Hacienda Pinsaqui is a restored 18th-century Andean estate located in Otavalo, Ecuador. Cobblestone pathways, quiet courtyards and manicured gardens provide the backdrop to this special property with ties to important moments in Ecuador's history.
Otavalo Escape
As a Galapagos extension, enjoy an in-depth and relaxed experience of Otavalo and Ecuador's Highlands, famous for enduring Andean culture, artisans, haciendas, nature reserves, beautiful landscapes, regional cuisine and the world-famous Otavalo market.
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If traveling through Quito, stopping at Ecuador’s Otavalo market—only 2 hours from Quito—is a must. This 3-day Otavalo Escape, designed to complement your Galapagos cruise, is a perfect in-depth and relaxing experience that highlights Ecuador’s highland region, including an Andean music house, traditional weaving workshop; Cuicocha Lake and Cotacachi, an entire town dedicated to fine leather products; a rose plantation; and of course, the Otavalo market.
The Otavalo market, which makes the town of Otavalo world-famous, is one of the most fascinating and important markets in Latin America. Featuring a dazzling array of handicrafts including tapestries, hammocks, jewelry, paintings and colorful native clothing, the Otavalo market is a major source of income for local artisans from over 75 nearby villages. The Otavaleños are a very prosperous community of skilled textile weavers, who gather to sell their products at the market in the city of Otavalo as they have done for centuries, as regional markets have played an important role in Andean life, providing regular gathering places for trade and socializing.
Today, increasing numbers of Otavaleños have also been traveling overseas to sell their handcrafts in Europe and North America. The Otavaleños are proud of their cultural heritage. They are hardworking people who have managed to overcome poverty without changing their way of life, traditions or clothing style, while at the same time taking advantage of technological advances.
The Otavalo Escape includes a 2-night stay in a centuries-old colonial hacienda, Hacienda Pinsaqui, whose winding cobblestone pathways, fountain courtyards and bright gardens are historical and comforting with modern amenities. Enjoy delicious cuisine in traditional style surrounded by antique furnishings, Andean crafts and local people who want to share their culture with you.
This trip is fully customizable. Use it as a starting point to work with our Ecuador & Galapagos Travel experts, who will craft a 100% custom itinerary designed precisely for your interests, budget, and activity level. Experience exclusive lodges and activities you won’t find anywhere else. Our expert planning comes at no additional cost, handling every detail from logistics to sustainable practices, so you can relax and truly savor your adventure. Ready to design your perfect journey? Click custom trip planning to start!
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Ecuador tours and Ecuador trips.
Otavalo Escape Itinerary
Andean VillagesCuicocha Lake & Cotacachi
The 3-day Otavalo Escape operates round-trip from Quito, Ecuador, offering two nights at a classic Andean hacienda with daytime visits to stunning lakes, Andean villages and the world-famous Otavalo market.
Depart Quito early for a scenic drive north along Guayllabamba and Cayambe Valleys while enjoying spectacular Andean scenery. At lunchtime arrive at the Hacienda Pinsaqui, a restored 18th-century estate in Otavalo. The hacienda offers a luxurious taste of Ecuador’s colonial history among individually decorated rooms, gardens and courtyards. In the afternoon, visit the town of San Antonio de Ibarra, famous for its woodcarvings.
For hundreds of years indigenous people from over 70 surrounding villages have brought their crafts and produce to the world famous market in Otavalo. Here you can get involved in the excitement of bargaining, buying and photographing native textiles, the original “Panama” hat, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and pottery arranged in colorful displays. Enjoy another delicious lunch at a nearby hacienda or hosteria in the area.
This afternoon, visit the nearby village of Peguche. Stop and enjoy a textile workshop and take a closer look at the process of producing intricate traditional textiles on waistband looms that date back to the XVII century. Observe how the yarns are brushed, threaded and dyed before being woven into colourful traditional designs. Every step of production is open to see and both the process and the resulting stunning textiles are quite a show.
Next, visit the Tatya Gundo Kaya Wasi, which means Andean Music House in Kichwa. This traditional-style building houses a space dedicated to strengthening indigenous culture through popular Kichwa music. The cultural education project here promotes activities for children and young people from rural communities. Visit its quaint museum of wind and string instruments, as well as the workshop where these instruments are built using bamboo and other natural materials.
Visit Cuicocha Lake and the town of Cotacachi, an entire town dedicated to fine leather products with an abundance of shops to admire and purchase leather goods. Lake Cuicocha, or Lake of Guinea Pigs, is a beautiful caldera lake named for the two guinea pig shaped islands in the middle. These islands, along with the steep walls of the rim and the backdrop of the snow-capped Cayambe Volcano make for an impressive and postcard-worthy photograph. Experience the scenery from a boat ride around the islands, an easy walk to a viewpoint above the lake, or opt for a longer hike around the caldera’s rim for panoramic views of the lake.
Continue south for a visit to an impressive rose plantation and hacienda. As you tour the estate, learn the fascinating process from start to finish how these prized roses are meticulously cared for, harvested, and packaged to export around the world. Enjoy lunch at the hacienda before your return to Quito.
Included
Transportation, accommodations, local guides, entrance fees and meals as specified in itinerary.
Exclusions
Airfare to Ecuador, excess baggage charges, carbon neutral fee ($30 per person 2026), gratuities to Naturalist Staff and crew, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of total trip cost is required per person at the time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days – 100% of deposit
90 to 61 days – 50% of total trip cost
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Otavalo Escape begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador, (UIO) and requires one pre- and one post-hotel night. Please plan flights to arrive anytime one day prior to Day 1 of the itinerary and depart anytime one day after Day 3, from Quito. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Activities on the Otavalo Escape may include scenic drives, photography, bartering at markets and cultural visits focused on weaving, leather work, horticulture and wood carving.
Room Configuration
Quad occupancy is in two double-occupancy rooms. Call for pricing for groups of six or more.
Families & Children
Children 11 years and under receive a 10% discount when staying in room with two full fare adults. Child rates do not apply for groups of children.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Note that Galapagos Province requires foreign travelers to show proof of medical insurance coverage for entry. If you are traveling on to the Galapagos Islands, confirm with your travel insurance provider that your policy contains medical coverage to meet this entry requirement. Be certain to bring your insurance plan ID documents with you when you travel.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique.
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Established in 1790, Hacienda Pinsaqui is a lovingly restored, historic property in Otavalo, Ecuador. Guests are treated to a farmhouse feel with historic charm amid manicured gardens and greens linked by cobblestone paths. Reflect by a fountain, cozy up by a roaring fire, or simply enjoy the indoor-outdoor spaces that invite you to step back in time.
Hacienda Pinsaqui Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Hacienda Pinsaqui review includes a detailed description and photo gallery. Our adventure travel experts can help compare the Hacienda Pinsaqui with other historic lodging and Ecuador land tours.
Choose the Hacienda Pinsaqui to feel a part of Ecuador's history. Originally a wool manufacturing workshop, this elegant property quickly became host to significant political events before welcoming visitors in the late 20th century.
History of Hacienda Pinsaqui
During the 19th century, this property hosted military and political leader Simón Bolívar as he prepared the battle of Ibarra. Hacienda Pinsaqui later hosted the signing of the Peace and Friendship Treaty between Ecuador and Colombia. This Andean property would go on to produce various political leaders over seven generations. Hacienda Pinsaqui opened its doors to the public in 1995.
Amenities & Activities at Hacienda Pinsaqui
The onsite spa at Hacienda Pinsaqui offers mineral baths, aromatherapy, various types of massage and treatments such as facials, manicures and pedicures. The privileged location of Hacienda Pinsaqui enables a host of activity options. Horseback riding, trekking, hot spring soaks and an introduction to farmhouse traditions are all available. Also onsite are classes in cooking, artisan crafting (weaving and embroidery), and playing traditional instruments.
Dining at Hacienda Pinsaqui
The menu at Hacienda Pinsaqui blends traditional dishes with modern flair. Flavors are both Ecuadorian and European, with local, organic and seasonal ingredients. A rustic, farmhouse ambiance permeates through the bar and two restaurants. Hand-carved wooden tables, chairs and flooring meet windows looking onto gardens and white adobe walls decorated in classic artwork.
Elegant dinners are served in the Pedro Freile Restaurant, while complimentary informal breakfasts are on order at the Modesto Larrea Restaurant. The Equestrian Bar—a stone cellar that survived the Ibarra Earthquake in 1868—is the only original construction remaining. Cozy up to the fireplace while a local band entertains, surrounded by horse saddles, riding helmets and trophies.
Accommodations at Hacienda Pinsaqui
Choose between 5 categories of suites for your stay at Hacienda Pinsaqui, based on occupancy: Single, Double, Twin, Triple or Family. Each suite is unique, like a bed and breakfast, and features the colonial feel of this historic hacienda. All suites have their own private bathroom and come equipped with modern amenities including WiFi, cable TV, air conditioning and room service.
Single and Double suites: one king bed, suitable for one or two adults.
Twin suites: two queen beds, suitable for two adults and one child.
Triple Suites: two queen beds and one daybed, suitable for two adults and one child.
Family suites: two queen beds and two daybeds, suitable for up to four adults and two children.
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