Hacienda Hato Verde: www.haciendahatoverde.com
Location: 90 minutes south of Quito, near Cotopaxi Volcano National Park.
Description: Original hacienda and working farm owned by Morabowen family for generations; meticulous restoration using local materials, pumice walls in living room, 6 guest rooms with fireplaces (more being added), dining area, library, living room, and Ecuadorian paintings.
Adventures: Only private entrance to Cotopaxi National Park; horseback riding from hacienda to hacienda, biking, mountain climbing, hiking and trekking, lakes, indigenous markets, train ride, visiting dairy farm.
Sustainable Tourism: “Smart Voyager” Certification: Local employment, careful restoration detail to original home, insecticide-free vegetable garden, native trees planted every six months. Volunteers wanted.