Λ Introduction
V Previous

Vilcabamba Glimpse #34

Another World

A few days ago, Victor, an Ecuadorian architect and friend, visited our ranch, Hacienda San Joaquin. He said that in Loja, a city of about 140,000 (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loja,_Ecuador) located about a 35-minute drive from Vilcabamba, the word is that when you drive through the entrance of Hacienda San Joaquin, you enter "another world" (meant in the best of ways). The Ecuadorians who have visited and love the ranch say there is nothing like it in all of Ecuador.

For us, it is a great compliment. Ecuador itself, as more and more people are discovering, is quite a unique and extraordinary country for many reasons. Vilcabamba is an area within Ecuador that is highly revered among Ecuadorians (and internationals) due its vey unique mix of exceptional qualities. Within this unusual setting, surrounded on three sides by mountains and open on the fourth to the Vilcabamba River, is our ranch...yet another world. I've assembled some photos that show aspects of the other-worldly qualities of Hacienda San Joaquin: http://picasaweb.google.com/jrsimonetta/AnotherWorld

As an aside, soon I will have a Glimpse and photos for you of our Equestrian and Hiking Center with its varied amenities. It is something very special. We are about three weeks from completing the last of six structures there including two beautiful stables.

Back to the "Another World" story. You may wonder if the ranch is just another gated community. That's a fair question. After all, we do have a gated entrance.

Let me answer this way. Vilcabamba is a rare and beautiful area. The ranch, Hacienda San Joaquin, is even more rare and beautiful. However, here, nor anywhere, is there utopia (although many refer to the ranch as paradise). We still live on planet Earth with its stark realities.

Here in Vilcabamba, some people choose to live in town. Some want to live in a community such as Hacienda San Joaquin...or in some rural area. It's a matter of personal tastes and economics. But everywhere people recognize the need for security. Ecuadorians commonly have fences and gates to delineate their properties. It's just reality, acceptable and expected.

Here we have an entrance gate that is largely symbolic. Actually there is no "gate". There is an entrance and a little gate house. Someone will sit in the gate house to welcome visitors. Still, the ranch is a private property. Just as your home is your private property.

There is integration with surrounding communities in numerous ways. First, we employ many people. We've had up to 100 working here at one time. Now we have about sixty but will be increasing again. Our financial impact here is very significant, unprecedented, ongoing, and greatly appreciated. We are integrated into multiple local communities that way. Many people who work here, for the first time in their lives, have a steady income.

We provide jobs and put food on the table for many people. And all the people are treated as equals. The workers, who are exceptional, are very grateful and loyal. We have excellent relationships with surrounding communities and are respected for how we conduct ourselves. I know all the workers and play volleyball with them here on my volleyball courts. They all know me as "Joe". I have asked not to be called "architect" as is the custom in Ecuador. I prefer just "Joe".

Outside our entrance is the tiny community of Chaupi, about 57 families. I've met with them a number of times and we have done projects to assist them. We have funds in our budget allocated for this. We built a road for the people of Chaupi (at their request) and a tile-roofed stage for their community (again at their request), both at considerable costs. And we are doing other things in other places all of the time.

At the ranch, we will have concerts, volleyball tournaments, horse events, educational seminars and other activities to which we will invite the public.

There is an incredible international community that is forming at this ranch as we sell and take reservations for properties. The pace of all of this is accelerating rapidly. These are forward-looking people with global perspectives. We will establish a foundation that will benefit Ecuadorians in the surrounding communities. We have already begun the research on this and spoken with Hacienda San Joaquin property owners who support this concept with enthusiasm. One of our owners, for example, during his last visit, voluntarily wrote me a check for $500 to be used to help the people of Chaupi (adjacent to the ranch).

Even though we are only in our 17th month of construction on this project, we are already integrated with local communities at many levels. This will only grow in magnitude and complexity.

So, back to the original question, "Are we just another gated community?" No, not really. Far from it. And we will remain that way.

The photos:

Best, Joe

Joe Simonetta
Owner/Architect
Hacienda San Joaquin
Vilcabamba, Ecuador


P.S. International Living named Ecuador "The Best Place in the World to Retire" http://www.haciendasanjoaquin.com/best_in_the_world.html