
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Hacienda Zuleta is a historically rich 17th century eco-lodge and working farm nestled in the highlands of the Ecuadorean Andes, a two-hour drive north of Quito. Guests of Hacienda Zuleta are provided with limitless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
- Belonging to former Ecuador President Galo Plaza Lasso, this hacienda offers a one-stop 5,200 acre country estate experience with 15 charming antique rooms, delicious home-grown Andean cuisine meals, and and a wealth of activities to choose from.
- Popular activities include horse-back riding on our extensive trail network, hikes throughout our nature sanctuary, tours of the trout farm and dairy operation, bird watching at our condor-rehabilitation facility, cookery or local embroidery class and much more.
- Become part of our family and experience the best of Andean hacienda living. Our core ethos is to welcome you as part of our family during your stay. You live in the rooms our family members grew up in and return to, experience the personalized service at our antique dining table, and hear the funny stories of the past as you sit by the fireside.
EXCLUSIVE LUXE VOYAGER VIP BENEFITS & BEST PRICE
We negotiate rates & benefits for our clients directly with the hotels’ senior management. Our rates match or in many cases are lower than the best online rate for the property. Our clients also enjoy a suite of extra VIP privileges and recognition while staying at a partner hotel.
- Complimentary room upgrade on arrival.
- Daily complimentary buffet breakfast for two.
- Up to $100 dining or spa credit per stay, and or in-house dining / spa discounts.
- Welcome amenities (wine/chocolates/fruit) and card from the GM.
- Complimentary private airport transfers.
- Complimentary roll-away bed if required.
- Early check-in and late check-out.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Enhanced recognition through VIP status at all touch points in the guest experience.
A complete or partial suite of VIP benefits will be offered, subject to the property T&C, including availability, category of room & length of stay.
ACTIVITIES:
Peek into a Quiteño home at 6 p.m. on a chilly afternoon and you might behold a family assembling around a steaming pot of hot chocolate. Remarkably, this delicious drink is accompanied by fresh farmer’s cheese (queso de hoja or queso fresco), which is dropped into the mug and melted down into a delicious mixture of sweet and salty. The sweetness is not derived from just any chocolate…Quiteño hot chocolate is made with chocolate de hoja, which is combined into the milk using a traditional wooden molinillo.
Very few have access to this iconic church’s interior treasures. We are hosted on this visit by a Franciscan priest from the monastery, who takes us around the innards of the edification. At San Francisco, the courtyards bring together the church’s many altars, hallways, and galleries to retell centuries-old stories and showcase a historic beer-brewing process. While here, discover the rustic machinery and techniques employed by the Franciscan monks in the brewing of beer in the 16th-20th centuries. Later, we can relive the magic by sampling delicious, present-day craft beer from one of Ecuador’s famous breweries. Bottoms up!
The choir of San Francisco Church, above the high altar, smells of wood and mysticism. It is an example of the diverse architectural styles that influenced, over time, the construction of the church, boasting even Middle Eastern iconography on the ceiling. After a visit to the choir, follow us through the narrow, wooden stairs to the bell tower, which could easily be the setting of a novelesque scene written by Victor Hugo. The San Francisco bell towers await to show you stunning panoramic vistas of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Revel in this small intrusion, as this spot is accessible to virtually no one. If Ernest Hemingway ever wondered for whom the bells toll, here they toll for you.
In the late afternoon, this abbey and museum opens its doors to guests of Casa Gangotena only. Built in 1653, the mysterious convent is home to an order of Carmelite cloister nuns who lead a life of agency and work, making some of Quito’s most delicious traditional treats. On our visit, we discover beautiful religious paintings, antique architecture, whole-room replicas of the nun’s living quarters, and the silent traces of their presence. Curiously, the abbey was once home to the late Marianita de Jesus, (1618-1645), Ecuador’s first saint.
The highlight of any trip to Ecuador is the Galapagos Islands. The archipelago is full of fearless and fantastic creatures that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Whether aboard an expedition vessel (such as the Santa Cruz II, Yacht La Pinta or Yacht Isabela II) or from the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel on Santa Cruz Island, the Galapagos won’t fail to impress.
Aside from its impressive cultural treasures, Ecuador’s natural riches are staggering and amazingly diverse. Head north of the capital to experience volcanos, historic haciendas, lakes and Indian markets. Head east to discover the mighty Amazon, where the concentration of flora and fauna is truly remarkable. Venture south for the mighty “Avenue of the Volcanos.” Casa Gangotena is only the beginning of the adventure!

We welcome you to the stunning 17th century eco-lodge and working-farm of former Ecuador President Galo Plaza Lasso and his family. Created with his natural warmth, hospitality and community ties, Hacienda Zuleta is blessed with beautiful antique rooms, delicious home-grown Andean cuisine and a wealth of activities to choose from. Visit mountain lakes and vistas on our own breed of horses, find hidden trails with centuries of history by foot or bike, see and learn about endangered species at our Condor Huasi facilities or take up a cookery or local embroidery class.
The surrounding countryside and nearby village are beautifully picturesque and relaxing. There are fifteen well-appointed rooms and service is helpful and friendly. A great deal of care is taken to ensure that you make the most of the wonderful surrounds and there are a number of adventure and cultural activities possible including horse-riding, mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching at our condor-rehabilitation facility, tours of the trout farm and dairy operation and visits to the local community with its own weaving workshops.
All 19 rooms have a warm, homely style featuring bold colours, high-quality linen, wooden floors and a wood-burning stove. They are spread around the house and some suites have a private garden, but there also many plush lounges to relax in so the standard rooms work fine. Bathrooms feature relaxing tubs, candles and Zuleta’s own-brand amenities.

Luxury Rooms
Casa Gangotena’s Luxury rooms invite guests to relax in style, enjoying the peace created by its luxurious upholstery, plush carpets, fine linen and rich furnishings that adorn each room.

Plaza View Rooms
Located along the mansion’s northern facade, these rooms afford stunning views of the Historic Center, including the church and convent of San Francisco and its expansive cobbled square. The rooms are graced with ample amounts of natural light and rich, sophisticated décor.

Luxury Plus
The Luxury Plus room occupies the end of the southwestern wing of the property. Striking neoclassical columns rise around the room, topped with ornate stuccowork, which interrupts the floral Art Nouveau frieze that runs around the cornicing.

Junior Suite
The Junior Suite is one of the most special rooms in the house. This room used to be the “tea room” of the Gangotena family, where the family’s women and friends would gather. Situated on the first floor, the spacious Junior Suite features an original, 360-degree restored mural depicting a hunting scene. The Junior Suite overlooks the garden and the Panecillo hillside.

Balcony Junior Suite
Located on the first floor, at the end of the southwestern wing of the property, the Balcony Junior Suite is undeniably romantic. The room has its own balcony that overlooks the garden and offers picturesque views of the Virgin of Quito atop her hill. Neoclassical stucco columns adorn the room. The delightful bathroom features two large windows that draw in the Andean light, while beautiful columns and black-and-white veined marble complete the picture.

Suite
At the end of the western wing of the property, on the first and second floors, 2 Luxury Rooms are interconnected, providing more space for families and visiting dignitaries. Both of them can be converted into Suites.
Farm produce is at the forefront, including estate-sourced trout, beef and cheese; every evening fabulous spreads of the latter are laid out by the fireplaces for guests to sample. All meals are served communally at a 20ft long cedar table in the dining room, although individual tables can be arranged. Portions are generous with set menus featuring dishes such as quinoa soup, empanadas, grilled chicken and homemade passion fruit pie. Breakfast is fulsome, and includes local juices and fruits with hot dishes cooked to order.
Mouth-watering, authentic Ecuadorean cuisine, sourced from the farm and made from family recipes, comes freshly prepared just for you. Be waited upon like a president as you dine on our specially prepared three-course meals, full of ingredients sourced mainly from the Hacienda itself: freshly caught rainbow trout, melt-in-your-mouth cheese, and organic produce from Rosario Plaza’s own gardens. We also provide scrumptious vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and lactose intolerant menu options.

The Garden
A calming sanctuary from the buzz of the city, our walled garden is a place to sit back, drink a tea or an ice-cold beer, and contemplate life. Surrounded by native trees, plants and flowers, the burbling stone fountain provides the perfect, soothing soundtrack.

The Crimson Room
The Crimson Room once served as the ballroom of the Gangotena family. It has now been renovated to serve as the perfect space for intimate dinners or small celebrations. It also makes for a superb space for meetings, wedding receptions or educational lectures, with room for up to 25 people.

Rooftop Terrace
The third-floor, panoramic terrace’s romantic views encompass the city and provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy a tea or coffee, cocktail, or vintage wine. Challenge yourself to spot all of Quito’s iconic churches, including Santa Clara, La Merced, San Agustin, Santo Domingo, La Compañía and the neo-Gothic Basilica. If you’re fortunate, the snow-capped peak of the Cayambe volcano will shine in the distance to the northeast.

The Bar
A den for sophisticated travelers, our bar invites you to relax amid its leather chairs, comfortable banquettes, wood paneling and oil paintings. Secluded nooks and light-filled window seats, as well as the noble wooden bar itself, are the ideal spots to indulge in an Old Fashioned or one of the sophisticated specialty cocktails prepared by our bar staff. As an added treat, why not brush up on your firsthand knowledge of one of the world’s favorite spirits with our world-class gin tasting? A pleasant way to end the day, indeed!
Casa Gangotena is not only a hotel in Quito’s Old Town, but a place to experience the city in your own way, with spaces to read, dream and contemplate the astonishing surroundings.
Area & Location
Area, Country
Quito, Ecuador
Nearest Airport
Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre, Quito
Local Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Change
GMT -5 (Galapagos is GMT -6)
Language
Spanish
Best time to go
Year round destination
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