Alternative Digs in Ecuador – Hacienda Guachalá

A fun discovery in the highlands of Ecuador was the 400-year old Hacienda Guachalá, located about an hour’s drive from Quito and only 20 minutes from the famous market town of Otavalo.

Built in 1580 (no, that is not a typo!), the Hacienda claims to be the oldest in Ecuador—no small claim considering the early colonial history of this part of South America. The area is one of lush, rolling hills and farmers on horseback; the area is so good for growing flowers that a mainstay of the economy is greenhousing, mostly roses for export. As well, here you are extremely close to the equator—you will likely see a few monuments to the famous invisible line on your way in.

Staying at Guachalá is a trip back in time, as the place really does feel as old as it is—think rustic, faded colonial glory. It didn’t take much imagination to picture the life of early colonists while we huddled in heavy warm blankets against the massive stone fireplace that graces every room while rain poured down outside. In the colder months the fireplaces are definitely not decorative!

Food is authentic Ecuadorian country fare, much of which is produced locally. The hacienda includes a working farm, and the area’s pretty countryside is easily explored via marked hiking trails or—more traditionally—on horseback. There are even nearby pre-Inca ruins.

Somewhat incongruously, the hacienda also has a pool, enclosed in a kind of greenhouse filled with tropical plants; most rooms back onto this lush oasis. All rooms have hot water, and although the website may glowingly describe their high-speed internet connection, I wouldn’t count on being wired! From the look of the computers it didn’t seem like they were going to be operational anytime soon. No matter, this is supposed to be a trip back in time. (However, because of this I suggest you try phoning for reservations if you don’t have luck with email. The matron of the house speaks excellent English, although she is not always in the office.)

Rooms start at USD$30 for a single, not including meals

info@guachala.com

Fax: +593 (2) 236 2426

By Bus from Quito: Take a bus at “Cooperativa Flor del Valle” and ask the driver to drop you off at Guachalá. The bus will drop you off on the road to Cangahua. Follow the road for a mile (you could take another bus or walk).