Hacienda Cusin was founded in 1602. In 1990, Cusin's English owner converted Hacienda Cusin into a 'country house' inn of 25 guest rooms, suites and garden cottages with its history preserved. A garden walk away, El Monestario de Cusin's white buttressed walls, towers, parapet, cloisters and garden and fountain courtyards, and 15 spacious guestrooms add distinction to an ancient landscape.

The 40 acre property, including its valley farm, Gualavi, is at 8,500 ft. in the Ecuadorian sierra, 90 minutes north of Quito, on the outskirts of the village of San Pablo de Lago and its two mile crater lake.

Hacienda Cusin offers unique features, including the beautifully furnished Salon Bolivar, bar, library, garden reading room, games room, squash court and a dining room where dinner is served by candlelight chandeliers, plus warm log fire with tapestries on the walls.

Hacienda Cusin's black soil and predictable equatorial sun has created seven acres of lush gardens, filled with deep yellow blossoms of the cholan tree, palm, belladonna, bougainvillaea, foxgloves, hollyhocks and orchids.

Activities from Hacienda Cusin include: Trails to walk and hills and mountains to climb, mountain biking, horseback riding - from 1 hour to 2 days, squash court, visit nearby villages with weavers, leather craftsmen, wood carvers and hat makers.