Day Trip to Hacienda La Danesa With Horseback Riding and Lunch

Nestled in the heart of Ecuador’s countryside, Hacienda La Danesa offers a captivating day trip experience. Visitors can enjoy the rich agricultural heritage of this historic dairy and cacao farm, embarking on a journey that blends outdoor adventure, culinary delights, and cultural exploration. From scenic horseback rides to a hands-on chocolate-making class, each activity promises to engage the senses and leave a lasting impression. As the day unfolds, guests will have the opportunity to savor a locally-sourced three-course lunch and delve deeper into the hacienda’s unique operations. With a range of additional activities available, the stage is set for an unforgettable day in the verdant landscapes of Quito.

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Lunch Experiences In Quito.

Key Points

• Hacienda La Danesa offers a day trip experience with activities like horseback riding, cacao plantation tour, chocolate-making, and a traditional Ecuadorian lunch.
• The horseback riding experience takes guests through the hacienda’s scenic trails, allowing them to connect with the land and observe farm operations.
• The guided cacao plantation tour and hands-on chocolate-making session provide an immersive learning experience about the process of transforming cacao into chocolate.
• The three-course lunch features locally sourced ingredients and highlights the flavors of Ecuadorian cuisine, including a decadent chocolate mousse for dessert.
• Guests can also enjoy leisure activities like river tubing, biking, and relaxing in the hacienda’s peaceful garden setting.

Overview of the Experience

Situated on a 145-year-old dairy and cacao farm in Quito, Ecuador, Hacienda La Danesa offers visitors an immersive day trip filled with engaging activities and opportunities to connect with the Olsen family’s three-generation legacy of farming.

The experience includes horseback riding through scenic trails, a guided tour of the cacao plantation, and an interactive chocolate-making session. Guests will also savor a traditional Ecuadorian lunch featuring local ingredients.

Throughout the day, travelers can engage with the Olsen family, whose passion for sustainable agriculture and community-driven initiatives shines through. This well-rounded excursion provides a unique glimpse into the rich agricultural heritage of Ecuador.

Itinerary and Schedule

The Hacienda La Danesa day trip follows a well-structured itinerary that allows visitors to make the most of their time on the historic farm.

At 9:00 AM, guests are picked up from their desired location in Guayaquil and transported to the hacienda, arriving around 10:00 AM. After a warm welcome by the host, the group embarks on a scenic horseback ride through the property’s trails, taking in the natural surroundings.

At noon, they’ll explore the cacao plantation and learn the art of chocolate-making. Lunch, a three-course feast featuring local ingredients, is served at 1:30 PM.

The afternoon includes a coffee or tea break in the garden, an optional milking experience, and time for river tubing, biking, or relaxation before the return trip to Guayaquil at 4:00 PM.

Inclusions and Additional Information

The Hacienda La Danesa day trip includes a variety of inclusions to provide a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for visitors. Lunch, all activities, a local guide, alcoholic drinks (available for purchase), drinks, and gratuities are covered in the package price.

On top of that, the tour accommodates vegetarian diners upon advance notice of dietary requirements. Transportation is provided in a private car, though the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible – it is, however, stroller accessible.

Participants should dress in smart casual attire. With a range of inclusions and additional information, the Hacienda La Danesa day trip ensures a seamless and memorable experience for guests.

Horseback Riding Through Scenic Trails

Visitors embark on a captivating horseback riding adventure through the scenic trails of Hacienda La Danesa, seeing the tranquil beauty of the surroundings.

Guided by experienced equestrian professionals, guests mount well-trained horses and explore the lush landscapes of the 145-year-old dairy and cacao farm.

The trails wind through rolling hills, dense forests, and sparkling streams, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn.

As they ride, guests have the opportunity to connect with the land and observe the daily workings of the farm.

The horseback riding experience allows visitors to fully enjoy the serene and picturesque setting of Hacienda La Danesa, creating lasting memories of their journey.

Cacao Plantation Tour and Chocolate Making

After the invigorating horseback ride, guests explore the captivating world of cacao cultivation and chocolate making at Hacienda La Danesa.

A guided tour of the cacao plantation unveils the intricate process of growing and harvesting the precious cacao beans that are the foundation of Ecuador’s renowned chocolate industry.

Visitors then don their aprons and step into the on-site chocolate workshop, where they learn the traditional techniques of transforming raw cacao into rich, decadent chocolate through a hands-on experience.

Under the guidance of the knowledgeable staff, guests grind the cacao nibs, temper the chocolate, and mold their own unique chocolate creations to take home as a delicious memento of their visit.

Three-Course Lunch With Local Ingredients

Following a captivating exploration of the cacao plantation and chocolate making, guests are treated to a three-course lunch showcasing the abundant local ingredients that define Ecuadorian cuisine. The meal begins with a refreshing starter salad, featuring crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The main course highlights the farm’s own dairy products, with a creamy cheese-stuffed chicken dish accompanied by roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables. To conclude the feast, diners indulge in a decadent chocolate mousse dessert, a fitting end to the day’s cacao-filled adventures. Throughout the meal, guests can savor the flavors of the Andes while enjoying the peaceful setting of the historic hacienda.

Course	Description	Local Ingredients
Starter	Refreshing salad with greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette	Locally-grown greens, tomatoes, vinegar
Main	Cheese-stuffed chicken with roasted potatoes and veggies	Hacienda-made cheese, potatoes, seasonal produce
Dessert	Chocolate mousse	Chocolate from the hacienda’s cacao

Coffee, Tea, and Milking Experience

In the tranquil garden of Hacienda La Danesa, guests can partake in the time-honored traditions of coffee, tea, and even a hands-on milking experience with the farm’s dairy cows.

After indulging in their three-course lunch, visitors are invited to relax and savor the flavors of the local brew. Some may choose to try their hand at milking one of the resident cows, guided by the Olsen family’s expertise.

The experience provides a unique glimpse into the daily life of the dairy farm. Throughout the afternoon, guests can enjoy:

• Freshly brewed Ecuadorian coffee and tea

• An opportunity to milk the farm’s dairy cows

• Serene garden views and ambiance

Tubing, Biking, and Relaxation Options

Toward the end of the day, guests can choose from a variety of leisure activities, including tubing down the river that flows through the hacienda’s grounds or taking a leisurely bike ride around the property’s scenic trails. Those seeking a more relaxed pace may simply unwind in the tranquil garden, taking in the serene surroundings.

Whether guests prefer a thrilling ride down the river or a peaceful respite in nature, the options at Hacienda La Danesa cater to a range of interests and preferences. The following table outlines the various activities available during the final portion of the day:

Activity	Description
Tubing	Float down the river that winds through the hacienda’s lush landscape.
Biking	Explore the property’s trails and pathways on provided bicycles.
Relaxation	Unwind in the beautiful garden, sipping coffee or tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Has the Olsen Family Owned Hacienda La Danesa?

The Olsen family has owned Hacienda La Danesa for three generations, spanning over 145 years. They’ve been farming this land in Ecuador for over a century, passing down the legacy through their family.

What Is the Average Group Size for the Day Trip?

The typical group size for the day trip to Hacienda La Danesa is not explicitly stated, but the experience seems designed to accommodate small to medium-sized groups. The farm’s intimate, family-friendly atmosphere suggests a personalized and exclusive experience for visitors.

Are Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The experience offers discounts for children, with a reduced price for those under 12 years old. However, there are no specific senior discounts listed. Guests should inquire about any applicable discounts when booking the day trip.

Can Guests Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?

According to the information provided, guests cannot bring their own food or drinks to Hacienda La Danesa. All meals and refreshments are included in the experience, and no outside food or beverages are allowed on the property.

How Far Is Hacienda La Danesa From the Nearest Major City?

Hacienda La Danesa is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Guayaquil, the nearest major city. The drive through the scenic countryside offers a peaceful journey to the 145-year-old dairy and cacao farm.

Recap

Hacienda La Danesa offers a captivating day trip that immerses visitors in the rich agricultural heritage of Ecuador.

From horseback riding to cacao plantation tours and hands-on chocolate making, the experience provides a well-rounded exploration of the farm’s history and culinary delights.

Guests can savor a sumptuous three-course lunch made with locally sourced ingredients, complemented by coffee, tea, and milking experiences.

With optional activities like tubing and biking, the hacienda promises a truly memorable and rejuvenating countryside escape.