The Ribadeneira Pérez Family: Heart and Soul of Hacienda Hipolongo
“Family... where life begins and love never ends”
Behind every corner of Hacienda Hipolongo Cruz de Mayo there is a story, and behind that story, a family. Today, this jewel nestled in the Andean heights belongs to the Ribadeneira Pérez family, whose legacy has breathed new life into these lands steeped in history, tradition, and nature.
The matriarch, Doña Gladys Pérez de Ribadeneira, together with her children and granddaughters, has been the cornerstone in preserving the spirit of the hacienda. Inspired by the vision of agronomist Vinicio Ribadeneira Benavidez (+), in 2012 the family embarked on a beautiful rural and experiential tourism project, with the aim of sharing the beauty and richness of this unique place with the world.
A paradise in two worlds
Covering an area of 460 hectares, the Hipolongo Cruz de Mayo Hacienda is divided into two natural zones:
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Upper Zone (up to 3,800 meters above sea level): Home to a majestic pine forest, grasslands, and páramo landscapes located in the mystical Nudo del Igualata.
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Lower Zone (3,200 meters above sea level): Where agricultural and livestock life flourishes. Here you will find:
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The heritage hacienda house
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The tourist accommodation area
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The camping area
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Our rural restaurant
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The tentadero
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The charming “Santísima Cruz de Mayo” chapel
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And the spacious “El Cortijo” events hall
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This space has been designed to provide visitors with a comprehensive experience: nature, history, gastronomy, and spirituality come together to create unforgettable moments.
Traditional agriculture, purposeful tourism
Agriculture is the productive heart of the hacienda. The Ribadeneira Pérez family has turned these lands into one of the largest producers of potatoes and carrots in the central highlands region of Ecuador. In addition, livestock activities are carried out, with the breeding of cattle, horses, sheep, and milk production, maintaining environmentally responsible practices.
This commitment to the land has been the basis for opening the doors to the world. The family tourism venture, a pioneer in rural and hacienda tourism in the canton of Quero, has become a model of community and associative tourism, generating local development and revaluing the cultural heritage of the area.
Thanks to the support of the Municipal GAD of Quero and the Provincial Government of Tungurahua, this project continues to grow, maintaining its firm purpose: that each visitor feels part of this great family and experiences the magic of Hipolongo.
