It's likely you'll guess from its appearance, but Café de la Vaca means 'Cow Café'. This bovine connection can be traced back to an old local legend, which tells the tale of two cows that used to meet at a barn every evening, to share their hopes and dreams over a coffee. Café de la Vaca has three branches in Ecuador, including this one in Machachi, site of the original story.

Legends aside, this is a a delightful spot for a bite and a drink; the rural surroundings are calm and peaceful. It's a particularly ideal daytime destination for families, especially those with young children, as there are a variety of animals eager to be petted outside.

Café de la Vaca is set amongst beautiful scenery and there is also an onsite vegetable garden from which ingredients are picked for cooking; your meal can't get fresher than that! Food served at the café is traditional Ecuadorian fare, home-cooked and delicious with an extensive menu that caters to all tastes, with favourites including potato locro, country trout and chicken, and aguado de gallina.