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Hacienda La Danesa

A stunning historic hacienda located just over an hour drive from Guayaquil. The ideal location to end your journey in Ecuador, for example after a visit to the Galápagos Islands. The hacienda has been property of the Olsen family for over 50 years and is currently run by the third generation: Niels Olsen Peet.

A little history: shortly after the Second World War Helge Olsen-Friis moved from Copenhagen to Ecuador. He fell in love not only with Pilar Pons, but also with the beautiful tropical Ecuadorian countryside. He decided to quit his job in the pharmaceutical industry, marry the woman of his dreams, and buy 1200 acres of land to build his home, the estate now called Hacienda La Danesa. In 1977 the hacienda was inherited by Niels Olsen Pons and Sonia Peet. They raised three children; Kristel, Niels and Erik. For over 25 years they kept this little piece of heaven on earth for themselves and ran the hacienda with love and passion. Their son Niels Jr. luckily had other plans. When he took over the business, he opened the doors of their charming farmhouse to a limited number of guests who will appreciate this magical setting.

Hacienda La Danesa is a traditional dairy farm. For example, every morning for breakfast, homemade fresh cheese is served. In addition, the hacienda has a teak plantation (they build and design their own teak furniture) and they breed the beautiful Quarter Pinto horses.

The six rooms and cottages, which can accommodate up to 16 guests, are furnished in the style of the hacienda, with the luxurious comfort of today. Warm wooden elements, wonderful beds with exclusive linen, bathrobes, etc., make you feel right at home. Body and soul are also well cared for. La Danesa offers a truly unique gastronomic experience, inspired by the farm-to-table ethos. The meals consist of ingredients produced on the farm or made by neighboring communities. For relaxation it is possible to take yoga classes or relax with a soothing massage in your room.

To learn more, below we briefly describe the activities that are available.

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Gastronomy

Bean to Bar Chocolate

Discover the cacao plantation. Ecuador is renowned for its very good quality of cacao, often recognized as the best cacao in the world. You will visit the plantation, where you will have the chance to taste raw cacao in different stages of its ripening.

You can also follow a real chocolate workshop. After a short walk through the plantation, head back to the farm and go through the entire process of producing your own chocolate bars, including tempering the chocolate and preparing the chocolate ganache. You will also make and taste an authentic Ecuadorian ‘Chocolate Caliente’.

Cooking class

You will go to the farmers market in Naranjito with the chef cook to buy your products for the workshop. After a stroll through the market, drive back to the hacienda for a cooking class, where you’ll create beautiful, seasonal dishes inspired by the bounty of the farmer’s market. While cooking, there will be a bottle of Ecuadorian wine to enjoy.

Product tasting

The farm produces jams, 100% raw honey, chocolate, dulce de leche and other delicious artisan products, made by the local community. You can taste them all.

Discover the surroundings

Horse riding

Both for beginners and experienced riders. Get to know the Quarter Pinto horses up close and learn all about this friendly breed. After a short instruction based on your driving skills, you will embark on a journey of 1.5 to 2 hours. Beginners ride slowly over easy terrain, intermediate and experienced riders will take more challenging routes. Enjoy the beautiful scenery while riding. Pass through open fields and plantations, cross rivers (water levels permitting), and spot various tropical birds and flowers. After the trek, you will be greeted by your host with freshly squeezed tropical fruit juices.

Cycling & walking

Good bicycles are at your disposal. You can also go for an easy stroll or longer hike. With a detailed map and clear signage you can explore the estate and the surrounding area at your own leisure.

Tubing

Three rivers flow through the estate. In warm weather it is possible all year round to go ‘tubing’ and explore these waters. Lying relaxed in a rubber tube, you will float peacefully down the river, surrounded by lush trees and tropical flowers. With a bit of luck you will spot sloths, colourful birds, iguanas and even deer.

Close to farm life

Milking cows

The hacienda celebrates recognition as the best dairy farm on the coast of Ecuador for the past 30 years. The farm produces 2000 liters of high-quality milk per day. You can drink this milk literally first hand by milking the cows yourself and tasting the milk straight from the udder to the cup.

The world of bees

Learn all about the intriguing world of honeybees in a way few will experience: through the hands-on exploration of an active hive! This experience is led by a professional local beekeeper. It includes dressing in protective clothing, lighting a bee smoker and observing more than 100.000 bees up close. See how they make honey and how new bees are ‘born’. This experience includes a tasting of fresh honey from the hive.