El Ilalo Campground

The site’s in a prime spot on the outskirts of Quito, placing plenty to do within easy reach. Within around half an hour’s drive guests can visit the extravagantly gilded Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, take tours of the Ecuadorian government buildings (Palacio de Gobierno), stroll through the botanic garden in Parque La Carolina, or wander through the artistic La Capilla del Hombre (a cultural centre that elevates humankind to a spiritual level). One doesn’t need to travel far to escape the city either, and there’s lots hereabouts to entertain the entire family. Head to Vulqano Park for a day of screaming along rides, or venture towards the other side of the city for ziplining, climbing and swinging at Nayon Xtreme Valley adventure park. (Both are within 40 minutes of base.) City days can be overwhelming sometimes, but the site’s well-placed for peaceful hours out in nature: it’s 55 minutes to Refugio Ecológico Molinuco if hiking, waterfalls, trekking and canopying sound like the dream, and Refugio de Vida Silvestre Pasochoa is a must an hour away for birdwatchers who always fancy lengthy hikes. There’s art history too… The site’s about an hour from Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Cristobal Ortega Maila, a museum temple designed by the eponymous artist to preserve Andean culture.