OTAVALO / IMBABURA PROVINCE, ECUADOR
In Otavalo: Hacienda Pinsaqui. Built in 1790, Hacienda Pinsaqui was originally a colonial textile enterprise, employing over one thousand weavers and spinners. Many of Pinsaqui’s fabrics were exported to the United States in the late 1800s where they first received international recognition. To this day, the Hacienda retains the character and authenticity of its earlier incarnation, making for a unique travel experience. This refined guesthouse is a 9-minute walk from the Otavalo handicraft market and 11 minutes from the renowned leather-producing town of Cotacachi.
Over the centuries Pinsaqui has hosted numerous illustrious guests, being the most famous of all, Simon Bolivar, the South American revered liberator. Hacienda Pinsaqui offers: 30 well-appointed suites with fireplaces, some with Jacuzzi bathtubs, a restaurant featuring the finest Ecuadorian and International cuisine, 200 year-old grounds with ponds, palms, walks, and roaming llamas, the Terrace Snack Bar with lovely views of the garden, a historical chapel, and that’s just the beginning. Hot breakfast is free. There’s a refined restaurant with white stone walls, plus a cavern bar with a fireplace. Other amenities include bike rentals, and activities such as horseback riding tours are available.
