HACIENDA ZULETA
A historic retreat in the Andean cloud forest about two and a half hours northeast of Quito. The adobe hacienda, built in 1691, is the centerpiece of a 4,000-acre working farm that includes a dairy, cheese factory, organic garden, tree nursery, trout farm, embroidery workshop, and condor-raising project. Most guests saddle up one of 90 horses and ride out through pine and eucalyptus forests and high-altitude grasslands to pre-Inca archaeological sites amid magnificent volcano views. You can also hike, cycle, or take tours to nearby indigenous villages. The 15 guest rooms are appointed with Spanish Colonial antique furniture, down comforters, and linens embroidered by local Indian women.
Of special interest to many guests are the hand-embroidery workshop, condor rehabilitation project, trout farm and cheese factory. Tours of the entire farm are a typical part of every guest’s stay. You are usually privately escorted by a Plaza family member, another gesture of Zuleta’s renown hospitality.
SPECIAL FEATURES |
Category |
Deluxe |
Rooms |
10 |
Suits |
5 |
Restaurants |
Dining Room |
Other Facilities |
Email, Horse Riding, Biking |
Highlights |
Zuleta Valley (Caranqui Indian Piramids), Condor Project, Embroidery Workshop, Horse Riding Excursions, Main House, Cheese Factory, Organic Garden, Biking, Otavalo Market, Weavers Villages, Cuicocha, San Pablo Lakes, Cotacachi (leather goods). |
Gentian Trails Comments |
The most magnificent farm in the northern area, excellent food, many activities to do. |
* Category classification is under the criteria of Gentian Trails |