A company born as a path to sustainability in the year 1999
At Hacienda El Porvenir, we work to create a more environmentally friendly economic model. Our environmental ethos and commitment to a sustainable future are based on three pillars.
CERTIFICATIONS AND AWARDS
Habitat regeneration
We have been actively working since 1992 on the conservation of cultural and natural environments.
That’s right! Sustainability came first, leading us to create a source of income for our people while protecting the páramos. This journey brought us into tourism in 1999.
We collaborate with Fundación Páramo, a non-profit organization that protects over 75,000 hectares (185,329 acres) of private property adjacent to Cotopaxi National Park. By choosing Hacienda El Porvenir, you not only enjoy a dream destination but also support a responsible tourism model that prioritizes environmental well-being.
That’s right! Sustainability came first, leading us to create a source of income for our people while protecting the páramos. This journey brought us into tourism in 1999.
We collaborate with Fundación Páramo, a non-profit organization that protects over 75,000 hectares (185,329 acres) of private property adjacent to Cotopaxi National Park. By choosing Hacienda El Porvenir, you not only enjoy a dream destination but also support a responsible tourism model that prioritizes environmental well-being.
Habitat Restoration
Reforestation through Tierra del Volcán has successfully planted over 600,000 native trees on the northern slope of Rumiñahui Volcano in the land of Hacienda El Porvenir. This project, initiated in 1998, aims to restore high Andean habitats, protect water sources, contribute to carbon absorption, and educate both visitors and locals on the importance of native forests. Species planted as part of this project include pumamaqui, polylepis, and hoja blanca in areas formerly occupied by high Andean forests.
Renewable Energies
We have taken a significant step towards sustainability: the implementation of solar panels that provide 50% of our energy. This initiative not only reflects our commitment to the environment but also positions us as leaders in ecological practices within the tourism sector. This project is more than just an investment in technology; it is an investment in the future of our planet. Transitioning to renewable energy allows us to operate more efficiently and ecologically, and contributes significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Conservation of Endangered Species and Water
Thanks to responsible livestock management at Hacienda El Porvenir, we have created an environment that provides condors with a food source and a safe habitat. This natural balance not only benefits condors but also strengthens the health of the local ecosystem.
Our conservation efforts include the protection and restoration of wetlands, essential for biodiversity and regulating water cycles. The wetlands on our hacienda act as natural filters, improving water quality and providing crucial habitats for a variety of species.
Our conservation efforts include the protection and restoration of wetlands, essential for biodiversity and regulating water cycles. The wetlands on our hacienda act as natural filters, improving water quality and providing crucial habitats for a variety of species.
Sustainable Agricultural and Livestock Practices
Hacienda El Porvenir spans 1000 hectares. Approximately 20% of its territory is dedicated to crop agriculture, another 20% exclusively to reforesting native species to restore natural habitats, and 60% to low-impact extensive grazing. This involves carefully managing the carrying capacity of livestock to contribute to páramo conservation—meaning a low number of cattle and vast areas dedicated to habitat conservation and restoration.
Social Commitment
From our love for nature and restoration efforts, we realized that conservation is more of a social issue than an environmental challenge. Nature can take care of itself; what we need to care for is our people.
Education
Tierra de Volcán has programs with schools located in the central area of Cotopaxi National Park: Loreto, Pedregal, Rumipamba, Güitig, and San Ramón. The objective is to support local schools by improving facilities and accessibility to technology (internet, libraries, and laboratories), along with providing appropriate training for their use. We have also worked to educate local communities on waste management, conservation efforts, and the risks of living near an active volcano, as well as providing inclusive trips around the area with specialists in geology.
Circular Economy
At Tierra del Volcán, the circular economy is the cornerstone of our commitment to sustainability and community development. This approach not only minimizes waste and maximizes resource reuse but also enhances the economic and social well-being of the community where we are located. We are dedicated to strengthening the local economy by collaborating with artisans, farmers, and suppliers from the region, fostering a robust and sustainable domestic market. This focus not only creates local jobs but also ensures that economic benefits remain within the community, promoting growth and prosperity at the local level.
Decent Jobs
Without the support and collaboration of our team, none of this would be possible. They are the heart of our hacienda. From the guides who lead you to explore the secret trails of Cotopaxi to the farmers who cultivate the fresh, organic ingredients we use in our kitchen, each person plays a crucial role in creating this unique experience.
“We cannot be an island of prosperity amidst a sea of misery”
Hacienda El Porvenir provides and creates dignified employment through ethical and sustainable labor practices. We value our team and offer fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for professional development. We foster a respectful and inclusive work environment, and promote the well-being of our local communities through ongoing training and support for community projects.
“We cannot be an island of prosperity amidst a sea of misery”
Hacienda El Porvenir provides and creates dignified employment through ethical and sustainable labor practices. We value our team and offer fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for professional development. We foster a respectful and inclusive work environment, and promote the well-being of our local communities through ongoing training and support for community projects.
Preservation of Culture
One of our greatest sources of pride is our close and active collaboration with the nearby community, the men and women who inhabit the Cotopaxi páramo and are the guardians of our roots and traditions. The chagras embody the indomitable spirit of the Andes, with their deep knowledge of the land and their ability to manage cattle in extreme conditions.At our hacienda, we not only value and respect their culture but also work diligently to preserve and promote it. We offer authentic experiences where our visitors can learn directly from our chagras, participating in traditional activities such as horseback riding, rodeos, and the preparation of typical dishes. These experiences not only enrich our visitors but also strengthen and keep alive the ancestral practices of the chagras.
Valuation of Chagra Culture
At our hacienda, we are dedicated to preserving and celebrating this unique culture, allowing our visitors to immerse themselves in its traditions and learn directly from them.
We participate in horseback rides through the páramo, local rodeos, and traditional agricultural work. These experiences will connect you with the daily life of the chagras and their ancestral techniques.
Discover and wear the traditional attire of the chagras, such as wool ponchos, cloth hats, zamarros (leather vests), and leather boots, each reflecting the identity and resilience of the páramo inhabitants.By choosing to explore the chagra culture with us, you not only enjoy an authentic experience but also support the preservation of these unique traditions. Each visit contributes to the well-being of the chagra community, ensuring that their knowledge and ways of life continue to thrive.
Come and immerse yourself in the life of the chagras, feel the connection with the land, and discover a culture that has gracefully endured through time with dignity and pride. In Cotopaxi, we await you with open arms to share the essence of the Andes and the ancestral wisdom of the chagras.
We participate in horseback rides through the páramo, local rodeos, and traditional agricultural work. These experiences will connect you with the daily life of the chagras and their ancestral techniques.
Discover and wear the traditional attire of the chagras, such as wool ponchos, cloth hats, zamarros (leather vests), and leather boots, each reflecting the identity and resilience of the páramo inhabitants.By choosing to explore the chagra culture with us, you not only enjoy an authentic experience but also support the preservation of these unique traditions. Each visit contributes to the well-being of the chagra community, ensuring that their knowledge and ways of life continue to thrive.
Come and immerse yourself in the life of the chagras, feel the connection with the land, and discover a culture that has gracefully endured through time with dignity and pride. In Cotopaxi, we await you with open arms to share the essence of the Andes and the ancestral wisdom of the chagras.
Rescue of Stories and Traditions
We keep the stories and traditions of the Hacienda alive through our activities and projects.
One of our most cherished projects is the book “Written in Stone,” a unique work developed by the children of the local community. This book is the result of a collective effort to empower children following the crisis caused by the activity of Cotopaxi volcano. Instead of succumbing to adversity, these children found writing as a way to express their experiences, dreams, and the rich history of their land.
“Written in Stone” is not only a testament to the talent and resilience of these young people but also a symbol of hope and future for the entire community. Guided by educators and volunteers, the children collected tales, legends, and stories from their grandparents, creating a book that reflects the essence of their culture and the strength of their spirit. This project not only allowed them to develop literary skills but also empowered them to face challenges and build a bright future.
One of our most cherished projects is the book “Written in Stone,” a unique work developed by the children of the local community. This book is the result of a collective effort to empower children following the crisis caused by the activity of Cotopaxi volcano. Instead of succumbing to adversity, these children found writing as a way to express their experiences, dreams, and the rich history of their land.
“Written in Stone” is not only a testament to the talent and resilience of these young people but also a symbol of hope and future for the entire community. Guided by educators and volunteers, the children collected tales, legends, and stories from their grandparents, creating a book that reflects the essence of their culture and the strength of their spirit. This project not only allowed them to develop literary skills but also empowered them to face challenges and build a bright future.
Traditional Architecture and Landscaping
Our roofs and walls whisper the tradition and legacy of the Andes. Hacienda El Porvenir reflects the rich architectural and landscape heritage of the region. We use local materials and traditional techniques to create an authentic and sustainable environment.
Our hacienda was built using techniques such as rammed earth (tapial), which involves compacting earth to provide excellent thermal regulation, and adobe, handmade from earth, water, and straw, adding a rustic and cozy touch. Locally sourced wood, obtained responsibly, is used for roofs and architectural details, providing warmth and durability.
The landscaping of our hacienda is inspired by the local nature, creating gardens with native species that promote biodiversity, and natural trails that integrate with the environment. Our courtyards and squares, inspired by traditional Andean plazas, offer serene and scenic gathering spaces.
Every detail in our hacienda is designed to offer an authentic experience that honors the culture and environment of Cotopaxi. By choosing our hacienda, you support sustainable practices that preserve the architectural and natural heritage of the region. Come and discover a place where tradition and sustainability meet in perfect harmony.
Our hacienda was built using techniques such as rammed earth (tapial), which involves compacting earth to provide excellent thermal regulation, and adobe, handmade from earth, water, and straw, adding a rustic and cozy touch. Locally sourced wood, obtained responsibly, is used for roofs and architectural details, providing warmth and durability.
The landscaping of our hacienda is inspired by the local nature, creating gardens with native species that promote biodiversity, and natural trails that integrate with the environment. Our courtyards and squares, inspired by traditional Andean plazas, offer serene and scenic gathering spaces.
Every detail in our hacienda is designed to offer an authentic experience that honors the culture and environment of Cotopaxi. By choosing our hacienda, you support sustainable practices that preserve the architectural and natural heritage of the region. Come and discover a place where tradition and sustainability meet in perfect harmony.
