San Pablo del Lago,Otavalo, Ecuador

Luscious is the word I would use to describe Hacienda Cusin outside of Otavalo. Luscious, and charming, and colorful and romantic!  Hacienda Cusin is a restored, 400-year-old Spanish colonial estate. Staying here is literally like stepping back into another time.

There are at least two theories of where the name came from. One is that Cusin was the name of a brave Caranqui, or chief, who confronted the Incas in the early 1500’s, before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores.  Another theory is that the name comes from a white edible beetle that appears every November, found on Cusin’s mountain. In Quichua the beetle is called “cuso”.

The original hacienda estate was over 100,000 acres.  It is now presently on thirty acres, with five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens – plenty of room to wonder around in a hacienda daydream! The rooms are all artfully decorated with antiques, sculptures, and period art work.  The Salón Simón Bolívar, has sumptuous tapestries hanging on the walls.  There you can rest in front of the fireplace, while you wait to dine and be spoiled in the elegant dining room. 

The dining room combines Ecuadorian and International cuisine. Special menus are available for Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, and Easter Week. Non-hotel guests are welcome for lunch or dinner with reservations.

Enjoy a cup of tea while reading and relaxing in the very lovely library. 

There are beautiful bedroom suites with fireplaces, and charming colorful artwork.

The gardens and grounds are a dreamy delight!  There are more than 60 plant species including Aztez lilies, agapanthas, acanthas, foxgloves, malya, hollyhocks, roses, poppies, daisies, bougainvillea, hydrangeas, jasmine, calla lilies, and orchids.  Various ponds are surrounded by eucalyptus, magnolia, cedro, walnut, laurel, jacaranda, avocado, banana, and palm trees.

Garden Cottages located throughout the grounds

Orchids growing in the tree

HISTORY OF HACIENDA CUSIN:

The original hacienda property was purchased at an auction from Philip III, King of Spain by the Luna family in 1602.  The sheep farm was comprised of two valleys and all the land between them – 100,000 acres. During the years of 1928-1945 Clementina Chiriboga managed the hacienda as a farm and a home, harvesting corn and oats.  Cusin used a worker system rather than Huasipungo, (which was really a feudal system) The workers were paid salaries.  Cusin originated a worker system for its 25 permanent workers.  These workers managed a large herd of cattle and two annual harvests of corn and oats in June and November.  Hundreds of additional men from the surrounding area who helped the harvest were paid during an end of harvest party on Cusin’s patio.  During one of these parties, Pepe, the grandson of Clementina, gave an English recitation of Marco Antonio’s speech, “Friends, Romans, Countrymen”. The workers received a week’s holiday for enduring his speech.

When Ecuadorian National Land Reforms were enacted in 1945, and again in 1964, 90%  of Cusin’s property was redistributed. In 1990, the hacienda was bought by its present owner who restored the buildings, landscaped the gardens, and filled it with wonderful art and antique furnishings.

In addition to simply enjoying the beauty of the hacienda, there are a large variety of activities available for your visit: horseback riding with horses from the Hacienda stables; mountain biking; Birdwatching; Valley and Mountain Walks and Hikes; Spanish classes; and cooking classes.  Also available are workshops in Andean Instruments; Andean Gastronomy; and Ancestral Weaving.  A visit can be arranged to an Alpaca Community Farm; the Condor Park, San Pablo Town and Lake; Craft Villages; the Cochasqui Pyramids; and of course visiting the famous Otavalo Market. The reception staff is expert at making arrangements for you.

Hacienda Cusin is a 1 ½ hour drive from the Quito Airport. 

Hacienda Cusin, San Pablo del Lago Otavalo, Ecuador, 100457.

Whatsapp: +593 983607779 

Email:  hacienda@cusin.com.ec