Set in the breathtaking Andes Mountains of South America, Hacienda Zuleta has a history dating back to the 16th century. Located approximately 9,600 feet (2,800 metres) above sea level, this beautiful hotel is a short two hour trip north of Ecuador’s capital, Quito.
Hacienda Zuleta has been owned by the family of former Ecuadorean president Galo Plaza Lasso for 100+ years, and is actually a colonial working farm with more than 2,000 hectares of land. This gem of a hotel has been named as one of Ecuador’s best by National Geographic Traveler magazine, and by Outside magazine as one of this planet’s Top Ten Finds.
The Caranqui people of Ecuador once occupied the pre-Inca mound site located on Hacienda Zuleta’s land, with the past and future of the Caranqui and Plazo Lasso descendents now woven together. As president, Galo Plaza Lasso was instrumental in introducing land reforms which helped to put substantial quantities of land back in the hands of Ecuador’s native people, abolishing the infamous land peonage system referred to as “huasipungero.”
People of this region of Ecuador now celebrate their independence and are becoming more prosperous, with many still working as farmers, and many local women contribute to the small cottage industry of embroidery. The Zuleta community contributes many of the hacienda’s employees.
The traditions we see today in this region are a rich cultural fusion of present day, colonial and pre-Spanish cultural traditions. One example is the annual Inty Raymi celebration – the fiesta of Juan Baptista – which is a harvest festivity in mid summer, interweaving the local community and hacienda in a wonder blend of traditions.
In recent times, Hacienda Zuleta has grown more into being a wonderful hacienda/hotel, while retaining its heritage of dairy and stud farming. Guests are offered delicious, home-made Andean cuisine in an amazing historic setting. The hacienda’s guests are sure to be kept busy with an exciting range of outdoor activities.
Stay at Hacienda Zuleta on our new tours:
Experiential Ecuador
EC10 | 10 Days | Details
Departure date: 24 Nov 2017
Departure date: 1 Feb 2018
Experiential Ecuador with Amazon Extension
EC11 | 14 Days | Details
Departure date: 24 Nov 2017
Departure date: 1 Feb 2018
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