Hacienda Primavera Wilderness Ecologe — Hotel in Jacinto Jijon y Caamaño (Cab. en Rio Blanco)

Having traveled the world, we have finally discovered the most beautiful, peaceful place on earth! Jose and Daniella, who manage this remarkable hacienda which is located in an area that is half jungle and half cloud forest; are a very special young couple who almost immediately became like family. Their talents are many: from being accomplished musicians, to having a vast knowledge of architecture and interior design, obvious in all the unique details of the Hacienda. They are also completely attuned to what your individual interests are and will design itineraries accordingly. For us, we went to Cotacachi, a top quality leather town; stopped for famous biscuits in Cayembe, went on a tour of the Galletti coffee plantation which culminated in experiencing delicious Galletti coffee, selected as the #1 artisinal brand in Ecuador;|hiked to see beautiful butterflies, and after dinner, enjoyed sitting around a fire pit where we roasted marshmellows and at our urging , Jose and Daniella sang for us. |The rooms all have breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys and are both cozy and have many up to date comforts. It was magical to be enveloped by clouds and bird song in the morning and sunlight during the day where you can see for miles around, many brilliant shades of green. There is also a beautiful pool filled with refreshing spring water; wonderful Ecuadorian meals and a full bar where sophisticated cocktails are available. Kudos to the lovely, talented chef and bar tender.|The entire atmosphere is completely conducive to rest. We all slept in a way we hadn't, since Covid hit New York City. Believe me, we all felt 15 months of tension drain away. I know this sounds over the top, but Hacienda Primavera really is a Shangri-la.|Do yourself a favor and stay no less that two nights. Ideally more to get the full benefit of all Hacienda Primavera...

After nine days in the Galapagos, I wondered if my experience staying at Hacienda Primavera could be nearly so special. The answer is a resounding YES! No one should miss this opportunity to be in an Ecuadorean, ecological preserve with dramatic clouds descending over the valley. Chez Patti prepared the most amazing meals and Jose was so professional, smiling, and courteous as he managed the dining area. They made me feel at home.||||Alex, who picked me up at the airport and oversees all activities at the Hacienda, went above and beyond to make sure I enjoyed all the region had to offer. He took me for drives through small towns so I could see how rural Ecuadoreans live--they all seem to know him, waving and chatting. We visited waterfalls and saw vistas with cows grazing and farmers tending crops. Alex took me to Esmeralda's orchid nursery, and I was astonished to see hundreds, perhaps thousands, of amazing and diverse orchids, many of which she found herself in forests. Don't miss that unique experience if you go. I enjoyed horseback riding with another opportunity to say hello to the local people. For me, the true highlight was the 3-hour mountain hike to see if we could spot the elusive, Cock of the Rock, Ecuador's most famous bird. It was a challenging adventure as Alex led the way, cutting through vines and thick vegetation, and our reward at the top was to admire a dozen or so of these beautiful, orange-red birds and hear their unusual calls. ||||I highly recommend Hacienda Primavera as a destination as worthy as going to the Galapagos, and I want to thank Pepe, Alex, Patti, and Jose for providing me with memories I will...

This is such a beautiful spot, with mostly unsculpted gardens around the main house. Butterflies, brightly coloured birds, hummingbirds, flowers and fruit trees are all fun to see yet calming and peaceful. In our two full days/3 nights, we ate delicious and perfectly seasoned meals, hiked to 2 different waterfalls, walked along the banks of lovely rivers/rapids, visited an orchid farm, had an Ecuadorian cooking class with the chef and relaxed in the hammock or on the porch of this lovely place. We saw the horses and the bulls as they moved through the pastures. We also got to see much of the nearby villages. There is also lots of relaxing down time when not exploring. Great wifi, and comfortable, clean rooms, All the staff were amazing, and many thanks to Alex the hotel manager, who was our tour guide and driver,and to Patti and Jose who provided great food and service and the other staff who were friendly and very helpful. We were very happy to be there, what a special and...