BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT – Visit to Frances Urco Lodge
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- April 7, 2025
Mountain Air, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Campfires, and S'Mores
Sometimes, it’s fun to take a quick trip from Cuenca without worrying about transportation logistics or a long 3-4 hour drive.
Well, we found the perfect getaway—Frances Urco Lodge. The name means “French Hill” in Spanish, a nod to the French Geodetic Mission that visited the area between 1736 and 1744 to measure the shape and size of the Earth.
Located less than 30 minutes away in Tarqui, at roughly the same altitude as Cuenca, this charming lodge offers a refreshing escape into nature.
For our first visit, we opted for the all-inclusive package, which covered daily transportation (a big plus), three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and one night’s stay—all for just $109 per person! Horseback riding and alcoholic beverages were available at an additional cost.
Arrival & First Impressions
We were picked up at 11:30 AM and arrived around noon, just in time for check-in and lunch. Our hosts, Cristian and Valeria, greeted us warmly.
The main lodge, built with beautiful wood and stone, had a Western ranch-style charm, complete with stunning mountain views. Lunch was a highlight—BBQ ribs that could rival any top restaurant in Cuenca.
The service was outstanding, and they even had real cloth napkins!
Cozy Accommodations
After lunch, we walked to our cabin to settle in. It was a spacious two-story retreat with a shared living area and kitchen downstairs, along with a two-bedroom suite. The upstairs mirrored this layout, making it perfect for larger groups—though it was just the two of us this time. Each room had breathtaking mountain views.
Exploring the Property
Once we unpacked, we set out to explore the 35-acre property, which had been a family-owned ranch until 2020.
Scattered across the land were several small buildings, including a quiet reading area, a recreation room with a pool table, and even a cozy meditation retreat.
Next, we went for a hike. The lodge features an easy-grade paved trail that winds through the forest and up the mountain.
Along the way, we spotted hummingbirds, blue jays, woodpeckers, and other wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might even see deer.
Evening at the Lodge
After the hike, we returned to the cabin for a brief rest before heading back to the lodge for dinner—a delicious plate of carbonara pasta.
Afterward, we introduced Cristian and Valeria to S’Mores around the campfire. Finding graham crackers in Cuenca had been a challenge (if anyone knows where to get them, let us know!), so we had to improvise.
Even with substitutions, our hybrid S’Mores turned out surprisingly tasty and made for a fun evening.
A Restful Night & A Delicious Breakfast
We had a fantastic night’s sleep—the mattress was top-notch, and we kept the curtains open to enjoy the twinkling lights of distant mountains.
The next morning, we strolled over to the lodge for breakfast. They prepared a special egg dish with ham and peppers that we had never seen before (unfortunately, we forgot to ask for the name so we could order it again!). The homemade breakfast bread was absolutely delicious.
Meeting the Horses
Before leaving, we visited the corral and tack room, which displayed saddles from around the world, including a historic cavalry saddle. Our hosts had brought bags of carrots, which we happily fed to the 8 horses.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time for a trail ride—it lasts about an hour—but we’ll definitely do it on our next visit. The lodge has 15 horses available for riding.
Final Thoughts
We loved Frances Urco Lodge and can’t wait to return for a longer stay. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat close to Cuenca, this place is a must-visit!
Just a Short Drive Away
We’re located in the San Agustín sector of Tarqui, just 25 minutes south of Cuenca, in the province of Azuay.
Ready to Book Your Escape?
Reservations are easy—just reach out to Frances Urco Lodge via WhatsApp at +593 099 782 9787 / +593 095 872 5162
or send an email to francesurcolodge@gmail.com. Cristian and Valeria will be happy to help you plan your visit. Whether it’s for a quick getaway or a longer stay, you’re in for a memorable experience.
Follow Us Online
You can also find Frances Urco Lodge on Facebook and Instagram for contact and updates.