Stepping back in Time

Heading north out of Quito, we stopped near Cayambe, very close to the Equator, and stayed at a beautiful Hacienda that was over 400 years old. There are many Haciendas in Ecuador that have been restored and upgraded, most of them very posh. This one was not so fancy, more authentic to its history, and affordable on a GAP budget!



























We were out in the country, so it was time to relax. The place was a photographer's dream, with all kinds of colour, texture and interesting old objects. There was a swimming pool under a kind of greenhouse roof, which created a nice warm microclimate during the cool evenings.





Also keeping you warm were the many fireplaces in the common rooms. We found a fabulous room (picture above), grabbed some drinks, and set a fire. We had fun keeping it roaring hot with a huge old bellows.















The place served wonderful food, and of course.... another fireplace! The beds had nice warm blankets, but the staff also set a fire in each of our rooms. I kept getting up, keeping it going, as it was right by my bed. This place would be so romantic, if only.....














More pictures of this beautiful place on my Flickr page.