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Hacienda
Pinsaquí Getaway
The Hacienda has been in the Freile-Larrea family for over five
generations. Members of the family will personally attend your needs while you
are staying with at the hacienda.
Horses have been the family’s big passion over the decades. This can clearly be
seen on paintings in the walls, a small obstacle court and pretty much
everywhere.
For our groups the owners provide a special treat - in the early evening, all of
the guests are invited to the bar area for a welcome drink. Here the owner rides
a stallion into the bar and tells a personal story detailing the history of the
hacienda.
Not overshadowed by its size and historical events, the Hacienda creates a warm
atmosphere full of character, making for a wonderful stay.
 IT-ECSR04
2007/08 Rates
include lodging with private bath, all meals, four riding days
5 days/ 4 nights $ 495
Extra days with meals and riding $125
Dates: all year upon request
Meeting:
Pinsaqui - Otavalo
Airport: Quito
Taxes: included
Gratuities: included (except
horse guide)
Transfer: $130 return per car
Level:
All levels
Tack:
Western,
English
Horses:
Quarter, Paso
Fino, Cross
Pace : Moderate, some trots and canters
Min Age: 12
Max Riders: 7
Check in: 2 PM Check out: 10 AM
Itinerary
Day 1 Afternoon arrival, dinner and overnight.
Day 2 :8:30 am. Horseback riding tour to Imbabura volcano, going
through the Indian town of Ilumán where you can see the way the natives weave
tapestries and do their traditional handcrafts that are sold in Otavalo´s fair.
The trip continues to El Tablón situated on the slopes of the Imbabura volcano
with spectacular scenery over the three lakes: San Pablo, Yaguarcocha and
Cuicocha. Lunch and then return to Pinsaquí. - arrival 2:30pm.
Day 3: 8:30 am. The trip goes up to a place called La Piedra (the
stone). A 90 foot volcanic stone created by an eruption of the volcano Imbabura
hundreds of years ago. You climb to the top for lunch where a spectacular view
expects you. Return to the hacienda around 2:30pm.
Day 4: 8:30 am. Departure for Peguche´s waterfall located
inside a beautiful eucalyptus forest - a fall with a 30 feet drop. The
ride takes about 2 1/2 hours. There is a little lake where you can swim and have
lunch.
Day 5: Check out and return to Quito or maybe add on some days at
Hacienda Cusin, or maybe a trip to the Galapagos Islands!
History
The colonial hacienda was originally constructed in 1790, and spectacularly
restored after an earthquake that shook the region in 1867. The building
originally housed a textile workshop, employing nearly 1000 local weavers and
spinners. In the late 1800’s, the unique creations of these workers became
internationally renown, when the “bayetas”, a special fabric typical of
Pinsaqui, arrived at the World’s Fair in Chicago.
Bolivar
During the 1800’s, the hacienda served as an important political point for
notorious guests such as Simón Bolívar. General Bolívar used to reside
here during his military expeditions back and forth between Ecuador and
Colombia, finding a special peace and tranquility more than a hundred years ago.
During the period when Gabriel García Moreno was President, Ecuador was having
serious international conflicts with its neighboring country, Columbia. After
many ill attempts at peace, on December 30th, 1863, a treaty between Ecuador and
Colombia, the Treaty of Pinsaquí, was signed here.
Since then, the last five generations of the family Freile-Larrea have
maintained ownership and care of this historic Hacienda. The beautiful estate
greets you with its white stone gates, and continues to impress with well kept
yards, fountains, cool mountain breezes, and picturesque landscape. Upon
entering the bright building smells of a burning chimney and decorated walls
welcome you. If you admire antiques, history, or beautiful things, the hacienda
will delight you. An abundance of its fine art, furniture, sculptures come from
Spain. The great grandfather of the Hacienda served as an Ambassador to Spain
and his experiences there influenced the decoration of the hacienda. Pay
attention to framed newspaper clippings from the early 1800’s, impressive
chandeliers, marble floors, and the aromas of fresh flowers and plants.
The tradition of the Hacienda remains strong in the live lunch time musical
event. Local native people (Otaveleños) come to the Hacienda and please
listeners with their traditional music and warm characters, intimately sharing
their culture, through verse and instruments, with the guests.
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