Hacienda Pimán

• One of Ecuador's oldest colonial haciendas
• Magnificent gardens with hummingbirds and ancient trees
• Slow down in the heart of nature
• Warm Ecuadorian hospitality and excellent food.
• Relax in the heated pool or enjoy calming spa treatments

Open: Hacienda Pimán is open all year.

Location: Hacienda Pimán is in a valley in the Andes mountains in the north of Ecuador. It is 9kms from the city of Ibarra and is at an altitude of 2,100m above sea level. The hacienda is at the centre of a fertile area of land which enjoys its own microclimate in the otherwise arid valley.

Rooms: There are 17 rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. 7 rooms are in the main house and the remaining 10 are in 5 cottages in the gardens. Each room has a telephone, safe and heating. The décor is stylish and understated with antique furniture featuring throughout the hacienda.

Activities: While here you can go for walks, hikes and bike rides near the hacienda or travel a little further afield to the El Angel Reserve where you can explore the forests and lakes. Near here it is possible to visit the Afro-Ecuadorian communities of El Chota and its small museum. You can visit the salt museum in Ibarra. At one time in the 19th century salt was more valuable than gold and you can learn more about this commodity and its history. There are also many interesting historical buildings in the city. If you want to see the sea, you can take the 2 hour train ride from Ibarra to Salinas on the coast.

Facilities: The sitting room and library are in a neoclassical building, separate from the main house. The restaurant and lounge are in a new building with floor to ceiling windows giving views of the gardens. There is also an outdoor eating area. The gardens are full of exotic plants and trees which attract abundant birdlife. You can cool off in the outdoor swimming pool. The on-site chapel has been restored and is an interesting place to visit. There is a small spa.

Dining: Meals are eaten at individual tables.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome at Hacienda Pimán.

Health: This is not a malarial area.

Communication: There is no internet access.