Hacienda el Porvenir
Friendly, folksy hacienda, very much a working ranch. A wide range of activities is offered, including horse riding, mountain biking and hiking.
Hacienda El Porvenir sits at 3,600m on the slopes of Rumiñahui volcano, just 4km from the northern entrance to Cotopaxi National Park. Surrounded by open páramo, this historic working hacienda combines farming, conservation and tourism. Traditional Andean materials and rustic décor give it plenty of character, but it is more comfortable than the idea of a working ranch might suggest. Inviting sitting rooms with comfortable sofas and wood-burning fires give the communal areas a particularly homely feel.
Accommodation ranges from traditional rooms to more spacious suites, with the stable rooms particularly recommended for their space, comfort and polished finish. Local textiles and natural materials retain a sense of place, while all rooms have tea- and coffee-making facilities and Japanese-style toilets, an unusual touch inspired by the owner’s travels. There is plenty to do, including horse riding, mountain biking and hiking, with well-cared-for horses and local chagras contributing to the hacienda’s strong equestrian character.
The APU Mountain Spa is more substantial than might be expected at a remote highland hacienda, with a warm timber interior, several small bathing and hydrotherapy-style areas, and massage treatments available at additional cost, making it particularly appealing after a day of hiking, cycling or horse riding. The hacienda also works towards operating sustainably and responsibly, with initiatives covering conservation, community relationships and staff welfare. Staff are employed from the surrounding community, while the wider operation supports conservation of the páramo and the continuation of local chagra culture and traditional horsemanship.
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Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
