Hacienda Zuleta, Otavalo | Timbuktu Travel
Otavalo

Hacienda Zuleta

Travel and Leaisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Voted No.1 in 2024 and No.2 in 2025 by Travel+Leisure

About Hacienda Zuleta

A 17th-century presidential hacienda turned luxury accommodation made to feel like home.
Located in the heart of the Avenue of Volcanoes and just two hours north of Quito, Hacienda Zuleta holds a very noble heritage: it was once the residence of former president Galo Plaza. Today, the estate is a 2,000-hectare working farm (cheese factory included!), still run by the Plaza family and surrounded by breathtaking rural views. The hacienda’s distinguished history shines through in every room of the main house, replete with antiques and boasting an impressive library. And with plenty of activities on offer - from horseback riding and hiking to mountain biking or cooking lessons - it’s the ideal setting to immerse yourself into Ecuadorean tradition and culture.
From $360 per person/per night
Safari
21 Rooms
Open Map
Static map

Property details

The property

In the middle of the 2,000-hectare estate, with seemingly endless pastures and imposing mountains in every direction, is the main house. Beautiful cobblestone courtyards surround the 1691-built whitewashed building - and whenever you return, you're sure sure to be greeted with wagging tails by the hacienda’s lovely dogs. Family portraits, historical paintings and antique furniture decorate the communal areas, with fabulous spreads of the hacienda’s own cheese laid out by the fireplaces for guests to sample. The dining room features a beautiful antique cedar table, although al fresco dining options are available too.

The rooms

The 21 rooms, spread around the main house, are all unique and styled to perfection. Be it one of the Junior suites, Deluxe or Standard rooms, you’ll find beautiful wooden floors, fine embroidered linen and a charming wood-burning fireplace to curl up next to. Fresh roses, a hot water bottle in bed every night and relaxing bathtubs are other special little touches that add to the warmth. And although some suites have a private garden, there are plenty of almost-private cosy lounges to relax in around the house.

Activities

The hacienda provides the perfect setting for exploring with many self-guided hikes or bike trails that will lead you through the amazing vistas. Riding one of the lovely Zuleteño horses to a nearby mountain lake is sure to be one of the highlights, while other farm activities like milking cows and visiting the onsite cheese factory or the Andean condor rehabilitation project are perfect to enjoy with little ones. Cooking or embroidery lessons with the locals are also on offer and really, you can be as active or relaxed as you choose!

What you'll love

What you'll love

The unbelievable hospitality. You’ll be appointed a host upon arrival and in no time the hacienda will feel just like home. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like part of the presidential family, this is it!
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

If you're interested in the history of the place and the family, one of the former president’s grandchildren (or children) will likely to be around for a lively chat by the fire.
Something to think about

Something to think about

The hacienda usually runs a fixed menu with meals served communally in a long table in the family dining room, so if you're looking for quieter or private dining, make sure to arrange this in advance.

Ecuador

Otavalo

A startling blend of culture and alfresco adventures in a bucolic landscape.