Unique Stay: Cotopaxi Volcano Hacienda

This morning your driver and tour guide will pick you up in Quito to head to Hacienda Santa Rita, a private ecological reserve located on the slopes of Pasochoa Volcano at an altitude of 3,200 meters (10,500 ft). Here, we will hike the Condor Machay Waterfall Trail (a 45-minute to 1-hour hike). The trail features wooden stairs and railings where needed for safety. You'll descend a path with views of the Pita River flowing over petrified lahars, leading to a stunning and unique perspective of the Condor Machay Waterfall.

After the hike, we will return to our vehicle and drive to Hacienda El Porvenir to enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to participate in a gratitude ceremony for Pachamama (Mother Earth). In this folkloric ritual, Hacienda El Porvenir, a pioneer in nature conservation since 1992, invites you to connect with nature by planting a native tree, contributing to the preservation of this extraordinary ecosystem.

*Your stay at Hacienda el Porvenir includes most activities but may have a limited number of “extra cost” activities, which will be at your own cost and paid locally. Note that the sequence of the excursion as well as the logistics and/or duration might change depending on weather conditions.

In the morning, after enjoying a nutritious farm breakfast, you will receive a brief riding lesson from our experienced guides before setting out on horseback. Wearing the typical dress of the chagra (Ecuadorian cowboys), this ride across the slopes of the dormant volcano, Rumiñahui will be an unforgettable experience. A legendary chagra from the region will accompany you and share his knowledge and culture along the way. After a ride of approximately three hours, you will return to the farmhouse where a tasty local lunch will be waiting for you.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Andean traditions during our Cooking in the Clouds lessons. The class begins with a hands-on cooking session where you will prepare our famous cheese empanadas, followed by the crafting of ají, a quintessential Ecuadorian chili sauce. Recipes for ají vary from home to home, but at Hacienda El Porvenir, you will learn to make it the traditional way using a stone mortar and a blend of fresh herbs and spices. Finally, you’ll learn how to prepare canelazo, a warm, spiced drink traditionally served during celebrations in the Ecuadorian highlands. After the class, you can enjoy your creations by a crackling fireplace.

The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at Hacienda El Porvenir.

After enjoying breakfast at the Hacienda, your driver and guide will take you to Cotopaxi National Park (CNP), located just 4 km from the Hacienda. This fascinating drive passes through ancient lava flows from Cotopaxi’s past eruptions, making it an ideal place to learn about Andean geology.

During your visit, you will reach the car park below Cotopaxi’s Refuge, where a short but rewarding hike begins. The trail leads to the José Ribas Refuge, situated at an elevation of 4,800 meters (15,744 ft). The immensity of the volcano is awe-inspiring, leaving a lasting impression as you ascend.

After the hike, you will return to the vehicle and continue to Limpiopungo Lake, where a box lunch will be served amidst the stunning scenery. From there, the journey continues through rocky valleys until you arrive at Pucará del Salitre, an ancient Inca fortress once part of the route to the Amazon basin. Nearby, natural springs emerge, carrying icy water from the underground rivers fed by Cotopaxi’s glaciers. Following this immersive experience, you will be transferred to Quito for your onward travels.