Packages and Options

Sample Itineraries
Depending on your stay, your riding abilities and the weather conditions you can choose between these tour options:
1. Hacienda Ride
Ride inside the hacienda so riders can become accustomed to their horses. We go up to a viewpoint where you can oversee the whole Hacienda and maybe see a spectacle bear.
2. Paramo
This is a full day of riding to the above tree line “paramo” to 11,000 feet. Enjoy the special landscape with spectacular views of grassland, wild bulls & condors. We will have a picnic lunch at a view point. We can just have look into the paramo or we can follow a hidden trail to a place called “Ventanas” with spectacular rock formations. That ride is a very special experience, but can be exhausting due to the altitude and the climate with strong winds. There are parts were emergency pick up by car is not possible.
3. Condor Huasi
A soft ride with many grassy trails for long soft canters within the hacienda. We will see ancient pyramids and mounds constructed by the pre-Incan Caranqui culture and visit our Condor project and aviary.
4. San Pablo
Day Tour to San Pablo village with lunch at famous Hacienda Cusin or Cabañas del Lago on the shore of the lake. On the way back we climb to a high pine forest with beautiful view of San Pablo Lake. This is an easy ride though farm land and villages.
5. Community
Explore Zuleta village and the surrounding communities with views of snow capped volcano Cayambe. From the Cunro hill we will oversee the whole valley and the city of Ibarra at a distance of 13 miles!
6. Peruvian Paso
We drive to a beautiful private Peruvian Paso breeding farm in Tabacundo were we switch to Peruvian Paso horses  with show quality and ride up to Mojanda lakes at 10.500 feet where we have picnic lunch. Drive back to Zuleta. The ride goes up to the above tree line “paramo”, but is not that difficult, although it might be could up there…
This ride´s availability depends on the owner of the Peruvian farm and should be plannen ahead of time. It is also possible to overnight at that farm (max. 4 people)
(Additional cost per person $65, $125 with overnight)
7. Papallacta
We start in the early morning, climb up to the paramo and follow hidden trails through wild and rough grasslands. You will see wild animals, spectacular plants and amazing untouched landscape. In the late afternoon we arrive at the hot springs of Papallacta to relax and stay there for the night. Drive back to Zuleta. This ride is very difficult and exhausting, it goes through wild nature and for hours there is no way to be picked up by a car. (Additional cost per person $180)
8. San Marco
A full day ride to the mystical lagoon of San Marco in the Cayambe national park. We ride through lush pasture land, pass by snow capped Cayambe volcano and enter the national park with its amazing flora and fauna. To cover so much ground (32km one way) we need to jog and canter for quite a while. After picnic lunch we take a different trail home and arrive just before sunset at Zuleta. This is a long trail with special experience due to the natural settings, but not very difficult.
9. Cusin
This is your ride if you want to be on the top of the most ancient volcano in the area. We quickly cross Zuleta valley with its different farms and then start to climb Cusin volcano through eucalyptus forests to the above tree line and up to the top. After enjoying the 360° view including Quito valley & Cotopaxi we descend to our picnic spot and come home in the afternoon. The ride goes up to the above tree line “paramo”, it might be cold and foggy up there and there are parts were emergency pick up by car is not possible.
10. La Rinconada
A day tour with many grassy trails for long soft canters through various indigenous communities and into a remote and quiete agricultural valley. We cross a river, see farm animals, pass by rural schools and see indigenous people working on their land. This is an easy ride, the distance can be adapted to your abilities (4-8 hours in the saddle)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Subject to change

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 beautiful estate, owned by the descendents of former Ecuadorian president, Galo Plaza, 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 6 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.
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.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Zuleta is as famous for its horses and riding program as it is for its history and hospitality. Riding has been a Plaza family tradition for over one hundred years, and today Zuleta reflects this equestrian affinity by boasting one of the most exclusive stables in Ecuador. Zuleta is also known for its Zuleteño horse which is a unique mixture of Spanish-Andalusian, English and Quarter horses. The outcome of this cross-breeding is a robust Andean horse with a good disposition for riding.
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:		4-8 hrs in the saddle Slow moderate with trots and canters according to riding level | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(2 to 3.5 out of 5)    Novice to Experienced
Weight:		Max 200 lbs
Riders:		Min 2	Max 10

Zuleta is as famous for its horses and riding program as it is for its history and hospitality. Riding has been a Plaza family tradition for over one hundred years, and today Zuleta reflects this equestrian affinity by boasting one of the most exclusive stables in Ecuador. Zuleta is also known for its Zuleteño horse which is a unique mixture of Spanish-Andalusian, English and Quarter horses. The outcome of this cross-breeding is a robust Andean horse with a good disposition for riding.
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 al