The Hosteria Uzhupud is a 45 minute drive from Cuenca nestled in the Paute Valley-- best to hire a driver and guide for this day trip. First a disclaimer: I have not stayed in the hosteria so I am not able to comment on the quality of the rooms and the service of the lodging. Bear in mind however that this is the same extended family that runs the Hotel Santa Lucia and the Villa Rosa Restaurant in the colonial center so one can expect the same level of hospitality and excellent local and international cuisine. I am compelled to post some photos [since there are none] as a result of a visit back in late summer of 2005 and lingering memories of an excellent gourmet lunch served while we were there. We are now US expats living in Cuenca for almost a year and half now. For those wanting to get out and see more of the countryside, gems like these should not be kept a secret from other fellow travelers to experience.
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