Hacienda la Danesa

Only an hour’s drive from Ecuador’s largest city (Guayaquil), Hacienda La Danesa is a traditional dairy and cacao farm with a rich history that dates back more than 145-years. Situated on a 500-hectare (1,200 acre) estate, this family-owned and managed hacienda provides a unique range of activities for guests during their one-day or multiple-day stays. These “local experiences,” day-trips and train rides include horseback riding, river tubing, bicycling, chocolate making, cow milking, and traditional Montubio cultural performances, as well as excursions along the thrilling Devil’s Nose train route and the “Train of Wonders.” In addition, trips are organized to scenic mangroves, markets and ancient Inca ruins, while contacts with nature ca be experienced in cloud forests, awe-inspiring national parks and at a water buffalo ranch.

For its multi-day “resident guests,” accommodations at the hacienda consist of Heritage Bedrooms within the historic charming farmhouse, luxurious Restored Stables Rooms, and a Garden Cottage. All guest quarters are provided with private bathrooms and neutral linens complemented by teak furniture crafted by local artisans, and are equipped with air-conditioning, satellite plasma TV and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The hacienda’s kitchen offers mostly traditional Ecuadorian cuisine mixed with a pinch of fresh international influence to bring exceptionally transcendent flavors to the table. La Danesa is one of the few venues in the world that serve award-winning Ecuadorian Chardonnay wine and other outstanding local microbrewery beers.

Highlights

• A special train route from/to Guayaquil with the hacienda as its specific destination
• A surprising range of local activities, day tours and train-ride excursions are available  
• La Danesa’s “farm-to-fork” dining prioritizes organic food, thus reducing any negative environmental impacts