Hacienda Zuleta
Ahome to former presidents, end angered birds andmore history than most nations can conjure this Andean stay offers a taste of old Ecuador.
Ecuador’s Hacienda Zuleta may be hidden high in theAndes, but its celebrated history meansthatit’s never at risk of being lost.The Plaza family, have occupied this colonial era working farm for more than a century and counttwo ex presidents among their number.Yetstep inside their family home and itfeels almost cosy.
Today,the Plaza’s descendantsstill helm the farm, which spans16 sq km. Travellers arrive to brightly painted antique rooms adorned with fresh wildflowers and crackling log firesto warm theAndean nights the kind of presidential welcome you’d expect.
Part ofthe farm’s appeal isitslinks to community and wildlife projects. Guests can learn embroidery with local artisansor even spotr are Andean condors Zuleta is one offew places you can guarantee an encounter with the world’s largest flying bird due to itswork on the Condor Huasi Project. Both endeavours are supported by the Plaza foundation,which builds on the legacy of grandfather(and former president) Galo Plaza Lasso, who is still revered for his social initiatives.
Back on the hacienda, an on site cheese factory, a trout farm and the abundant produce from the gardens Galo and his wife set up offer fine ingredients for the many communal Getthere Connecting flights with Air France (airfrance.co.uk) and Delta Airlines (delta.com) go from London Heathrow to Quito via Paris and Atlanta respectively from around £556 return flight time is from 18.5 hours. Hacienda Zuleta is a two hour car ride from the capital, so either arrange a transfer with the hotel or rent a car and drive. dinners.And you’ll need all that food to build your strength for exploring.
Another of the unique charms of Zuleta are the 100 or so Zuleteño horses stabled here. Treks to crashing water falls and cool valleys spotted with hummingbirds and pre Inca sites can be arranged for either experienced or beginner riders. Or just grab a bike and hit the mountain trails, looking out for spectacled bears and climbing to high alpine meadows.
Atthe end of the day, though, you’ll look forward to returning to Zuleta a hot water bottle between your sheets and history on every wall.