Hacienda Zuleta

A brief wind down after a Galapagos cruise. Zuletta is quirky, authentic and exactly the sort of place we love. The decor is faded grandeur and the place just feels as if it has been there forever. The gardens are lovely with hummingbirds darting between the flowers. The farm is still a working entity and they are very big on cheesemaking which you can watch. Every afternoon c1600hrs they serve tea and cheese from the farm (several different types) and before dinner you will likely get a visit in the lounge, as you enjoy a pre dinner drink, from La Hostess, who is most engaging and regaled us with many stories of her quite extraordinary family (at least two of her forbears were Presidents of Ecuador). If you can, go horse riding. The routes are amazing and we even saw wild condors flying above (Though I gather this is not that common). Dinner and bed are early so as to be ready for an early action packed next day. The food had rustic charm, not haute cuisine but delicious traditional fare.A really lovely place. Wished we had had longer.

If you are in the Andes, Hacienda Zuleta is a MUST visit! This is by far one of the most beautiful and unique experiences that you can have in Ecuador. It's the best of Andean culture, food and of course you can't beat the hospitality. Your hosts are always there to answer any of your questions and incredibly friendly. It feels like you are staying at a family home. Super cozy, clean and beautiful accommodations. It is truly magical. The food is some of the best food I've had in Ecuador. If you like to hike, this is the place for you. Hacienda Zuleta is quiet and cozy. Yet also caters to the adventure junkie - you can mountain bike or ride horses. Thank you Hacienda Zuleta for a wonderful experience!

I had the most wonderful week at Zuleta! I had visited the hacienda 15 years ago and always wanted to return. The beauty of the hacienda, the spectacular vistas, and the warmth and skill of the staff are unmatched. I came to ride, and ride I did with my amazing horse, Tonio, and wonderful guide Jose, up and down mountains, across valleys, and around the gorgeous hacienda. I even had the great pleasure to be joined one day by the guide I rode with 15 years ago, Antonio. Muchas gracias to my wonderful host, Vinicio, who took such great care of me, my guide, Jose, who showed me all the beauty the highlands has to offer, all the gracious and welcoming staff, the lovely Margarita and family, and Tonio, caballo extraordinaire!! I shall return again for sure! 💗

We have just finished a wonderful stay at Hacienda Zuleta, sandwiched in between a trip to the Amazon and Galapagos.||This was a great contrast to the rainforest and we really feel like we have experienced a completely different culture and way of life in the mountains.||The Hacienda itself is absolutely stunning. Like stepping back in time, yet feeling fresh and modern at the same time. Our rooms (two adjoining rooms) were stunning and cosy, with a wonderful turn down service including hot water bottles and a wood burning stove for the cold nights in the mountain.||The food was sensational, traditional and very tasty. The cheese with every meal from the on location cheese factory was a lovely touch, the wine excellent and restaurant beautiful. Breakfast was our pick of the day, the best way to start the day.||The facilities and experiences were also great. We were very much keen to relax after four days in the Amazon and travel from the UK, and the brilliant spa helped! We enjoyed sitting in the many lounges and comfortable spaces, drinking coffee and relaxing. We also enjoyed the horse riding to the waterfall and Condor centre, and my son enjoyed the cow milking where the ladies were very friendly and accommodating!||The staff were friendly and helpful, clearly taking pride in such a brilliant place. Vinicio was our host and was very welcoming. It had a real family feel. ||Our hearts were stolen however by Manbo, the on site Great Swiss Mountain Dog who was as friendly as can be. Having recently lost our Newfoundland he reminded us so much of him and we couldn’t leave him alone! ||An absolute privilege to have stayed at Hacienda Zuleta, thank you!

The facilities are extremely nice, our suite was amazing and the staff was super nice. I disliked immensely the little choices we had for the meals, they only give you two options and the food is ok. As a matter of fact, our last day I got food poisoning with ceviche of hearts of palms. I had shrimp ceviche that I made in my cooking class and it was really delicious , so I was surprised a non shrimp ceviche made me sick for five days, believe me, was bad!|They should develop a better menu!

Incredible experience. The history of the property is fascinating and the family has done an exemplary job restoring and maintaining it. So much to see, learn, experience. The food is nothing short of amazing, the staff is unmatched. If you visit, be sure to stop at the condor preservation center, learn about this important species, and donate generously.||Make sure you see Mauricio, one of the most important hosts. His knowledge and the care he provides his guests is the definition of this region’s people. He is an incredible person.

Our visit to Hacienda Zuleta was such a wonderful experience! Our host, Benecio, took excellent care of us. The food was awesome and the activities delightful. The visit to the Condor center was extremely interesting and the biologist in charge dedicated to preserving this beautiful bird. We were thrilled to meet Margarita and also Fernando, sister and son of Luz who had lived with my husband's family in the US in the 1950s. Our only disappointment was that we didn't stay long enough. We would love to return.

This is a family run farm & guest house where you are treated individually, with special individual attention to you & your activities by my assigned host. I went specifically for the riding. They are beautiful manered horses the scenery is fabulous. Do not recommend Feb as it is cloudy & wet every day. That said I still enjoyed my stay & would recommend this beautiful Hacienda & staff.