Cubita Boutique Resort and Spa

Park Eden is a rustic guesthouse in the mountain town El Valle, a good base for exploring the forest paths and waterfalls of the picturesque region.

Situated in any easy to find location on the main road just outside the town of Chitre, this is a low-rise hotel set in a couple of pretty gardens one of which features a lovely outdoor pool.

The building is modelled on the traditional tawny coloured rustic houses of this rural region, with red-tiled and thatched roofs. There's even a chapel in the grounds. Staff are enthusiastic, helpful and very proud of the region and their historic traditions.

The property has the facilities of a resort but is small enough to feel welcoming and homely. The guest rooms, where the décor is a little dated perhaps, have excellent amenities.

There's free parking for guests, a gym with good equipment and the odd exercise class, a bar serving the usual array of cocktails, a restaurant with an excellent menu and a tours desk where you can book excursions and activities. It’s worth popping into town too: there’s a compact colonial centre and a very interesting little museum featuring the indigenous heritage on the region, including decorated masks.