Hacienda Zuleta

 

Hacienda Zuleta is an historic retreat in the Andean Cloud Forest, exclusively open to a limited number of guests so that the public may enjoy the many wonders it holds. You will be hosted by the descendants of ex-President of Ecuador Galo Plaza Lasso (who had been out of office since 1952 and passed away in 1985). He was also a bullfighter and diplomat. Currently, the farm is managed by Galo Plaza, Jr., and his nephew, Fernando Polanco, who will treat you like a member of the family. 

The adobe hacienda, built in 1691, is the centerpiece of a 4,000 acre working farm that includes a dairy farm, cheese factory, organic garden, tree nursery, trout farm, embroidery workshop and condor-raising project. The farm produces a wide range of products including: milk (5,000 liters per day), cheese, barley, quinoa, potatoes, wheat, organic vegetables and compost and also boasts a wide variety of livestock, dairy cows, sheep and horses. Zuleta is as famous for its horses and riding program as it is for its history and hospitality. Riding has been in the Plaza family tradition for over 100 years, and today boasts one of the most exclusive stables in Ecuador. They are also known for their Zuleteno horse which is a unique mixture of Spanish-Andalusian, English and Quarter horses. The outcome of this cross-breeding is a robust Andean horse with a good disposition for riding.

Hacienda Zuleta has nine guest rooms, all appointed with Spanish Colonial antique furniture, down comforters and linens embroidered by local Indian women. The surroundings include the innovative embroidery workshop, cheese factory, worm farm, organic garden, etc.