Haciendas of Ecuador - Otavalo and Cotopaxi

Day 1 Arrive Quito. Hacienda Rumiloma

Arrive in Quito and be greeted and transfered to the Hacienda Rumiloma.  This charming hacienda is located only 15 minutes from Quito and is situated in nearly one hundred acres of primary Andean forest on the side of the Volcano Pichincha overlooking the city. The hacienda backs up to thousands of acres of national park land with scores of trails, a small river, and llamas grazing peacefully.

Day 2 Otavalo Market and Hacienda Zuleta

Enjoy breakfast, and for the early-risers, a nice walk around the Rumiloma's property.  At mid-morning, depart Quito and travel north along the Avenue of the Volcanoes.  Drive to Calderón, a small village about 10 km. north-east of Quito. Calderón is a famous center for a unique Ecuadorian folk art. Witness a local art form where attractive decorations are made from dough. We'll continue to Guachala, a community transected by the equator and pass through Cayambe on the way. Arriving in Otavalo we'll visit the famous Indian Market which dates back to pre-Inca times. Finally we'll visit Cotacachi, which has good leather shopping opportunities, and Cuicocha - the ancient eroded volcanic crater, famous for its deep lake found within. Views of the lake and surrounding mountains are excellent when the weather is good.

In the afternoon, continue to the Hacienda Zuleta.  This working family farm dates back to the 16th century and encompasses four thousand acres between the Cayambe and Cotacachi volcanoes. Upon arriving, your hosts greet  and show you to your guestroom.  Over an afternoon cup of tea or coffee, discuss the many options for activities to create a tailor-made itinerary with your host and guide based on your preferences and interests.   Before dinner, take a tour of the hacienda's main building and gardens and learn about Zuleta's rich history.

Day 3 Hacienda Zuleta Full Day

Today is free to explore  Hacienda Zuleta.  Enjoy one of the short hikes before breakfast and try to get a sight of the countless birds, some of them really rare species like the black-crowned night heron or the black-chested buzzard eagle.
 
After  breakfast, a visit to the cheese factory  can be arranged to learn more about how Zuleta´s semi-aged cheeses are produced from the farm’s fresh milk in the small factory near the guest house and how the process has changed during history.

As mornings are the best time to witness wild condors flying, hike, bike or horseback ride to the condor preserve.  Learn about the hacienda's Condor Huasi reintroduction program to bring the condor back to this part of the Andes.

Peruse the embroidery shop run by a women's community cooperative with its beautiful articles of handmade, colorful embroidery.

Active hikers can also decide to do a more challenging hike up to Condor View with a nice overview of the area and possibilities of spotting the shy Andean spectacled bear sightings.

Day 4 Cotopaxi and Hacienda San Agustin de Callo

After breakfast, you are invited to see the organic garden where the ingredients for haciendas's menu come from. You can also explore the farm operation and lend a helping hand (counting sheep or feeding calves), and talk to the vaqueros who maintain Zuleta's ranching heritages. 

Mid-morning, we say goodbye to our gracious hosts and head south, viewing the breathtaking high plains surrounding the magnificent snow-capped Cotopaxi - the earth's highest active volcano (19347ft/5897m). This area provides excellent opportunities to spot the Andean Condor. After lunch in the Limpiopungo valley (12540ft/3800m), we'll ascend to El Parqueadero (15180ft/4600m). From this point there is an optional hike for about an hour to El Refugio, the volcano's refuge lodge (15840ft/4800m) and the nearest glacier.

Continue to the colonial Hacienda of San Agustín de Callo.  Built on the site of an Inca palace, this working farm is located on one of the most important archeological Inca sites in Ecuador and the furthest northern point from Cuzco where the Inca imperial-style construction has been documented.   San Agustín de Callo has been the site of an Inca palace and an Augustian convent,  and the various, influential inhabitants of the hacienda have contributed to a unique blend of architecture and a museum-like experience for guests.

Day 5 Hacienda San Agustin de Callo

Today is yours to enjoy the hacienda and to participate in any of the various activities that are offered, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding.  There are great trails on the hacienda's property and the adjacent public lands that can be explored independently or with your guide.

Visit local  villages on market days, such as Saquisilí, a small village famous for its Thursday market, which has eight different plazas, each of which sells specific goods.  Or visit Pujili, known for its ceramic art, on Sundays or Wednesdays.

Tour nearby rose plantations to see how one of Ecuador's most cherished and largest exports are cultivated and harvested.

The day ends with fine and authentic Ecuadorian meal back in the hacienda's main building.

Day 6 Return to Quito

After relaxing this morning at the hacienda, return to Quito to the Hacienda Rumiloma.  Optional excursions, such as a city tour or a visit to the Middle of the World Equator monument, can be arranged with your guide.

The evening is free to enjoy dinner at the Rumiloma's restaurant or head into the city center to one of Quito's fine restaurants for some nightlife.

Day 7 Return home

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