Compare Explore Ecuador Highlands & Haciendas by Walking Connection vs Ecuador & Galapagos Islands by Rothschild Safaris
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 3 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 811 | $ 15,000 |
| Price Per Day | $ 270 | $ 1,154 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Luxury |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A |
11 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches and 7 Dinners |
| Description |
On your private adventure you will experience Hacienda Zuleata a colonial working farm of over 4,000 acres that has been owned and operated by the family of Mr. Galo Plaza Lasso, former President of Ecuador, for over 100 years. Dating from the late 17th century it is located in a stunning Andean valley at 9,600 feet, and easily reached from Quito and only a short drive from the famous Otavalo market. Fifteen beautifully decorated guest rooms, each with their own fireplace, are complemented by flower filled gardens and cozy common areas such as the great family room and the Presidential salon. |
From history-rich Quito to the vibrant cloud forests of Mashpi Reserve to the remarkable and utterly unique Galápagos Islands, explore the best of what Ecuador has to offer. Visit Otavalo and its world-renowned indigenous markets full of color and life, while staying at one of Ecuador’s top haciendas; stand along the equator when you visit the “Middle of the World;” and relax in hot springs with views of the Andes and rolling hills. This is a trip you will never forget. |
Day 1
Meals included today: Dinner
You arrive at Zuleta in the afternoon after a drive with your private guide through lush pasture lands. With some luck you will have stunning views of the snowcapped volcano, Cayambe, which is just a few miles away from Zuleta.
With a warm personal welcome upon arrival you will be shown to your lovely guest suite. Once settled, one of the family owners or managers will personally tell you about the activities the hacienda offers and find out about your personal preferences, needs or questions over tea or coffee.
After planning your stay with your guide, you will be shown around the main building. You will learn more about Zuleta’s history, see ex-President Galo Plaza Lasso’s private library, our chapel and wander through the beautiful gardens.
As the sun sets, it gets chilly at Zuleta, so enjoy some wine and our farm made cheese in front of the fireplace while reading from our vast libraries prior to dinner.
Day 2
Meals included today: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
If you are an early morning person you might want to enjoy a short walk around the property prior to breakfast. There is a profuse variety of bird life that is attracted to the gardens, and adjacent to the main courtyard, the milking barn is usually full of activity right at daybreak as some of the more than 300 Holstein dairy cows are being milked by the Hacienda staff.
After an exquisite farm fresh breakfast of eggs, pancakes, muesli, fruit and homemade bread we suggest a guided visit to the cheese factory in order to learn more about Zuleta´s semi-aged handmade cheeses, how the process has changed throughout history and where the cheeses are sold both domestically and internationally.
As mornings are usually sunny throughout the whole year, it is best to take advantage and use the morning to hike to the Condor reserve. In the morning, you are more likely to see a wild condor flying. The reserve is located 3 km from the guesthouse directly in a native forest valley. Learn about the foundation’s efforts, see rescued condors in the aviary, and visit the nearby trout farm. You will travel back through pastureland walking between ancient monuments of the Caranqui culture; seeing both small burial mounds dating back to 700 A.D. and giant ceremonial truncated pyramids from the 13th century.
At lunchtime enjoy freshly caught trout, then have coffee on the patio while admiring the giant hummingbirds that come frequently to feed.
In the afternoon there will be an option for a more challenging hike up to Condor view where you have a nice overview of the area with the possibility of seeing a family of Spectacle Bears.
Or if you would rather, unique to Hacienda Zuleta are options to experience the work of the Galo Plaza Lasso Foundation; sustainable development projects carefully designed for the needs and context of the local community and environment:
“The Embroidery Workshop” where we are working with the local indigenous population in conserving their cultural identity and artistic expression through providing a sustainable income from their hand produced embroidery.
“The Zuleta Libary” where local children receive after school tutoring and homework assistance while extending traditional academic subjects to include workshops on organic agriculture, responsible citizenship, recycling and sustainable living.
Either way at the end of the day, the hot tub will give your day a lovely finish where once again you will say, “ahhh I am so glad I am here!”
Day 3 – Departure day
Meals included today: Breakfast, Lunch
After another unbelievable feast you will be on our way to Laguna de Cuicocha for a hike around the orchid lined deep blue lake with spectacular views of the volcano. You will then visit the colorful bustling outdoor markets of Otavalo and rub shoulders with indigenous Otavalenos, renowned for their musical talents and woven crafts.
Enjoy lunch and wandering the grounds of the Hacienda Pinsaquí. Originally constructed in 1790, this lovingly restored colonial home once hosted General Simón Bolívar, who spent nights here on his way back and forth to Bogotá. In fact, an important treaty between Colombia and Ecuador was signed under its roof. In addition, the Hacienda Pinsaquí was the site of a textile workshop, employing nearly one thousand local weavers and spinners, producing the region’s famous textiles and weavings, destined for the Otavalo market and beyond. The hacienda boasts spectacular views of the Imbabura Volcano from its 200-year old gardens. Late afternoon return to Quito
Days 1-2: Quito/ Hotel Casa Gangotena
Welcome to Ecuador! On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend your first two nights in Ecuador in luxury at Hotel Casa Gangotena, situated in the heart of Quito’s Old Town.
Spend your time here getting to know magnificent Quito, visiting the city’s historic district, enjoying this urban jewel and its artistic and architectural treasures. Drive to the Monastery of San Francisco, one of the principal religious monuments of the New World, then visit the exact middle of the planet where the equator crosses the earth at latitude 0° 0’ 0”. Here you will be able to stand with one foot in each hemisphere!
Days 3- 7: Galapagos Islands/ M/V Eclipse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Your adventure continues as we fly you to the Galápagos Islands to begin your 5-night cruise aboard the M/V Eclipse.
During your cruise your days will be filled with morning and afternoon excursions on different islands where you will can enjoy hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and wildlife viewing all the while! Explore Cerro Brujo’s gorgeous beach, home to many sea lions and the place where Charles Darwin first stepped foot on the Archipelago; spot land iguanas, flocks of Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and different types of finches; or visit the inside of a lava tunnel!
Overnight: M/V Eclipse
Day 8: Pappallacta/ Termas Papallacta Spa & Resort
Accommodation: Termas Papallacta Spa & Resort
This morning you will fly back into Quito for your drive to Termas de Papallacta. Here you can relax and refresh yourself, taking in the stunning mountain views while having a soak in the lodge’s hot springs, or enjoy a spa treatment.
Days 9, 10: Mashpi Cloud Forest Reserve/ Mashpi Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mashpi Lodge
Continue your journey northwest into the Mashpi Forest Reserve, a 3,200-acre haven for wildlife and biodiversity. Here, you will stay at National Geographic’s Unique Lodge of the World – Mashpi Lodge – a modern architectural marvel of glass where nature takes center stage.
Afternoon activities in the reserve will be organized depending on your group’s size and physical conditions and weather conditions. Activities include visiting the observation tower to experience life in the forest from a height of 90 feet, taking a 200-yard aerial cable ride on the “Sky Bike” through the forest canopy and visiting the San Vicente waterfalls to discover the lush secrets this forest holds. Follow the Howler Monkey Trail, which passes through primary forest, on to the Life Center and Butterfly Pavilion.
Days 11, 12: Otavalo/ Hacienda Zuleta
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hacienda Zuleta
It’s time to leave the forest behind as you journey to Ecuador’s Otavalo region. Your first stop is Otavalo Indigenous Market, one of the largest and best-known in South America. After some time perusing the local wares, you will continue on to enjoy lunch at Hacienda Zuleta – an amazing jewel tucked away amid several volcanoes.
A host of optional activities await you here, including easy mountain biking along the hacienda grounds, or a short hike around beautiful “Guinea Pig Lake.” Visit Cotacachi´s Leather Market and a family of weavers who not only have amazing wares but will demonstrate for you how they weave on their traditional back-strap looms and make striking colors from local plants. Around the corner lives a family of musicians, where you will get a feel for authentic Andean music and watch as they craft perfectly-tuned Andean flutes.
Day 13: Your Journey Ends
Today you will be transferred to Quito International Airport for your international flight home.
