HACIENDA PROGRAMS
(See Adventure Programs)
Discover the magic of the Andean region, the marvelous landscapes, the rich ancestral cultures and the warmth of the people of the colder regions. Encounter the simple way of life of its inhabitants and the gentle pace of times past in the Haciendas of the Highlands. Many of the Haciendas date back to the 16th century, but today, in Ecuadors haciendas, modern technology lives side by side in harmony with traditional organic farming techniques.
Enjoy the taste of country hospitality; experience the rich Ecuadorian folklore and traditional cuisine. Spend time with Ecuadorian families, owners of beautiful haciendas, located on historic sites with an impressive display of country architecture, furniture and colonial art. Rooms are ample and cozy, most feature fireplaces. Enjoy magnificent surroundings and farm activities.
PARTICIPATING HACIENDAS
Hacienda Pinsaqui was first built in the year 1790. This uniquely restored colonial hacienda was originally a textile workshop, employing 1,000 local weavers and spinners. Fabrics woven in Pinsaquí were exported to the United States in the late 1800s. Among its illustrious guests was General Simón Bolívar, who usually spent the night at Pinsaquí on his trips back and forth to Bogotá. An important treaty between Colombia and Ecuador was signed at the Hacienda, and much history is held within its walls. The main structure of the Hacienda was destroyed by an earthquake in 1867 and has now been restored and adapted with 16 ample and comfortable rooms, with heavy ornate beds and fireplaces, for its guests. Pinsaquí has a unique atmosphere with long corridors, wide walls, antique candelabra and furniture, with echoes of sounds and voices from the past. With three centuries of history, romantic Hacienda Pinsaquí invites you to be a part of its magic and its legends. Hacienda Pinsaqui has belonged to the Freile family since 1888.
Hacienda La Compañía was built by the Jesuits only six years after the conquest of Quito, and remained in their hands for 200 years, until the King of Spain expelled them from the Colonies. Hacienda La Compañía 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 has been owned by the same family for one hundred years.
Hacienda Zuleta is a 19-room estate with nine private rooms available for guests, all with hand embroidered linens and beautiful garden views. A member of the Plaza family will be your host and show you around the hand embroidery workshop, the condor rehabilitation project, the trout farm and the cheese factory. Zuleta is surrounded by magnificent Andean landscapes that you can enjoy on foot, horseback or bicycle.
Hacienda San Agustin de Callo, located right at the foot of Cotopaxi volcano, was built in the 16th century on the site of an important Inca Palace. Two of the original surviving Inca rooms now serve as chapel and dining room In the latter of which offers a grand view of Cotopaxi, while savoring the haciendas excellent Ecuadorian cuisine. Most rooms have a fireplace and are furnished with the original antiques of the hacienda.
Hacienda Chillo Jijon is located in a valley close to Quito. Its 1730s Manor House reflects the luxury of the 18th century. Guests are personally invited by the owners to relax and explore this most beautiful hacienda, offering the tranquility of its colonial corridors and patios, the shade of its 20 acres of private gardens and woods, the luxury of its library and salons, and the warmth of its private fireplace suites. Tennis, horseback riding and biking are available for your recreation.
Hacienda La Ciénega is located in the area of Guaytacama, in the Valley of Lasso at the foot of Cotopaxi volcano, and belongs to the descendants of its original owner, the Marquis of Maenza, dating back to the 17th century. The Manor House was built in 1838 and is reached via an avenue flanked by gigantic and fragrant eucalyptus trees. It was open to the public in 1982, with spacious rooms surrounded by beautiful gardens. The charm, taste and elegance of the rooms of La Ciénega have witnessed important events in Ecuadors history.