Hacienda San Agustín de Callo

Central Highlands


The distinctive, mortarless Incan stonework that forms many of the walls makes this hotel unique and mysterious. Surrounded by luscious gardens in a peaceful, bucolic setting, the 11 meticulously rustic rooms all come with fireplaces, plush spreads and hand-painted walls.

This hacienda has seen a lot of history over the last five centuries. Originally an Inca fortress, it later served as an Augustinian monastery. The French Geodesic Mission used it as a triangulation point to measure the equator in 1748, and Alexander von Humboldt stayed here in 1802, as did climber Edward Whymper in 1880.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Central Highlands attractions

1. Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

8.02 MILES

The centerpiece of Ecuador's most popular national park is the snowcapped and downright picture-perfect Volcán Cotopaxi. At 5897m, it's Ecuador's second…

2. Centro Visitantes

8.61 MILES

Inside the park, 9km from Control Caspi, this small interpretation center has a few display boards explaining the natural history of the area. Take a…

3. Thursday Morning Market

9.39 MILES

The Thursday morning market in Saquisilí is one of the best in the central highlands. It’s a mostly authentic and fascinating place to observe the array…

4. Church of La Merced

14.05 MILES

At the Church of Mercy you'll find an image of the Virgen de las Mercedes, the protector of Latacunga, who is celebrated during the Fiesta de la Mama…

5. Casa de los Marqueses de Miraflores

14.1 MILES

Take a break in this archaeological and religious museum housed in a colonial-era mansion. It has good background on the Mama Negra festivals. The museum…

6. Mirador de la Virgen del Calvario

14.13 MILES

On a clear day, this lookout east of town offers views of several distant volcanic peaks. Follow Maldonado up the stairs, go left on Oriente and follow it…

7. Mercado Cerrado

14.19 MILES

Latacunga’s large markets are quite utilitarian, but that’s what makes them interesting. The food stalls on the second floor of the Mercado Cerrado …

8. Town Hall

14.29 MILES

At the southeast corner of Parque Vicente León stands the republican-era town hall, topped by a pair of stone condors.