Dating from the late 16th century, Hacienda Zuleta is a colonial working farm belonging to the family of Galo Plaza Lasso, a former president of Ecuador.
Surrounded by the spectacular Ecuadorian Andes the hacienda has 17 beautifully decorated rooms with antiques, historical family portraits, open fireplaces and views of the gardens or mountains. Some rooms have a private garden or terrace. The 4000-acre estate is steeped in history and is still a working hacienda, farming cattle and sheep and producing various crops as well as cheese and milk.
Offering an exclusive stable with more than 100 of their own breeds of Zuleteno horses, an independent cheese factory and mouth-watering farm-to-table Ecuadorean cuisine, Hacienda Zuleta has truly retained its character and remained true to its historical roots. One of our favourite experiences is the intimate al fresco picnics and dinners that can be arranged next to roaring bonfires or nestled within the wildflower-filled gardens.
The hacienda is surrounded by wide open spaces and a network of adventuresome trails that can be explored on foot, on a bike, or on horseback. At a more leisurely pace, there are excellent opportunities for birdwatching and learning about the property’s condor rehabilitation project.
For a little more culture, try your hand at an embroidery workshop, head into the local village to peruse the markets, or take a tour of the Hacienda Zuleta cheese factory. Nights in this region tend to be crisp and skies are star-studded, so we recommend that you head outside of an evening to revel in the beauty of the nocturnal landscape.
Hacienda Zuleta was chosen as one of the world’s “Top Ten Finds” by Outside magazine and named one of the best Ecuadorean hotels by National Geographic Traveller.
A jewel in the heart of the Andes, Hacienda Zuleta is situated in the heart of Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes, approximately two hours north of Quito.
Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.
Tucked into an oasis-like valley between folds of arid mountains in the northern Ecuadorian Andes, Hacienda Piman is a peaceful historic retreat property that cements its traditional status through delicious home cooking, peaceful gardens and warm hosts. A base for exploring the rich cultural and natural heritage of one of Ecuador’s most captivating regions, this pretty hacienda has been lovingly restored and is one of the few haciendas with an outdoor swimming pool embedded into its garden patio. Vintage furniture adds to the discreet charm of the thoughtfully-restored colonial mansion, which is set in twelve acres of lush gardens.
A charming 17th-century farmhouse near the village of San Pablo de Lago, south of the Andean highland town of Otavalo, Hacienda Cusin is an enchanting restored estate furnished with antiques and local handicrafts. Overlooking 40 acres of farmland, ancient trees and distant snow-capped mountains, the charming hacienda features pretty cobblestone courtyards, stone towers and secret gardens festooned with foxgloves and hummingbirds. Accommodations are scattered throughout the estate and are comprised of 25 classic rooms, suites and garden cottages, each with their own distinct character.
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