Hacienda Zuleta

Hacienda Zuleta: The Best in South America?

Hacienda Zuleta is the family estate of the Plaza Lasso family, whose family line includes two revered presidents of Ecuador.

The eight-square-mile working ranch is nestled in a fertile Andean valley, surrounded by pine and eucalyptus groves.

This area was home to the Caranquis civilization from 800 to 1400AD—more than 130 mounds and step pyramids have been found on hacienda’s lands.

Rich History and World-Class-Hospitality

The Jesuits constructed the courtyard and principal buildings in 1691. Since 1898, the Plaza Lasso family has made the hacienda home.

Today, Fernando Polanco Plaza often personally receives guests.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

Helen Keller

Hacienda Zueleta produces timber, quinoa, barley, vegetables, herbs, trout, lamb, and fine cheeses.

Their stables house more than 100 horses, including the gentle Zulateno breed—a mix of Andalusian, thoroughbred, and quarter horse.

Wildlife Watching, Birding, Hiking, and Bike Tours

The hacienda’s hills and forests are home to Andean condors, spectacled bears, pumas, and other endangered wildlife.

These animals are protected here; a condor rehabilitation and breeding program is operated on site. Guests can enjoy riding, hiking, and biking on the hacienda’s trails.

Cultural visits to nearby communities and workshops, waterfall hikes, and visits to crater lakes are also possible.

Hacienda Zuleta Guestrooms

The hacienda house consists of family-style dining room, living room, lounge, fireplaces, kitchens, a presidential library, and 17 guestrooms including:

• (4) Hacienda Junior Suites —322 square feet, king bed, fireplace, cupboard, two luggage racks. All have private bathrooms with bathtub.
• (9) Hacienda Deluxe Rooms—215 square feet, king or queen bed, fireplace, cupboard, luggage rack. All have private bathrooms with bathtub.
• (4) Hacienda Standard Rooms —129 to 161 square feet, queen bed or two twins, fireplace, cupboard, luggage rack. All have private bathrooms with bathtub.

Nearby, you’ll find a chapel, stables, organic garden, and a shop featuring local embroidery.

Farm-to-Table Dining Family-Style

Food is a highlight at Hacienda Zuleta, with farm-to-table meals served family style.

In-room amenities include fireplaces, hot water bottles, turn-down service, bathtubs, bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, security box.

Air conditioning is not available (or necessary) here.

Hacienda Zuleta by the Numbers

Hacienda Zuleta encompasses 8 square miles of countryside. Most of the land is used for mixed use agriculture—only 10% is reserved for tourism.

This is a working ranch. Hacienda Zuleta is home to 300 cows, 3000 sheep, over 100 horses, a trout farm, potatoes, quinoa, barley, wheat, pine, cypress, and a cheese factory (14 kinds).

This hacienda produces 6000 liters of milk every day. They also produce cream, trout, wool, lamb, horses, wood, and earthworms.

Rich South American History

This area was home to the Caranquis (800-1400AD; 1260 approximately), a pre-Inca civilization. There are 130 pre-Columbian mounds/step pyramids on the Hacienda Zuleta land.

The Cañari war with the Incas was fought on this ground in 1534. Hacienda Zulesta’s courtyard dates to the Jesuits Era, 1691.

The ranch has been owned by private families since 1713 (the Plaza family since 1898).

Are you thinking about a stay at Hacienda Zuleta? LANDED provides personalized, custom travel within Central America, South America, and the Antarctic. We’ll create a unique itinerary plan tailored to your interests and dreams. Experience the trip of a lifetime. Speak with one of our expert travel planners today at 801.582.2100.