Ecuador, South America

Hacienda El Porvenir

Unleash your inner explorer at Hacienda El Porvenir, your gateway to adventure in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Trek through the majestic shadow of Cotopaxi Volcano and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Andean life

The hacienda is just an hour and a half away from Quito driving and 4km from the northern entrance to the Cotopaxi National Park. The farmhouse maintains the spirit and essence of traditional Andean construction.

Enjoy horseback riding while experiencing the culture of the Chagra (Ecuadorian cowboy), mountain biking through unique single-track trails, trekking while enjoying the magnificent scenery, climbing impressive peaks, relaxing in our spa, enjoying our unforgettable culinary experience and more.

The territory where Hacienda El Porvenir is located, known as “Pedregal,” was once managed by the Jesuits. In this vast area, they raised sheep and later experimented with raising wild cattle. Five generations ago, in 1913, the old El Porvenir farm was purchased by the Gangotena Escudero family, who have preserved it until today.

More recently, Hacienda El Porvenir has become renowned for its wild cattle, known as “Pedregal-Tambo,” belonging to Arturo Gangotena Escudero. Since 1999, the Pérez Gangotena family has opened the hacienda’s doors to visitors, sharing the magic and enchantment of this beautiful spot with adventurers from around the world.

Situated next to Cotopaxi National Park, home to the majestic Cotopaxi volcano, the hacienda boasts a breathtaking view of its perfectly conical shape, adorned with a dazzling cap of snow that shimmers in the sunlight. The park is a haven for diverse ecosystems, ranging from high-altitude paramo grasslands to dense cloud forests, each teeming with unique flora and fauna.

As visitors explore, pristine lakes reflect the surrounding peaks, creating mirror-like surfaces that amplify the visual splendour of the scenery. The air is crisp and clean, and the ever-changing weather patterns add to the ethereal atmosphere that envelops Cotopaxi National Park.

Cotopaxi Volcano
One of the highest active volcanoes on the planet
EXPLORE
MAGICAL PLACES
Hacienda El Porvenir is full of magic, legends and hidden places ready to be discovered
THE CHAGRAS -
COWBOYS OF THE ANDES
Experience a unique cultural encounter with the Chagra lifestyle, riding amongst some of the most impressive landscapes in the Andes
ADVENTURE BY DAY,
LUXURY BY NIGHT
Unwind in our spa after a day of exploring one of the most breath-taking wonders of the Andes
Hacienda El Porvenir Ecuador Host Singular Places - Hacienda El Porvenir, Ecuador

Your Host - Jorge Pérez

Deeply committed to the land I was born and grew up in, Hacienda El Porvenir was a dream that came true thanks to the passion and compromise of our collaborators, staff, family and guests. Hacienda El Porvenir is fertile land where authenticity, innovation, quality, safety and responsibility are our pillars.
 
Our name evokes much more than a place, it is a whole magical destination in a lonely, untouched nook of the Andes.
 
Welcome, mi casa es su casa!

Our insights..

Transparency is essential if we are all going to grow and improve together and this is why we have dedicated this section to sharing what we love about each place and its hosts. We work with each of our hosts to improve their guest experiences, sustainability practices and local impact, this is where you can learn more about that along with what still needs to be improved, the measures being taken to ensure our hosts continue to move forward and every now and then we’ll come back to update you on their progress.


Lars Von Der Wettern Singular Places Team - Team

Lars von der Wettern

Visited the property in November 2023

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The territory where Hacienda El Porvenir is located, known as “Pedregal,” was once managed by the Jesuits. In this vast area, they raised sheep and later experimented with raising wild cattle. Five generations ago, in 1913, the old El Porvenir farm was purchased by the Gangotena Escudero family, who have preserved it until today.

More recently, Hacienda El Porvenir has become renowned for its wild cattle, known as “Pedregal-Tambo,” belonging to Arturo Gangotena Escudero. Since 1999, the Pérez Gangotena family has opened the hacienda’s doors to visitors, sharing the magic and enchantment of this beautiful spot with adventurers from around the world.

Situated next to Cotopaxi National Park, home to the majestic Cotopaxi volcano, the hacienda boasts a breathtaking view of its perfectly conical shape, adorned with a dazzling cap of snow that shimmers in the sunlight. The park is a haven for diverse ecosystems, ranging from high-altitude paramo grasslands to dense cloud forests, each teeming with unique flora and fauna.

As visitors explore, pristine lakes reflect the surrounding peaks, creating mirror-like surfaces that amplify the visual splendour of the scenery. The air is crisp and clean, and the ever-changing weather patterns add to the ethereal atmosphere that envelops Cotopaxi National Park.

Cotopaxi Volcano
One of the highest active volcanoes on the planet
The Chagras - Cowboys of the Andes
Experience a unique cultural encounter with the Chagra lifestyle, riding amongst some of the most impressive landscapes in the Andes
Explore magical places
Hacienda El Porvenir is full of magic, legends and hidden places ready to be discovered
Adventure by day, Luxury by night
Unwind in our spa after a day of exploring one of the most breath-taking wonders of the Andes

Your Host - Jorge Pérez

Deeply committed to the land I was born and grew up in, Hacienda El Porvenir was a dream that came true thanks to the passion and compromise of our collaborators, staff, family and guests. Hacienda El Porvenir is fertile land where authenticity, innovation, quality, safety and responsibility are our pillars.
 
Our name evokes much more than a place, it is a whole magical destination in a lonely, untouched nook of the Andes.
 
Welcome, mi casa es su casa!
Hacienda El Porvenir Ecuador Host Singular Places - Hacienda El Porvenir, Ecuador
Your Host - Jorge Pérez

Our insights..

Transparency is essential if we are all going to grow and improve together and this is why we have dedicated this section to sharing what we love about each place and its hosts. We work with each of our hosts to improve their guest experiences, sustainability practices and local impact, this is where you can learn more about that along with what still needs to be improved, the measures being taken to ensure our hosts continue to move forward and every now and then we’ll come back to update you on their progress.

–

Lars von der Wettern

Visited the property in November 2023

“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse quis tortor vel erat cursus eleifend ac a dui. Sed orci sapien, dapibus vel aliquam at, malesuada id felis. Proin id dapibus risus. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse quis tortor vel erat cursus eleifend ac a dui. Sed orci sapien, dapibus vel aliquam at, malesuada id felis. Proin id dapibus risus.”

Lars Von Der Wettern Singular Places Team - Team
Lars von der Wettern

Community & Sustainability Commitment

Here are some key sustainability & community practices that these hosts are committed to. Please use the key below the icons for reference. You might see that some measurements are not currently in place and that’s okay, we choose to support our hosts on their imperfect road towards a better world and we understand that that takes time.

Power Saving Initiatives In Place

Power saving initiatives in place

Water Saving Measures In Place

Water saving measures in place

Plastic Avoidance In Place

Plastic avoidance in place

Ecological Construction

Ecological construction

Ecological Suppliers Preferred

Ecological suppliers preferred

Environmental Information For Guests

Environmental information for guests

Regenerative Energy Initiatives In Place

Regenerative energy initiatives in place

Vegetarian Menu Available

Vegetarian menu available

Vegan Menu Available

Vegan menu available

Waste Policy In Place

Waste policy in place

Charging Station For Cars

Electric car charging station

Uses Local Suppliers

Uses local suppliers

Local NGO Supported

Local NGO supported

Local Charity Activity In Place

Local charity activity in place

Sells & Promotes Local Products

Sells & promotes local products

Promotes Other Local SMEs & Entrepreneurs

Promotes other local SMEs & entrepreneurs

Local Fair Job & Equal Opportunity Policy In Place

Equal opportunity & fair job policy in place

Provides Local Transport Information

Provides local transport information

Recommends Local Cultural Places Of Interest

Recommends local cultural places of interest

Actively Supports Local Infrastructure & Social Communit Development Initiatives

Supports community development & local infrastructure

Sustainability Practices

Community Commitments

Not in Place

Eco Certifications & Efforts

Just as we admire each of our hosts for their singularity, we appreciate that their sustainability journeys are also unique. Because of this, we do not require our hosts to have an eco certification or two under their belt, we simply guide them on improving their sustainable business practices one imperfect – but positive – step at a time. If a host has eco certifications they will be shown below, if not, then know we are working towards this together.

TourCert Label - Hacienda El Porvenir, Ecuador

TourCert

TourCert certification is a sustainability label awarded to tourism businesses that meet specific criteria in three key areas:

  • Economic Responsibility: This includes factors such as fair labor practices, responsible sourcing, and economic contribution to the local community.

  • Environmental Responsibility: This includes factors such as energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and protection of biodiversity.

  • Social Responsibility: This includes factors such as respect for human rights, cultural heritage, and community engagement.

Eco Efforts

Our Efforts

Condor Bio-reserve
We are proud to have been part of the Nature Conservancy’s “Parks in Peril” project, which seeks to articulate the efforts of people working in areas of high biodiversity in Ecuador, creating conservation corridors through coordinated work with the public and private sectors of Ecuador.

Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Hacienda El Porvenir has 1000 hectares (2471.05 acres). Around 20% of its land is intended for farming crops, 20% is exclusively dedicated to the reforestation of native species to restore natural habitat, and 60% is used for extensive grazing with low environmental impact; by managing animal load capacities to contribute to the conservation of the paramos (in other words: low numbers of cattle over a large area)

Waste Management
We keep to a strict policy for reducing the impact of solid waste. We have policies to reduce waste and management of recyclable and non-recyclable items.

The organic waste is used as compost, and the inorganic waste is collected by the Municipality of Machachi, with whom we have worked to resolve the waste management problems in the whole area.

We promote the reduction of plastic by offering drinks in returnable glass containers, buying products in large, reusable containers, and by being creative in looking for new ways to supply various necessities while being environmentally friendly.

Eco Efforts

Our Efforts

Habitat Restoration: Reforestation
Over 600,000 native trees have been successfully planted in Hacienda El Porvenir on the northern slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano of Hacienda El Porvenir’s land. This project, which was started in 1998, aims to recover the high Andean habitat, protect water sources, contribute to carbon uptake, and educate both visitors and those visited, on the importance of native woods. The trees planted as part of this project include the following species: pumamaqui, polylepis, and hoja blanca – in areas where there used to be high Andean forests.

Energy
50% of our electricity comes from solar panels. We use – a low-consumption lighting system and low-energy-consumption appliances.

Green Construction
The design and the materials of Hacienda El Porvenir follow traditional and ecological building systems; the walls are made of “tapial” (compacted earth). The roofs are built with straw and eucalyptus wood. The farmhouses revive the spirit and essence of the traditional Andean construction techniques used for hundreds of years. We use natural organic paint. The house makes the most out of daylight in many of its social areas by keeping the warmth in despite the cold surroundings.

Water consumption
We protect and refrain from contaminating water sources, and make sure that the withdrawal rate does not exceed the natural replenishment rate. We promote the responsible and appropriate use of water. We use biodegradable products in all our cleaning products.

NGOs & Local Impact Projects Supported

Each of our hosts strive to have a positive impact on their local communities. Some of our hosts already have established connections with local partners to enrich the lives and wellbeing of their communities, others are in the process of creating these long term relationships. If a host has local NGO connections they will be shown below, if not, then know we are working towards this together.

Logo Fundacion Paramo - Hacienda El Porvenir, Ecuador

Fundación Páramo

Fundación Páramo is a non-profit organization that works to conserve the páramo ecosystem in Ecuador. The páramo is a high-altitude Andean ecosystem that is home to a variety of unique plants and animals. It is also a vital source of water for millions of people.

Fundacion Páramo works with local communities to develop sustainable land use practices, protect páramo water resources, and promote ecotourism. The organization has also been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of the páramo ecosystem.

Community Commitment

Our Efforts

Our story begins a century ago with a compromise to the preservation of the sacred highlands or paramos where Hacienda El Porvenir rests. Our compromise to promote conservation and sustainability more than two decades ago through tourism. Hacienda El Porvenir has reinvented itself constantly to use sustainable tourism towards the conservation of the environment, the achievement of UN goals of the millennium, the well-being of the local communities, the promotion of sustainable development in all its dimensions, and the life-changing experiences of our visitors. We are a role model for tourism development in the area by creating and sponsoring private conservation areas and introducing other properties into a sustainable tourism model.

We have been actively working on the preservation of both cultural and natural environments through a partnership with Fundación Páramo, a non-profit organization that protects over 75,000 hectares (185.329 acres) of private land in the territory adjacent to Cotopaxi National Park. Each Hacienda has conservation programs running permanently throughout the year and through innovative itineraries, we support those programs and elevate our clients’ consciousness about this particular and endangered ecosystem. The programs we carry out are sensitive to local needs and provide support for the community, NGOs, the National Park, and/or private initiatives.

Together with non-profit organisations such as Fundación Páramo and The Nature Conservancy, they work actively to protect the ecosystem and monitor and control the area to prevent illegal hunting and indiscriminate fishing. We also run constant reforestation projects using native species of trees endemic to the area. We also offer assessments in the creation of privately owned land conservation areas and train locals in nature protection efforts.

Community Commitment

Our Efforts

Education
We impulse educational and facility improvment programs with schools in the surrounding areas of the National Park of Cotopax. The goal is to support local schools by improving facilities and access to technology (internet, libraries, and laboratories) along with the training needed for their proper use. We have also worked to educate the local communities on waste management, conservation, and the dangers of living near an active volcano.

Along with our partnership with the local schools, we published “Written in Stone,” a book written and illustrated by local children to create resilience after the Cotopaxi eruption.

Local Sourcing
Almost all the necessary products and food are bought at the local Machachi market; this reduces waste and carbon footprint and benefits local businesses. Hacienda El Porvenir has partnered with many local businesses, including transportation, tour guides, artisans, and tourism businesses, in order to support the communities surrounding the Hacienda economically. The food you enjoy is bought locally from small producers and entrepreneurs of the surrounding communities.

Cultural Heritage
The people of the area define themselves as “Chagra”. This classification is more than ethnic; it is a cultural characteristic linked to a way of life connected to the countryside, to the management of livestock, and to the breeding and use of horses.

Hacienda El Porvenir is committed to supporting and maintaining local, traditional and cultural ways, in revaluing the Chagra as a fundamental part of this region and promoting their cultural manifestations through rodeos, lasso competitions, cattle drives, among others that help perpetuate the ancestral traditions.

The Four Cs

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Conservation
72%

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Community
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Hacienda El Porvenir Ecuador - Hacienda Zorita, Spain
Click on the image above to view our interactive map in a new tab

Hacienda El Porvenir

4 km from the North Gate of Cotopaxi National Park
Ecuador

Contact
Mail: sales@tierradelvolcan.com
Phone: +593994980121

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