Gardens

Explore the whimsical gardens of deep green foliage surrounded by ancient trees and colourful flowers amid beautiful nature trails. The ideal place to let sensations and emotions roll over you while breathing fresh, oxygen-rich air, take a romantic stroll through the hacienda’s magical atmosphere – far away from the big city.

The gardens were carefully designed and developed by the Zaldumbide family, who contributed a series of unique plant species brought from their various voyages around the world, as well as the artistic genius of one of the great landscape designers who helped create the gardens at Versailles Palace in France. In this peaceful coexistence of the luscious oasis and the arid mountains, you will find the oldest araucaria (monkey puzzle) trees in Ecuador.

Birds

Both avid bird watchers and nature newbies will be amazed by the splendid variety of species found in the gardens and their surroundings. As the only irrigated, green spot in the area, birds tend to fly over to Piman especially in the mornings and afternoons to soar through the trees and rest in the shade while guests delight in the most astonishing orchestra of bird song. As you meander through the grounds, enjoy the colourful hummingbirds, the majestic eagles and shy owls, and you could even spot a fox or two.

Adventure

There are options aplenty for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.

You can bring your own bike and explore the enchanting trails and nearby hills and valleys that surround Piman, take part in nearby trekking excursions with impressive views and bird watching, or even plan a trip to a nearby forest or trails like the Inca Trail, an immersion in history and nature following the ancient paths of the Incas.

The region is brimming with curious creatures to be discovered and exciting adventures to be had: sailing, hiking and exploring the many national parks nearby and the beautiful lakes.

Let us know about your interests so we can plan and tailor the perfect adventure for you.

Beyond Pimán

Chota Valley

Visit the river valley of El Chota and taste tuna (the fruit, not the fish!), mango, tomato and sugar cane in its produce market, or head to the Honka Monka Museum to learn about the intriguing history and culture of this Afro-Ecuadorian population.

Andean Spectacled Bear Viewpoint

Have the opportunity to spot the largest mammal in South America, the Spectacled Andean Bears in their natural habitat.

The Páramo of El Ángel

A short drive to the north you will find the El Ángel Ecological Reserve which extends over 15,715 hectares (40,000 acres) and is home to the surreal frailejones (espeletia) plants. A haunting forest sprawls across the high-altitude páramo, with blue-emerald lakes and bewitching Polylepis (paper bark tree) woods, which guard a number of endemic species like trout, marsupial frog, Andean teal, condor, carunculated caracara, American kestrel, Andean seagull, turtledove, wild rabbit, páramo wolf and deer.

Relax

Time off

Enjoy the authentic hacienda experience with us… gaze at sunsets, unwind surrounded by nature, relax by the delightfully old-fashioned pool, revive with a spectacular massage in the spa and experience the true Hacienda Piman by strolling through the manor, villas and gardens. Relish your Andean escape in dreamy and cosy guestrooms, with warm hospitality and a family legacy that has beautifully preserved its colonial charm.

Swimming pool

The serene, historic pool is not, as you may think, a newly added feature. The swimming pool was once made of stone, fed from an irrigation channel from way up in the paramo above. Today, the pool has been refurbished to bring guests a more comfortable experience. The hacienda’s warm weather is perfect for enjoying our heated pool cupped by lush gardens and flower beds – a good novel in hand and a snooze in the shade just moments away.

Massages

Our Spa provides a calming experience in the midst of the natural gardens and historical buildings. Guests can select from a range of unique treatments from which the only outcome is pure relaxation of body, mind and soul. Whether you need to recover from the fast-paced city or ease your muscles after a day of hiking, our massages are the golden ticket.

Reading, painting and writing

If the fantastical and imaginary worlds of literature and art are your thing, Piman is the perfect place to immerse yourself in your favourite book or awaken your creative instinct, inspired by the hacienda’s surroundings and history — perhaps this is your chance to write what could be your masterpiece! Make the sitting room your make-shift studio or find the perfect spot in the orchard and gardens to paint the scenery.