Ecuador Haciendas & Ranches

Ecuador's astounding biodiversity is an excellent reason to visit as many regions of the country as possible. Those who leave the beaten path of Quito and the Galapagos are sure to discover spectacular things from the Amazon Rainforest to the quaint cities of Baños and Cuenca. Wherever your travels take you, staying in Ecuador's charming haciendas and ranches will surely enhance your experience.

Botanical Reserve & Eco-Lodge San Jorge - Quito's only private reserve, 17 minutes from airport. 18th century Spanish eco-Lodge offers serenity, personalized service, delicious food, swimming pool, jacuzzi, lovely gardens and exotic birds. San Jorge spans four private nature reserves and three eco-lodges in the highlands, cloud forest, and subtropical rainforest. San Jorge's Tandayapa Cloud Forest Eco-Lodge will open December 2008. San Jorge's Milpe Eco-Lodge, features pristine trails, waterfalls, panoramic views, 300 varieties of orchids, 450 species of birds. Eco-tours include horseback riding, birdwatching, hiking/nature expeditions, mountain biking; education on ecology, botany, ornithology, and awareness of the surrounding environment.

Black Sheep Inn - A unique eco-lodge perched on a hillside high in the Ecuadorian Andes. Much of the ten acres surrounding the Inn have been designed using permaculture philosophy. Organic gardens, terraced reforestation to combat erosion using native tree species, recycling and composting toilets are all part of the inn's effort to exist in harmony with nature. The Black Sheep Inn provides quality accommodations while promoting low impact tourism.

Hacienda Cusin - A luxurious country inn amidst eternally blooming gardens and nearly 400 years of colonial history. Located near Otavalo in a spectacular natural setting at the foot of the dormant Imbaburra volcano, activites like horsebackriding, mountain biking, and high tea on the balcony are not to be missed. The Tatler, London, 12/96 says "... one of the world's best kept secrets."

Hacienda La Alegria - This fascinating, traditional hacienda was built in 1910 with the charming style of old times. La Alegria is located in the Central Andes of Ecuador, where you can enjoy the most beautiful view of the Volcano Avenue in a family atmosphere. Hacienda La Alegria offers you warm hospitality with a touch of luxury. We cater for independent travelers and larger groups and can tailor a package for most requirements. We specialize in horseback riding vacations in the beautiful surroundings of the Andes of Ecuador. We can accommodate experienced riders and beginners.

Casa Mojanda – A dramatic mountainside inn, organic farm and retreat located above the town of Otavalo in the foothills of Mojanda, featuring spacious rammed earth cottages with magnificent mountain vistas. Enjoy the world famous Otavalo crafts market, horse tours, hiking, biking, birding and kayaking the Mojanda Lakes, as well as a large international reading and video library, traditional hot tub, delicious primarily vegetarian meals, children's activities, and excellent ethno-cultural tours. Casa Mojanda seeks to cause minimal impact on the natural environment while actively supporting local culture, projects in rural public health, education, conservation of the Mojanda Lakes paramo, and watershed.

Hostería Pantaví – A 35 minute drive northwest from Ibarra, this hotel is nestled in a temperate valley at 2,050 meters above sea level. Formerly an impressive hacienda, the hosteria has been transformed into a cozy and charming country-inn and is artistically decorated. Huge old trees and perpetually blooming gardens characterize the hosteria. Pantavì offers 12 spacious bedrooms, a swimming pool, conference room, tennis court and a restaurant that serves delicious and healthy meals. Pantaví offers many activities such as mountain biking, daily hikes, or relaxing in the beautiful hot springs of Chachimbiro.

Hostería Papagayo - Join Eran and his friendly team in the heart of the Andes - a great home base for whatever type of activity you fancy. Surrounded by paradise of ice-capped volcanoes, Hosteria Papagayo offers you climbing, biking, riding, trekking or just a well deserved break in an historic hacienda. Experience delicious home cooked food and cozy rooms. Highly recommended by both Lonely planet and Hand book 2004. Special discount for online bookings and for SAE members.

Hacienda Pinsaquí - is ideally situated at the base of the Imbabura Volcano, just north of the world-famous Otavalo market and only two hours from Quito. Constructed in 1790, the hacienda boasts a rich history and has hosted such illustrious guests as Simon Bolivar, the revered liberator of Ecuador. In addition to its centuries of history, the hacienda offers its quests luxurious accommodations and a range of activities, including horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking.

Hacienda Primavera– Located in the lush cloud forest reserves of Northwestern Ecuador, this exclusive eco-lodge provides first-class service for those who want to tromp in the jungle by day but sleep in full luxury at night. Explore ancient forests, crystal clear rivers, and magical waterfalls through various activities including whitewater rafting, horseback riding, jungle excursions, mountain biking, bird watching, fishing, and swimming in a fresh-water pool. Relax in a hammock, teach in the local schools, or work the hacienda. Indulge in pampered delight after a tropical adventure with excellent organic gourmet cuisine and an exquisite selection of Chilean wines.

Courtyard at Hacienda Cusin.

Hacienda San Agustín de Callo - a recently renovated Incan ruin, furnishes a the level of comfort, elegance, and service fit for an Incan king. Sleep and dine inside ancient Incan walls, beneath the shadow of Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano.

Hostería San Francisco - perched on a hill overlooking large fields of sugarcane and alfalfa in the Salinas Valley, has been a favorite for Ecuadorians and travelers for years. The hacienda is known for its thermal baths, which are said to promote good health, and undoubtedly help to relax and soothe the mind and body. Also, there are kilometers of trails nearby for walking or horseback riding, along with a tennis court, a pool, and an excellent restaurant on the grounds of the hacienda.

Luna Runtun - A world class spa and hotel above Baños, Ecuador, a place blessed with natural beauty where adventures abound. Luna Runtun's 63 acres are nestled within the Sangay National Park, declared a World Natural Heritage Site, and the view from Luna Runtun is dominated by the legendary Llanaganates National Park and the Pastaza Corridor.

Tinalandia - A family hacienda and nature reserve that remains true to the concept of eco-tourism, which it helped establish. As one of Latin America's first eco-tourism destinations, Tinalandia is responsible for the trend that may save Ecuador's natural world. Known as one of the world´s top birdwatching locations, Tinalandia maintains a rainforest reserve located on the western slope of the Ecuadorian Andes. Tinalandia offers comfortable lodging, excellent food, and a myriad of outdoor activities.