We were fortunate to have received an invitation from Elsa Maria (Jimmys wife) to visit her familys famous Hacienda. Her family includes two former Ecuadorian Presidents -- Elsas grandfather and great-grandfather. The Hacienda is lovely and is a working farm that produces cheeses sold locally here in Quito, as well as other goodies. They also provide extensive horseback riding excursions. We took one to a Condor Sanctuary which is supported by Zuleta they also provide services to the local town of the same name. We even saw some wild condors flying around the valley. Adjacent to the Condor sanctuary is a trout farm, and let me tell you they are VERY tasty. The food at Zueleta was also wonderful. I strongly recommend visiting Zuleta if you can someday. It was a terrific experience, and it was great to spend time with Jimmy, Elsa, Sara, Juaquin and Julian, and Robertos son Nicolas who came as well. We played trivial pursuit (parents versus kids) and the old folks got our butts kicked. Ha ha! Check below for some pics and video link (last image)
Hacienda Zuleta
Beautiful Flowers Everywhere
Heading Out for a Ride
Ethan is Ready!
So is Julian
The Valley of the Condors
There Goes One!
In the Rehab Facility
We Were Kept at Quite a Distance - For Good Reason!
Cowboy Jimmy
Juaquin Gives it a Go
Hey!
In the Dining Room -- Very Pretty
A Rainbow We Saw on the Way Home - It was Way Prettier in Person
Video - Double Click the "Play" Button Twice