Set beneath Cotopaxi Volcano in the heart of Ecuador's Avenue of the Volcanos lies a beautiful hidden gem that preserves one of the most important archaeological Inca sites in Ecuador. The hacienda has served as an ancient Inca fortress, an Augustinian convent, and the temporary home of the French Geodesic Mission whose research helped determine the true shape of our planet.

Conde Nast South America's Most Excellent Hotel Finalist 2010

THE HACIENDA

The history of inhabitants at San Augustin de Callo is no more evident than in the distinct architectural styles of the separate buildings. Inca, Spanish Colonial, and Republican stand side by side in the main courtyard, exhibiting the only lived-in museum of Inca Imperial and Spanish Colonial style. The layout of the Inca House includes the drawing room with large windows that look upon Cotopaxi Volcano, the Inca dining room, exquisite gardens, a central patio, and several suites. The Callo Lodge is a charming house with a cozy living room and fireplace and three separate suites. The final house, Cotopaxi House, has two full suites with independent drawing rooms, fireplaces, music, books, and wonderful views of Cotopaxi Volcano.

CUISINE

Authentic high Andean dishes include llapingachos (a potato cake), quinoa croquets, and maize patties. They feature tamales stuffed with seasoned chicken, egg, chilies, olives, and wrapped in achira leaves. The soups include quinoa, timbushca, barley rice soup, and the famous "locro" soup which is a rich cheese and potato soup servied with ripe slices of avocado and freshly prepared aji. Fresh fruit in Ecuador abounds including exotic options of guayabana, papaya, and mango.

ACTIVITIES

Feed the Llamas - daily llama feeding is a real highlight for the guests

Mountain Biking - a vehicle can take you to Cotopaxi Refuge (15,700 ft) where you can start an extraordinary downhill ride on bumpy dirt road, ending at the entrance to the park. Other paths lead you to the nearby rose plantations or the volcanic Rock fo the Virgin located on an ancient lava flow

Fishing Tours - Trout fishing in the streams inside the hacienda or at a beautiful privately owned paramo near Quilindana Mountain are available.

Indian Market Tours - Saquisili, Pujili, Latacunga, and Zumbahua are some of the surrounding villages which feature weekly markets on different days of the week. Here, you can enjoy seeing a traditional, non-tourist market place where the indigenous Andeans meet to sell and trade their goods. Enjoy a cooking lesson at the end of the day using fresh ingredients sold from the market.

Horse Riding - Suitable for all levels, the horse riding can be customized to your desires. Wander ancient Inca paths to visit Andean towns and villages or towards Cotopaxi through a pine forest to plains just below the volcano.

Trekking - The hacienda is surrounded by paramo highlands and is ideal for walking. Guided walks can be arranged or you can combine a visit to the hacienda with a trekking day on Cotopaxi (summit requires technical experience and multiple days). For a more casual hike, a rose plantation can be visited near the hacienda.

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