The Grandest Finale: Hacienda el Porvenir

El Porvenir means “the future with hope” of what will come. The owner of Hacienda el Porvenir, tucked deep in the Highlands South of Quito, Jorge’s great grandmother bought this hacienda for her family and her "porvenir". The Hacienda is 1000 hectares and at one point was home to horses and grazing cattle but her vision was one of sustainability and restoration of the native grasslands. Jorge and his family have continued to follow that vision to this day, no longer grazing cattle and instead providing land for natural habitat to return, while sustaining the business through tourism around the region. This charming hacienda provided the perfect backdrop for us after our Galapagos voyage. The rooms are beautiful and so cozy, decorated in traditional textiles. The restaurant served hardy and traditional meals, and with the hacienda set at 11,000 ft, the staff always offered Sunfo tea to help with the altitude, even bringing my mom a full thermos of tea to have throughout the night if needed. We were even able to take a traditional cooking class upon our arrival, learning the Ecuadorean was of making empanadas, as well as trying our hands at crafting our own Canelazo! Our night was an early to bed night as we prepared for our final excursion before our long journey home began.

 

Morning Horseback Ride
We set off in the morning after a delicious hacienda breakfast to order, eager to explore the expansive hacienda property on horseback. Before we could meet our horses, the hacienda staff ensured we were "properly dressed" in traditional woven ponchos and thick leather chaps to protect us from the elements (and to make us look like locals, of course...). Once helmets were donned, we could then go meet our horses for the day. Our guides, a skilled chagra (high andean cowboy), led us through the meandering hills and picturesque terrain. The morning ride took us across sustainable grasslands that the hacienda has worked hard to restore, showcasing their commitment to environmental stewardship.
As we rode, we were treated to spectacular views of two majestic volcanoes: Chimborrazo and Cotopaxi. The sight of Cotopaxi, one of the most picturesque and highest active volcanoes in the world, was particularly awe-inspiring. The landscape was alive with the vibrant colors of the grasslands set against a dramatic cloudy sky, and the fresh mountain air invigorated our spirits.

 

A Truly Special Encounter
One of the highlights of our ride was witnessing condors soaring above us, riding the thermals silently directly in front of Cotopaxi. It soared back and forth in front of us for over 30 minutes, observing us as much as we observed it. Our guide was truly blown away to have this experience with us. With fewer than 150 of these magnificent birds left in Ecuador, seeing them in their natural habitat felt like a very rare privilege. Their wingspan and ability to glide effortlessly through the sky left us in awe and feeling like the spirit of Cotopaxi had chosen us that day.

A Commitment to Sustainability
The hacienda’s efforts to restore its land to sustainable grasslands were evident throughout our ride. It was heartening to see a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the area while providing an authentic experience for visitors. The chagras shared their knowledge of the land and its wildlife, deepening our appreciation for this beautiful region.

Departure to Quito
After our morning ride, we returned to the hacienda to freshen up before heading to Quito Airport for our flight home. Our time at Hacienda El Porvenir was truly a highlight of our trip, blending adventure, stunning scenery, and a rich connection to local culture. I wish we had more time to spend there and would return in a heartbeat.

As we boarded our flight, Mom and I reflected on the memories we had created together—moments filled with laughter, beauty, and a newfound appreciation for the incredible landscapes of Ecuador and for travel with one another as adults. This experience will forever hold a special place in our hearts.