A visit to Hacienda El Sinche offers more than just a stay; it provides an opportunity to connect with Ecuador’s rich culture.
Hacienda El Sinche was originally established as a colonial estate during the Spanish colonial era. The hacienda played a big role in the region’s development. Over the years. It evolved into a working farm, preserving the essence of its past while embracing modernization.
The history of the hacienda is deeply rooted in the indigenous culture of the region, and visitors can fully immerse themselves in this culture. The hacienda provides people with a chance to witness traditional farming practices and even participate in some activities.
The first activity visitors can take part in, is making a traditional Cuyaco. You start of by preparing all the vegetables. The dish is made with corn, potatoes, and beans. After preparing the vegetables the chef will cook everything. When he is ready to cook, every guest gets to assemble their own plate and garnish it with some cheese and aji sauce
The second activity visitors can take part in is milking the cows. The cows at the hacienda get milked twice a day at 3am and at 3pm. Around 3pm visitors get the opportunity to learn how the process of milking cows works. After you understand the process and the farmers explain how the machines and equipment work, visitors can try it for themselves. After milking the cows, you can taste the fresh milk straight from the big tank.
Following the milking session, guests can partake in making fresh cheese. You’ll use the fresh milk for this activity. During this activity, guests get to learn the art of cheese-making and see the whole process from, milking to making and trying the self-made cheese. The cheese is not ready to try right away though, it has to be set for a little. But the next morning it is all ready and served at breakfast.
The beautiful landscape surrounding la hacienda makes for the perfect backdrop for a horseback riding adventure. There are five very sweet, trained horses that visitors can ride. Trained guides accompany the guests, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for riders of skill levels. As you ride through the hacienda’s trails, you can absorb the beauty of the mountains and valleys and enjoy the charming property.
The last activity is making empanadas. Visitors get to experience the process of empanada-making from start to finish. The dough and filling are already prepared by the chefs in the kitchen. After the chef demonstrates how you are supposed to knead, fill, and fold the empanadas, guests are invited to try their best to make them. While the visitors are busy making the empanadas, the chef will start frying them. That way when you are done making them, you can immediately try the delicious self-made pastries.
Hacienda El Sinche offers a dynamic blend of activities for their guests to take part in. Milking cows, making fresh cheese, horseback riding, and crafting empanadas are just a few examples of the engaging experiences that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the traditions and beauty of this charming hacienda in Machachi. Whether enjoying the outdoors on horseback or diving into culinary work, every activity promises a deeper connection to the heart and soul of Ecuador.
Written by: Laura Bravo
