Haciendas of Ecuador

Ecuador has historical and renovated haciendas or traditional ranches. Haciendas often cover large areas of land and incorporate agricultural operations and other businesses. Many Ecuadorian traditional haciendas have developed ecotourism and agritourism branches.

Hacienda is a Spanish word for an estate. Some haciendas were plantations, mines, or even business factories. Many haciendas combined these productive activities. The hacienda system of Argentina, parts of Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Viceroyalty of New Granada was a system of large land-holdings that were an end in themselves as the marks of status (in Portuguese, the cognate term fazenda applies to the similar system in Brazil). The hacienda aimed for self-sufficiency in everything but luxuries meant for display, which were destined for the handful of people in the circle of the patrón.

Courtyard in Hacienda San Agustin de Callo

• Hacienda Zuleta. Eco-lodge and horseback adventures. Sits between 2870 and 3050 m in the Andean mountains of northern Ecuador, 110 km and a two-hour trip north of the capital, Quito. See the Andean highlands by horseback, mountain bike, carriage or hiking. There is also incredible birding, nature watching and homemade organic cuisine with many ingredients from the working farm. Hacienda Zuleta is involved in nature conservation through its Andean condor rehabilitation program and protection area for the spectacled bear.
• Hacienda San Agustin de Callo, beautiful 17th century hacienda built on the grounds of a former Inca palace on the slopes of Cotopaxi, the hacienda has a colorful history have served as a residence for the French Geophysical Expedition in 1742 and serving as a residence for Ecuador's elite throughout its history (including two former presidents)
• Hacienda Porvenir, on the slopes of the Rumiñahui volcano at an altitude of 3,600 meters, the hacienda is surrounded by mountains with views of four volcanos (including Cotopaxi). The hacienda was built for farming and ranching. It was established by the Jesuit religious order who raised sheep. Today, it operates as an upscale boutique hotel.
• Hacienda Primavera 18th century highland hacienda that was originally the center of a farming community, the hacienda boasts idyllic mountain landscapes in every direction. Today it operates as an upscale boutique hotel with surprisingly affordable nightly rates (starting at US$128).
• Black Sheep Inn is a historic highland farm that operates as an eco-lodge with a mountain location at 3,200 meters. A variety of activities are available to travelers including nature hikes and horseback riding.