Hacienda Zuleta

Located in the Andean mountains 80 miles north of Quito, this beautiful 17th century hacienda once belonged to Galo Plaza Lasso, former president of Ecuador, and has remained in the same family for more than 100 years. 

And indeed, members of the extended Lasso family still welcome their guests to a luxurious residence filled with historic memorabilia and modern comfort that is Hacienda Zuleta. It is the centerpiece of a large working farm, known for its excellent cheeses, vast fruit orchards, trout farm, and stable of 100 fine horses.  The 15 beautifully decorated guestrooms are accented with family heirlooms, old photographs and period furniture pieces; all have bathrooms with large tubs and many have a fireplace.  The dining experience unfolds in series of delicious meals focused on traditional Ecuadorean cuisine and prepared with ingredients produced on the farm. Activities include riding, hiking and biking through the grasslands, touring the cheese factory and even trying your hand at milking the cows; longer excursions are available to highland markets such as nearby Otavalo. Hacienda Zuleta is also involved in such community initiatives as supporting the fine embroidery crafts for which the village of Zuleta is now famous, and extensive preservation projects such as Condor Huasi, a rescue and rehabilitation center for injured condors.  Long focus by the Galo Plaza Foundation on protecting natural habitats has made Zuleta a preferred sanctuary for condors, spectacled bears, various owls, pumas and other fauna and flora.