El Monasterio is a self-contained, reflective site characterized by colorful gardens and mysterious cobblestone courtyards. Constructed for the purpose of conference and discussion of contemporary ideas instrumental in changing tomorrow’s world, El Monasterio is also a place for the celebration of life’s triumphs. The monastery, the ‘computer’ of the Middle Ages, was a meeting-ground for great minds and a place of inspiration for fervent creativity. The irony of building a monastery in the actual computer age was appealing, as was constructing an historic building in the ancient landscape of Imbabura appropriate.

Joshua Davis of New York, a graduate of Cornell School of Architecture and student of Aldo Rossi, designed El Monasterio. Construction of thirteen guestrooms, a bar and reception tower began in an empty field in early 1995, and was completed for a New Year’s Eve wedding. The conference room, Salon Cotacachi, the dining room, kitchen and rooms 39 and 40 (constructed by Manuel Sanchez) were completed for Christmas occupancy in 1996. Secundo Chumañia and a team of 34 constructed the buildings while Marcia Simon, General Manager 1990-1997, oversaw the changes. Mañuel Ayora painted the murals and colored walls seen throughout the property. Leonardo Chumañia hand made antique reproduction beds, and the Andrango family of Agato wove the beautiful bedspreads. Mr. Millhouse worked together with Cusin’s gardeners; Manuel Calle and his crew, to landscape the gardens. Most of the plants originated in Cusin’s garden.

El Monasterio has 18 Andean craft furnished guestrooms, all with beamed ceilings and private bathrooms, and 15 with kiva-style log-burning fireplaces. El Monasterio features a dining room, salon, library, television with satellite reception and VCR, bar, main conference room (used also for celebration dances), five seminar rooms, three courtyards, four separate gardens, public restrooms and a water garden. Its two towers (one with a ‘secret passage’) give panoramic views of the surrounding land dominated by 15,000’ Imbabura mountain and Imbacocha (Lago San Pablo).

In 1998, Pamela Janssen became General Manager for 18 months. Pamela worked tirelessly and established a strong management foundation for a growing business.

Cesar Arcos Maldanado, the present General Manager, followed Pamela. Cesar attended management training courses, including Cornell’s Hotel School of Administration and soon established his own presence.