Hacienda Chorlavi, Ibarra, Ecuador
Hacienda Chorlavi was founded by Jesuit Priests in 1620 and was then acquired by the Tobar Family over six generations ago and ultimately transformed into a hotel in 1971. Among the vast array of Haciendas in the Northern part of Ecuador, there is no doubt that Chorlavi still holds its tradition and story untouched thanks to its inherent beauty. Where once stood a granary house, with its large halls, chambers, and service rooms of an old estate, you now find spacious barns turned into modern auditoriums and conference rooms, houses for laborers turned into rustic yet charming guest rooms, all surrounded by gardens and orchards sheltered by millennial trees that offer visitors the magic aroma of the past.
Ibarra lies at the foot of the Imbabura Moutnain and is known for it’s temperate climate. Sitting at 7,300 feet above sea level yet close to the equator makes for perfect weather. In your free time you can take a walk in teh gardens, go for a swim or relax in the Jacuzzi.You will enjoy folkloric dancing in the courtyard. You can play pool, cars, or mini-golf. Or you can simply enjoy the views from a hammock.
The Itinerary for your week in Ecuador!
Saturday: Arrival in Quito and stay at San Jose de Puembo near the airport.
Sunday: Cayambe Sundial Equator. Hear a new version of how the world should be viewed while you stand on the equator. Watch Indigenous women harvest the Agave plant. Pamba Mesa Picnic at Oldest Hacienda in Ecuador.
Monday: Presentations in the morning and afternoon by the speakers. In your free time you can play putt-putt golf, sit in a hammock or enjoy the gardens at Hacienda Chorlavi.
Tuesday: Presentation in the morning by a speaker. Lunch at Lake Cuicocha which is an amazing active crater lake. Take a boat ride around the Islands or hike. Stop at Cotocachi town of leather goods.
Wednesday: Presentation by speaker in the morning. Afternoon Group Activity. Free time to hammock, swim, enjoy the jacuzzi or sauna.
Thursday: Group Activity in the morning. Peguche Wasi Textile tour. See how the famous Otavalo Indigenous weave their tapestries. We will then visit Ali and his family in their music workshop where he will sing for us and conduct us in some music. After, we take a hike to Peguche Waterfall.
Friday: Break out sessioins in the morning. Afternoon trip to the Condor Park where we will watch birds of prey fly high in the Andes Mountains.
Bald Eagle “Gringo” about to fly in the Andes.
Saturday: Head to the airport if you have a flight before 5 pm. If you fly at night, take a tour of the Historic Center of Quito. Or stay and see more of Ecuador!
The Otavalo/Ibarra Area
