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Hacienda Chorlavi - Ibarra Ecuador

There are many wonderful, interesting places to experience in Ecuador. The country had a rich, cultural history long before the arrival of the Spanish in the early 16th century. At the time of the Spanish arrival, it was the Northern end of the Inca Empire, the birthplace and final resting place of the last Inca Chief, Atahualpa.  Evidence of this great history and that of Spanish colonialism abound by physical presence and current day cultural and religious practices.  For me, almost every day reveals something interesting to explore and learn.

Last year, my lady, daughter and I made a short trip North of Quito to Ibarra to meet an aunt of hers.  For your edification, Ibarra and two well promoted tourist towns, Otavalo (for its indigenous market) and Cotacachi (leather crafts) are located at the foot of one of Ecuador’s 56 volcanos, the majestic Imbabura.

When it was time to dine, the aunt recommended that we go to the Hacienda Chorlavi.  It seemed that this was a place that Ibarrians were proud of; so we went there.

Originally built as a Jesuit Monastery in 1620 and later purchased by the Tobar family. Six generations later, Hacienda Chorlavi is still in family hands.  Like most other owners of Ecuador’s historic haciendas, the costs of upkeep have led to their conversion to commercial enterprises – hotels, resorts, spas, convention facilities.  Situated off the main highway, 35, on the outskirts of Ibarra, it is very easy to find.

This first visit was on a weekend when there were numerous visitors. A band played traditional Ecuadorian music on one side of the inside courtyard in the hacienda's weekend tradition. This style of internal courtyard provides privacy and peaceful environment in which to dine, listen to music, and relax in the shade of the veranda or at one of the umbrella tables.  We chose to sit under one of the umbrellas, down light refreshments and savour the ambiance.  I could feel the history of the place. With such a pleasant experience in mind, we decided to stay at the Hacienda Chorlavi the next time that we were in the area.

A long, tree-lined cobblestone road leads from the highway, past the hacienda’s vegetable garden to the entrance parking area.  Given the warm, year round climate, the hacienda grows all its own vegetables; so, you are always assured of their freshness.
In the middle of the week when we visited this time, there were few patrons. However, if we had visited on a weekend, it may have been difficult finding a room from the 39 rooms, including suites, available.

The drive from Quito was uneventful as was check-in. To go to our lodging, we were escorted across the central courtyard, through a corridor, and over a short wooden bridge straddling a small stream to a large garden area, notable for its abundance of greenery, trees and large plants.  Hammocks hung, waiting, inviting, from large palm trees.

A round white building with flowers painted on the walls by the doorway caught my attention. Inside was a circular, cement walled, ring in which, in days gone by, cock fights took place.  While today’s family does not agree with cock fighting, to recognize the historical significance of the place, silhouettes of fighting cocks and spectators  are painted black on the interior walls.  A chandelier of beer bottles hangs above the ring, recalling the festive character that prevailed at the events.

Our suite, as all rooms and suites on hacienda, faced inward and had its own front door. the room was rectangular, clean, well equipped and maintained.  The bathroom, off to one side of the main room, was modern and hot water was always available.

On one side of the hacienda complex there is a soccer field and a very large playground with modern, well maintained structures for visiting children. Families are very much welcomed. There is also an in-ground swimming pool; a games room, with pool table; a dining room; lounges; a spa; and a conference room.

Breakfast was included in the cost of the room.

In the morning, on the veranda on one side of the inner courtyard, we sat comfortably at a table and enjoyed a healthy breakfast of fresh juice, fruit, breads and scrambled eggs.  The coffee was superb and, being a coffee lover, I didn’t let the waiter escape without a discussion about the various qualities of coffee, of which he seemed fully aware.

There are large numbers of tourists visiting Ecuador every year, particularly from late spring to fall, May – October.  A couple from France sat at a table near us, directly by the door to their room.  As they got up to leave, I took the opportunity to chat.  They spoke French, a little bit of English; but no Spanish.  They were a week into a three week holiday in Ecuador and were thoroughly enjoying it.  Following visits to the Amazon jungle, sites from North to South in the Andes Mountains, and a brief stop on the Pacific coast, they planned to finish the trip in Ecuador’s famous Galapagos Islands.  I must say that their agenda is very typical for foreigners who visit Ecuador.

My visit to the Hacienda Chorlavi was a pleasant and comfortable one which I will repeat on a future occasion and I recommend the place to anyone visiting North of Quito.

Hotel Website:  http://haciendachorlavi.com/   It is The Best Website of any hacienda or Ecuador hotel facility that I have seen.  I recommend that you visit the site and take a 360 degree Virtual  tour of every part of the hacienda available to guests.  (Select your desired language, English or Spanish, from the dropdown box – Idioma) 

Telephone: (5936) 293 2222 / 293 2223 / Fax: (5936) 293 2224[ha1] 

Reservations / E-Mail: reservaciones@haciendachorlavi.com / sugerencias@haciendachorlavi.com