Day Trip to Hacienda La Danesa With Horseback Riding and Lunch

Exploring the picturesque dairy and cacao farm of Hacienda La Danesa in Quito, Ecuador, can be a captivating day trip for visitors. Guests can embark on a scenic horseback ride through tranquil trails, enjoy the rich heritage of Ecuadorian chocolate with a hands-on workshop, and savor a delightful three-course lunch showcasing local flavors. Hosted by the welcoming Olsen family, this immersive adventure offers a unique blend of activities, culture, and cuisine. Whether you’re seeking an educational experience or simply a day of relaxation, Hacienda La Danesa promises an unforgettable adventure. Now, let’s dive deeper into the details of this remarkable excursion.

Good To Know

• Immerse in the 145-year farming history of the Olsen family at Hacienda La Danesa, a dairy and cacao farm in Quito, Ecuador.
• Enjoy a scenic horseback ride through the hacienda’s trails, offering unique perspectives of the farm’s operations.
• Participate in a hands-on cacao plantation tour and chocolate making workshop, exploring Ecuador’s rich chocolate heritage.
• Indulge in a three-course Ecuadorian lunch featuring local ingredients, showcasing the farm-to-table ethos of Hacienda La Danesa.
• Engage in additional afternoon activities, such as tubing, biking, or relaxation, for a well-rounded day trip experience.

Overview of the Day Trip

Visitors can experience a day at Hacienda La Danesa, a picturesque dairy and cacao farm in Quito, Ecuador. They’ll engage with the Olsen family, three generations of farmers with a 145-year history.

Activities include horseback riding, chocolate making, and enjoying an Ecuadorian lunch. The day trip starts with a pickup at 9am from Guayaquil, arriving at the hacienda by 10am.

Guests will be warmly welcomed by the host before embarking on a schedule that includes plantation tours, chocolate workshops, and river tubing.

The experience includes a 3-course lunch featuring local ingredients, as well as all activities and local guide services.

Itinerary Details

The day trip begins with pickup at 9am from your desired location in Guayaquil, arriving at Hacienda La Danesa by 10am where you’ll receive a warm welcome from the host.

The schedule kicks off with a 10:30am horseback ride through scenic trails.

At noon, you’ll tour the cacao plantation and make chocolate.

Lunch is served at 1:30pm, a three-course Ecuadorian feast.

After, enjoy coffee and tea in the garden or try milking.

The afternoon offers tubing, biking, or relaxation until 4pm, when you depart for Guayaquil, arriving by 5pm at your original location.

Included in the Experience

The day trip experience includes a delectable three-course Ecuadorian lunch showcasing local ingredients.

Plus, the package covers all activity fees and local guide services to ensure a hassle-free experience. Theres some good:

• Alcoholic drinks available for purchase to complement the meal
• Gratuities and non-alcoholic beverages included in the price
• Opportunities to explore the cacao plantation and participate in chocolate making
• Options for tubing, biking, or relaxing by the river after lunch
• Personalized attention to dietary requirements upon request

This comprehensive offering provides visitors with an immersive and memorable day at the picturesque Hacienda La Danesa.

Additional Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for this day trip experience. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers can be accommodated. Guests are advised to dress in smart casual attire. Any dietary requirements can be specified when booking. Vegetarian options are available upon request.

Accessibility	Dress Code	Dietary Needs	Vegetarian Options
Not wheelchair accessible	Smart casual	Can be specified at booking	Available upon request

This carefully curated day trip to Hacienda La Danesa offers a unique blend of activities, cuisine, and immersion in Ecuadorian rural life.

Horseback Riding

Kicking off the day’s activities, guests enjoy a scenic horseback ride through the tranquil trails of Hacienda La Danesa. The picturesque ranch offers a breathtaking backdrop as riders meander through the lush countryside.

The experience provides:

• An opportunity to connect with the land and appreciate the natural surroundings.
• A chance to bond with the gentle, well-trained horses.
• A serene and peaceful respite from the daily grind.
• Unique perspectives of the farm and its operations.
• Memories that will last long after the day trip has ended.

The horseback riding activity sets the tone for an immersive, authentic exploration of Hacienda La Danesa’s rich agricultural heritage.

Cacao Plantation and Chocolate Making

After exploring the ranch on horseback, guests move on to uncover the secrets of Hacienda La Danesa’s cacao plantation. They’ll learn about the farm’s sustainable cacao-growing practices and the history of chocolate-making in Ecuador. Visitors then step into the chocolate factory, where they’ll roll up their sleeves and craft their own delectable treats. The experience culminates in a tasting, allowing guests to savor the rich, complex flavors of the farm’s homemade chocolate.

Cacao Plantation Tour	Chocolate Making
Learn about sustainable cacao farming	Hands-on chocolate crafting
Discover Ecuador’s chocolate heritage	Taste the farm’s artisanal chocolate
Explore the cacao drying and fermentation process	Personalize your chocolate creations
See the cacao pods harvested from the trees	Learn about cocoa bean processing
Understand the importance of cacao to local communities	Appreciate the art of chocolate-making

Ecuadorian Lunch

Following the completion of the energetic horseback ride and captivating cacao plantation tour, guests are invited to savor a delectable three-course Ecuadorian lunch.

The menu features a tantalizing array of local flavors that showcase the rich culinary heritage of Ecuador. The meal may include:

• Hearty potato and pork stew
• Fresh salad with locally-sourced vegetables
• Fragrant rice dish with sautéed vegetables
• Succulent grilled chicken or fish
• Decadent dulce de leche dessert

This authentic Ecuadorian lunch provides a delightful opportunity for guests to enjoy the country’s vibrant food culture and appreciate the farm-to-table ethos of Hacienda La Danesa.

Feedback and Reviews

Guests have overwhelmingly praised the Hacienda La Danesa day trip, with an impressive overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 5 reviews.

Reviewers highlight the enjoyable experiences for all ages, from kids to seniors. The beautiful ranch, chocolate factory, and horse riding are among the notable aspects.

Visitors particularly appreciate the opportunity to engage with the Olsen family, three generations of farmers with a 145-year history.

The day’s activities, including the three-course Ecuadorian lunch featuring local ingredients, are consistently praised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Visit the Dairy Farm Facilities?

Yes, the day trip includes a visit to the dairy farm facilities. Guests can observe the milking activity and learn about the dairy operations at Hacienda La Danesa.

Is There a Specific Dress Code Required?

The dress code for the day trip is smart casual. Guests can wear comfortable, casual clothing as they’ll be engaging in various activities like horseback riding and touring the farm. Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated if noted at the time of booking.

What Should We Bring With Us on the Day Trip?

The day trip requires smart casual attire. Guests should bring a camera, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and any necessary medication. Small personal items like a water bottle are also recommended to make the most of the activities.

Is This Activity Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The day trip to Hacienda La Danesa isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller-friendly. Guests with disabilities should consider their mobility needs and consult the tour operator for suitability and available accommodations.

Can We Extend the Day Trip to Visit Other Nearby Attractions?

While Hacienda La Danesa doesn’t offer wheelchair accessibility, the day trip could be extended to visit nearby attractions that accommodate people with disabilities. This would allow guests to explore more of the local area during their visit.

The Sum Up

Set out on a memorable day at Hacienda La Danesa, where you’ll learn about the rich heritage of Ecuadorian chocolate. Enjoy scenic horseback riding, a hands-on chocolate workshop, and a delightful local lunch. This unique blend of activities, culture, and cuisine makes for an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.