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Hacienda Uzhupud Hotel is only twenty miles from Cuenca, in the heart of the most important road for the tourism, folklore and cuisine available in this area. For this, and other reasons, it´s the most important colonial icon of Ecuador´s southern region.
The conveniences that today´s life require mix perfectly with the character and flavor of the colonial and republican eras in these marvelous facilities that include 65 rooms accommodating over 150 guests. Nature, relaxation, fine décor details, whether European or local, render these chambers, halls, meeting rooms, restaurants and gardens a special and valuable collection, unique in Ecuador.
From the latter colonial years, the hacienda belonged to the maternal grandparents of Francisco Febres Cordero y Muñoz, known as Brother Miguel of the La Salle Congregation, who was proclaimed a Saint of the Catholic Church by His Holiness John Paul II. Uzhupud is the place where Saint Brother Miguel lived and the chapel is named after him.
Years passed and, in 1870, the Vintimilla Muñoz family acquired the hacienda whose main business was an alcohol distillery, as many others in the Paute area. Even today, visitors can observe the still or press system that was used in older times. By mid-20th century, Cornelio Vintimilla had created a liquor industry known as Destilería Uzhupud, a pioneer in the bottling, filtering and purification of aguardiente (sugar cane spirits).
Some relics, such as the main mansion dating back to the end of the 19th century, its rooms, still, gallera (cockpit for cock fights) and the Saint Brother Miguel chapel, retain their original baroque design in their entrances, which combine with their interiors in an interesting eclectic style.
The rooms are designed in various styles, cuencano, Andean, country or boutique type with splendid furniture. Sprawling over 24 acres, the ample gardens, terraces and colonial plazoletas (small patios) that surround the rooms carry with them legends and anecdotes gathered over the course of 180 years of existence.
The multiple choices of food and drink that are available to the guests deserve a special mention. Doña Eulalia restaurant is an homage to Doña Eulalia Vintimilla de Crespo, a previous owner of the hacienda and an acknowledged cuisine leader in Cuenca.
The Café del Valle Trattoria, a casual place next to the pool, serves pizzas baked in a wooden stove plus pastas and lasagnas with flavors and sauces according to the guest´s choices. The terrace is an ideal place to enjoy the splendid barbecues prepared for groups. And the bar is just perfect to savor local and international drinks in a cozy atmosphere, next to the warmth of the fireplace.
In addition, the hacienda has a convention center surrounded by beautiful plazoletas and exotic gardens. The meeting rooms can seat 500 persons. Banquet services are available for social events with an extensive list of menus and buffets, among other services.
Lodging at Uzhupud Hacienda includes rest and recreation activities that keep today´s traveler in mind. The Samana spa has a pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam baths, besides sports facilities such as tennis and volleyball courts and ping pong tables. Horseback rides, adventures on paddle boats, traditional pool and billiards games are all at our guests´ disposal. Furthermore, magicians and circus acts are shown in the old gallera, now converted into a theatre. Another event, on holidays, is the traditional pauteña night, enlivened by the local town band and folk dancing.
Near the hacienda is the route of the paja toquilla hats (known internationally as “Panama” hats), to the orchidarium (botanical garden specialized in orchids) with its incredible variety of flowers and to Chordeleg for its handicrafts of filigrana (goldsmith techniques to make very fine threads of gold or silver for elaborate jewelry). The hacienda is also close enough to Cuenca to schedule a morning or an afternoon city tour.
For guests with a more adventurous spirit, there are kayak rides and paragliding near the Paute river, only fifteen minutes from the hacienda. Hiking and horseback riding are other outdoor options.
Hacienda Uzhupud Hotel is among the 2016 top ten haciendas in Ecuador according to Trip Advisor. Its name is synonymous with traditional and charming hospitality. It´s managed by Unique Hotel Management since 2016.
In the corporate events and national and international conventions spaces, Hacienda Uzhupud is extremely well positioned. It´s the preferred choice of tourists from around the globe for its location, comfort, luxury and services. Undoubtedly, an ideal place for social events, weddings and any kind of celebration. Any one of them is organized by the Hotel for each customer just as a made-to-measure suit.