Hacienda El Porvenir, Cotopaxi National Park

On the gentle slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano, in a truly privileged position, Hacienda El Porvenir is the ideal spot from which to explore the Cotopaxi National Park and to get to know the Andean way of life at first hand. The laid-back farmhouse is just one and a half hours from Quito by car and only four km from the northern entrance to the national park. Located at 3,600 m and surrounded by four volcanoes, guests can enjoy stunning views but must bear in mind that the altitude can make it cold throughout the year. With a capacity for just 42 guests, staff do their utmost to make your stay as welcoming and personalised as possible, in true rural Andean fashion. Rooms are kept warm and cosy with a simple, homely style; the lodge also has a lounge with a fireplace and indoor jacuzzies. There are just nine rooms with en-suite bathrooms which we use for our guests. The lodge has a restaurant serving traditional home cooked meals and activities can be arranged via the staff such as trekking and horseback riding. Being a working ranch, they also offer authentic Ecuadorian cowboy experiences for a glimpse into their everyday lives.