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GBP (£)

GBP (£)
US DOLLARS ($)

+44 207 384 2332 Plan Your Trip

+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip

Luxury Hacienda
Ecuador

Hacienda Zuleta

HIGHLIGHTS
GALLERY
GOOD TO KNOW
ENQUIRE

Highlights

A home with remarkable heritage – More than a historic hacienda, Zuleta remains the family home of the Plaza Lasso family, giving every stay a warmth and authenticity that’s difficult to replicate.
Some of the finest riding in South America – Whether you’re an experienced rider or complete beginner, the estate’s beautifully schooled horses and endless private trails across the páramo are a genuine highlight.
Breakfast with hummingbirds, evenings by the fire – Mornings begin with birdsong and views across the valley, while evenings are spent beside roaring fires after a day exploring the estate.
A farm that supplies the kitchen – Much of what appears on your plate comes directly from the estate, from Zuleta’s celebrated cheeses to organic vegetables, trout and free-range meats raised on the farm.
Conservation with real purpose – The estate’s pioneering Andean Condor Huasi Project offers a rare opportunity to learn about one of South America’s most important bird conservation programmes.
Far more than a place to sleep – Between archaeological walks, embroidery workshops, mountain biking, fishing and meeting the estate’s artisans, it’s easy to spend several days here without ever leaving the hacienda.

Gallery

Good to know

How to get there

Hacienda Zuleta is around 30–40 minutes by private road transfer from Otavalo. The route winds through the fertile Imbabura countryside, passing traditional villages and patchwork farmland before arriving at the estate in the peaceful Zuleta Valley. Many guests choose to stop at artisan workshops or the famous Otavalo Market en route, making the journey a leisurely introduction to Ecuador’s Northern Highlands.

Are children welcome?

Yes. Hacienda Zuleta is one of the best luxury properties in Ecuador for families with school-age children. Spacious family suites and interconnecting rooms are available, while younger guests can enjoy horse riding, helping on the farm, milking cows, searching for hidden treasures around the estate and learning about wildlife through the hacienda’s conservation projects. Babysitting and supervised children’s activities can also be arranged on request.

Giving back

Sustainability is woven into life at Hacienda Zuleta. The estate supports one of Ecuador’s leading Andean condor conservation programmes, protects thousands of hectares of native habitat and works closely with neighbouring communities through employment, education and traditional embroidery initiatives. Much of the produce served in the restaurant comes directly from the estate’s organic gardens, dairy and farm, helping to minimise food miles while supporting a truly farm-to-table philosophy.

How to spend your time here

Ride across the estate – Explore more than 2,000 hectares of private trails on Zuleta’s own horses, whether you’re an experienced rider or a complete beginner.
Walk to pre-Inca ruins – Guided hikes lead through forests and high-altitude páramo to the little-known Caranqui archaeological site, with spectacular Andean views along the way.
Visit the Condor Huasi Project – Meet the conservation team behind one of Ecuador’s most important Andean condor breeding and reintroduction programmes.
Discover life on a working hacienda – Tour the organic gardens, dairy and cheese factory, visit the stables and see how the estate continues to operate as a working farm.
Meet the local community – Visit Zuleta village and the women’s embroidery cooperative, where traditional hand embroidery has provided livelihoods for generations.
Mountain bike or hike – Explore the estate’s network of scenic trails through eucalyptus woodland, open grasslands and dramatic Andean landscapes.
Cast a line for trout – Fish in the estate’s rivers and lakes before returning to the hacienda for a leisurely lunch or afternoon by the fire.
Slow down and enjoy the hacienda – Read in the library, relax in the gardens, watch hummingbirds from the terrace or simply enjoy long lunches and quiet evenings beside the fire.

Why we love Hacienda Zuleta

Mornings begin with hummingbirds outside the breakfast room, afternoons are spent riding across the estate or exploring the gardens, and evenings end beside a roaring fire. Hacienda Zuleta feels less like a hotel and more like a stay at the family’s country estate.