The Andes Region offers exciting and unforgettable colonial Haciendas which used to be private estates and now are open for those who wish to experience Ecuador's country lifestyle and history. Most of these Haciendas offer a plethora of diverse attractions such as horseback riding, biking tours and visits to the local markets, country villages and plantations nearby.
Constructed in 1790, the Hacienda Pinsaquí was originally a colonial textile enterprise, employing over a thousand weavers and spinners. Today, this Ecuadorian Hacienda in Otavalo retains the character and authenticity of its earlier incarnation, making it a unique travel experience. This romantic hacienda offers all the necessary facilities and comfort for a pleasant and unforgettable stay.
The beautiful, colonial Hacienda of San Agustín de Callo, nestled at the foothills of the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano (the highest active volcano in the world) was built on the site of an ancient Inca palace, one of the two most important archaeological Inca sites in Ecuador.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Quito
You will be met at the Quito airport and transferred in an air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in the city. Check into your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at a tourist hotel (Superior) in a standard room.
Day 2: Sightseeing of Colonial Quito - Otavalo
After breakfast at your hotel, set out on a half-day guided sightseeing tour of Colonial Quito. See the best of Quito with its rich cultural legacy, ornate facades, and dazzling gilt altars. Visit the Independence Square, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral as well as other very representative samples of colonial art and architecture. If time permits, drive to the hill of Panecillo for a panoramic view of the city. At the end of the tour, you will be taken to a local restaurant for a fixed menu lunch.
Set out after lunch for the province of Imbabura, a magical land of lakes and landscapes populated by the industrious Otavalo people. The traditional clothes that the Otavaleñas dress in, the white embroidered shirts or elegant hats that the men use, are an indisputable stamp of the Andean community.
Arrive at the Hacienda Pinsaqui, which is ideally situated at the base of Imbabura Volcano, just north of the world-famous Otavalo Market, and only an hour-and-a-half from Quito, Ecuador’s charming capital. Its location also allows effortless access to the region’s many attractions: the lakes of San Pablo, Cuicocha and Mojanda, as well as the white colonial city of Ibarra and local handicraft villages like Cotacachi known for its leather goods, and San Antonio where the highlight are the wood-carvings.
Dinner and overnight at the Hacienda Pinsaqui in a standard room. This colonial hacienda dates back to 1790 and offers 20 well-appointed suites with fireplaces (some with jacuzzi bath), and a restaurant featuring the finest Ecuadorian and international cuisine. Its 200 year-old grounds have ponds, palms, walking paths, and roaming llamas.
The Terrace snack bar offers lovely views of the garden. There is also a historical chapel
on the grounds. During every lunch, local Indian musicians from Otavalo arrive to entertain listeners with their traditional music and warm characters, intimately sharing their culture, through verse and instruments, with the guests.
Day 3: Activities Around Hacienda Pinsaqui
After breakfast at the Hacienda, you are at leisure to enjoy its many facilities (cost not included.)
Hacienda Pinsaqui offers several activities in its surrounding areas. Some of the are:
You can horseback ride with a guide on trails that wind through the hills as far as the Imbabura Volcano. Well-trained horses allow riders of all levels to have an exciting and memorable adventure.
Mountain bikes are also available for rent. All hiking, biking, and riding can be done with a guide who will be able to take you through a variety of trails.
The nearby town of Otavalo is world-renowned for its marvellous indigenous market. Throughout the week, there is an abundance of traditional weavings and handicrafts to be found. Besides the market, many of the local stores offer souvenirs and crafts typical of the region. Get there before 1000h (10:00am) in order to get the most out of the trip, before the arrival of overwhelming crowds.
Cotacachi, just a few kilometres up the road, is a town that specializes in leatherwear. The main street is lined with shops selling belts, jackets, bags, vests, and more. There is an abundance of products allowing you to find what you are looking for - all at amazingly cheap prices.
San Antonio de Ibarra is renowned for its handmade wood crafts and .stone sculptures. Situated just fifteen minutes from the town of Otavalo, San Antonio is ideal for travellers searching for authentic artesanía.
Dinner and overnight at the Hacienda Pinsaqui.
Day 4: Hacienda Pinsaqui - Otavalo - Cotopaxi
After an early breakfast, drive from Otavalo to the Central Highlands towards Cotopaxi, visiting a b>rose plantation where the versatility of coloured roses like intense dark reds, starling orange, luminous green and sparkling blue will delight your vision.
Arrive at the Hacienda San Agustin de Callo and check into your standard room.
Dinner and overnight at Hacienda San Agustin de Callo. The Hacienda of San Agustin de Callo is a beautiful renovated ancient Inca palace, overlooking some of the most spectacular scenery in Ecuador. All the bedrooms look out into the main cobblestone courtyard and the towering snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano. Each room has a private washroom and log fires are provided in both the bedroom and bathroom. The cuisine combines traditional Andean delicacies as well as a full English breakfast.
Day 5: Hacienda San Agustin de Callo
After breakfast at the hacienda, you have the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the facilities (payable direct) of this charming hacienda. Nestled in the foothills of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world, San Agustín de Callo provides the perfect setting for those wishing to enjoy this unique countryside by horse, mountain bike or foot.
Some of these are:
You can explore the charming 17th century Inca chapel which is considered one of the most romantic spots to host a wedding!
The hacienda is surrounded by páramo (highlands) and is ideal for walking. Guided walks can be arranged by the hacienda staff.
If you wish, you can take a four-wheel drive to a rather steep ascent in the southern side of Cotopaxi volcano and have a good chance to see unusual páramo plants and Andean animals. Return via a deep gorge which leads you back to a village where transport will be waiting to take you back to the hacienda for a well deserved hot traditional drink of cinnamon water (“canelazo”) and a hot bath and dinner in the Inca dining room.
A rose plantation can be visited, only a short walk away.
A vehicle can take you up to the Cotopaxi Refuge at 4800m. above sea level (15700 ft) where you can start an extraordinary downhill ride ending at the Cotopaxi national Park's entrance, where you will be met and driven back to San Agustín for a well deserved hot Andean drink and steaming bath before dinner.
Other paths can lead you to the nearby volcanic Rock of the Virgin located in one of Cotopaxi's ancient lava flows and can also be visited on horseback.
Overnight at Hacienda San Agustin de Callo.
Day 6: Cotopaxi – Quito
After breakfast at the hacienda, you will be taken either to the Quito airport to catch your onward flight or you will be dropped back at your hotel in Quito.