Hacienda Zuleta - Ecuador

Tony who has been on 34 In The Saddle rides. Hacienda Zuleta | A hugely enjoyable trip.

The vast majority of riders visiting Zuleta are beginners; I was the only experienced rider for the entire 10 days I was there. This had a considerable upside as it meant every day just myself and my 2 guides set out (Jose lead guide with no English, and Mauricio the English-speaking guide). We all had an absolute blast going on routes they had never been before - always great fun in stunning scenery.

The best ride (Ventana Grande plus The Towers), was one of the best day rides I have ever done. This route was a massive adventure, riding at 4,000m in stunning scenery, but it was very tough on both rider and horse, so for adventurous and experienced riders only.

I also had the pick of all 3 horse they describe as ‘advanced ‘ (Martina, Caracol II, Canela) and all were a joy to ride. The rides I ended up doing were better than the 10 night trail ride I did in Ecuador a few years ago.

Do you have any comments about the accommodation and food?

The Hacienda itself was amazing. They had managed the trick of making you feel very special and privileged to stay in such a grand place, while at the same time feeling like you were a guest in someone’s home rather than a stuffy hotel.

The whole place encouraged relaxation and had wonderfully comfortable lounge areas with 24/7 log fires. Great attention to detail (log fires lit in your room while you had your dinner, plus hot water bottle in your bed), and very friendly but efficient staff.

Meals were very Downton Abbey with everyone sitting a huge table and soup etc being offered to you individually, tureen held by one of the staff for you to ladle out yourself, before moving on to the next person. The whole place was kept spotlessly clean despite 3 very friendly dogs running free round the property.