The majority of these haciendas or hosterias are located in the Andean region, old country homes whose interiors have been converted into tourist facilities offering all the modern comforts. Their colonial architecture, antique furnishings and their history create a wonderfully unique atmosphere that will capture your imagination.

Hosteria La Cienega is one of Ecuador's oldest colonial haciendas. Situated 74 km south of Quito near the slopes of the majestic Cotopaxi volcano and its National Park, this mansion has been the scene of important happenings in the scientific and social history of the country. Among the important celebrities who have resided at La Cienega are Charles Marie de la Condamine, french scientist who participated in the Geodesic Mission (1736-44) that determined the true shape of the earth as accepted today and laid the path towards the development of a universal system of measure - the meter; and Alexander Von Humbolt, a German naturalist who studied Cotopaxi's volcanic activity (1802) as well as its unique alpine flora.

Surrounded by breath-taking natural beauty of the landscape and the rich folklore of Ecuador's indigenous people. La Cienega is an unforgettable souvenir of your visit to the Andes.

Photos and Text belongs to: Hosteria La Cienega