Hacienda El Porvenir

Give yourself at least two nights if you can. There are horses, walks, bike rides, a spa, and massages to enjoy, and the restaurant is another reason to linger. The fresh local food was lovely, and I especially liked the warm cinnamon drink, which comes with or without alcohol. It's a grand, fascinating old farmhouse, said to be the oldest in the region, with plenty of little corners to explore. The rooms are warm and lovely, and both the showers and fireplaces make for a cozy stay.

The food here has that honest mountain flavor, with homemade cheese, yogurt, and raw butter, local meat, organic ingredients, and some vegetables and herbs grown for the kitchen. They also raise cattle, farm sustainably, support conservation, and run ecotourism activities. I even learned their chickens are in the way, so the eggs should be homemade soon. There’s plenty to do depending on your mood: riding, hiking, biking, spa time, a ropes course, cooking, or just sitting by the fire. The hacienda sits on the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano, about 1.5 hours from Quito and near Cotopaxi National Park, at roughly 3,600 meters. Around it are fields, horses, volcanoes, and wonderfully fresh air. It belongs to the same family for seven generations, and staying here makes life feel like it has slowed down. What stayed with me was how cared for we felt. When we had a room problem, the staff sorted it out kindly and smoothly, with no fuss. Michel deserves a 10/10. At dinner they put hot water bottles in our beds, and the fireplace was lit too. Small touches like that make a place memorable. It feels like a real Andean home, warm and full of thoughtful details. We arrived as guests and left feeling we'd found a home in the Andes. Cozy, charming, and run with heart. Absolutely magical.

The restaurant food is the best around, and having an evening drink by the fireplace is just right. Everyone was welcoming, attentive, and so friendly. It's a beautiful hacienda close to Cotopaxi National Park, with lots to do there or a handy base for nearby sights. We'll be back. Thanks to Rafael and team.

The restaurant does proper table service and the food is great. We found a street connecting the hacienda straight to the entrance of Cotopaxi Peak, just 2 km instead of the 14 km Google Maps suggested, so you can come for dinner alone like we did. Get the meat and chocolate dessert. AMAZING!