Hacienda Picalqui

The Fundacion Brethren y Unida has as its principle site the hacienda Picaqlui, located one and a half hours northeast of Quito along the Pan-American Highway, close to Tabacundo.

The hacienda is set in 25 hectares of agro-ecologically farmed land, with stunning views of the Andes; the snow capped Volcano Cayambe to the east, to the north Volcano Fuya Fuya who's extinct crater contains the Lagunas de Mojanda. and in the distant south the peak of Cotopaxi can be seen on a clear day.

The infrastructure, now approaching 100 years of age in places, is made of traditional materials, with walls up to 3 feet thick in places. Of course over the years we have provided the modern touches to create a homey feel to the hacienda, a place where people can come to relax and forget the stresses of the city.

The hacienda provides the following facilities :

• Twin rooms and small dormitories (4 beds maximum) for up to 60 people

• Bathrooms with hot showers

• A dining hall and kitchen that can provide for 80 people

• Lounge area with open fire

• Three classrooms of varying sizes equipped with white/chalk boards

• A theatre equipped with lighting and sound equipment

• A small chapel

• Gardens and a barbeque área

• Football,volleyball and basket ball pitches

• A fire pit to help enjoy the starry nights

For all our visitors we provide flexible options for accommodation and dining, ranging from full board (3 meals, 2 snacks and one nights accommodation) to simple day visits and use of the facilities.

In 2005 we received groups at the hacienda, from as little as 5 to as many as 60 people, for just one day or up to 2 weeks. Some of the events to date are:

• 10 two week encampments for city children participating in our Environmental Education Program

• 2 week long Summer Camps for children ages 7 to 16 years

• Week-end workshops for local NGO's

• Day courses training local campesinos and volunteers from various countries

• Week-end workshops for local organizations

• Workshops organized by NGO's and other organizations