El Porvenir

Spend the night in the vicinity of Cotopaxi at Hacienda El Porvenir. This active Hacienda owns 1000 hectares of land; 20% of this land is used for arable farming, 20% exclusively for the reforestation of native plant species to restore the natural habitat and 60% for livestock farming. The hacienda offers a great atmosphere; the estate is a wonderful traditional example of a hacienda in the Andes: built with adobe blocks and thatched roofs .

All rooms and suites in this intimate hacienda are different, each one very cosy. In the common room the fireplace is burning and in the evening we found a warm hot-water bag between the blankets in our bed (it can get cold here at 3600 meters).

The food is really fantastic! During a cooking class where we were learned to make empanadas, salsa de aji and the local drink “canelazo”, we were able to uncover some kitchen secrets. Unfortunately, I did not master the smooth and beautiful folding of the empanadas, no matter how much I tried; I was only able to admire the experienced technique of our cocinero.

In addition to cooking classes, the hacienda offers many activities to explore the area of ​​the mighty Cotopaxi volcano: you can go horse riding, mountain biking and hiking. After all these activities you can unwind in the beautiful spa with bubble baths and a very special herbal steam cabin or book a relaxing massage.

This hacienda is not “luxury” in the traditional sense of the word, but the authenticity, the hospitable welcome by everyone who works there, the warm and cosy atmosphere comfortable rooms and the excellent restaurant put this hacienda far at the top of the list of our favourites in the Cotopaxi area.