Haciendas
(Ranches & Inns)

The Andes Region offers impressive colonial haciendas and Hosterias (Lodges) which used to be private but now are open to those who wish to experience Ecuador's country lifestyle and history.

The system of haciendas once formed the backbone of Spanish colonial economy and culture. The manor houses of these working farm societies varied greatly in architecture and style. Today, many have opened their doors to visitors making for an unsurpassed experience when it comes to capturing the color, flavor and warm hospitality of Ecuador. Most of these haciendas offer a great variety of activities such as horseback riding, biking tours and visits to the local markets, country villages and plantations nearby. While there are many haciendas to choose from here are some of the most exclusive:

Multi-Day Trips From Quito

Location: Outside Quito

CHILLO JIJON MANSION Accomodation Rating: 5+

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 guest to its library and salons, or to the warmth of its private fireplace suites. Ever since its construction in 1730, hacienda Chillo Jijón has remained the residence of the same family..

HACIENDA LA ALEGRIA Accomodation Rating: 4

Hacienda La Alegria was built in 1910 in the Franco-Italian style. It lies just 35 km 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 palms and podocarpus. The hacienda is also home to an excellent horseback riding school with a technique for testing your skill level.

 

Location: Otavalo Region

HACIENDA ZULETA Accomodation Rating: 5+

Hacienda Zuleta was 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! The property has a large organic garden (from which your meals will be harvested) and a cheese factory famous for its "Zuleta Jack Cheese". The hacienda was the home of two former Ecuadorian presidents and even now remains as property of their descentdents.

HACIENDA PINSAQUI Accomodation Rating: 5

Hacienda Pinsaqui was 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 chandeliers, sunny corridors, and 200-year-old gardens complete with a pond. There’s also a historical chapel, a reading room with a fireplace, sitting rooms and horse stables.

LA MIRAGE - Hotel & Spa Accomodation Rating: 5+

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 of the Otavalo area. Hosteria La Mirage consists of 23 rooms and suites, beautiful gardens, heated interior swimming pool, tennis court, sauna and massage facilities. There’s a private chapel, dining rooms, a bar and even a gift shop.

 

Location: Cotopaxi Region

HACIENDA LA CIENEGA Accomodation Rating: 4

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 17 th Century with full view of the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, La Cienega has been witness to centuries of important events in the history of Ecuador.

SAN AGUSTIN DE CALLO Accomodation Rating: 5+

Hacienda San Agustin de Callo is built on the site of an important Inca 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 15 th Century it has served as an Inca fortress, Agustinian monastery, temporary home for the French Geodesic Mission’s Alexander Von Humboldt, and permanent country home for two ex-presidents of Ecuador!

HATO VERDE Accomodation Rating: 5

Hato Verde is one of the few haciendas that has been remodeled by the current owners in strict accordance with the original materials and construction techniques. Now we can appreciate the impeccable masonry work on the walls, developing the colonial rustic style of the region. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere with all the comforts and necessities of modern times. With only 6 rooms, each with a fireplace and private facilities, the hacienda accommodates a maximum of 15 guests, thus providing a familiar environment and personal attention to detail.

Location: Riobamba Region

ABRASPUNGO Accomodation Rating: 4

Located close to the city of Riobamba, this very comfortable country inn has an architectural style that resembles a country home. Tastefully decorated with all types of ancestral objects used in farming, and very illustrative photographs of native landscapes and cultures. Its 32 standard rooms and suites include a chimney, private facilities and all the comforts of the modern times. It also offers a restaurant serving Ecuadorian and international cuisine, a small bar and conference room. The ideal lodging prior to Ozogoche lakes, the Devil’s Nose train ride, Ingapirca and Cuenca .