We were welcomed by the owners, Cecilia and Antonio, who along with a troop of faithful members of the staff assist guests and make them feel at home.
The pink shell is unveiled among rivers and springs, poplars, walnut trees and eucalyptus. In the middle, stands the modest swimming-pool -ideal to be refreshed on hot days- and the rooms that make up the inn are laid out around it. At present, the venue can accommodate 24 guests who can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, golfing or horseriding.
We visited the farm, the pens, the orchard and the stable, where the horses were already saddled to go out along the winding paths, across hills and creeks, towards Ongamira, Altos del Río Pinto, Cañadón Rojo, the condor nests or wherever the riders would head for.
A Stay in the Past Cecilia Nores, the owner, told us everything about the history of the place. “This land was originally dwelled by the
comechingones and the
sanavirones. It includes sites of artistic, historical and architectural interest, such as Candonga, Ischilín, Ongamira and Mount Colorado, where men created their own cultural wonders. Staying at Posada Camino Real, visitors may tour around one of the most beautiful cultural cores in Latin America and also visit the traditional Santa Catalina Jesuit
estancia.”
Afterwards, we entered the inn shell. An exquisite decoration, the crackle of the firewood and the smell of baked bread would create a very special atmosphere. Everything at the inn seems to happen spontaneously, but in fact, every detail has been carefully planned.
Cecilia and Antonio have great fun assisting guests and their freshness is transmitted to them immediately. They told us that ambassadors, historians, footballers and even an austronaut were guests at the inn. A friendly conversation took longer than expected and it was soon time for lunch.
Criollo Delicacies Meals are special moments at the inn. The chefs have succeeded in finding the perfect balance between international palates and the delight of the
criollo and traditional cuisine.
“Vegetables that have just been cut from the orchard are the secret of all good cooking” asserted our hostess as she invited us to the table. “And there is nothing better than eating in the company of some quiet melody and a glass of good wine” indicated Antonio, as he was choosing the perfect bottle for the occasion among the wines of their select cellar.
We recommend the homemade ravioli, stuffed with chicken breast and nuts, covered in mushroom sauce. A real delight for the palate and an explosion of color, aroma and taste for all senses. For dessert, the citrus cheese cake, with a base of poppy biscuit with berry sauce is a pleasure.
The
asados, lamb and goat roasted in the metal cross are a must.
When the Sun Sets After lunch, we toured around the lawn populated by green vegetation and ancient trees, as we beheld the quietness of the mountain range. At Posada Camino Real, there is also space for typical games such as
sapo, which help guests spend a wonderful stay. Lovers of wildlife may go on real photographic safaris. Rides on sulky are also available for guests to imagine they are the conquerors of the old days carrying mules and fabrics to the Potosí mines.
Tea-time surprised us with homebaked cakes, scones and brownies. The orange sunset beams indicated that the day was coming to an end. Feeling very grateful, we bade farewell to our hosts. We had visited a classical ancient
estancia, where history and nature are perfectly combined to preserve the mysticism of the lands of
the Jesuit estancias.
Where to Sleep: Posada Camino Real has comfortable facilities and can accommodate 24 guests: comfortable rooms with private bathroom, a room for multiple uses, a swimming-pool,
quincho,
asador. Stay includes maid service, laundry, bar, heating, satellite television and restaurant.