On the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano, in a truly privileged location, Hacienda El Porvenir is the ideal spot to explore Cotopaxi Volcano and its surroundings. It is one of the best and most intense ways to get to know, first hand, the Andean way of life and to have the most thrilling adventures, having the privilege of offering our guests a diversity of options. El Porvenir is just one and a half hour away from Quito by car, and is located four kilometers from the northern entrance of Cotopaxi National Park.
The farmhouse is located in a very scenic spot, at an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) above sea level. The scenic premises are surrounded by four volcanoes, one of which is the famous Cotopaxi volcano. Our guests can enjoy their stay in a comfortable, warm and operating “Hacienda” setting. El Porvenir is a working ranch that is dedicated to sustainable agriculture and cattle farming, conservation and ecotourism. We produce milk, cheese and also grow some of the vegetables offered in our restaurant. Our herb garden is essential to what we cook up in our kitchen!
The farmhouse is made from local building materials, keeping the spirit and essence of traditional Andean construction. Faithful to its vernacular design and in line with its needs, the buildings of Hacienda El Porvenir are distributed around a large courtyard. El Porvenir is comprised of the following: Casa de Hacienda, Casa Chica, Casa del Establo, la Ternerada and APU Mountain SPA. The stables, saddle room and corrals add to the character of this working farm.
The history of Hacienda El Porvenir goes back to colonial times. This territory, which was then known as “Pedregal”, was managed by the Jesuits. In this vast area, the Jesuits raised sheep and later dabbled on raising wild cattle. Five generations ago, in 1913, the old El Porvenir farm was bought by the Gangotena Escudero family, who have kept it up until modern times. More recently Hacienda El Porvenir has become known for its wild cattle (known as “Pedregal-Tambo”), belonging to Arturo Gangotena Escudero. Hacienda El Porvenir currently belongs to the Pérez Gangotena family, who decided to open its doors to visitors in 1999 in order to share the magic and enchantment of this beautiful spot, with adventurers coming from far and wide.
Recommendations: There is no minimum stay at Hacienda El Porvenir, but we highly recommend you stay for three nights or longer, to fully experience this destination and what it has to offer.
When to visit: Whenever you like! We are open year-round. Ecuador is well known for its eternal spring. Being on the Equatorial line has its perks. Ecuador has two main seasons, with certain fluctuations in temperature and wetness. The green season or winter (October- May) is rainy and cloudy skies are expected mainly during the mornings. The dry season or summer (late June to September) is characterized by clear blue skies with fantastic views. Mountain weather is usually unpredictable; and within the same day you can experience snow, heat, rain and wind.
Internet Connectivity: Limited internet is available in our social areas. Suites and Traditional Hacienda Rooms have limited Wi Fi. There is no coverage for mobile phones.
HACIENDA PORVENIR ACTIVITIES
HORSEBACK RIDING
At Hacienda El Porvenir we ride close to herds of wild horses and fighting bulls. We can also see various species of high-altitude birds (condors are frequently spotted) and native flora against a backdrop of spectacular scenery. Some rides take us up to 4,200m. Near the summit of Rumiñahui, from where there is a unique, unbeatable view of Cotopaxi. After relishing the freedom of nature at its wildest and enjoying the exhilaration of galloping with the pure wind of the high Andes. The rides take us through exclusive trails of our Haciendas at the majestic páramos and native forest of the Cotopaxi area, where our native guides intertwine legends, history and tradition in their tales.
Every ride is led by our experienced and knowledgeable Chagras (Andean Cowboys), expert rides that manage all our safety standards (prevention, mitigation and evacuation plans). These Chagras are Spanish speaking guides.
We provide riding accessories in the form of a woolen poncho, waterproof poncho, saddle bags, riding helmets and zamarros (sheepskin chaps) in the style of the chagras.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain biking in the Cotopaxi area must be one of the best ways to experience the beauty and the geological wonders of this massive active volcano.
We provide bike rentals for those adventurers who are willing to ride on the hacienda’s biking trails through gravel and cobalt stone roads. Bike rentals are self-guided through our exclusive trails. We supply biking protections: helmets (mandatory use), gloves, knees and elbows protection for both self and fully supported rides.
HIKING & TREKKING
At Hacienda El Porvenir you can enjoy hikes for every level or interest. With over 15 km. of signposted and/or self-guided paths covering a variety of routes within the property, you can explore untouched, mesmerizing nooks and crannies of the Cotopaxi region
We offer different levels of difficulty and a mixture of dazzling landscapes. Ideal for acclimatization or just to immerse yourself in nature, our self-guided paths offer you a myriad of options: dense Andean woods, pristine páramos, streams and waterfalls, viewpoints, conservation areas, bird-watching and wildlife
EXPLORING THE COTOPAXI
We start by heading from Hacienda El Porvenir to Cotopaxi National Park in the morning. We will cross the páramo plains where we will eventually reach the parking area prior to the climbing hut. From here, we begin to hike up to the hut (or “refugio” in Spanish) at 4,800m (15,744 ft), and reach the colosal Cotopaxi volcano to look at him, face-to-face!
After descending from the Refugio, we will continue on to Limpiopungo Lake where we will be served with a nutritious and tasty packed lunch. After this, we will return to the Hacienda. A native Spanish speaking guide will accompany us during the day
ANDEAN COOKING CLASSES
The hands-on cooking classes we provide al Tierra del Volcán, are suitable for amateurs, families and guests in general who want to experience regional gastronomy, Ecuadorian highland family traditions and the use of antique cooking instruments in an informal and friendly environment.
These fun all-inclusive cooking classes are taught in Spanish by native women who will inspire you and teach you their culinary secrets and local techniques.
We will travel through the history of some of the most representative local products in South America, and learn about the syncretism between two continents: America and Europe; while we grasp the process and proper uses of traditional cooking tools.
The class starts with cooking lessons of our famous cheese empanadas recipe, followed by the elaboration of ají or hot sauce. Ají is a very important part of Ecuadorian cuisine. This recipe varies from home to home. Here at Hacienda El Porvenir you will learn how to make it the traditional way, on a stone mortar and seasoned with various herbs and spices. We will also learn how to prepare the delicious canelazo, a traditional hot drink that is commonly served on celebrations in the Highlands of Ecuador.
APU SPA
Inspired by Andean Mountain culture and it’s volcanic setting, APU Spa offers a variety of exquisite treatments to relax, relief and energize the muscles and the senses after a day full of adventure.
Located at Hacienda El Porvenir, and surrounded by a peaceful scenery, the Spa offers two single massage rooms and one wet area with a jacuzzi, and two therapeutic hot tubs. Our temazcal, or sweat lodge, heated with volcanic rocks, adds to this exceptional experience of detoxification, purification and connection with the Pachamama or Mother Earth.
