Overview
A stunning boutique hotel and working farm, Hacienda Zuleta is owned by the Galo Plaza-Lasso family, who have provided two of Ecuador’s presidents. The hacienda is in an exquisite setting at 9,000 feet in the Ecuadorian Andes. The 19-room estate has 11 private rooms available to guests, each with hand-embroidered linens and beautiful garden views. Zuleta has a wonderfully remote ambience, famous hospitality, and its beautiful rural surroundings are a delight. It offers an authentic experience of the Ecuadorian highlands. Today the working farm produces a wide range of products including milk, cheese, quinoa, potatoes, and organic vegetables. Of special interest to many guests are the hand-embroidery workshop (optional tour at extra cost), condor rehabilitation project, trout farm, and cheese factory. Outside Magazine named Zuleta one of the world’s “Top Ten Finds.”
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Hacienda Zuleta
Morning pickup from your Quito hotel and drive north along the Pan-American Highway into the green and beautiful Ecuadorian highlands. Arrive in time for lunch and optional afternoon activities at beautiful Hacienda Zuleta. Virtually everything gracing the table at Zuleta comes fresh from Zuleta’s rich earth and is carefully prepared by hand...LD
Note: If you are taking this as a Galápagos pre-trip extension, the hotel night is included as part of the extension. For a post-trip Galápagos extension, the hotel is included as part of Day 9 of your Galápagos trip.
Hacienda Zuleta - Day 1
Hacienda Zuleta
Highlands, Ecuador
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights)
There is something quite special about Hacienda Zuleta. Surrounded by more than 2,000 acres of forest and grazing lands, it was built at the end of the 16th century and is still a private family home. You can get a sense Ecuador’s history here, and that of the Galo Plaza-Lasso family (which has produced two of country’s most beloved former presidents) in their photos, paintings, and furnishings. There are just 11 guest rooms at the estate, plus beautiful gardens, famous hospitality, and excellent food, often fresh from the organic garden and trout farm (and Zuleta’s hand-made artisan cheese is delicious). All the guest rooms and the main sitting room have roaring fireplaces to keep away the chill of the 9,000-foot altitude. There are no TVs or video games here to break the spell, just peace and quiet in a spectacular Andean setting. It’s a delightful place to call home after a day of hiking, visiting the condor rehabilitation project, or horseback riding in the high Andes.
Day 2
Hacienda Zuleta
You may wish to walk some of the beautiful trails at the hacienda, or join your bilingual guide on your choice of the many tours available at Hacienda Zuleta. These tours include a visit to the organic gardens, chapel, cheese museum, milking sheds, calf stables, embroidery shop and Cananqui pyramids. Other activities, such as mountain biking and horseback riding, are available at an additional cost...BLD
Hacienda Zuleta - Day 2
Hacienda Zuleta
Highlands, Ecuador
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights)
There is something quite special about Hacienda Zuleta. Surrounded by more than 2,000 acres of forest and grazing lands, it was built at the end of the 16th century and is still a private family home. You can get a sense Ecuador’s history here, and that of the Galo Plaza-Lasso family (which has produced two of country’s most beloved former presidents) in their photos, paintings, and furnishings. There are just 11 guest rooms at the estate, plus beautiful gardens, famous hospitality, and excellent food, often fresh from the organic garden and trout farm (and Zuleta’s hand-made artisan cheese is delicious). All the guest rooms and the main sitting room have roaring fireplaces to keep away the chill of the 9,000-foot altitude. There are no TVs or video games here to break the spell, just peace and quiet in a spectacular Andean setting. It’s a delightful place to call home after a day of hiking, visiting the condor rehabilitation project, or horseback riding in the high Andes.
Day 3
Otavalo Market Visit / Return to Quito
In the morning, visit the village of Otavalo, with its famed market offering the best selection of Ecuadorian woven tapestries, alpaca clothing, and pottery. Otavalo’s market is held daily, but the biggest market, held Saturdays, includes a livestock market in the early morning. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to view the indigenous peoples of Ecuador who come from the local mountain villages to buy and sell their wares. After your market visit, enjoy a fine lunch at a local hacienda. If time permits, you can make one more shopping stop at the town of Cotacachi, a town famous for its leather products, or visit Peguche, whose residents are known for their weaving skills and musical traditions, before returning to Quito in the late afternoon. Overnight at hotel (this is Day 1 of your Galápagos trip)...BL
Note: If you are taking this as a Galápagos pre-trip extension, the hotel night is included as part of Day 1 of your Galápagos trip. For a post-trip Galápagos extension, the hotel is included as part of the extension.
Otavalo Market Visit / Return to Quito - Day 3
Hilton Colon
Quito, Ecuador
Day 3 (1 night)
Quito’s original luxury hotel has a fabulous location alongside a small park right at the juncture between old and new Quito. While the hotel itself has several restaurants, bars and cafes, you are only a short walk from numerous other choices as well as excellent shopping, including an outdoor arts and crafts market. The center of colonial old Quito is within walking distance but is reached more easily by a very short taxi or bus ride. While the foyer remains a bit dated, the rooms have all been renovated and are very comfortable. If you have some free time, take a swim in the pool, try the gym, or even consider a eucalyptus-scented steam bath.
Casa Aliso
Quito, Ecuador
Day 3 (1 night)
A former private residence, this wonderfully warm and charming 10-room hotel is located just three miles from Quito’s colonial center and close to many restaurants. Individually designed and decorated guest rooms offer style and comfort along with all the modern amenities. Cozy sitting areas, a crackling fire on chilly nights, and tea and homemade cake welcome you after a day of exploring.
Wyndham Quito Airport
Quito, Ecuador
Day 3 (1 night)
The recently opened Wyndham Quito Airport is a nice hotel with a great location right next to the airport. Rooms are spacious, with plush bedding and great views of the nearby hills, and the lounge area is perfect for relaxing upon arrival. The hotel also has a spa with a sauna.
