Tribes Travel

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Tribes Travel, 12 The Business Centre, Earl Soham, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 7SA, UK

Tribes Travel

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San Agustin de Callo

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About San Agustin de Callo

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Nestled in the foothills of Cotopaxi volcano, the historic Hacienda San Agustin de Callo is the perfect base to explore the National Park and surrounding Andean villages.
 
The hacienda is one of only two major Inca sites in Ecuador. Dating from around 1440, San Agustin de Callo has served as an Inca fortress, Augustinian convent and temporary home for the French Geodesic Mission. In 1921 the hacienda was purchased by General Leonidas Plaza Gutierrez. Gutierrez and his son both stood office as Ecuador’s president, and the hacienda is currently owned by the General’s grand daughter.
 
In both the main house and the Callo Lodge the individually decorated rooms come with en-suite bathrooms and fireplaces (many have fireplaces in the bathrooms as well). Beds are on the generous side and are extremely comfortable. The beautiful wall paintings are made by the Chilean artist Manuel Araya. There are 3 rooms in the Callo house with a central living room and kitchen, and 6 in the main house set around a Spanish courtyard. The meals are served from a cosy dining room with lovely views across the foothills to Cotopaxi volcano. Meals are a tasty mix of local and international dishes. A full English breakfast is served with the warning that the hacienda “is not liable in any way for consequences, medical or otherwise, for consumption of English breakfasts at high altitude!!” The dinner menu usually includes Andean dishes such as tamales (steamed corn maize stuffed with seasoned chicken, eggs, chillies and olives wrapped in achira leaves), locro (a rich cheese and potato soup served with slices of ripe avocado), and a variety of poultry, seafood, lamb or pork. Freshly picked vegetables and salads accompany the main dishes.

The setting of the hacienda is excellent for exploring the flora and fauna of the surrounding paramo (high altitude wet tropical grassland above the treeline) either on foot, mountain bike or horseback. Horse riding trips of a few hours to typical high Andean villages, or longer day trips along little explored Inca Trails can be arranged. There are numerous trails suitable for mountain biking and for the more adventurous transport can be arranged close to the Cotopaxi refuge at 4,800m for an exciting descent to the park entrance where return transport will be waiting. For those interested in a more sedate pace some of Ecuador’s most authentic markets are within a 30 minute drive of the hacienda.

Highlights and information

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Highlights

  • Excellent location for exploring Cotopaxi Natiional Park.
  • Unique Inca architecture.
  • Variety of interesting accommodation options.
  • Range of activities available.

Special offers

 

Situation

Nestled in the foothills of Cotopaxi volcano.

Activities

Usually arranged through local operator but for longer stays mountain biking and horse riding can be arranged directly with the hacienda.

Facilities

9 ensuite rooms with fire places, 3 rooms in Callo lodge with a central living room and 6 rooms in the main house set around a Spanish courtyard. Comfortable lounge and cosy dining room.

Child policy

Please consult.

Open

All year.

Best time

The driest season for the Andean regions is from about late May to early October.

Inclusions

Accommodation, breakfast and dinner. Lunches can be arranged for an additional charge.

Meals

Half board (breakfast and dinner).

Pricing guidelines for Ecuador

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £750 to £1000 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Ecuador combines very well with Peru, but can also be linked with Brazil.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

  • Example tripPrice per person
  • 2 weeks highlights of Ecuador’s mainland using good standard accommodationBetween £1800 and £2750
  • 2 week trip staying in top end haciendas and lodgesFrom around £3500+
  • 10 days Andes & rainforest holidayBetween £1200 and £1600
  • 16 days Andes & Galapagos (this can be very variable due to Galapagos yacht prices)From about £3200+
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