NATIONAL TOURISM GUIDE
HISTORICAL HACIENDAS IN COTOPAXI PROVINCE
DEGREE INVESTIGATION TO GET THE PROFESSIONAL TITLE OF NATIONAL TOURISM GUIDE
BY PAOLA ISABEL FREIRE GARCIA
QUITO – ECUADOR OCTOBER 2014
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APPROVED BY:
MR. CARLOS ANDRADE MR. EFRAIN LOPEZ PROFESSIONAL GUIDE TUTOR
MR. CESAR CUACANGO MSC. MARIAMPARO MORENO ENGLISH TEACHER CAREER COORDINATOR
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DEDICATORY
I dedicate this work to my family, friends and especially to my aunt, who has always supporting me.
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HISTORICAL HACIENDAS IN COTOPAXI PROVINCE
SUMMARY
Cotopaxi province due to its historical importance is known for its historical farms, agriculture and cattle industries. Cotopaxi is located in the central highlands, its capital is Latacunga. Important historical farms have been developed through the big extensions of land that this province has, in here we can find the oldest haciendas of the highlands.
Cotopaxi province is divided in 7 counties: Latacunga Salcedo Sigchos La Mana Pujili Saquisili Pangua
Limits: North: Pichincha South: Tungurahua and Bolivar East: Napo West: Pichincha, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas & Los Rios
Extension: 6.569 km2
Inhabitants: 409.2051
INTRODUCTION
As a part of my investigation, I found out that this province is not much developed in relation to research in historical farms, so I select a bunch of natural and cultural attractions in order to make them recognizable to national and international tourists.
JUSTIFICATION
Tour operators are not taking in count the great opportunities that this province is given in terms of history & culture; also to the big advantage that has with distances to the capital of the country.
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GENERAL OBJECTIVE
National and international tourists should learn the importance of history and its intrinsic relation with humanity.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
To make tourist be a part of the history of our country. To ensure that history will remain to future generations. To maintain history & culture thought the historical farms.
INVESTIGATION METHODOLOGY
Field investigation: It was necessary to make several trips to these areas in order to contact and select the best attractions. Interviews: It was necessary to make interviews to the local people. Reading: Internet, books and touristic guides were useful in order to find information of the attractions.
ATTRACTIONS OF THE AREA
- Quito - Machachi - Avenue of the volcanoes - Cotopaxi National Park - San Agustin del Callo - La Cienega - Pujili - Isinche Grande, Niño de Isinche sanctuary - Saquisili - Cuicuno, Señor de Cuicuno sanctuary - Toacaso parrish - Sigchos
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PROPOSED ITINERARIES:
Itinerary one:
Quito-Tilipulo-Pachusala-Rose farm-Saquisili-Quilotoa-Tigua-Quito This route offers interesting attractions but the long distances between each attractive is the main reason why it was not selected.
Itinerary two:
Quito-Tilipulo-Latacunga-Mulalo- Rose farm- El Porvenir-Quito This route does not accomplish the desires of the tourists.
Itinerary three:
Quito- San Agustin- Rose farm “Verdillano”- La Cienega- Pujili- Isinche Grande- “Niño de Isinche” sanctuary- La Victoria- Cuicuno- “El Señor del Arbol” sanctuary- Toacazo- Sigchos- San Jose de Sigchos- Churo de San Gabriel- Churo de Amanta- Quito
Due to its importance, route #3 has the most important and interesting attractions to visit; here we combine all the necessary elements requested by the tourists.
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ITINERARY THREE:
Day one: 7: 30 Pick-up from the University (UCT). 7:30 to 9:30 Drive to San Agustin del Callo 9:30 to 10:00 Breakfast at San Agustin 10:00 to 11:10 Visit and explanation about the hacienda 11:10 to 11:30 Drive to La Cienega 11:30 to 12:40 Visit and explanation about the rose farm Verdillano and the hacienda 12:40 to 13:10 Drive to Pujili 13:10 to 13:40 Visit the town 13:40 to 14:00 Drive to Isinche 14:00 to 14:20 Visit the sanctuary 14:20 to 15:00 Box lunch 15:00 to 15:20 Drive to La Victoria 15:20 to 16:00 Visit to workshops at La Victoria 16:00 to 16:20 Drive to Cuicuno 16:20 to 16:40 Visit the sanctuary 16:40 to 18:00 Drive to Sigchos 18:00 to 18:10 Check in at San Jose de Sigchos 18:10 to 19:45 Time to enjoy the facilities. 19:45 to 21:00 Dinner and briefing for the next day.
Day two:
7:30 Wake up call. 8:00 to 8:45 Breakfast in the hosteria 8:45 to 12:15 Drive and visit Amanta Churo; forest and San Gabriel Churo 12:15 to 13:45 Return to San Jose 13:45 to 14:00 Time to pack & check out 14:00 to 15:00 Lunch 15:15 Drive to Quito 18:15 Arrival to Quito.
END OF SERVICES
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ATTRACTIONS:
QUITO
Quito, Ecuador´s capital is not only famous for its Historical Centre (World Cultural Heritage site, UNESCO 1978) or for being in the Middle of the World, but for its beautiful landscapes and gentle people. We begin our tour here.
MACHACHI
This town is famous for its agriculture and cattle industries.
Each year they celebrate “Paseo del Chagra” that is a parade where the most important person of the town known as the chagra, a character that represents the Andean cowboy.
AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES
Along the Pan-American highway (E35) we will encounter these magnificent Andes mountain range, known as the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”, name given by the German geographer, Alexander Von Humboldt, during his trip to South America in 1802.
COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
It is located 60 kilometers away from Quito; no entry fee is charged to enter. It was created by supreme decree a-259 on August, 11th, 19751. With an extension of 32.255 hectares, settled in the provinces of: Pichincha, Napo & Cotopaxi. It goes from 500 m.a.s.l. to 5.897 m.a.s.l. (Cotopaxi volcano height) the weather varies from 0 to 22 ° C.
Besides the Cotopaxi volcano, we can also find other mountains and volcanoes: Rumiñahui (4.722 m.a.s.l.), Morurco (4.849 m.a.s.l.) and Chiguilasin Chico (4.876 m.a.s.l.). Just northeast of the park boundary is Sincholagua (4.873 m.a.s.l.), which also can be summited.
Several activities such as: climbing, trekking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping can be developed here. Another significant attraction is the Limpiopungo lagoon.
1http://www.ambiente.gob.ec/parque-nacional-cotopaxi/
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FLORA
The characteristic flora is represented by the sigse, chub deer, sisan, valerian hairy, mosses, lichens, achupallas, chuquirahuas, pumamaquis, romerillo, mortiño, pines and capuli.
FAUNA
Fauna species involve 17 mammals, including puma, white-tailed deer, weasel, an endemic marsupial mouse and wild horses; and almost 100 species of birds, including Andean gull, shrike-tyrants, brush finches and snipes.2
SAN AGUSTIN DEL CALLO
This ancient hacienda is located at the foot of the Cotopaxi volcano, lies in the former Inca Palace built in the XV century, by Emperor Tupac Yupanqui, then is was converted to a monastery of the Augustine Order in the same century.
In 1921 the Hacienda was purchased by General Leonidas Plaza Gutierrez, leader of the liberal Revolution. Plaza went on to become President of Ecuador in 1901 and again in 1912, a position which was to be held by his son Galo Plaza in 1948. The Hacienda has remained in the family to this day and is currently owned by the General´s granddaughter, Mignon Plaza, whose father, the distinguished congressman and legendary amateur bullfighter, Jose María Plaza, played a pivotal role in politics throughout his life.The location of the hacienda within the Avenue of the Volcanoes (term coined by Alexander von Humboldt) near Indian villages and local markets, added to the historical significance of the house with its architectural blend of unusual styles and its archaeological value contribute to make San Agustin a unique place to visit2.
2http://www. incahacienda.com/the-san-agustin-story/
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LA CIENEGA:
The terrain on which the hacienda is located was bought by landowner Don Matheo de la Escalera y Velasco in 1695.
The hacienda has played host to a number of important historical, social, political and scientific events on a national and international level. The wise French intellectual Carlos Maria de la Condamine arrived in Quito with Luis Godin y Pedro Bouger in 1736. Six years later, after two hundred years of inactivity, Volcano Cotopaxi erupted, provoking the scientists to move closer to the outskirts of the volcano.
The hacienda’s first guest was Sir Alexander von Humboldt, who stayed there while carrying out a series of investigations in 1802. Family members such as Manuel Matheu y Herrera, Francisco Xavier and Jose Xavier de Ascazubi were Heroes of the Independence, a number of whose activities took place within the four walls of the hacienda.
Antonio Jose de Sucre and several presidents of the republican period such as the first president of Ecuador, Juan Jose Flores, signed the important Treaty of La Cienega here in the hacienda. Gabriel Garcia Moreno, Leonidas Plaza Gutierrez and Jose Velasco Ibarra are historical figures of the country who have resided at the hacienda. Generation after generation, the hacienda has been inhabited by important personalities and great historical figures, leaving the residence glowing with an aura of grandeur. In memory of those important figures, we, the present-day owners, welcome you to La Cienega and promise you an unforgettable experience here in our hotel hacienda surrounded by natural beautiful scenery in the heart of the Andes3.
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3http://www.haciendalacienega.com/history/
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PUJILI It is located in the skirts of the Sinchaguasin hill, every year this town celebrates the Corpus Christi; which is the most important festivity of this county.
ISINCHE
It is one of the most visited sanctuaries of the province; it is located in the Ishinche Grande town, it belongs to the Leon-Ramirez family.
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LA VICTORIA
This town is dedicated to work with cangahua (a type of stone that is used to produce clay); its inhabitants produce plates, vases, tiles, etc.
CUICUNO
In the top of the hill, arises the Sanctuary of “El Señor del Arbol”; which is the most important attraction on the area, besides the thermal springs that can also be found here.
SIGCHOS
Sigchos means “Arm of iron”, this county is also known as the “County of Opportunities” due to the richness of its soil and water, the landscape its amazing, full of mountains and green lands. People dedicates to cattle and agriculture.
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CHURO DE AMANTA-
It is located 30 kilometers away from Sigchos, can be accessed only by a 4x4, at 3.620 m.a.s.l. inside San Gabriel hacienda, covered by straw, here we find an inca construction, located in a strategic view point of the mountains of Pulpito and Topalibi. On the top it’s a well of 5 meters depth.
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CONCLUSIONS
Despite the historical significance of this province in terms of cultural and historical tourism, has not been given a push by travel agencies or the government itself.
The unique impulse has been given to the Cotopaxi National Park, which is the second most visited protected area after Galapagos National Park.
Cotopaxi province inhabitants’ income is based in agriculture and cattle; tourism can only be counted as an extra income for a few communities and touristic haciendas owners.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Ministry of Tourism must make training workshops to the local entrepreneurs of the province, especially in little towns. Make campaigns to keep the roads clean. Signaling is essential in the whole province, roads and towns are not well specified.
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ANNEXES
Annex One
FIRST ITINERARY
Quito-Tilipulo-Rose farm- Puchusala-Saquisili-Quilotoa-Tigua-Quito This route offers interesting attractions but the long distances between each attractive is the main reason why it was not selected.
Day one: 7: 30 Pick-up from the University (UCT). 7:30 to 8:30 Drive to El Hornero Pizzeria for breakfast. 8:30 to 9:15 Breakfast at El Hornero. 9:15 to 10:00 Drive to Tilipulo 10:00 to 10:30 Visit and explanation about the hacienda
10:30 to 11:00 Drive to Nevado Roses 11:00 to 12:00 Visit to the rose plantation 12:00 to 12:30 Drive to Pachusala 12:30 to 13:00 Visit to the ruins of Pachusala
13:00 to 13:30 Drive to Latacunga 13:30 to 14:30 Typical lunch in a restaurant of Latacunga 14:30 to 15:30 Drive to Saquisili 15:30 to 16:00 Visit to the main plazas & explanation of the town
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16:00 to 17:30 Check in at hostel in Quilotoa 17:30 to 19:00 Time to enjoy the facilities. 19:00 to 20:30 Dinner and briefing in the restaurant of the hostel
Day two:
7:30 Wake up call. 8:00 to 8:45 Breakfast in the hosteria 9:00 to 12:00 Visit to Quilotoa lagoon 13:00 to 13:30 Time to pack & check out 13:30 to 14:30 Lunch 14:30 to 17:00 Drive to Quito
END OF SERVICES
What is included: Meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner) Private transportation 1 night in twin accommodation room in Alpaca Quilotoa hostel. Bilingual Guide.
What is not included: Personal expenses
What to bring: Warm clothes. Hiking shoes. Camera. Sunscreen. Cap.
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Annex Two
SECOND ITINERARY
Quito-Tilipulo-Latacunga-Mulalo- Rose farm- El Porvenir-Quito
This route does not accomplish the desires of the tourists.
First Day:
7: 30 Pick-up from the University (UCT). 7:30 to 8:30 Drive to El Hornero Pizzeria for breakfast. 8:30 to 9:15 Breakfast at El Hornero. 9:15 to 10:00 Drive to Tilipulo 10:00 to 10:30 Visit and explanation about the hacienda
10:30 to 11:00 Drive to Mulalo & visit to the sanctuary 11:00 to 12:00 Visit to the rose plantation 12:00 to 12:45 Drive to El Porvenir 12:45 to 13:00 Check in 13:00 to 14:00 Lunch at the hacienda 14:30 to 18:00 Activities in the hacienda trekking & milking 19:00 to 20:30 Dinner and briefing in the restaurant of the hostel
Day two:
7:30 Wake up call. 8:00 to 8:45 Breakfast in the hacienda 9:20 to 12:00 Visit to Cotopaxi national park 12:30 to 13:30 Lunch at Tambopaxi 13:30 to 15:30 Drive to Quito
END OF SERVICES
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What is included: Meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner) Private transportation 1 night in twin accommodation room in El Porvenir hacienda. Bilingual Guide.
What is not included: Personal expenses.
What to bring: Warm clothes. Hiking shoes. Camera. Sunscreen. Cap.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
a. VALLEJO, G. (2014). This is Ecuador. Pages: 22, 64, 98. b. CRUZ, M. (1999). Montañas del Ecuador. Pages 50 to 61, 114 to 128. c. VASQUEZ, G (2006). Guia Turistica y Ecologica. Pages 158 to 174.
INTERNET REFERENCES
a. http://www. incahacienda.com/the-san-agustin-story/ b. http://www.haciendalacienega.com/history/ c. http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archivo:Cantones_de_la_Provincia_de_Cotopaxi.JPG
INTERVIEWS
a. Conversation with Mrs. Lourdes Grandes, manager of San Jose de Sigchos hacienda. b. Conversation with Mr. Luis Grandes, owner of San Jose de Sigchos hacienda. c. Conversation with Mr. Rodrigo Bonifaz, owner of a workshop in La Victoria.
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