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Hacienda Pinsaqui

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Otavalo, Ecuador

Located at the base of Imbabura Volcano in Ecuador’s Lake District, Hacienda Pinsaquí was originally constructed in 1790 as a colonial textile enterprise, employing more than a thousand weavers and spinners. Once converted to a hacienda, General Simón Bolívar was a regular guest while he crisscrossed the continent liberating Venezuela, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru from Spanish rule.

History continued to be written at the estate with the signing of the Treaty of Pinsaquí between Colombia and Ecuador in 1863. Traditions remain as the property has been passed down through the last five generations of the Freile-Larrea family.

The 20 suites included fireplaces, and are set among ponds, palms and roaming llamas. Extra touches include Indian musicians from Otavalo serenading guests everyday at lunch, and occasional visits from the owner, who enters the bar atop his favorite stallion. The grounds feature an historic chapel, as well as horses, mountain biking and plenty of hiking.