DAY 1

Quito / Hacienda Zuleta

Depart Quito in the afternoon via the Pan-American Highway. Upon arrival, plan your stay and explore the hacienda’s main building while learning about Zuleta’s history, its private library, and the chapel. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and take in the serene surroundings.

As the sun sets, the temperature drops, so cozy up by the fireplace with a glass of wine and farm-made Ecuadorian cheese. Browse through our information folders and books to learn more about our foundation, Ecuador’s history, our horse breeding program, and the rich culture of the Ecuadorian highlands.

Day 2

After an exquisite breakfast, visit the cheese factory to learn more about Zuleta’s semi-aged, handmade Ecuadorian cheeses and how the production process has evolved over time.

In the morning, choose between a hike, bike ride, or horseback ride to our Andean Condor reserve. Here, you’ll learn about the foundation’s conservation efforts, see rescued Andean condors in our aviary, and visit the nearby trout farm. Later, ride through the giant truncated Caranqui pyramids, ceremonial structures dating back to the 13th century.

In the afternoon, take a class or explore a variety of beautiful, handmade, and colorful embroidery pieces crafted by the Zuleta women’s cooperative. Later, enjoy a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride to the foundation-run library, where local children spend their afternoons reading, playing, and receiving homework assistance.

Caranqui pyramids

cheese factory

handmade embroidery

horseback ride

Day 3

Visit Zuleta’s organic garden to learn more about permaculture and discover where the ingredients for your meals and Ecuadorian cuisine originate. Explore the farm operations, feed the calves, talk to the chagras (local cowboys), or watch our horsemen in training.

Today, we will explore the Zuleta community. In the early afternoon, visit the Páramo Garden, an interpretative site where you can learn about the rare native plants that thrive above the treeline.

 

organic garden

farm operations

horsemen in training

Páramo Garden

Day 4

After breakfast, visit Cunro Viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view of Zuleta Valley. While enjoying a light snack, you might spot another Andean condor soaring through the sky.

Return to the hacienda for lunch before departing for Quito in the afternoon.

*Our tour experts will design experiences and tours made for you