chocolate, then wine and cheese, and found them informative. The property was beautiful, and the staff came to help when rain made the road difficult to drive up. The whole stay was lovely and well worth the effort.

We spent four days and three nights at Las Cuevas and were looked after the whole time. After lots of hiking around Cotopaxi, it was a relaxing place to be pampered without getting bored. The staff kept us fed with delicious meals, did our laundry, made up the room each day and helped plan activities. The activities were a highlight, and included for a reasonable price. We had a great time horseback riding to the rose farm and trying the wine and beer tastings. In between, we ate at the onsite restaurant, used the jacuzzi, read on our bedroom terrace, took in the views and played pool. Staying in a cave was such a fun, fascinating experience. Joaquin and Nicholas made us feel at home from the start. They both spoke English fluently, and we enjoyed practicing Spanish with the rest of the hotel staff. We also took the free guided tour on arrival to hear about the cave's history. We didn't realize how magical it would be until we got there. Thanks to everyone at Las Cuevas for making it so special.