We had two and a half days at Zuleta Hacienda but almost at first sight I knew that I wanted more time at this special place for our family. The setting of this 4,000 acre working dairy farm (with 1,000 cows) nestled in between the east and west ranges of the Andes mountains is breath-taking and the 300 year-old buildings themselves inspiring and inviting. The Plaza Lasso family has owned this homestead for 5 generations and it is currently run by the grandson of the former Ecuadorian president Galo Plaza Lasso. The family has taken meticulous care of the home and grounds and has invested heavily in the surrounding community by providing employment and educational opportunities. We we welcomed in the "living room" and felt more like true guests than tourists.
During our visit to Zuleta we only scratched the surface of what this property has to offer-
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| All meals were shared "family-style" with other guests |
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| Zuleta Hacienda courtyard |
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| The Library filled with the family's personal collection of books- guests were encouraged to search the shelves for a favorite read to take back to your room |
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| On our first afternoon we headed straight to the Stables. The family owns about 100 horses that are a cross between Andalusian and Thoroughbreds- They are a beautiful breed called Zulentas |
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| Ross on Dudoso and Nash on Rocendo |
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| The trail to the Cascada (waterfall) |
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| "Eewww!" Horses do stinky things... |
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| We made it to the waterfall intact |
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| Our first sighted Ecuadorian rainbow |
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| The cows getting ready for the afternoon milking |
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| Another view of the courtyard |
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