Touch the Sky

Introduction
Haciendas Ecuador
Join us on a beautiful equestrian getaway in the highlands of Ecuador, your base at the historic and charming 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. Upon stepping through its 16th century gates, you will feel as if you were traveling back in time. Situated in the pastoral Zuleta Valley, the hacienda is home to the most exclusive barn in Ecuador and combines excellent quality horses with outstanding service on a famous colonial hacienda. The five thousand acre estate is nestled 2 hours North of Quito in the Andes Mountains at 9,000 feet.

Throughout the many years, Zuleta has entertained presidents and their families, dignitaries and also celebrities, and therefore our staff knows how to truly make your stay unforgettable. Family recipe dishes made of farm fresh products, complimentary birthday surprises, your own personal favorite juice to start each morning, extra hot water bottle when nights are chilly and some fresh flowers on your picnic table – it is the little details that make you feel at home at Zuleta.

The vacation starts with a pick up from Quito, and on the way we can stop at the famous indigenous Otavalo market. The next five riding days are on board their top quality horses and are filled with exciting new sights and trails each day. Climb to the top of the volcanoes and ride through lush green valleys - the riding is only interrupted each day by the 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 your daily experiences.

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent at the same location.

Description
This beautiful estate is owned by the descendents of former Ecuadorian president, Galo Plaza. The hacienda offers all the comforts of a well-establish hotel. Here you are a guest of the Plaza family and you are welcomed as such.
 The hacienda has 2 standard rooms, 9 deluxe rooms, 8 junior suites and 2 suites. All rooms are located in the main building (dating back to 1691) and come with a fireplace as well as a private bath tub (with hair dryer and toiletries). Rooms are decorated with hand-embroidered linens and feature beautiful garden views. On cold nights, we provide you with a hot water bottle in your bed, to keep it warm. There is wireless internet in all rooms to keep you connected to the outside world, if you wish to.  
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. 

You can use our laundry service for an additional cost.



Standard Room (12-15 m²)
These rooms all come with a Queen size bed, a desk, chairs, a fireplace, a cupboard and luggage rack. No extra bed possible.



Deluxe Room (20 m²)
These rooms all come with a Queen size bed (or twin beds), a desk, chairs, a fireplace, a cupboard and luggage rack. An extra bed can be added.



Junior Suite (30 m²)
These rooms all come with a King size bed (or twin beds), a desk, chairs, a sofa, a fireplace, a cupboard and 2 large luggage racks. An extra bed can be added.



Suite (42 m²)
These rooms all come with their own living room with 2 sofas, a desk, chairs, a fireplace, a cupboard and 2 large luggage racks. An extra bed can be added.

General Amenities of the Hacienda

• Main Living Room (Information folders & books, Tea & coffee table, Fireplace and Honor Bar)
• Library Living Room (Tea & coffee table,1.500 books in five languages, Fireplace and Winter garden with view to the stables)
• Activity Room (Trail maps, Water bottle refilling station, Wellington boots,  Newsboard with recommendations, Direct TV and video library and Table games)
• Hummingbird Patio (Sun chairs and sitting areas, Ten varieties of hummingbirds and Bar service)
• Wellness Center (Sauna, Steam bath, Japanese bath & Massages) - extra cost

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Terrain
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.

Horses
The Hacienda is known not only for its prize-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 purebred horses to Ecuador, starting with Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred and changing to Andalusians in the early 60s. The Zuleteño is a combination of those three breeds and known for its qualities as a very noble, gentle and versatile horse. The horses respond best to light, but clear signals. They are used to being ridden with a soft hand and slack in the reins. They are taught to neck rein.
Every horse is known for its specialties. Some have advanced training in dressage and Spanish riding, others in taking perfect care of small children,… You will be able to pick your favorite horse of the herd, for your whole stay, or just for the day´s activity.

Guides
You will be in safe hands with our knowledgeable, friendly local guides. All excursions are accompanied by a local guide, although an English speaking guide is also available for an extra cost. 

Itinerary


Sample-Itinerary - subject to changes

Note: These tours are just a sample of the many options we have. Please remember that pace, distance and destinations depend on you, almost everything is possible for us and our great horses.

Day 1: Arrival
You arrive in the afternoon after a drive through lush pasture lands. With some luck, you will have stunning views of the snowcapped volcano, Cayambe, which is just a few miles away. One of our hosts will welcome you personally upon arrival, and assist you with check in to your guest suite. Once settled, 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 ride up to Santa Rosa, through forest and dense vegetation up to a view point from where you have an overview of the whole Zuleta valley. As we will be right above the Condor center 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. 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.

Day 2-4 or 2-7: Riding Activities
Partake in half-day rides, combining two shorter rides or a longer trail. See trail examples below.

Day 5 or 8: Goodbye
After breakfast, we invite you to explore our organic garden, where you can learn about permaculture and see where the ingredients for our menu originate. You can explore the farm operation, feed baby calves, count sheep, talk to the vaqueros (local Cowboys), enjoy our embroidery shop, or relax in the garden before leaving for your next destination.



Half Day Trail Ride Examples (included in package)

The Condor Project
Our most popular route is to the Condor Huasi Project facilities located in La Rinconada de San Pedro Valley. Here you can learn about Zuleta’s wildlife as well as our efforts to protect and nurture endangered condors and spectacled bears. We ride past the Hacienda’s pastures, milking sheds, and trout farm via pretty cobblestone roads. You will see many ancient Caranqui tolas – pyramids dating from before the Inca conquest. On the way back, you may choose to climb the highest ceremonial pyramid, which offers great views of the area. You may also see wild condors taking advantage of the high winds on the mountainside. The ride includes an hour-long talk, approximately, at the Condor Huasi facilities.
Estimated Time: 4 hours (including 1 hour talk approx.)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Minimum Age Requirement: 6 years
Suggested Departure Time: 10 AM or 2 PM
Elevation: 2,964-3,018 m / 9,724-9,901 ft

Zuleta Cultural Tour
For a more in-depth look at the history and culture of Zuleta, we take you through the village to an interesting house museum at the community’s highest point. Here you will find many well-preserved examples of Zuleta’s traditional farming, weaving, and cooking implements as well as weapons, fine leatherwork, and other interesting ephemera. If the weather permits, we will see stunning views of snow-capped Mount Cayambe and the surrounding landscape. On the way, we will also stop by the community’s famous embroidery shops where you can learn about this centuries-old art and purchase some lovely gifts later if you wish. The ride incorporates views of the cemetery, town hall, and church as well as some historic adobe-and-tile-roof houses. There is also an opportunity to see a local leather specialist who makes all of the Hacienda’s saddles and leatherwork. To take full advantage of this ride, we recommend taking a bilingual guide for an extra charge.
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
Minimum Age Requirement: 6-8 years
Suggested Departure Time: 8:30/9 AM or 2 PM
Elevation: 2,964-3,018 m / 9,724-9,901 ft

Uphill Riding
Stand on the shoulders of the mountains as we venture to the pinnacle of Santa Rosa. First, we climb winding paths, glimpsing the Hacienda through eucalyptus trees. We then pass a small reservoir and waterfall as we continue on to the high pastures where the entire valley opens up before us. On a clear day, we can see snowcapped volcanos Cayambe and Cotapaxi to the left in the distance, with Mount Imbabura towering across the vale. Further north, the mountains meander down beyond Angochagua and La Rinconada to the city of Ibarra, while behind us lies the mysterious wilderness of the Andean páramo. We circle round to the Vista Condor to catch magnificent views of La Rinconada de San Pedro Valley, with its condor facilities and Caranqui pyramids, before returning home through fragrant cypress and eucalyptus groves.
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Minimum Age Requirement: 6-8 years
Suggested Departure Time: 8:30/9 AM or 2 PM
Elevation: 2,964-3,239m / 9,724-10,921 ft

Mount Cunrro
This ride gives us a chance to see a different side of the Zuleta valley. We leave from the main gate, passing through the village, then climb through pastures and fields towards Mount Cunrro, an extinct volcano. If weather permits, we may see behind us the glorious Mount Cayambe, a snowy peak with an elevation of 5,790 masl (almost 19,000 ft!). Cunrro dominates this side of the valley – a vast, conical hill jutting from the foot of Mount Imbabura and surrounded by woodland at its base. We pass through cool eucalyptus groves and, at the summit, enjoy views of Zuleta’s green, furrowed mountains stretching all the way from the Hacienda through to Angochagua and towards Ibarra. After a short rest, we descend back to the village and return to the Hacienda.
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Minimum Age Requirement: 6-8 years
Suggested Departure Time: 8:30/9 AM or 2 PM
Elevation: 2,964-3,300 m/ 9,724-10,826 ft

Angochagua Cultural Ride
We head north of the property, past Rosario’s milking sheds and verdant fields, where we can take a quick detour to the waterfall if you wish. At the Hacienda’s limits, we reach a road leading to the picturesque farming community of Angochagua, nestled in a crook of the mountains. Following a stream, we visit the Andean home of Fernando Colimba, a native of the area, who built the classic adobe and thatched roof property as a house museum to preserve his local culture. Here he demonstrates age-old techniques for grinding corn and spinning wool and shows us old artifacts from the area’s agricultural past. We return, riding up the shoulder of Mount Cunrro and through the community to see these old farming ways in action. Please tell your host in advance if you wish to do this ride so that we can arrange for the museum to be open. An English-speaking guide is advised but not absolutely necessary.
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Minimum Age Required: 6-8 years
Suggested Departure Time: 8:30/9 AM or 2 PM
Elevation: 2,964-3,100 m / 9,724-10,170 ft 



Full Day Rides (available at added costs)
- The Condor, Community, and Waterfall Ride (5+ hours)
- Ride to Mount Cubilche (5+ hours)
- Lake View Ride (6-7 hours)
- La Chimba and Indigenous History Ride (6-7 hours)
- Angochagua and La Rinconada Cultural Ride (6-7 hours)
- Hacienda to Hacienda - Zuleta to Cusin (6-7 hours)
- Ventana Grande (6-7 hours)
- The Towers (6 hours)
- The Ventanas Loop (12 hours)
- Páramo Cusin (6-7 hours)



Non Riding Activities (included in program)
• Condor Rehabilitation Center and flying condor viewpoint (unique in Ecuador!); without guide.
• Extensive gardens and pond (with a host).
• Chapel (with a host).
• 60 km of self-guided trails (without guide).
• Visit to the community and to different sites of interest including embroidery stores, saddle factories, museums, etc. (without guide).
• 14th century Caranqui archeological pyramids (without guide).
• 1,700 hectares Hacienda grounds and farm operations: cheese museum, organic vegetable garden, worm farm, milking sheds, trout farm (with a host).
• Foundation´s involvement: Community library and embroidery shop (with a host). 



Other activities with added cost (please inquire for rates):
• Riding lessons (beginners)
• Special programs with children: horse care
• Rides in the horse drawn carriage
• Embroidery lessons
• Cooking lesson
• Guided bird and condor watching
• Private milking lessons
• Guided excursions
• Guided Tour of the colonial city of Ibarra and the Otavalo Indian Market.
• Bike rental
• Massages

Rates and Dates for Touch the Sky

Dates Note: arrival can be any day of the week
Sold Out Dates: Jun 28 to Jul 1, Nov 3-5 & Dec 27-30

Other Info
Meeting: Zuleta
Airport: Quito
Transfer: Quito

Climate:
                                            Quito area