Lying in the spectacular Andean mountain range of Ecuador is the historic Hacienda Zuleta. This colonial working farm, dating from the late 16th century, was named Outside magazine’s “Top Ten Finds” in the world, and one of National Geographic Traveler’s best Ecuador Hotel. Guests are treated to hospitality filled with intimacy and warmth reminiscent of a century’s past. This eco lodge offers guests the chance to revel in the mountain’s beautiful mystique, walk amongst ancient Caranqui sites, and dine on traditional Ecuadorian cuisine prepared from organic ingredients grown right on the hacienda’s soil.
A FRESHLY MADE TABLE
As a recognized South American ecolodge, Zuleta takes pride in its beautiful organic garden, which produces vegetables, herbs, and fruits that wind up right on guests’ plates. The hundreds of Holstein Friesian cows produce the milk used to make the wide variety of Ecuadorian cheese, cream, and yogurt for Zuleta’s own creamery. Guests are invited to view the whole process, from cow milking, to cheese making.
LAND MADE FOR HORSES
Hacienda Zuleta offers a great variety of activities and places to visit, however the specialty is horseback riding. Housing nearly 100 horses, from pure Andalusians to polo horses, horses are the mode of transportation for workers inside and outside the hacienda. Guests enjoy horse tours through the scenic Andean mountains, and a horse drawn carriage for trips on the hacienda grounds.
The hotel also offers mountain bikes and knowledgeable guidance on hikes through the surrounding wilderness.
PRESERVING CULTURES, THEN AND NOW
Mr. Galo Plaza lasso, a former president of Ecuador, bought the hacienda more than 100 years ago. Still owned by the Plaza family, Zuleta’s 4,000 acres provides a sanctuary for the best preserved relics of the ancient Caranqui culture. There are over 100 small mounds dating back to 700 A.D. and several large remnants of pyramids dating to 1200 A.D.
Ideal forthose seeking an excellent eco-lodge experience that’s close to both cultural and scenic hotspots of the Ecuadorian Andes
- Working hacienda with its own organic vegetable garden and creamery
- Horseback riding through the Andes
- Acres of ancient Caranqui archaeological sites
- Junior Suites: King bed or two twin beds; Antique decorations; Fireplace; Authentic hand embroidered linens; Garden and mountain views. Some have access to private gardens, terraces, or a courtyard
- Deluxe Room: Queen bed or two twin beds; Antique decorations; Fireplace; Authentic hand embroidered linens; Garden and mountain views. Some have access to private gardens, terraces, or a courtyard
- Standard Room: Queen bed; Antique decorations; Fireplace; Authentic hand embroidered linens; Garden and mountain views. Some have access to private gardens, terraces, or a courtyard
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Library
- Tours of the working creamery
- Barn with farm animals
- Stables filled with over 100 horses
- Horse-drawn carriage rides
- Organic vegetable gardens
- Movies and games
- Satellite television
- Wi-Fi
