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Hacienda Zuleta - Touch the Sky Trail
Highlands
Ecuador
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Join us on an equestrian getaway in Ecuador with your base at
the historic Hacienda Zuleta. Giving name to a whole valley and a small village,
Zuleta is an excellent place for an intimate encounter with Andean culture and
tradition and upon stepping through its 16th century gates, you will feel as if
you were travelling back in time.
Hacienda Zuleta in the pastoral Zuleta valley, is the most exclusive barn in
Ecuador and combines excellent horses with outstanding service on a famous
colonial hacienda.
The five thousand acre estate is nestled in the Andes at 9.000ft and 2 hours
north of Quito.
Throughout the years Zuleta has entertained presidents with their families,
dignitaries and celebrities and our staff knows how to make your stay
unforgettable. Family dishes made of farm products, birthday surprises, your
favorite juice in the morning, an extra hot water bottle when nights are chilly
and some flowers on your picnic table – it is the little details that make you
feel at home.
The vacation starts with a pick up from Quito and on the way back we can stop at
the famous indigenous Otavalo market. The five riding days on quality horses are
filled with exciting new sites each day. Climb to the top of volcanoes and ride
through lush green valleys only interrupted by luxuriously set out lunches along
the way. In the evening you come back to the historic hacienda and after a
delicious organic meal we invite you to sit around the fireplace and talk about
the excitements of the day.
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Accommodations, gourmet meals, 5 riding days
| A | 2010 | 5 day trip, AP | 5d / 4n | $1449 |
| Single room - no extra charge if available | $0 |
| Extra Day | $350 |
| Child 12 to 16 yrs - discount 50% | $0 |
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer from Quito hotel included
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arrival can be any day of the week
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Rates do not include:
Alcoholic beverages, laungry, phone calls, lessons
Day 1: Hacienda Overview
On the first day we pick you up at 9am at your hotel in Quito and arrive at Zuleta after a 2 hour drive. We check in our rooms and then go to the barn. The herd will be waiting for you to choose your horse for the first ride and you will get the chance to try it in the ring at all paces. A bilingual riding instructor is available for your questions. After lunch we will be riding on Hacienda grounds through eucalyptus alleys to the far eastern end, passing by milking sheds and pastures. After traversing an artichoke field, crossing a rocky river at a picturesque bridge and passing by the polo horses and the colts, we canter over an open field along the steep slopes that rise more than 1000m up to the paramo, make our way to an acacia forest and then up to Santa Rosa. Through forest and dense vegetation we ride up to a view point from where you have an overview of the whole Zuleta valley. As we will be right above the Condor centre and close to a feeding point, we will most likely see a wild condor fly by. Up here you will also have the best bird’s eye view of the ancient pre-Incan Caranqui pyramids that are spread all over the property. The loop continues with beautiful vistas of mountain slopes painted by that special afternoon light, and maybe a family of spectacle bears or foxes will come to say hello. Leaving the forest we will canter over a field with high grass, before we have to focus on our balance when the horse starts to climb down. Upon reaching flat grounds with the barn at a short distance the horses will volunteer a last gallop with some jumps over small ditches, before we collect them to reach the hacienda house and barn. A nice glass of wine in the living room, a roaring fire, comfortable sofas and a chat with your host will entertain you until dinner time.
(3 hours of riding, Lunch, Dinner, overnight)
Day 2: La Rinconada and Saddle Maker
As your dining experience at Zuleta unfolds, you will be surprised how sustainable the Hacienda is, so today we will invite you to a guided visit of Zuleta’s cheese factory and organic vegetable garden. Take your time to see everything, taste a fresh carrot or cape gooseberry, wander through the stunning fields of flowers and see the paramo garden on the way to the barn, where your horses are already waiting for a new adventure.
Today’s ride will lead you to the charming parish capital of Angochagua and into Rinconada valley. Heading out of the hacienda at the east end, we follow a cobble stone road into this tiny hillside village where time stands still. We will dismount the horses at the plaza and visit the church and the community school, before we descend through the woods into the pastoral Rinconada valley. A sandy road through hedges of agave and adobe walls leads us into a remote and independent community, rarely visited by any foreigners. We will have a little snack at the shores of a roaring river, where cows come to water and local women wash clothes. With incredible views of the primary forest on hanging gorges and of waterfalls coming from the rocky ridges above, we head southwest to the other side of the wide valley. Some long canters on endless sand tracks lead us to our lunch spot, where a comfortable tent is already waiting.
The horses rest while you are served a three course cooked picnic lunch and enjoy the view of the town of Ibarra, lying more than 1.000 meters below. After lunch we still have some ground to cover, so we say goodbye to our catering and keep following the road to a pass between Cunru and Cubilche mountain. We will see different plants like the spikey sisal and aloe vera and cross a desert like area. Once we crossed the pass beautiful Zuleta valley spreads out in front of us. The horses get fresh energy by sensing home and with some luck we will see the snowy slopes of Cayambe, illuminated by the orange afternoon light in front of us.
Before entering the gate we stop at a local saddle maker, as you probably have started to love the half chaps you are wearing. You will meet 65 year old Oswaldo Sandoval and learn how he makes the chaps and the various tack he produces for Hacienda Zuleta. Orders can be placed right there.
(6 hours of riding, Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner, overnight)
Day 3: Cusin Peak experience
With new energy we start again on a long ride up to the paramo, the high grasslands and reach the peak of Cusin volcano, one of the most ancient mountains in the Ecuadorian Andes. The ride starts through our neighbor hacienda La Merced, with some long canters and jogs along soft grassy and sandy trails. Once we reach the foot of Cusin, the pace slows down to a steady walk, as the horses have to climb 1.300 meters in altitude during the next few hours. At each turn air gets slightly colder and the view grows increasingly spectacular, showing the Mojanda range, Imbabura with the lake and Cotacachi. Our trail is frequented only by park rangers and some locals who come up to get “paja” for their thatched roofs.
The horses will be breathing hard and there is no obvious trail we are following, but the guides find their way in this sea of grass. You will truly experience the remoteness of the paramo lands, and as the Cusin lies like an island in the middle of the two Andean ranges, you will have a breathtaking 360º view of several snowcapped peaks in the south, like Cayambe, Cotopaxi (at 100km distance!), Antisana and Illinizas. If the wind is not too strong we will have a picnic lunch right on top of of Cusin, otherwise we ride down to a more protected spot. Up there we might get visited by a condor, eagles, deer or foxes. Even pumas have been seen. Today our picnic will come out of the saddle bags, including hot soup, a main dish and desert, good sustenance for the journey home. The mountain tracks are amazing, including rocky parts, caves, and other volcanic formations. As we are riding over plains and down some very steep parts, over a stone field and through washed out canyons we need the full attention of both rider and horse, but once we reach flat ground we will break into a releasing canter over a huge plateau with oat plantations. As we crossed the Cusin volcano on an almost straight line, we will be coming back to Zuleta from the opposite direction, through eucalyptus forest and with long canters. Coming back to Zuleta you should pamper your muscles with a 1 hour, full body massage, Geovanni, the massage therapist from Otavalo is really an expert.
(6 hours of riding, Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner, overnight)
Day 4: San Marcos Long distance
Time is flying by, but here comes one of our favorite rides. Today we will go to San Marcos lagoon with 65 km of ground to cover. Starting with an early breakfast, we leave Zuleta not later than 9am heading south on the main road through the village. Everybody will ask us where we are going and when we say “San Marcos” they are impressed by our fortitude! The day starts with a steady pace, long jogs and canters, not too fast to preserve energy. Riding out of Zuleta valley and in the direction of Cayambe, we will see some old women collecting logs and loading them on a donkey’s back. We cross a small river and come into Pesillo, a very rural village, not ever visited by foreigners. It feels like being on an expedition some centuries ago, as we cross Pesillo, and ride into the long valley of Olmedo, which reveals our destination in the far distance. Stunning views of Cayambe, now really close by and of remote pastoral valleys, roaring rivers and forgotten villages combined with our steady jog let time stand still. Around noon we enter the Cayambe Coca national park and the scenery changes immediately. A huge canyon opens to our right, with rocky walls of 200m and more. The vegetation changes slightly too, as we ascend to the higher paramo levels. Rare birds and plants are everywhere, water leaks through the volcanic stones and cold winds come down from Cayambe, the majestic giant now right in front of us. Just when the climate seems to be too rough, we take a left and follow a winding road downhill, protected from the wind and cold. And there it is, hidden in the mist, a volcanic lake, surrounded by virgin forest, with crystal clear water and absolute solitude – except for our comfortable lunch tent of course! And we do appreciate a luxurious, hot lunch after such a ride. When we come home to Zuleta shortly after nightfall, the horse’s shoes will sparkle on the cobblestone, and with that magical moment we close our day.
(8 hours of riding, Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner, overnight)
Day 5: Herding and good bye
This our last morning, but we will do something really great: we bring in the herds! You have to be at the barn at 6:45am to ride out to the pasture with one of the horsemen. Most horses are already waiting at the gate, but some prefer to stay, so you will get into the field and herd them, sometimes a challenging task. At 7am the sun comes over the mountains, the whole herd of approximately 50 mares, geldings and foals is on its way and you see all the flaring manes and tails in front of you. They head right to the barn, so you have nothing else to do but listen to the sound of 200 clapping hoofs and enjoy the moment.
After breakfast we make our way to an acacia forest and into the valley of the Condor. At the aviary you will see majestic birds from a short distance and we will be waiting for some wild ones to land at the surrounding rocks of the narrow valley. The way back to the hacienda takes us through pasture where we have to open one or the other gate and can ride to the top of one of the 1.000 year old truncated pyramids. These structures are made of dirt and were used as ceremonial places by the ancient Caranqui culture. To say good bye to your horse at Zuleta we take you on an exciting trip to our 50 hectare cross country field where you can explore a great variety of terrain at a fast pace. After Lunch the driver will be waiting to bring you back to your hotel in Quito, if you wish with a loop through the famous markets in Otavalo.
The itinerary may change due to weather conditions.
Meeting:
Zuleta
Airport:
Quito
Transfer:
Quito
Distance:
2 hours by car, 110 km
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Tack:
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South American, Spanish
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Horses:
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Zuletenan breed; a mixture between Spanish horse (Andalusian), Quarter horse, and Thouroughbred
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Pace:
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4-6 hrs in the saddle
Slow moderate with trots and canters according to riding level
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
3.5
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
24
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Zuleta is known not only for its price winning pure andalusians including national champions and precious stallions, but especially for its very own breed – the Zuleteño. The Hacienda was the first to bring pure bred horses to Ecuador, starting with Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred and changing to Andalusians in the early 60ties. The Zuleteño is a combination of those three breeds and known for its qualities as a very noble, gentle and versatile horse.
You can be part of numerous daily activities around the breeding barn: foals are born every month, weanlings cry for their mothers, stallions show off when the herd of mares comes by, the horsemen train young colts and fillies or refine canter aids in the ring. Go visit the different herds in the fields, or encourage the playful foals to canter with you.
Every horse is known for its specialties. Some have advanced training in dressage and Spanish riding, others in taking perfect care of small children, and you will be able to pick your favorite horse of the herd, for your whole stay, or just for the day´s activity.
The South American tack utilized is very similar to western. The saddle has a pommel and a deep seat.
Riders
will have numerous opportunities to explore the Andean countryside
along high altitude trails (between 9.000 and 13.000 feet) that wind
through ‘páramo’ grasslands and cloud forest, along cobblestone trails
and through local villages.
All
excursions are accompanied by a local guide, although an english
speaking guide is also available. All-day excursions include a
luxurious country picnic with 3 course meal, Zuleta cheeses, fruit and
wine.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart. Passport Note Passports must be carried at all times. Visas Not required by all. more
Blessed
with an equatorial location, Hacienda Zuleta experiences a temperate
climate all year round. Temperatures average between 70 and 75 degrees
during the day with low humidity. Nights tend to be crisp: perfect for
a fireplace and a warm cup of tea!
January through June
is characterized by sunny days with occasional spring-like showers.
During this time of year, the countryside is lush and green. July and
August are typically dry and provide the best opportunities for
extraordinary views of the surrounding volcanoes. September through
December offer pleasant weather with occasional showers.
In
most parts of the Andes, you can experience all four seasons in one
day. Be prepared for cold nights and cold rain if you're caught
outside. Warm, fast drying clothes are recommended (synthetics and wool
are good, but avoid cotton, especially directly against the skin).
Since you will be riding at elevations between 9.000 and 13.000 feet,
light warm clothing worn in layers is highly recommended. Ponchos in
case of rain will be provided.
Ponchos in case of rain will be provided
| … this list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants/breeches |
| Riding boots (short) + Minichaps |
| Wool sweater |
| Long sleeved shirts |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strip) |
| Wind breaker |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pajama |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| Swimsuit |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for the emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
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*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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This beautiful estate, owned by the descendents of former Ecuadorian
president, Galo Plaza.Antiques and family photographs give every room its
personal flavor. Some have access to a private hidden garden others to a patio
where hummingbirds fly around the sun chairs. Cozy living rooms with big
fireplaces and comfortable sofas invite to relax at your leisure. It is also a
self-sufficient farm, producing its own rainbow trout, organic vegetables,
cheese, etc... Though not open to the general public for lodging, the hacienda
offers all the comforts of a well-establish hotel. There are 7 rooms with queen
size and 3 rooms with two twin beds each. All rooms have a private bath tub.
Here you are a guest of the Plaza family and you are welcomed as such. All
guests receive a private room with hand-embroidered linens and beautiful garden
views. You will be invited to relax at your leisure in the cozy reading and
living rooms, which have entertained their own entourage of famous visitors
including past presidents and dignitaries.
The Cuisine: Fine Country Dining
As your dining experience unfolds; you will be impressed by the Hacienda’s
sustainability. Delicious snacks like banana cake, farm made cheeses, fresh
juice or anything else you could think of are served in the living rooms all day
long.
The meals will be typical Ecuadorian "family" cuisine.
Virtually everything gracing the table comes fresh from Zuleta’s rich earth and
is carefully prepared by hand. Fresh milk and cream from Zuleta’s dairy cows are
offered daily.
Handmade cheeses are produced from the farm’s fresh milk and carefully crafted
in the small factory near the guest house.
Rainbow trout are caught moments before melting in your mouth.
Freshly churned butter melts over warm bread baked from wheat harvested on the
Hacienda.
Fresh organic fruit and vegetables are picked from the expansive garden to make
unforgettable salads and freshly squeezed juices.
In addition, gourmet picnic lunches with fine wine and cheeses are provided for
all-day excursions.
Vegetarian menus are available upon request.
Wireless internet in all rooms will keep you connected to the outside world,
if you wish to.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
Zuleta is known not only for its price winning pure andalusians including national champions and precious stallions, but especially for its very own breed – the Zuleteño. The Hacienda was the first to bring pure bred horses to Ecuador, starting with Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred and changing to Andalusians in the early 60ties. The Zuleteño is a combination of those three breeds and known for its qualities as a very noble, gentle and versatile horse.
You can be part of numerous daily activities around the breeding barn: foals are born every month, weanlings cry for their mothers, stallions show off when the herd of mares comes by, the horsemen train young colts and fillies or refine canter aids in the ring. Go visit the different herds in the fields, or encourage the playful foals to canter with you.
Every horse is known for its specialties. Some have advanced training in dressage and Spanish riding, others in taking perfect care of small children, and you will be able to pick your favorite horse of the herd, for your whole stay, or just for the day´s activity.
The South American tack utilized is very similar to western. The saddle has a pommel and a deep seat.
Riders
will have numerous opportunities to explore the Andean countryside
along high altitude trails (between 9.000 and 13.000 feet) that wind
through ‘páramo’ grasslands and cloud forest, along cobblestone trails
and through local villages.
All
excursions are accompanied by a local guide, although an english
speaking guide is also available. All-day excursions include a
luxurious country picnic with 3 course meal, Zuleta cheeses, fruit and
wine.
|
Tack:
|
|
South American, Spanish
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Zuletenan breed; a mixture between Spanish horse (Andalusian), Quarter horse, and Thouroughbred
|
|
Pace:
|
|
4-6 hrs in the saddle
Slow moderate with trots and canters according to riding level
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
3.5
out of 5) Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12
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|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
10 riders
(per riding group)
|
Max Capacity
24
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Zuleta is known not only for its price winning pure andalusians including national champions and precious stallions, but especially for its very own breed – the Zuleteño. The Hacienda was the first to bring pure bred horses to Ecuador, starting with Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred and changing to Andalusians in the early 60ties. The Zuleteño is a combination of those three breeds and known for its qualities as a very noble, gentle and versatile horse.
You can be part of numerous daily activities around the breeding barn: foals are born every month, weanlings cry for their mothers, stallions show off when the herd of mares comes by, the horsemen train young colts and fillies or refine canter aids in the ring. Go visit the different herds in the fields, or encourage the playful foals to canter with you.
Every horse is known for its specialties. Some have advanced training in dressage and Spanish riding, others in taking perfect care of small children, and you will be able to pick your favorite horse of the herd, for your whole stay, or just for the day´s activity.
The South American tack utilized is very similar to western. The saddle has a pommel and a deep seat.
Riders
will have numerous opportunities to explore the Andean countryside
along high altitude trails (between 9.000 and 13.000 feet) that wind
through ‘páramo’ grasslands and cloud forest, along cobblestone trails
and through local villages.
All
excursions are accompanied by a local guide, although an english
speaking guide is also available. All-day excursions include a
luxurious country picnic with 3 course meal, Zuleta cheeses, fruit and
wine.
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Passport Note
Passports must be carried at all times.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: (a) A measles vaccination certificate is required by all nationals travelling from Germany and Italy and must be shown on arrival. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
Extensions of a further 90 days are available through the local immigration authorities.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Hacienda Zuleta - Touch the Sky Trail
Tour Code: IT-ECSR03
5 days /
4 nights
~$1,449.00
Difficulty :
Lodging: 
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
South American, Spanish
Horses:
Zuletenan breed; a mixture between Spa...
Pace:
4-6 hrs in the saddle
Slow moderate w...
Walk, Trot, Canter, Gallop,
Airport:
Quito
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Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Travel Stories
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