Travel Matters Insight

Hacienda El Porvenir

About…

Look what we have discovered, on the slopes of the Rumiñahui Volcano!

Hacienda El Porvenir offers exceptional adventure in the heart of the Andes. Just an hour and a half drive from Quito, this secret gateway, to exploring the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano and its stunning surroundings, is an impressive holiday destination. Allow yourself to be absorbed by the authentic Andean lifestyle, while enjoying a variety of thrilling activities designed to create unforgettable memories.

Located at a breath-taking altitude of 3,600 meters (11,811 feet), Hacienda El Porvenir is surrounded by four magnificent volcanoes, including the iconic Cotopaxi. The Hacienda combines comfort and tradition, providing a warm and welcoming retreat in a working ranch setting dedicated to sustainable agriculture, cattle farming, conservation and ecotourism. We urge guests to make the most of the in-farm-fresh milk, cheese and vegetables grown right on the premises, with flavours enhanced by herbs from Hacienda’s very own garden. The traditional Andean farmhouse, crafted from local materials, retains the charm and essence of its colonial heritage. The buildings are arranged around a spacious courtyard, featuring the Casa Principal, Casa Chica, Casa del Establo and APU Mountain SPA. The stables, saddle room and corrals add to the authentic ranch atmosphere, giving you a true taste of hacienda life.

Hacienda El Porvenir provides several options of accommodation for guests, depending on the size of your party. For travelling in couples, the Double Rooms and Suite are excellent choices. The Family Suite and Double Rooms are better suited for families travelling with children. Each option includes a private bathroom, with a bath and toiletries. The Hacienda has a delightful family-friendly restaurant, serving meals through the day and a selection of vegetarian options.

Ecuador's eternal spring offers two distinct seasons. The green season (October-May) brings refreshing rains and morning clouds, while the dry season (late June-September) features clear blue skies and spectacular views. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so prepare for a mix of snow, heat, rain and wind all in the same day. This makes the surrounding area very popular for cycling and hiking. The Hacienda supplies bicycles for hire.

Guests are reminded about the limited connectivity. With reduced internet access in social areas and Wi-Fi in Suites and Traditional Hacienda Rooms, we ask that guests be conscious and embrace the digital detox (there is no mobile phone coverage).

Key Sustainable Features…

Travel Matters is delighted to showcase a real ‘Sustainability Champion’!

At Hacienda El Porvenir have worked tirelessly to preserve and enhance their 1,000 hectares of land. With an unwavering commitment to sustainability, Hacienda El Porvenir have significantly reduced their agricultural footprint, dedicating 80% of their space to environmental conservation. The remaining land is thoughtfully allocated to tourism activities, agriculture and livestock; allowing the hotel to maintain their identity as a traditional Hacienda while embracing modern sustainability practices and are carbon negative.

Hacienda El Porvenir strive to create meaningful impacts through various programmes that resonate deeply with their visitors. By combining nature adventures with educational experiences, the hotel foster a profound connection to the environment. This commitment leads to operating based on various values, including a commitment to the planet to preserve & improve what is within their reach, which has resulted in their impressive TourCert certification. Some of Travel Matters favourite commitments to sustainability, are:

• Active Participation: Engaging in ecological, conservation and educational projects; whilst working closely with local communities and producers

• Environmental Education: Ongoing programmes for guests and staff focus on habitat conservation, wetland protection, Páramo Ecosystems and community support

• Local Sourcing & Waste Reduction: Implementing source reduction policies, using returnable glass bottles, reducing packaging and encouraging guests to use reusable containers

• Renewable Energy: 50% of our energy needs are met through solar panels, harnessing renewable sources for a sustainable future

• Tree Planting: Planting 700,000 native trees in restoration areas, contributing to ecosystem health and biodiversity

• Segregation & Composting: Waste is segregated by type and disposed of through the municipal system, with all organic waste composted on-site

• 5 Rs of Waste Management: We embrace the principles of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Restore & Rethink’, to minimise our environmental footprint.

Travel Matters Highlights…

Recommended by The New York Times, Travel+ Leisure, Outside, AFAR and Men's Journal; Hacienda El Porvenir is an excellent reputation amongst the adventurer touring community.

Boasting a rich history dating back to colonial era, the immediate area has been cultivated with antiquities and signs of a rich history. Once managed by Jesuits, the estate has been in the Gangotena Escudero family for five generations since 1893. Today, it belongs to the Pérez Gangotena family, who opened its doors to visitors in 1999, inviting adventurers from around the world to experience the enchantment of this extraordinary place.

Hacienda El Porvenir is not just a place to stay; it’s a working ranch where sustainable practices meet cultural heritage. From milking cows to harvesting fresh produce, every moment here is legendary. Today, there is a wide range of activities for guests to participate in…the Hacienda really is Much More Than a Place to Sleep! Guests are able to choose from a host of activities, which include; Horseback Riding in the style of Chagras or Andean Cowboys, relaxing in the spa & indulging in massage treatments, the re-forestation initiative (Pachamama Ceremony), cooking classes (Cooking in the Clouds), hiking & trekking trails, mountain & electric bicycle rentals, high rope course, lasso classes and the renowned Hacienda Life Experiences.

Make an enquiry today and Travel Matters can assist with hiking tours, horse riding treks and much more.

Map & Location…

Perched on the slopes of the Rumiñahui Volcano, Hacienda El Porvenir offers a truly privileged location for exploring the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano and its surroundings. Situated just an hour and a half drive from Quito and four kilometers from the northern entrance of Cotopaxi National Park, this hacienda is your ideal base for an authentic Andean adventure.

At an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) above sea level, Hacienda El Porvenir boasts scenic views of four volcanoes, including the famous Cotopaxi. The hacienda provides a comfortable and warm setting in a traditional Andean farmhouse, constructed from local materials. The buildings are arranged around a large courtyard and include Casa Principal, Casa Chica, Casa del Establo, and the APU Mountain SPA.