Ecuador Travel

• 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"