Hacienda Jimenita Wildlife Reserve

This unique gem of a hotel with its restful and beautiful grounds, helpful staff, and comfortable rooms feels like it is many miles removed from the urban sprawl of Quito. In reality it is a 20 min ride from the airport and offers both convenience and comfort. I stayed here for a total of four nights over the course of a 12-day birding trip that whipsawed between Quito and the high Andes, the West Slope, the East Slope and the upper Amazon basin, and eventually back to Quito. While the tour operator, Ecuador Birds Tours, owns the hotel which explains why it was the hub of our travels, this kind of hub and spoke itinerary is pretty standard in Quito-based birding expeditions. I stayed in the old part of the hotel, and the rooms were commodious, beds comfortable, and the plumbing worked. My only complaint was that the lighting was inconvenient and dim - even allowing for high energy costs it was pretty anemic. Others in my group who stayed in the newer rooms reported that they were very nice with good views, which the older rooms did not have. The hotel's extensive grounds offer what appear to be excellent birding (and indeed I picked up my first-ever Vermillion Flycatcher and Golden Grossbeak while loading up at 6:30 as we headed out for the second half of our tour), but our schedule didn't really allow me to see them. Staff was helpful in all aspects, including picking up our luggage at 2:30 in the morning for our absurdly early departure from Quito, and the food was good. I would stay here again in an instant for anything that required a hotel convenient to the Quito airport. My only caveat is that the hotel is under what appears to be the common approach path to the Quito airport - it is not overbearing because the aircraft are on their approach rather than climbing out, but you will be aware of it.

This was a great experience. The staff were very helpful and courteous. The room was comfortable with a great view. The food was very tasty and well presented.

I loved my stay at Jimenita! We stayed in a house - which was lovely, totally updated and well-stocked. The food was excellent. The setting is beautiful (and very convenient to the airport!). I had an amazing massage (thank you, Kenya!). And the staff were just incredible! Was here for a team retreat and the hotel staff were amazing in supporting us. Also, I had to pump breast milk during my stay - which was made quite difficult by the scheduled electricity blackouts! I had to rely on the staff for help so I could pump and safely store my milk even when the electricity was out. The staff could not have been more accommodating towards me. Highly recommend overall! My colleague has stayed here many times over the years and also strongly recommends. Hope to return and stay for longer sometime soon!

Absolutely charming rooms and very comfortable, complimentary breakfast, food was great and staff very attentive. The grounds are amazing, the history/views and the birding were awesome (we booked it to be close to the airport so the grounds were a lovely addition). Most definately recommend this for your stop in Quito!!

Hacienda Jimenita is truly a treasure. It was our "home away from home" when we birded Ecuador with Ecuador Birds Tours. We stayed here off and on for a total of nine nights. Jimenita is located on the Chiche Canyon and the property is exquisite, especially for nature lovers. The trails are gorgeous and there are many of them. Bird feeders are everywhere and so are the birds. The gardens are fantastic. The Inga tunnels are not to be missed. It is truly a serene setting. Daniel, the owner, is so gracious and friendly. His artwork is found throughout and it is spectacular and he walks the grounds often. The staff could not be nicer and more accommodating. The buildings are all different and quite nice. We stayed in many different rooms/houses while we were here and each one was delightful. The food is excellent and often times we were given local Ecuadorian dishes. We were sad to leave Hacienda Jimenita. It is the perfect place to stay to rest up before or after a flight as it is so close to the airport. Getting there could not be easier as pick-up is arranged for you as will be your return trip. Do not miss this place if you are visiting Ecuador. You will not be disappointed!

This hacienda is a peaceful and welcoming place an easy 15 mins from the airport. Our family of 3 spent 4 nights over a three week visit to Ecuador (first and last night and nights before/after Galapagos/amazon). Each time we were greeted warmly, our follow-on travel plans noted and transportation arrangements confirmed. The restaurant is peaceful and excellent. The grounds are beautiful. My 11 year old loved feeding carrots to the house Llamas. Each time we returned we felt relaxed and happy to be there. No matter the early starts to catch flights, someone was always present to help with luggage and provide a ‘packed breakfast’. Wonderful.

Unique in the valley below Quito, this Hacienda allows you to decompress in comfort in a natural environment within reach of the airport. Management is attentive and the food and ambience exceptional. We plan to stay again soon.

Hacienda Jimenita is an amazing estate with beautiful rooms, fantastic food, and a stunning location outside of Quito. Relax and unwind after the days adventure. Hike the trails along the gorge to see many species of birds and lush gardens. Enjoy the fantastic food prepared by the inhouse chef. We really enjoyed our stays at the Hacienda. The rooms were very nice, but our final night we spent in the balcony suite which I highly recommend. We spent New Years Eve there and that was amazing. To experience another culture and spend time making new friends in a festive atmosphere was very special for us. We even toured the on-site Inca tunnel with Diego and Terese after dark with candle lanterns. A very cool experience. If you are heading to Quito, stay just outside the city in a true paradise.

Beautiful property set next to an impressive canyon in excellent location close to the airport. Restaurant is very disappointing both in terms of service and food quality.