After the hard work was done at Connections Meetings in Quito, my team leapt at the chance to stay on for a few days and explore all that Ecuador has to offer.

And I’m extremely grateful to the kindness and hospitality of Jorge Pérez, general manager of destination management company Tierra del Volcan, who arranged for Greg, Alex, Carole and Rose to spend the night at Hacienda El Porvenir – one of his two incredible properties.

Situated two hours from Quito, the high-end, thatch-roofed lodge of Hacienda El Porvenir is 3,600 metres above sea level, with the snowy peak of – one of the world’s highest volcanoes – in its midst. The beautiful pink farmhouse dates back to 1913.

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Its inviting, sociable sitting room has a constant roaring fire, while its gorgeous rooms feature wood fire burners, and hot water bottles are tucked within the bed linens, which add to the cosiness. My team tells me it was the the little details that made the place so special.

Tierra del Volcan is all about the personal touch, and Jorge’s passion for the place he grew up in is so evident. While having dinner with the team, he showed them his mother’s sidesaddle that hangs from the wall of the restaurant, and afterwards, his parents’ former bedroom – now an exquisite guestroom in the main part of the house.

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The guys and girls were lucky enough to enjoy an afternoon horseback trek around the rippling grasslands surrounding Cotopaxi – kitted out in ponchos and chaps coated in llama fur to shield them from the fresh wind, I think they really enjoyed the chagra (cowboy) lifestyle!

Mountain biking and waterfall hikes are among the activities, and the property is also about to gain a new pine-wood spa, with an igloo-like sauna heated by volcanic rocks.

Tierra del Volcan can arrange for some teambuilding or family-orientated activities that make use of the surrounding natural beauty – including an Innovation Quest package that involves re-connecting with nature and yourself, which can be tailored for groups of co-workers to contemplate their business’s growth strategy.

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So, thank you Jorge! And if any buyers are looking for an authentic Ecuadorian experience to offer their MICE or luxury clients – this is your man!

Ciao,
Micaela

 Visit tierradelvolcan.com