Paute Ecuador
I had previously visited several haciendas in the north, and understood that their location was because of the proximity (in colonial times) to the capital of Quito. So I was surprised, and delighted, to find this beautiful authentic hacienda estate outside of Paute, which is only a 35 minute drive from Cuenca.
Following is the history according to the owners: “San Juan Pambo is one of the original haciendas which developed immediately after the foundation of the city of Cuenca by Gil Ramirez Davalos in 1557, during the Spanish Colonial Period. This founder was the first owner of these lands. It grew out of land allotted to the first Spanish settlers of the region, in the valley Paute, in the area known as Zhumir.
The properties in the valleys of Paute and neighboring Gualaceo inceased gradually in size until they became large landed estates (haciendas, estancias) dedicated mainly to the production of sugar cane, fruits, and alfalfa.
In the Southern region of Ecuador the acquisition of landed property did not insure the survival of large estates because the local land owners did not follow the institution of the “mayorazgo” (the practice of leaving the entire property to the oldest son) and the land was usually divided among all the heirs. Neverthless there was a tendency to increase the hacienda property in a cyclical process of purchases and sales. In the eighteenth century the hacienda Zhumir became the property of the Town Councilor Francisco Cabeza de Baca. The hacienda included several dwellings “with adobe walls, and each with their corresponding corridors, doors, locks and keys.” At this time it was given the name of San Juan Pamba, as it is known to this day.
Towards the middle of the nineteenth century (1840-1895) the hacienda was bought by Don Jose Miguel Ordóñez Lasso, and his wife, Doña Mata Lamota. At her death in 1934, the hacienda was distributed among their numerous children. In 1937 Carlos Arizaga Toral purchased San Juan Pamba and it has remained with the family to the present day.”
The present owner, Maria Ines Borrero, met me when I arrived, with her son, grandson, and several other family members, to introduce me to the hacienda. I was the only guest, and as she drove away, leaving me with the caretaker and cook, she said “You can be the Queen of the Hacienda”
What a delightful experience! What I loved about this hacienda is that it is very authentic. When the caretaker came over in the evening to build a fire in the fireplace, I was able to peruse through many old original volumes of Ecuadorian poets and historians in the bookshelves. The large iron gates were locked at night, and it was really possible to get a feeling of moving back in time, and living at the hacienda.
This country house was inventoried as a heritage asset by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage of Ecuador INPC. It has twelve unique bedrooms with wrought iron beds, two separate dining rooms, a covered veranda which runs the full length of the house, original furniture, an amazing old adobe and wood barn, and beautiful gardens and grounds.
The hacienda is available for individuals, or families, or for small weddings, seminars, workshops or special ceremonies. They follow all biosecurity norms and care. From Cuenca it is possible to get a driver to the hacienda for $20. You may reach the owner at 099-618-8441, or 099-530-9959. Km 35 Via Paute a 35 minutos de Cuenca-Ecuador 00593
Haciendas In Ecuador 