Experience an unforgettable 3-day stay at Hacienda El Porvenir, a unique gateway to the wonders of Cotopaxi Volcano in Ecuador, and its surrounding landscapes.
Nestled on the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano, Hacienda El Porvenir is the perfect base to explore the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, located just 1.5 hours from Quito.
A working ranch committed to sustainable agriculture, livestock farming, conservation, and ecotourism, Hacienda El Porvenir is a haven of natural beauty and authenticity. The farm produces fresh milk, cheeses, and vegetables for its on-site restaurant, while its herb garden enhances its signature dishes, giving visitors a truly farm-to-table experience. This unique blend of history and modernity provides an inviting atmosphere for guests to relax and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
During your stay, you will have the opportunity to embark on a range of outdoor adventures. Explore the vast landscapes with a horseback riding excursion, taking in the stunning views of nearby volcanoes and valleys.
Hacienda El Porvenir offers guests a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life, while discovering the natural wonders of the Cotopaxi region and the culture that makes it so special. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of authentic Ecuadorian farm life, this 3-day package promises to be a truly unique experience.
Your tour highlights
One of the standout experiences Hacienda El Porvenir offers to its guests is authentic farm-to-table dining at their on-site restaurant.
- Hike the Condor Machay Waterfall Trail with views of the Pita River.
- Opportunity to participate in a gratitude ceremony for Pachamama (Mother Earth)
- Hike Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world
- Opportunities to enjoy horseback riding
- Indulge in a farm-to-table dining experience at their on-site restaurant
- Relax at the APU spa, inspired by Andean mountain culture and its volcanic setting.
Tour itinerary
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.
What you’ll see on the tour
Tour pricing:
from $2598
To secure your place now:
Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]
Tour Inclusions:
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Accommodation
- Accommodation in chosen room for 2 nights
Food
- Meals throughout while at the lodge (starting with dinner on day 1 and ending with lunch on day 3.
- One soft drink per meal
Fees & Services
- Entrance fee to Santa Rita Ecological Reserve
- Group Transfers to/from Quito on a scheduled basis
- Most activities while at the lodge. Some activities may be excluded and incur an additional cost
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Entrance to APU Mountain spa