www.guachala.com
Hacienda Guachala is perhaps Ecuador's oldest functioning hacienda, built in 1580. It has housed international expeditions, dignitaries, and presidents. I loved the antiquity of the place, full of historic photos, stories, and antiques. It is a gem! From here we took a long horse-back ride into the mountains. There are several pre-Incan and Incan archeological sites to visit nearby. Also some hot springs-still on my to-do list!
Meals were hearty and wholesome. My favourite was Locro: Cheese and Potato Soup topped with Avocado. There is some gruesomeness in the stories: a torture room for workers who failed in their duties, and looms left from the Obrajes, sweat shops, where indigenous men, women, and children were forced to work 12 hour days sometimes until death. But also much beauty, and community: churches, gardens, schools, and service. A long and colourful history!
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| Main hall smells of leather, wood smoke, and horses |
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| Our cozy room with eucalyptus wood fire against cool |
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| Chapel tower with massive cacti |
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| Ancient cross in original rammed earth wall, built 1580 |
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| Stone patio set with stables converted to lovely guest rooms |
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| Adobe brick flooring has seen many feet |
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| Llama in pasture with rolling fields in distance |
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| Gigantic aloe in yard |
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| Massive old eucalyptus trees lining laneway |
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| Pond reflections |
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