Haciendas of Ecuador
For many traveler's the highlight of their visit to the Andes
is a stay in a historic hacienda, a tranquil refuge where time seems to stand
still. The Hacienda system dates back to the colonization of Ecuador
when the King of Spain deeded extensive land holdings to the most important
families of the country. In exchange for working the fields or producing
handicrafts, the local indigenous population were given housing, food, and
shelter. They were able to maintain their culture identifies and customs
which mixed and melded with the Christian traditions of the Spanish.
Today, the indigenous population still celebrate their ancient traditions and
maintain their unique cultural heritage. With the modernization of the
country and land reforms, the huge estates which once dominated the Andes were
divided and many families of the original Hacienda owners were able to hold on
to the main house and a smaller surrounding estates later converting them into
luxurious lodgings for inquisitive travelers. These former working
ranches offer a window into a earlier gentile time when gas lanterns and horse
drawn carriages were the norm. During your stay you'll enjoy gourmet
meals in historic dining rooms surrounded by original furnishing from a bygone
era. You'll stroll through lush gardens and marvel at the rich variety
of plants, flowers, birds, and butterflies, which make this place
special. A stay at a Hacienda consistently ranks among the fondest
memories of our guests. Many return and spend an entire week just for
the relaxing environment, good food, and spectacular beauty of the grounds.
Quito Area
Chillo Jijon - Luxury
This 18th century manor house offers the tranquility of
its colonial corridors and patios and the shade of 20
acres of private gardens and woods. Food for thought
and merry conversation beckon the guests to its library
and salons, or to the warmth of its private fireplace
suites. Ever since its construction in 1730,
hacienda Chillo Jijon has remained the residence of the
same family. Built by the Marquees of Miraflores and
enlarged a century later by the Marquees of San Jose, the
hacienda manor house has seen a great deal of the
country's history. The Jijon branch of the family,
who inherited the property in 1850, has contributed to the
restoration and beautification of this unique country
house for generations. (40 minutes from Quito)
Hacienda La Alegria - First Class
Built in 1910 in the Franco-Italian style the hacienda lies
just 35km south of Quito in a green rolling section of the
Avenue of the Volcanoes. The grounds and gardens offer
a variety of well grown native trees including cedar, wax
palm and podocarpus. The hacienda is also home to an
excellent riding school with a technique for testing your
skill level. The owners of Alegria are very proud of
their horses (as are many hacienda owners) and have devised
a program to test riding abilities and offer a very
effective entry-level equestrian program.
Chillo Jijon
Hacienda La Alegria
Hacienda Zuleta
La Mirage Hotel & Spa
Hacienda La Compaņia
Hacienda Pinsaqui
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Otavalo Area
Hacienda Zuleta - Luxury
Originally built by the Jesuits, the famous "Black
Robes" in the 17th century. King Charles III of
Spain deeded the property to Canon Gabriel Zuleta in
1713, bringing this man's collection of haciendas to
seventeen, a significant portion of Ecuador! Much of
modern Latin American history is the story of land
returned to the native population, but it's important to
remember that, unlike the plantation system,
hacienda-owner never owned slaves. The descendants
of former Ecuadorian President and bullfighter Galo Plaza
have chosen to contribute to Ecuador's future by throwing
Hacienda Zuleta into agrarian and environmental
causes. The property has a large organic garden
(from which your meals will be harvested) and a cheese
factory famous for its Zuleta Jack." It's also home
to a condor recovery program, which you will be invited to
visit. The Hacienda offers a variety of activities
including hiking and mountain biking behind the property,
and there is a fine stable of horses for those who enjoy
riding. |
La Mirage Hotel & Spa - Luxury
Just outside the village of Cotacachi is a place
designed for those looking to pamper their spirit and body
in a variety of ways. La Mirage is considered the
most elegant country inn in the Otavalo area. Hosteria La Mirage consists of 23 rooms and suites,
beautiful gardens, heated interior swimming pool, tennis
court, squash court, sauna and massage facilities. There is a private chapel, dining rooms, a bar and even a
gift shop. Mountain bikes and horses are available
for guests only, under advance request. The great
attraction at La Mirage is the incomparable menu of
therapies designed to relax and awaken your every fiber,
set in appropriately ceremonial treatment rooms, each with
its own hot tub. The shaman treatment will give you plenty
to talk about at parties for years to come. |
Hacienda Cusin - First class
A restored 17th-century estate in San Pablo offering a
luxurious taste of the nation's history amid the
magnificence of the Andes. The hacienda's unique style
shines in the individually decorated guestrooms, suites,
garden cottages and family courtyards, each with private
bathrooms, fireplaces, beamed ceilings and garden and
mountain views. The terracotta Spanish-tile roof,
winding cobblestone pathways, fountain courtyards and
perennial gardens nestle beneath a deep blue sky in a
wide, pastoral lake valley. Nearby, the often snowcapped
15,000-ft Cotacachi volcano is reflected in Lago San
Pablo. A wide variety of activities and services are
offered by Cusin including mountain biking, horse back
riding, squash, Spanish classes and transfer service. |
Hacienda La Compaņia - First Class Boutique
Built by the Jesuits only 6 years after the conquest of
Quito, and remained in their hands during 200 years, until
they were expelled from the colonies by the King of
Spain. Hacienda La Compaņia is located in the
foothills of the Cayambe volcano and surrounded by
spectacular Andean landscapes. It preserves its
original structure, including its marvelous chapel.
The hacienda is in the hands of its actual owners since 100
years ago.Hacienda Pinsaqui - First Class
Originally built in 1790, and then rebuilt in the same
style after a violent earthquake in 1867. Set
beneath the green peaks of the highland volcanoes,
Pinsaqui is an authentic and lavish colonial hacienda with
ornate Italian-style beds in the main house, chandeliers,
sunny corridors, and 200-year-old gardens complete with a
pond. There's also a historic chapel, reading room
with fireplace, sitting rooms, and horse stables. This
hacienda has belonged to the same family since 1888, but
had already been the location of major historical events
such as the signing of the Treaty between Ecuador and
Columbia, establishing a friendship between the two
countries. During the same timeframe in the early 19th
Century, it was a preferred resting place of the often ill
Simon Bolivar in his journeys during the Wars of
Independence. Today the Hacienda offers relaxed
dining, strolls through the gardens and mountain biking.
For equestrians, this is an ideal place for either a
single-day or multi-day hacienda to hacienda ride.
Central Andes
Hacienda San Augustin de Callo - Luxury Boutique
Built on an important Incan ruin, the original Inca walls
have been incorporated into the structure of this unique
colonial hacienda, which offers today's astute traveler an
unrivalled glimpse into a glorious past. Since the 15th
Century it has served as an Inca fortress, Augustinian
monastery, temporary home for the French Geodesic
Mission's Alexander Humboldt, and permanent country home
for two ex-presidents of Ecuador! The main house offers 2
suites and 3 rooms all with private bathroom and
chimney. There is a splendid dining room, sitting
room and a chapel. The adjacent Callo Lodge offers 1
suite and 3 rooms. Horseback riding is available
under requests for guests only, at an additional cost.
Hacienda La Cienega - First Class
Everything about this lovely hacienda is tasteful and
elegant. The approach is a long, broad carriage road
lined on both sides by fragrant, towering eucalyptus
trees. In the shade of these trees you pass around a
huge fountain and stop before the hacienda's massive
portal. built late in the 17th Century with full view of
the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano. La Cienega has been
witness to centuries of important events in the history of
Ecuador. In many cases it had as guests the people
who shaped Ecuadorian history, like the activists in the
cause for Ecuador's independence from Spain, and
scientists like Charles Marie de la Condamine, member of
the 18th Century French Geodesic Mission that determined
the true size of the planet. Alexander von Humboldt, the renowned
German scientist also stayed here. The main house remains
unchanged, and additions for guests are true to its style
and ambience. It offers a chapel, conference room,
lovely gardens, a restaurant and bar, and a handicraft
shop. Room service is available. Horses are
available to guests for an extra cost, by prior request
only.
Luna Runtun Adventure Spa & Country Inn - First Class
Luna Runtun, meaning fortress of the moon, located on 63
acres nestled within the Sangay National Park (a world
heritage site). The spectacular views are dominated
by the Tungurahua volcano, the Pastaza
River, the surrounding valleys, and the town of Banos.
The surrounding area is considered a magnetic vortex, a
unique place where the planet's 4 essential life elements
are found - Air, Earth, Water and Fire. There are 26
superior rooms, 6 luxury rooms, a presidential suite, a
sitting room with fireplace, a restaurant and a terrace
with beautiful views, gardens and a world class spa.
Activities include hiking, horse riding (at no additional
cost), and mountain biking (at an additional cost).
Hacienda San Augustin de Callo
Hacienda La Cienega
Luna Runtun Adventure Spa & Country Inn
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