Ecuador
Chugchilan is a small village, popular for hiking trails, that takes about a day to get to from Quito.
The Black Sheep Inn is an inexpensive ecologically friendly hotel high in the Andes Mountains. It is a perfect place to discover centuries-old culture and diverse ecosystems. It offers affordable accommodation and provides you with a great base for day hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, acclimating and exploring indigenous markets.
www.responsibletravel.com/Accommodation/Accommodation100083.htm
If you have an afternoon to spare, why not take a walk down to the historic village of Guapulo.
Take a taxi to the Camino de Orellana, just next to the Hotel Quito - five minutes from the Mariscal.
At the top of the winding round down to the village you will find a small bar, Mirador de Guapulo, where you can enjoy a light lunch with typical Ecuadorean platters, whilst looking out over the fabulous view of Guapulo and its historic church.
From here you can either follow the cobbled street down the hill or take the short cut through the small park in front of the bar. Wear good shoes as the road is steep. On the way down you will see a range of interesting old buildings.
The area has a bohemian atmosphere and is home to many artists. At the bottom sits the beautiful Sancturia de Guapulo, Quito's oldest colonial church, facing onto a small square. In front of the church is a statue of Fransisco de Orellana, the Conquistador who sailed the length of the Amazon to the Atlantic Ocean in 1542. There is a small taxi rank opposite the church, where you can get a ride back up to the city.
Taxi to Hotel Quito and then by foot.
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