Hacienda Piman, idyllically located near the city of Ibarra, is a reason in itself to visit northern Ecuador. This historic hacienda has been transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel, where you can completely relax and be pampered. You are surrounded by mountains, lush green vegetation and lots of flowers. Moreover, the area invites you to take the most beautiful trips. In this article I will tell you more about Hacienda Piman, my tips for what to do in the area and why you should not miss this place during your trip through Ecuador.
Welcome to Hacienda Piman near Ibarra Ecuador
Hacienda Piman is located at an altitude of 2000 meters, in a valley surrounded by mountains, near the city of Ibarra in Ecuador. Ibarra is the capital of the province of Imbabura and is about a two-hour drive from Quito and half an hour from Otavalo. As soon as you drive through the gate of the hacienda, you are welcomed by magical trees, countless flowers and plants. Hacienda Piman is a place where you immediately feel home.
Hacienda Piman used to be one of the largest and most important haciendas in this region of Ecuador. Nowadays it is a luxury boutique hotel and a hidden gem in Ecuador, as it is located slightly more off the beaten track than the nearby popular Otavalo.
The complex
Hacienda Piman consists of twelve hectares of greenery, of which the authentic Main Manor House, including a terrace overlooking the garden, is the main building. There is also a restaurant, small chapel, outdoor swimming pool, butterfly garden, large vegetable garden, and several villas spread throughout the complex. All facilities are connected by walking paths, where you can enjoy the countless flowers and birds.
Hacienda Piman has been owned by the Zaldumbide family since 1680, who have always valued the colonial and artistic atmosphere. Piman was also home to two important Ecuadorian writers, Julio Zaldumbide and his son Gonzalo, both of whom were inspired by the landscapes and traditions and wrote their greatest works here.
The rooms – Hacienda Piman Ibarra Ecuador
Hacienda Piman counts 17 rooms that are located throughout the complex. There are lovely villas with spacious rooms, including a balcony, overlooking the lake. These villas are modernly furnished, using soft colors and natural light. The beds are comfortable and the bathroom is spacious and stylish.
In the main building, the Main Manor House, there are seven historic rooms, including the room where liberator Simon Bolivar spent the night in 1833. These rooms are classically decorated with a modern twist and overlook the gardens or patio at the front.
Independence fighter Simon Bolivar, who liberated large parts of Latin America, used the former hacienda as an overnight stay together with his troops in 1833. The room he stayed in, is now a place that many people specifically book. Parts of the bed are still in their original condition.
Facilities Hacienda Piman Ecuador
Hacienda Piman has its own restaurant, swimming pool and butterfly garden. There are lovely walking paths and places to sit, throughout the complex.
The restaurant
Hacienda Piman owns a stylish restaurant that is spacious with glass all around, allowing a lot of light to enter. The decor is vintage chic, with antique hacienda elements and old photos. Everything is stylish, with much attention to detail and atmosphere.
And the kitchen is also a reason to stay at Hacienda Piman. They work with local ingredients from their own vegetable garden, combining modern cooking techniques. Think of ceviches, pasta, fresh soups and delicious fish.
In the evening you can sit outside at a set table by the fireplace. It doesn’t get more romantic than that.
Swimming pool and spa
Hacienda Piman is the owner of a lovely swimming pool. It is wonderful to start the day with a refreshing dip or to lie by the pool with a cocktail at the end of the afternoon. In the adjacent spa you can enjoy relaxing massages and treatments.
Butterfly garden Hacienda Piman in Ecuador
Do you like butterflies? Hacienda Piman is the owner of a butterfly garden, where numerous species can be admired up close. It is also possible to observe the emergence process from caterpillar to butterfly, and if you are lucky you can see a butterfly using its wings for the first time. Next to the butterfly garden there is a room with only orchids.
What to do around Hacienda Piman Ibarra Ecuador
Hacienda Piman offers different opportunities to discover the surroundings of Ecuador. You can walk, cycle, learn about local crafts and go on tours. Below you will find some of my tips.
Look for the spectacles bear
Have you always wanted to see bears in the wild? Ecuador is the habitat of the spectacled bear, the only bear species in South America. From Hacienda Piman you can go on a tour to El Mirador de Oso Andino, near Pimampiro, where you have a chance to see this amazing animal. A car ride of about 2 hours takes you through a landscape of mountains, valleys, rivers and gorges, to the viewpoint.
More than 67 spectacled bears have been registered around El Mirador del Oso Andino. It is the perfect place for bears to live, because of the amount of bushes, and the available food and water. Danilo, who manages the viewpoint, now recognizes all the bears and has collected a lot of information about their behavior over the years.
From a small house you look out at the opposite mountain with binoculars. During our visit, we were able to observe a bear for almost half an hour. But it’s not just the bears that are worth seeing, the surroundings are overwhelming.
Best time to spot spectacled bears
The best time of the day to spot spectacled bears, at El Mirador de Oso, is during sunrise or sunset, when it is not too hot. Do you have more time? Then you can also take a walk with Danilo and try to observe the bears up close.
Pimampiro market
It is nice to visit the Mercado Tradicional de Pimampiro, a small market with vegetables, fruit, meats, household items and lots of food. And while in Otavalo nobody is surprised by a tourist more or less, here you will still be warmly greeted and invited for a picture.
Learn about Zuleta art of embroidery
In the north of Ecuador you see many women walking around in embroidered blouses. And when you talk about quality embroidery styles in Ecuador, chances are, you hear something about the Zuleta technique. Zuleta is a small village that revolves entirely around the Zuleta embroidery style, a tradition that dates back to 1940. This community makes the most beautiful works, all by hand.
It is recommended to visit and attend one of the workshops, where people gladly share more about their craft. Additionally, buying directly from the makers ensures you get the best pieces. I personally visited Zuleta Ilusion and Colores, and even though I’m not skilled in handicrafts, the workshop left a lasting impression on me.
Educate yourself about condors
The condor is an endangered species and although these animals still live in Ecuador, their numbers have drastically decreased. One place you can visit to learn more about condors is, Hacienda Zuleta. There is a small museum on this estate, with a lot of information about the condor and its habitat. And if you’re lucky, you can also admire a condor, as injured and abused birds of prey are taken care of here to prevent extinction.
With this project, Hacienda Zuleta not only wants to play an educational role but also create more awareness about this special bird species, among both National and International visitors. On top of that, with your visit you directly support this sustainable project.
With a wingspan of up to 3 meters and a length of 1.5 meters, the Andean condor is the largest bird of prey in the world and an important symbol in Ecuador.
Rent a bike
Hacienda Piman offers electric bicycles for you to explore the area. A great opportunity to explore rural life in the province of Imbabura, passing small farms and herds of goats along the way.
How to reach Hacienda Piman in Ecuador
Hacienda Piman is a half-hour drive from Ibarra, the capital of the province of Imbabura. Are you coming from Quito or Otavalo? Ibarra has bus connections with almost all major cities in Ecuador. You can reach Ibarra from Quito within 2 hours and Otavalo within half an hour. From Ibarra you can take a taxi to Hacienda Piman or have yourself picked up. I always find it easy to rent a car when I am in Ecuador.
Curious about what to do in Quito? In my Quito Ecuador Travel Guide you will find all my insider tips for things to do, museums, restaurants and cool neighborhoods in Quito.
Travel by bus or shuttle
Looking for a way to get around in Ecuador by bus or minivan? Use Bookaway, to findand book the best connection for you.
Car rental
Looking for a rental car for your trip to Ecuador? Use Rental Cars to search and compare your car rental options. A quick and easy tool and no need to have up multiple tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. They also have great discounts and cancellation policies.
Travel insurance
Looking for a travel insurance? World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance, with coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
More about Hacienda Piman in Ecuador
Do you want to know more about Hacienda Piman near Ibarra in Ecuador? Have a look at their website, facebook of instagram. Hacienda Piman is associated with La Casa del Suizo, Scalisia Galapagos Lodge and Sacha Lodge.
For special offers at Hacienda Piman and a combined stay at Sacha Lodge in the Amazon of Ecuador, feel free to send an email for more information to contact@passporttheworld.com.
More hotels in Ecuador
In every country I look out for the most beautiful and unique places to stay. A boutique atmosphere, a stylish design, a lovely setting, and a good service are important topics for me, when choosing a hotel. In addition, I like to support the locals and love a sustainable approach around a hotel. Are you curious about my favorite hotels in Ecuador? In the next article you will find an overview of the best boutique hotels in Ecuador, where I personally stayed.
More about Ecuador
Did you enjoy reading this article about Hacienda Piman in Ibarra Ecuador? Let me take you on a journey along the most beautiful destinations to visit in Ecuador. In the next articles you will find my Ecuador travel guides with lots of inspiration and tips.
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- Things to do in Otavalo Ecuador – A comprehensive travel guide
- Sacha Lodge Amazon Ecuador – everything you want to know
Disclaimer: I was invited to stay at Hacienda Piman in Ibarra Ecuador but this review is based on my personal view and is independent from the invitation.This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of our links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you, which helps us keep this blog alive. Thank you for your support! Please see our disclosures for more information.