About 10 km from San Antonio, in the community of Magdalena (see map), is a fine water-mill, built in 1930, which is used to grind maize, and to extract the juice from sugar-cane; heating and then cooling the juice produces blocks of unrefined sugar (panela), a great deal tastier and healthier than the refined sugar we are used to in industrialized countries. The owner of the mill, Sr. Ivan Ayala, is a local historian; aswell as demonstrating the milling process and the production of sugar, he is an entertaining source of local knowledge.

Strolling in our gardens, on the banks of the beautiful Cristopamba river, you will see and enjoy a variety of native and ornamental shrubs and trees. We offer cabin accommodation for up to 10 guests, bathrooms with hot and cold water, and good food.

We offer interesting and scenic guided eco-tours to nearby waterfalls and organic farms.
For more information, call us on (593) 062 648 074
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About 15 km from Cuellaje is the eco-tourist complex of Nangulvi, where there are thermal baths (25 to 40 centigrade), a restaurant, bar, sports grounds, camping facilities, and accommodation for up to 18 people, with private bath-rooms.
The young, friendly management also offer guided eco-tours to the nearby woods and waterfalls. For more information and to make reservations, call (593) 062-648291 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Otavalo is the nearest town to the San Antonio valley, and is well worth a stopover. It is a pleasant, easygoing place, and its main claim to fame is that it is the site of Latin America´s biggest arts and crafts fair. This happens every Saturday (with a smaller fair every Wednesday), when the streets are full of vendors; stalls. Perhaps best of all are the attractive woolen and linen products. Vendors are well aware that foreigners are among their wealthiest clients, and you will need to be prepared to bargain fiercely. Although Otavalo is a friendly town, the crafts fair attracts the inevitable pickpockets, and you need to keep valuables in inside pockets, safely zipped up if possible.

For accommodation in Otavalo, we recommend Hostal Valle del Amanecer, which is on Ramon Roca. Most of the bathrooms are shared, but the rooms are spacious and attractive. The cost is $8 per person per night. Telephone 062 920 990 or 099606918 email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

We also recommend Hotel Riviera Sucre, which is on Garcia Moreno 380 and Ramón Roca.