• Hacienda San Francisco – what used to be a colonial hacienda owned by the Freiel family since 1620 has now been changed to be a lodging house. The hacienda maintains the charm of the traditional colonial house and offers horseback riding in the surrounding area. It is located near the thermal waters of Chachimbiro. This hacienda is for the traveler who is looking for a more reasonable price while still having the hacienda experience. Prices range from $26 for a single and $72 for a quad.

Province of Pichincha

• Hacienda la Alegría – located just an hour south of Quito, near the town of Aloag, this traditional family home continues to function as a family-run organic farm. The hacienda offers hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding in addition to breath-taking views of several mountain peaks in Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes. Prices per person based on double occupancy are $65 for bed and breakfast and $180 for full board.

• San Jorge Eco-lodge and Botanical Reserve – In addition, to a traditional 18th century hacienda, this eco-lodge is located on 200 acres of protected land offering exploration of the endemic plant, animal, and exotic bird species present there as well as an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. This hacienda/eco-lodge is located just 20 minutes from the Quito airport. Lodging prices range from $65 a night to $150 a night with single and double rooms available.

• Hacienda la Carriona – the perfect getaway if staying in Quito and looking for just a night or two in an hacienda near the city. Built more than 200 years ago, this hacienda is conveniently located in the Valle de los Chillos, which is within the Metropolitan District of Quito, and just a brief drive south from the city. The hacienda offers horseback rides and a tranquil escape from the bustle of Quito. There are a 30 rooms ranging in price from $85 a night for a single to $146 a night for a suite and includes breakfast.

Province of Cotopaxi

• Hacienda San Agustín de Callo – built on the site of an Incan palace, this colonial hacienda served as an Augustinian convent and temporary home for the French Geodesic Commission, which mapped the equator. Located near the entrance to Cotopaxi National Park, the hacienda, which continues to be a working farm, offers rooms and suites ranging in price from $228 a night for a single room to $398 a night for two people. Prices include all meals, hiking, fishing, 2 hours of bicycle rental, and a visit to a rose plantation. Horseback riding is also available at additional cost.

• Hacienda La Ciénaga – located an hour and a half south of Quito near Cotopaxi National Park, the hacienda was originally purchased in 1695 by a wealthy landowner and the main house has remained in tact since then. Various famous politicians and scientists have visited the hacienda, including Sir Alexander von Humboldt in 1802. The hacienda now serves as a hotel with prices ranging from $63 a night for a single room to $181 a night for the honeymoon suite. Breakfast is included.

• Hacienda Hato Verde – located in the province of Cotopaxi, an hour and a half south of Quito on the road to Latacunga and only minutes from the entrance to Cotopaxi National Park, this hacienda offers fine dining, horseback riding and mountain biking tours in addition to peace and tranquility. Prices include breakfast and range from $134 a night for a single room to $244 a night for a suite. Children over age 10 are welcome.

Province of Esmeraldas

• Hacienda Primavera – although most haciendas are located in the Andes region, this hacienda and wilderness lodge is actually located three hours northwest of Quito in the El Choco rainforest reserve. The hacienda has been in the same family for more than 90 years and is situated in primary and secondary jungle, offering guests horseback riding and mountain trails in which they can explore the prolific jungle flora and fauna as well as several waterfalls. In addition, there are possibilities for whitewater rafting and train rides very near the hacienda. The cost is $83 per night and $66 for children ages 5-12. Children under 5 are free. Rates include all meals, horseback riding, guided hikes and use of the pool.

Province of Guayas

• Hacienda El Castillo – this hacienda boasts cocoa and mango plantations. It offers tours through its plantations allowing people to learn the process of sowing, harvesting, and commercializing the above mentioned products. Other offered activities include birdwatching, horseback riding, and bike rides. Also part of this hacienda is a small chocolate factory. It is a family owned and located 45 minutes away from Guayaquil on the way to the Pacific Coast. The Rosales family offers day tours as well as lodging. The hacienda has 5 comfortable rooms, each with bathroom and balcony.

• Hacienda Las Cañas – visitors are given a tour of the cocoa and banana plantations. The tour shows visitors the farming process of these products. Lodging is available in beautiful cabins. The hacienda also has activities that allow visitors to learn about customs and activities of the people who live in farms. This includes rooster fights and traditional dances.

Back to "Ecuador Haciendas Heritage, part 1"

Hacienda outlook

Ecuador’s haciendas, or country estates, are vestiges of the Spanish colonial period when Spaniards were given large tracts of land to farm and raise livestock. These haciendas were mostly in the highlands region of Ecuador due to its favorable climate for farming and ranching and its easy access to Quito. Today, many of the owners have converted all or part of the traditional haciendas into luxury hotels offering an escape from the bustle of the major cities and a glimpse of Ecuadorian farm life. Many, but not all, are still working farms in addition to hotels. Below is a list with information on some of Ecuador’s top haciendas.

Province of Imbabura

• Hacienda Cusín – located just 90 minutes north of Quito, this restored 17th century hacienda offers tranquility in addition to easy access to both the cities of Quito and Otavalo. The land on which the hacienda is located today is only a small part of the land purchased by a wealthy Spanish family in 1602. The hacienda remained in the same family until 1970 and was restored in the 1990s. Prices range from $75 a night for a single to $140 for a quad. It costs $320 a night for three people in one of the suites. Breakfast is included. The hacienda also offers a special called the “umbrella rate” of $100 per person per day and it includes all meals, horseback riding, mountain bikes, and wireless internet.

• Hacienda Pinsaquí – built in 1790, this hacienda has been owned by the same family since the 1860s. It has a rich history including stays of the famous South American liberator, Simón Bolívar. The hacienda is located very near the town of Otavalo. Room prices range from $105 a night for a single room to $169 a night for a quadruple and include breakfast. The grounds include 200-year-old gardens and ponds to explore and easy access to the famous artisan market in Otavalo.

• Hacienda Zuleta – belonging to the family of former president Galo Plaza Lasso, this upscale hacienda is located two hours north of Quito, and is also a working farm of 4,000 acres. This hacienda is a good option for the traveler who wants an authentic hacienda experience. The main house was originally built in 1691 and offers just 15 bedrooms, each individually decorated and with their own fireplace. Prices are per person, and range from $175 to $299 per night. Children 3 years old and younger stay for free and children 12 years old and younger pay half price. These prices include a welcome drink, all meals, and morning and afternoon coffee or tea.

• Hacienda Chorlavi- legend says that during the Incan times, this was the place of preference of Princess Pacha and Huayna Capac. The name Chorlavi means “nest of love”. Today, only a small area remains of what used to be a large hacienda. It was one of the first colonial houses of an hacienda to be converted into a place offering tourist accommodation. Room prices range from $45-$90 per night.

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