Hacienda Zuleta in the Andes
Built in 1691, Hacienda Zuleta lies in the spectacular Andean mountain range of Ecuador at 9,600 feet. Explore the mountains by horseback, mountain bike or foot. Learn about the rich culture of this community that still operates as they did hundreds of years ago. Dine on food that is locally sourced and fall asleep to the crackling fire in your room’s fireplace.
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Trip Highlights
- Stay at Hacienda Zuleta, offering activities for all ages and activity levels
- Renowned for exceptional horseback riding experiences in Ecuador
- Explore the hacienda by:
- Horseback
- Mountain bike
- Horse-drawn carriage
- Visit working areas of the property, including:
- Dairy and milking operations
- Agricultural fields
- Scenic mountain viewpoints
- Local community life
- Extensive trail system perfect for avid trekkers
- Discover along the trails:
- Waterfalls
- Ancient ruins
- Diverse flora and fauna
About this trip
Hacienda Zuleta in the Andes
Discover Hacienda Zuleta, a historic Andean estate where cozy fireplaces, antique gardens, and home style Ecuadorian cuisine await. Enjoy fresh trout, organic vegetables, and dairy from the farm while taking in the peaceful mountain setting.
Adventure is around every corner; ride horses or carriages across the estate, bike along scenic trails, or trek to waterfalls, ruins, and hidden wildlife. Don’t miss the Condor Huasi Project, where you can see majestic Andean condors up close.
With the warm hospitality of the Plaza family, Hacienda Zuleta offers a perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and authentic Andean adventure.
Itinerary
What to expect
Day 1: Arrival & Introduction
Arrive at Hacienda Zuleta in the afternoon, greeted personally by your host. Settle into your room and enjoy tea or coffee while planning your stay. Explore the main building, gardens, chapel, and former President Galo Plaza Lasso’s library. As evening falls, relax by the fireplace with Ecuadorian wine and farm made cheese, learning about Zuleta’s history, horse breeding, and local culture.
Days 2 & 3: Wildlife, Adventure & Local Culture
Spend your mornings hiking, biking, or horseback riding to the Andean Condor reserve, spotting wild condors and visiting the aviary and nearby trout farm. Explore ancient Caranqui ruins along the way and return to the hacienda for fresh trout and Ecuadorian cuisine. Afternoons offer opportunities to shop for hand-made embroidery, visit the foundation-run library, or take more challenging hikes to condor viewpoints with chances of spotting spectacled bears.
Discover Zuleta’s organic garden, farm operations, and horse training. Go on horseback or bike adventures, explore the Paramo garden with rare native plants, and immerse yourself in the local community. Dine with family members to hear fascinating stories of the hacienda’s history and notable visitors.
Day 4: Farewell & Final Views
Enjoy a morning visit to Cunro Mountain viewpoint for sweeping views of the Zuleta valley and the town of Ibarra, with a chance to spot condors one last time. Return to the hacienda for breakfast before departure, leaving as part of the Zuleta family.
Lodging
Where you'll stay
Hacienda Zuleta’s hospitality retains an intimacy, warmth and sincerity reminiscent of a century past. Additionally, this Ecuador eco lodge, offers a level of privacy rarely achieved in the 21st century.
At Zuleta, you are a guest of their family and you are welcomed as such. You will be invited to relax at your leisure in our cozy reading and living rooms, which have entertained their own entourage of famous visitors, including past presidents and dignitaries. All the guestrooms are located in the main building of our Ecuador Hotel, which dates back to 1691. As the structure of the original colonial building could not be drastically changed, every room has its different shape and charm, which brings a feeling of unique Ecuadorian culture. Individually decorated with antiques, authentic family pictures and hand embroidered linens, the guestrooms transmit the feeling of a private home. The rooms have beautiful garden and mountain views and some provide access to private gardens, terraces or a courtyard where hummingbirds feed, making these rooms beautiful bird watching.
Double beds are queen or king size, with four pillows and anti-allergic bedding. While guests are enjoying their dinner, room service staff place hot water bottles with beautiful embroidered cases in every bed and light the fireplaces. Suites for families and adjoining rooms are available. Satellite television, movies and games are available at any time in one of the living rooms, as well as coffee, soft drinks and a bar service. Phone calls can be made from the public areas and offices. Wifi is available in some parts of the farm house and a computer with 24/7 internet service is also available for guests. Our excellent service to our guest makes Zuleta a prime spot for the perfect Ecuador ecotourism vacation.
Dates & Pricing
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Dates
All Seasons
Customized itinerary, dates and length of stay available to fit your travel needs. Call for more information, pricing or to book your stay!
Pricing
Starting at $490 per person, based on double occupancy
Add on a trip to the world famous Otavalo Market on your way to/from Hacienda Zuleta!
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