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Best Haciendas to Visit in Ecuador
Main Lakes of Ecuador
October 8, 2018
September in the Galapagos Islands
October 11, 2018A real highlight of an Ecuador trip is either to stay in or visit a hacienda. You may be wondering what a hacienda is and why you would want to visit or stay in one. Haciendas are colonial homesteads which were based in rural areas in Spanish-speaking colonies. Many were built in South America during the Spanish colonization. Haciendas owned large areas of land, and the main building was typically a manor house. The hacienda owner would hire native workers to work the land and run the property, and the main activity was commonly agriculture. Those that worked at haciendas did not necessarily have much of a choice in doing so.
Many of the best haciendas of Ecuador remain in an excellent state of repair today and have been converted into hotels, some of which are quite luxurious. If you do not have an opportunity to stay in a hacienda then you might consider hacienda tours in Ecuador. If you do stay at a hacienda, the buildings are generally rurally-located. This means that activities include hiking and walking, as well as horseback riding and generally enjoying the very lovely ambiance of your surroundings. Here we will provide an overview of some of the best haciendas in Ecuador.
Hacienda Zuleta
Hacienda Zuleta is a simply stunning hotel and farm that is still working today. The mansion house was constructed in the 17th century. The rooms are delightful, and the hacienda has an excellent sense of warmth and hospitality which makes staying here a once in a lifetime experience. The hacienda also benefits from superb home-grown Andean cuisine which its guests can enjoy. The hacienda belonged to the family of Galo Plaza Lasso who was a president of Ecuador. It works closely with the local indigenous community to provide its fabulous services. The hacienda is located in the vicinity of Otavalo and has a stunning avenue of volcanoes backdrop outside. This is without a doubt one of the best haciendas of Ecuador to visit.
Hacienda San Agustin de Callo
Hacienda San Agustin de Callo is arguably one of the best haciendas of Ecuador from a historical perspective. It was built on the site of a former Inca building which is one of the most important archeological sites in the country. Aside from its time as an Inca fortress, Hacienda San Agustin de Callo also served as an Augustinian monastery. Historical figures that are known to have stayed at Ecuador include the famous English mountaineer, Edward Whymper, as well as the German scientist, Alexander von Humboldt. The hacienda was eventually purchased in 1921 by General Leonidas Plaza Gutierrez, who served as Ecuadorian president in 1901 and in 1912. The family has owned the hacienda ever since.
The hacienda is located south of Quito along the avenue of volcanos, and not far from the Pan-American Highway, making it quite accessible. It is convenient for visits to the Cotopaxi National Park, and on a clear day, visitors can enjoy stunning views of this active volcano. The accommodation is luxurious, and the food exquisite, making this a fantastic hacienda of Ecuador to stay at – a highlight of any trip to Ecuador.
Hacienda Abraspungo
Hacienda Abraspungo also makes our list of one of the best haciendas in Ecuador and it is located close to Riobamba, in the central region of Ecuador. Riobamba sits on the avenue of volcanoes, so the scenery in the area surrounding this hacienda is stunning. All haciendas of Ecuador work hard on ensuring that their culinary experience is very good, and Hacienda Abraspungo is no exception to this. The owners have worked hard to develop a culinary style to revive eating customs of the past, using traditional local ingredients which are harvested through techniques passed down through the generations. This hacienda is particularly well positioned for visitors that want to take a train ride on the Devil’s Nose railway, leaving from Riobamba and traveling to Alausi, through the Ecuadorian highlands.
Hacienda La Danesa
Hacienda La Danesa is one of the haciendas of Ecuador that offers a more intimate experience, as it only has six bedrooms. It is located in the coastal region of Ecuador, in the Guayas province. It has a luxurious but simple feel that visitors often love. Hacienda tours are possible to this Ecuadorian hacienda, and the owners are encouraging of day visits. There are also plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. As well as the typically offered horseback riding and hiking, there is also an in-room spa service, the possibility to do enjoy a chocolate or cooking workshop, and the possibility to learn about beekeeping in an immersive manner. This might be one of the best haciendas of Ecuador for its range of activities and experiences.
Hacienda Cusin
Hacienda Cusin was built in 1602 AD, and it is conveniently located for trips to Otavalo. It has been lovingly restored, and is set in a beautiful estate with a backdrop of snowcapped mountains. Guests can opt to stay in suites, salons, guest rooms or garden cottages. There are numerous activities that can be arranged, such as horseback riding, mountain biking, and an in-room spa. Given the hacienda’s close proximity to Otavalo, it makes for a lovely night’s stay either before or after a trip to the colorful Otavalo market. It is also possible to arrange Spanish lessons during a stay here. This too is one of the best haciendas in Ecuador.
Hacienda La Cienega
Another of the best haciendas in Ecuador that boasts a view of Cotopaxi from its location is Hacienda La Cienega. Hacienda La Cienega is one of the oldest haciendas of Ecuador which has been converted into a boutique, luxury hotel. It is set in delightful grounds, and is not too far south of Quito. It is also easy to reach from the Pan-American Highway, making it a very good choice for a stop for the night. Interestingly, Hacienda La Cienega is thought by some to be haunted, which could add some extra excitement to an overnight stay here. Definitely one of the best haciendas of Ecuador.
