Hacienda Zuleta
Hacienda Zuleta is a deeply atmospheric and historic estate set high in the Andean Highlands of northern Ecuador, about two hours drive from Quito. Nestled at an altitude of around 2,900 metres above sea level, this seventeenth-century working farm feels like stepping back in time, yet with all the warmth and comfort of a family home. Once owned by former Ecuadorian president Galo Plaza Lasso and still managed by his descendants, the hacienda offers an intimate and authentic glimpse into the country’s rural heritage, surrounded by sweeping green valleys, misty peaks, and fields crisscrossed by stone walls and grazing livestock.
The buildings of Hacienda Zuleta are constructed in traditional whitewashed adobe, their terracotta roofs and antique wooden doors hinting at centuries of history. Inside, the charm continues with thick walls, roaring fireplaces, and hand-embroidered linens. The décor is rustic yet elegant, blending antique furniture, family portraits, and Ecuadorian folk art in a way that feels effortlessly genuine. Thanks to the hacienda's long history and thoughtful restoration, each room carries its own unique character.
There are just twenty-one guest rooms, making the experience here feel wonderfully personal and unhurried. Room types include Standard, Junior Suite, and Suite categories, though it is not the size alone that defines their charm but their individuality. All rooms feature hand-hewn wooden beams, original artwork, and locally crafted furnishings. The beds are large and supremely comfortable, with hot water bottles slipped beneath the covers each evening for extra cosiness against the cool mountain nights. En-suite bathrooms provide modern comforts, while private sitting areas, some with fireplaces, offer a snug place to relax after a day outdoors. Many rooms have views over the gardens, pastures, or courtyards, with sunlight streaming through windows framed by geraniums.
The wildlife at Hacienda Zuleta is another of its great treasures. The estate encompasses over 2,000 hectares of protected land, offering refuge to a rich variety of Andean fauna. Perhaps most notably, Zuleta runs an important Andean condor rehabilitation project. Ecuador’s national bird, the condor, with its vast wingspan and majestic presence, can often be spotted gliding over the hills, particularly near the hacienda’s dedicated Condor Huasi project site. The skies are also alive with caracaras, hawks, and owls, while the rolling landscape below shelters spectacled bears — shy, endangered creatures that roam the forested hillsides.
The area offers nature enthusiasts excellent opportunities to observe hummingbirds flitting among the native flowers, while the network of walking and riding trails reveals deer, foxes, and occasionally pumas. The estate’s ecological richness is matched by its working farm environment, where guests can see the daily rhythms of rural life, from herds of dairy cows to alpacas grazing on the hillsides. The on-site organic gardens provide fresh produce for the kitchen, and the traditional cheese factory produces excellent Andean cheeses, all of which find their way to the hacienda’s generous dining table.
In terms of the best time to visit, Hacienda Zuleta is open year-round, and each season offers its own special highlights. The dry season, which runs roughly from June to September, is often considered ideal for clear views and outdoor activities. During these months, the skies are predominantly blue, the trails are dry, and the landscapes open up beautifully for hiking and horseback riding. The cooler temperatures of the Andean highlands remain constant throughout the year, but the reduced rainfall in this period makes exploring especially enjoyable.
The wet season, from October to May, brings greener pastures and flowering landscapes, which in turn attract an abundance of birdlife. Rain typically falls in the afternoons or at night, leaving the mornings fresh and bright. Photographers often appreciate this season for its dramatic cloud formations and soft light. Moreover, the hacienda feels particularly cosy during the rainy months, with crackling fires and warming meals creating an irresistibly snug atmosphere.
A stay at Hacienda Zuleta is far more than just a rural escape; it is an invitation to slow down and connect with Ecuador’s landscapes, history, and people. Whether you are exploring the highland trails on horseback, watching the shadows lengthen across the valley from the gardens, or simply savouring a homemade Andean stew by the fire, every moment feels touched by the timeless spirit of the Andes. The warmth of the family hospitality, the richness of the wildlife, and the beauty of the land combine to make Hacienda Zuleta an unforgettable destination, one that lingers in memory long after you leave.
Activities Summary
Hiking - Explore different routes through idyllic pastures, aromatic woods, and winding mountain trails, where soaring condors and Andean bears make their home and volcanoes rise on every side.
Horseback riding - An exclusive stable with the farm's own breed of horse allows you to discover this magnificent landscape in true style! Horses for every level are available, and you will be provided with good-quality helmets, half chaps, rain ponchos, and a saddle bag so you can feel like a proper caballero while exploring some of the glorious horse trails.
Carriage - Watch the beautiful scenery go by from the comfort of a pretty horse-drawn carriage.
Cycling - Just you, a mountain bike and miles of scenic roads through valleys and high grasslands. Let the world open up before you as the horizon fades into the blue yonder.
Cooking Class - Learn to cook Andean specialities together with a local chef, using handpicked produce from organic gardens.
Embroidery - Become part of the famous creative tradition of Zuleta and try your hand at embroidery with the help of friendly local experts!
Bird watching - From bejewelled hummingbirds to magnificent condors, Zuleta is a haven for bird species of all kinds, and one of the few places you can see the extremely rare condor in the wild. With the Condor Huasi conservation program, the hacienda is also ensuring that this will be a sight to see for many years to come.
Zuleta for Kids - With horseback riding, milking cows, treasure hunts, straw house building, bonfires, and becoming a proper Zuleta cowboy, the opportunities are endless for children! And with the entire hacienda and its lands as a playground, together with super friendly dogs, they will not want to leave.
Bonfires - Tired from a long, exciting day hiking or horse-riding? Let the family relax by the fire and experience traditional Andean music and culture. And no bonfire is complete without marshmallows for toasting!
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