THE HACIENDA
- AN OASIS OF TRANQUILITY: HORSEBACK RIDING AND ENJOYMENT AT OUR HACIENDA
Haciendas are a type of organisation for country farms of several hundred acres and they were introduced by the Spaniards into the South America Colonies in the 16th century. A lot of farmworkers were needed to take care of the animals, the sowing and the harvest. In the past, the Haciendas were the centre of life for the people.
The Hacienda Los Andes is still the centre of life for us, surrounded with gorgeous nature. The 1000 acres Hacienda reaches from our river to the top of the Cerro Gigante mountain.
- Rio Hurtado
The Río Hurtado river rushes through the valley from time immemorial and takes its way directly through our Hacienda along three kilometers. It's water is the elixir of life for nature and people. Because of it, there are growing grapes, laureltrees, fruits, vegetables and of course the magnificent Algarobo, the ancient trees of the Sierra.
The Indians use its seeds to bake their traditional bread. They travelled to Argentina on the old cattle trail which still winds it way through the valley. Their peaceful life ended when the Incas conquered the country for the gold and silver mines.
The Incas introduced the irrigation technology and spread a net of small channels through the whole valley. Even today the valley inhabitants profit from this antique irrigation system - as well as we do at the Hacienda.
The people here live in harmony with the nature.
Already during the winter time they start to prepare their gardens and small fields for the summer. They train horses and produce handicraft. >>During the mild springtime, countless blossoms change the valley into a sea of flowers, picturesquely surrounded by the snow covered Andes.
Summer is awaited with anticipation because its fruit, whether it is apricots, vine or even the Alfalfa determine the earnings of a family. In the mild autumn, they repair channels and work around houses and trails.
The Andes, nearly invincible, seems to have welded the people together. Hospitality and the teamwork are a cooperation in the field. The traditional celebrations are part of everyday life. Unlocked doors are proofing honesty and frankness.
Little has changed by today. Although an asphaltic road traverses the lush valley of the Sierra of Rio Hurtado by now, they still lead the herds along the old trails into the Andes.
"Tranquilo!", the Caballeros (men in the saddles) still shout. This word has some more meanings than just: slow. Tranquilo actually means: tranquility, care, freedom and peace.
