We have just arrived at an amazing jewel of Ecuador—Hacienda Zuleta! First a couple of facts about Ecuador. The number one export is oil followed by fish( mostly Sea Bass) and then fruits (nuts and bananas). They also export roses! There are beautiful roses everywhere in the mountains and they are flown to Europe and to. If I every day on cargo planes.
We drove two hours from Quito to arrive at this magnificent place 10000 feet up in the mountains. There are two nearby volcanos which we are seeing this afternoon. Some will bike down the mountain from there while the rest of us ride in the chase car. There are over two hundred volcanos in Ecuador.
After a nice breakfast, we took a tour of the Hacienda grounds. We visited the horses, the cows and the vegetable gardens. We also saw them making cheese for distribution to the local markets. After the tour, Bill and Grant went for a 90 minute hike up to a waterfall.
This gorgeous Hacienda was built in 1590. Additional wings were added in 1690. It is a peaceful and beautiful place with lots of fresh roses everywhere.
After lunch, Trey was a bit under the weather so he and Gaby went to take a nap, while the rest of us rode in a Jeep to the top of the mountain. We then unloaded 4 bikes and our road warriors, Bill, Grant, Annette and the guide took off down the mountain while KC and I stayed in the chase care to take photos.
As soon as we got down, it was time for the cows to be milked. We hurried out to,the pasture where lots of people were milking and carrying the cans back for processing. A gentleman hobbled the cow for us all to milk. KC couldn’t wait and did a super job of milking. Gaby was more hesitant and didn’t really want to try, it eventually she did,
Sort of. We’re giving her another chance tomorrow.
We are now sitting by the fire and having a cheese tasting! Delicious! The housekeeper has just finished starting the fires in our rooms because the chill of the night air is settling in. We’re all on our phones, iPads and cameras working with the fun stuff of the day! Enjoy the photos.
View from our window 
Living room of our wing. 
So pretty… 
Looking at corral. 
Main dining room. Food served family style. 
Roses are everywhere! Ecuador exports roses. 
The girls loved the horses. 
Making cheese at the Hacienda. 
Quinoa 
Quinoa seeds 
KC is a cauliflower lover. 
and a strawberry taster! 
There is even a playground. 
On a hike up the mountain together. 
Hide and seek…. 
Grant captured this beautuful photo! 
Bikers getting ready! 
Great job milking! 
Great job going down the mountain! 
KC and I are in biking chase car! 
Love….
Sent from my iPad
Traveling Fullers 