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General Information on Hacienda & Spa La Banda:
Location:
La Banda is 110 km North of Quito, 10 min away from Chachimbiro Hot Springs, and 30 min away from Otavalo, Lake Cuicocha, and Lake San Pablo.
There are several ways to get to Hacienda La Banda, but the easiest way is through Ibarra. From Quito to Ibarra is about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Once you are in Ibarra you continue to a little town called Urcuqui. Then to get to Chiriacu one must follow the road to Chachimbiro (The Hot Springs). Once you are in Chiriacu you will just have to follow the sign to Hacienda La Banda, which is 2 minutes away.
Weather:
La Banda enjoys probably the best weather of Ecuador, since the temperature is usually between 15 - 27 degrees Celsius. It rarely rains during the day, which allows for all outdoor activities.
History:
Pre-Inca Period
The history of Hacienda La Banda dates back to the pre-Inca period. In the underground of this hacienda, craft pieces were found, which according to archeological studies belonged to cultures prior to the Inca conquest.
The upper lands of La Banda were sacred lands where they were sites of adoration to Gods.
Post-Inca Period
The ground where the main house was constructed used to be the residence of the Jesuit community in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Present
Once the Ecuadorian republic was formed, the Merlo family bought this hacienda and grew the biggest avocado production of Ecuador.
Nowadays, this hacienda has been transformed into one of the best Hacienda & Spa's of Ecuador. However, it still preserves its original percentage of Agriculture and customs the time.
Hacienda La Banda has always been a very energetic place where sacred rituals used to take place hundreds of years ago. Nowadays, in the upper part of La Banda a shamanic temple has been built and hundreds of locals and foreigners come every year to experience these rituals.
Activities:
Accommodation
Hacienda La Banda currently has 15 double rooms, 4 triple rooms and 1 luxury/Family suite with a total capacity of 50 people. Each room has its own shower with hot water.
Bar "Le Bois"
Hacienda La Banda’s Bar "Le Bois" is the perfect place to enjoy from a quick meal to a nice glass of wine to the rhythm of the national and international variety of music.
Trekking
Inside la hacienda there are 7 different routes that have varied levels of difficulty. There are other 5 routes outside the Hacienda, which require a higher resistance level.
Tours
It has several tours, at and around the hacienda. By: Otavalo Market, Lago Cuicocha, Lago San Pablo, San Antonio de Ibarra, Cotacachi, Ibarra, Lita, El Valle del Chota and Atuntaqui.
Tennis / Volleyball / Basketball / Badminton / Soccer
There is a multi-use sport field where you can enjoy any of these sports.
Canoping
Are you ready to experience the vertigo of four exiting stages of canoping. Highly recomended, with this adventure you will feel you can fly.
Spa
This hacienda has its own room with the best masseuses. Our avocado facial massage is our new must-try experience, also considering that it is made with our own completely natural avocados.
Hot Spings
Hacienda La Banda has access to the volcanic Hot Springs of Chachimbiro, which are only 10 minutes away.
The Volcanic Hot Springs of Chachimbiro
Chachimbiro, which means "strength" in Quichua, is the name of the medicinal volcanic hot springs. Hundreds of people from all over the world come every month to this place. Several national and international companies in Chachimbiro provide the public with access to some natural pools which vary in size, and temperature.
Not only the surroundings are beautiful due to the pools being located between two extinct volcanoes, but also the miraculous powers of the water, which is believed to cure illnesses, is what make Chachimbiro so popular. Many people believe that God has touched this water, as it has had miraculous effects on some people. The most believed legend is, however, that the composition of the water, which contains several kinds of minerals and salts, provide the body with essential minerals that it usually lacks of.
Bike Riding
There are bikes for rent and several paths to go through. Each of them with different levels of difficulty and risk. Downhill pick ups are available.
Boating Rowing
If you would like to enjoy from a peaceful time, La Banda has a small lagoon where you can enjoy nature peacefully.
Horseback Riding
Horses and guides are also available for free ride or guided routes.
Conference Center
Conference Center
Hacienda La Banda has also a conference room with a capacity for 90 people. Here, many important international and national meetings and conferences have taken place. It has also been awarded for its original interior design.
Tours:
Otavalo:
Otavalo is the second most visited place in Ecuador after Galapagos.
This town has its fame because is the home place of Otavaleños who are merchants and artisans, who create the most beautiful handicrafts of the American Continent. The population are direct descendants of the Incas; and Quichua is the local language.
Lake Cuicocha
This volcanic lake, which is located in the crater of the Cuicocha Volcano is completely astonishing. A boat ride you realize the beauty of nature.
Lake San Pablo
The beautiful Lake San Pablo is right next to the Imbabura volcano. Every year a swimming competition takes place at this lake, where many international and local swimmers cross the cold waters to prove their strength, health, and courage.
San Antonio de Ibarra
San Antonio de Ibarra is a small craft village that has acquired a very good reputation all over the world for its wood work. Dozens of family businesses started here more than a century ago, and their knowledge and talent has passed from generation to generation.
Cotacachi
Kown as the "Heaven of Leather", this town has hundreds of little stores with all sorts of items and accessories made in the best leather of Ecuador. If you wish to buy a quality leather jacket, purse or boots and pay a very good price, then here is your chance.
Atuntaqui
Atuntaqui is one of the fastest growing towns in Ecuador, famous for the textile industry, and only 10 minutes from Ibarra. The excellente quality allows its products to compete in almost every international clothing industry market.
You can enjoy great experience at Hacienda & Spa La Banda.
Tour 7 days – 6 nights
 TIMBUYACU – CHURULOMA – YANACOCHA – PIÑÁN
Tour 4 days – 3 nights
TRAPICHE - SALINAS DE IBARRA - TRAIN
Price 2008:
Rooms:
Single Room USD 61.-
Double Room USD 86.-
Triple Room USD 104.-
Family Suite USD 183.-
Deluxe Suite USD 220.-
Our prices include breakfast & taxes.
If you need any additional information please write us:
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South America 
Quito Tourist Portal